Perro De Presa Canario

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Perro De Presa Canario

Weight
80-130 lb
Lifespan
10-12 years
Group
AKC Foundation Stock Service
Best Suited For
active singles, active families, families with older children, experienced dog owners, guard duty
Temperament
intelligent, protective, active, independent
Comparable Breeds
Mastiff, Cane Corso
Height
21-25 inches
Height
21-25 inches
ADVERTISEMENT

Perro de Presa Canario Basics

When you see the Perro de Presa Canario face-to-face you will probably be impressed with his size and strength. These dogs were developed from mastiff- and bulldog-type breeds, bred for their strength and muscular build. Although the Perro de Presa Canario may look intimidating, they can be calm and obedient with proper training. This breed is definitely not a good choice for inexperienced dog owners, however, because they can be dominant and willful.

Although the Perro de Presa Canario may look intimidating, they can be calm and obedient with proper training.

Origin

The Presa Canario breed is more commonly known as the Perro de Presa Canario, or the Canary Mastiff. This breed is a Molosser-type dog that was originally developed for working with livestock. The Perro de Presa Canario comes from the Canary Islands and its origins can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. This breed was developed between 43 and 89 AD, known for fighting alongside the Romans and the British during the Roman Conquest of Britain. Later, the breed came to be known in dog-fighting circles until the 1940s when dog fighting was outlawed.

Pedigree

ADVERTISEMENT

The Perro de Presa Canario was developed from giant Molosser-type dogs as well as various mastiff-type and bulldog-type breeds. After dog fighting was outlawed, the breed was combined with other protective breeds like the German Shepherd and the Doberman Pinscher and used for guarding. A sheepdog known as the Bardino Majorero was also added to the bloodline.

Food/Diet

As a large-breed dog, the Perro de Presa Canario should be fed a dog food diet formulated for breeds of its size. If you plan to train your Perro de Presa Canario for some kind of job, you may want to feed him an active or working breed formula. Be sure to choose a dog food made with high-quality ingredients including animal proteins and digestible carbohydrates.

These dogs are headstrong and powerful, so they require a firm and consistent hand in training.

Training

The Perro de Presa Canario is a smart and trainable breed, but it can sometimes be difficult to handle due to its massive size and independent will. These dogs are headstrong and powerful, so they require a firm and consistent hand in training. Early socialization is incredibly important for this breed to keep its aggression and protective nature under control. Throughout its life, the Perro de Presa Canario requires obedience refresher courses and the owner must always maintain a position of dominance over the dog.

Weight

The Perro de Presa Canario stands between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 80 and 130 pounds on average. This breed has a strong, square and muscular build.

Temperament/Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT

The Perro de Presa Canario is a strong-willed breed that has dominant tendencies. This, combined with the dog’s massive size, can make it a bit challenging to control. When properly socialized and trained, however, this dog can be calm and docile but it will always be a little bit independent. The Perro de Presa Canario is naturally protective and suspicious of strangers, so it makes a good guard dog. It is important to be careful with this breed around cats and other pets because it has a high prey drive and strong territorial instincts.

Common Health Problems

The Perro de Presa Canario is a fairly healthy breed, though it is prone to a number of orthopedic problems due to its massive size. This breed has a high risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, plus it has been known to develop osteochondritis dissecans. Other health problems seen in the Perro de Presa Canario breed include eye problems, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and bloat (also known as gastric dilation volvulus). Responsible breeding practices and DNA testing can reduce the risk for congenital conditions in this breed.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Perro de Presa Canario breed is 10 to 12 years which is fairly long for a breed of its size.

Exercise Requirements

The Perro de Presa Canario is a moderately active breed and it does best when given a job to do. A long daily walk will generally satisfy the exercise needs for this breed, though it will also appreciate having some outdoor space to roam and play.

The Perro de Presa Canario is naturally protective and suspicious of strangers, so it makes a good guard dog.

Recognized Clubs

The Perro de Presa Canario is currently part of the Foundation Stock Service for the American Kennel Club, but the breed was recognized by the UKC in 2003.

Coat

The Perro de Presa Canario has a fairly short coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing. The coat comes in a variety of colors including black, fawn, tan, and brindle or any combination of these colors. The AKC and the UKC accept black coats, but the FCI does not.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Perro de Presa Canario is fairly large, usually 7 to 9 puppies. Puppies of this breed are avid chewers and they grow fairly quickly so they have the potential to do a lot of damage. Early socialization and training is important for this breed.

Photo credit: Marko_Marcello/Bigstock; Eponaleah/Bigstock

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Japanese Officials Look Into Spay and Neuter Options for Island Overru

Officials say that small island in Japan is overrun by cats, and recommend that all cats on the island be spayed and/or neutered.

Puginese

The Puginese is a cross between a purebred Pekingese and Pug. They are described as cheerful and playful, as well as social and affectionate.

DIY No-Sew Pet Bed

Budget-friendly and easy to make, this DIY dog bed won''t cost you more than $15 and you can make it under and hour. Plus, your pet will absolutely love it!

What to Do When You Dog Doesn’t Like to Go for Walks

As hard as it is to believe, some dogs don''t like to go for a daily stroll. Here''s what to do when your dog doesn''t like to go for walks.

Siberian Husky

Before bringing a Siberian Husky into your home, you should be aware that it is a pack animal, so it needs to feel like it is part of the family.

What is a Holistic Veterinarian?

Illness in pets can sometimes be linked to both physical and mental causes - a holistic veterinarian looks at both in order to determine treatment.

Licks Liquid Vitamins Will Get Your Dog’s Tongue Wagging

A delicious treat that’s good for your dog At the recent Global Pet Expo, we got to meet the fine folks from Licks, a new liquid vitamin product that&r…

Dog Tales Sanctuary Is Like Heaven On Earth, For Dogs And People

Forget Disney World — Dog Tales Sanctuary and Rescue might just be the real happiest place on earth! Just outside the bustling city of Toronto, Ontario…

Extreme Dog Grooming Competitions Take Fur Styling To A Funky New Leve

From Star Wars and Sesame Street, to Jurassic Park and Shark Week, extreme and creative dog groomers find inspiration in the strangest places.

How to Brush Dog Teeth

We''re going to introduce you to how to brush dog teeth. If you stop to think about it, brushing your dog''s teeth makes sense.

How to Make Time for Volunteering With Animals in Need

You''d love to help out with your local animal shelter, but you''re just too busy. There are ways you can include volunteer work in your balanced life.

5 Simple Tips for Giving Your Dogs Equal Attention

Dogs get jealous of their canine siblings. How do you make sure everyone gets enough love? We''ve got a few tips for giving equal attention to all your dogs.

Giant Spitz

The Giant Spitz lives up to its name with his classic, spitz-like characteristics and his large size. These dogs were traditionally used for guarding.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Charlie

We want to introduce you to Charlie, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Charlie is a gorgeous adult Husky who lives in Vancouver, WA. He is al…

Top 10 Books For New Puppy Owners

Have you ever wished that puppies came with how-to manuals? We''ve got the next best thing - our top book picks that are perfect for new puppy owners!