Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a large dog breed originating from Spain. The Presa Canario comes from Spain, and typically weighs Males. Individual Presa Canarios vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Spain
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Colour
- fawn, brindle , or black
About the Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a large dog breed originating from Spain. Males weigh 99-110 pounds and stand 23-27 inches tall.
Use
The Presa Canario was traditionally used as a guard dog , as a herding dog for cattle, and for dog-fighting , which was legal in Spain until 1936 and may have continued clandestinely thereafter. : 587
Overview
The Presa Canario is a Spanish breed of large dog of mastiff or catch dog type. It originates in the Spanish autonomous community of the Canary Islands , and is found mostly in the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife . : 587 It was formerly known as the Dogo Canario . It was traditionally used as a guard dog , as a herding dog for both sheep and cattle, and for dog-fighting , which was legal in Spain until 1936 and may have continued clandestinely thereafter. : 587
History
The Presa Canario derives from the Bardino Majorero , which was formerly distributed throughout the Canary Islands . Dogs of this type were cross-bred with various dogs of molossoid type introduced to the islands at different times during the colonial period. The Presa Canario was particularly influenced by dogs brought from the British Isles with the large influx of British residents in the late nineteenth century. : 587 By the 1960s it was close to extinction. A breed society , the Club Español del Presa Canario , was formed in 1982, and drew up a provisional breed standard , which was published by the government of the islands. The standard was approved by the Real Sociedad Canina de España in 1989. : 588 In 1991 the dog was included in an official list of animal and plant symbols of the Canary Islands as a symbol of the island of Gran Canaria . : 2610 It was officially recognised by the Spanish national government in 2001. The breed was provisionally accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2001 under the name Dogo Canario, and was definitively accepted in 2011. In December 2018, at the request of the Real Sociedad Canina de España, the name was changed to Presa Canario. It was included in the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club in 1996. Importation and sale of the dogs is prohibited in Australia and New Zealand.
Characteristics
The Presa Canario is a large dog with a robust muscular body. According to the revised international standard published in 2023, dogs should stand 61–66 cm at the withers and weigh some 45–57 kg ; bitches stand about 57–62 cm , with weights in the range 40–50 kg . The previous standard, dated 2018, specified heavier weights, particularly for dogs ( 50–65 kg ), and slightly lower minimum heights. The head is broad, massive, square, and powerful brachycephalic shape. If cropped, the ears stand erect. In countries where ear-cropping is banned, the ears are close fitting to the head; they hang down and should be pendant or "rose"-shaped. The upper lip is pendulous, although not excessively so. Seen from the front, the upper and lower lips come together to form an inverted v. The flews are slightly divergent. The inside of the lips is a dark colour. A study of dogs in the United Kingdom found a median longevity for the breed of 7.7 years, markedly lower than the median of 12.5 for all dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Presa Canario?
The Presa Canario is a large dog with a robust muscular body. According to the revised international standard, males stand 61-66 cm at the withers and weigh 45-57 kg, while females stand 57-62 cm and weigh 40-50 kg.
Is the Presa Canario a good family dog?
The Presa Canario is a powerful breed that requires experienced owners. They can be protective of their family, but may not be suitable for families with small children due to their size and strength. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure they interact well with family members.
What health problems do Presa Canarios have?
Like many large breeds, Presa Canarios are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They may also be susceptible to certain eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Presa Canario puppy cost?
The cost of a Presa Canario puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodlines. On average, a puppy can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a large breed dog.
Where do Presa Canarios come from?
The Presa Canario comes from Spain. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Presa Canario, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.