Presa CanarioCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is a molossoid from Tenerife and Gran Canaria, probably the result of crossing the “majorero”, a pre-Hispanic dog of the islands, with other molossoids brought to the Canary Islands. This produced catch dogs that were brindle, fawn or black, agile, powerful and loyal.

In the 16th–17th centuries, the number of these dogs grew greatly, and municipal records (the “Cedularios del Cabildo”) describe their duties, mainly guarding. Wikipedia says the breed was formerly called the Dogo Canario.

How the breed developed

• 16th–17th centuries – The number of dogs grows greatly in the Canary Islands.
• 1996 – It enters the AKC Foundation Stock Service.
• 4 July 2011 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• January 2024 – The AKC changes its name to Presa Canario.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a fairly large molossoid with a straight profile and a black mask, robust and well proportioned, with a low, deep bark. When alert, it stands firm and watchful.

General appearance

The hair is short, harsh and flat, usually without undercoat (one may appear on the neck and the backs of the thighs). On the ears it is very short and fine, and on the withers and the backs of the thighs a little longer.

The accepted colours are all shades of brindle and fawn, down to sandy, and black. White markings are accepted on the chest, throat and feet, but should be as small as possible.

The standard describes it as having a stern gaze and an attentive expression, suited above all to guarding. It is balanced and very self-assured, obedient and docile with its family, very devoted to its owner, but it can be distrustful of strangers; it has a noble, somewhat aloof attitude.

The AKC gives it the lowest scores for openness to strangers and for being good with young children and with other dogs. It is a dog for experienced owners, with early socialisation and consistent training.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it intensively as a puppy. It is distrustful of strangers.
• Get help from a trainer. Especially if you have no experience.
• Be calm and consistent. It is very self-assured.
• Keep it on a lead. It does not get on easily with other dogs.

The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day and activities such as hiking or fetch.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is not suited to beginners.
• The fence must be high and solid.
• In summer, keep it out of the heat.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, besides weekly grooming, an occasional bath keeps it clean. The strong nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears checked often.

Common health problems

The AKC says most Presa Canarios are healthy. As with any very large dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Wipe its mouth: it drools quite a lot.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Brush its teeth often.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Puppies need food suited to large breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• A cattle dog. It was traditionally used for guarding and driving cattle.
• A pre-Hispanic ancestor. The “majorero” dog came from the Canary Islands.
• A black mask. They all have a black mask on the face.
• A deep bark. The standard describes its bark as low and deep.
• A changed name. It was called the Dogo Canario, then the Perro de Presa Canario.

Is it a family dog?

It is devoted to its family, but it is a serious guard dog, for experienced owners.

How big does it get?

Males measure 61–66 cm and weigh 45–57 kg; females measure 57–62 cm and weigh 40–50 kg.

Does it get along with other dogs?

Usually with difficulty; the AKC gives it the lowest score here.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 9–11 years.