The Perro de Presa Canario is a powerfully built, muscular dog with a broad, square head and a thick, short coat.

Large, with males typically standing 23-26 inches tall and females 22-25 inches.

Males generally weigh between 110-145 pounds, and females 85-120 pounds.

Short, coarse, and flat with no undercoat.

Fawn, brindle (of various shades), and black, often with white markings.

Massive, brachycephalic (short-nosed), with a broad skull and strong jaws.

Typically cropped (where legal), standing erect; if uncropped, they are medium-sized and pendant.

Thick at the base, tapering to a point, and reaching the hock.

The Presa Canario is known for its calm, confident, and devoted nature, displaying a strong guarding instinct and unwavering loyalty to its family.

Deeply devoted to their family and form strong bonds.

Naturally protective of their home and family, requiring careful socialization.

Possess a self-assured and calm demeanor.

Can be assertive with other dogs, especially of the same sex.

Wary of unfamiliar people, making early socialization crucial.

Exhibits great bravery and will not back down from a perceived threat.

The Perro de Presa Canario is best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training, socialization, and a secure environment.

Calm and confident demeanor.

Needs a significant amount of exercise.

The ideal owner for a Presa Canario is an experienced, confident individual or family who can commit to the breed's training, socialization, and exercise needs, providing a structured and secure environment.

The Presa Canario is relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, but requires a high-quality diet and a spacious living environment.

Minimal grooming is required; occasional brushing to remove loose hair is sufficient.

Bathe only when necessary, as their coat naturally repels dirt.

Feed a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds, paying attention to portion control to prevent obesity.

Ideally suited to a home with a large, securely fenced yard; apartment living is not recommended.

Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in dogs with uncropped ears.

Training a Presa Canario requires a firm, experienced hand due to their strong will and protective instincts. They need moderate to high levels of exercise to stay balanced.

Presa Canarios are intelligent but can be independent and strong-willed. Early, consistent, and positive reinforcement-based training is essential. They respond best to experienced handlers who understand dominant breeds. Socialization from a young age is absolutely critical to ensure they are well-adjusted and can differentiate between a threat and a normal situation.

This breed needs a significant amount of daily exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being. This includes long walks, jogging, and opportunities to run and play in a securely fenced area. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive games is also important.

Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, dogs, and situations from a very young age.

Use rewards like treats and praise to motivate and shape desired behaviors.

Establish clear rules and boundaries, and enforce them consistently.

This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners.

A strong, secure fence is essential to contain this powerful breed.

Enroll in obedience classes with a trainer experienced with dominant breeds.

The Perro de Presa Canario is generally a healthy breed, but like all large breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

A similar condition to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joint.

A heart condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened.

A condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation to the cornea.

A joint condition where the cartilage doesn't properly develop.

The Perro de Presa Canario's ancestry is tied to the Iberian Presa and the Bardino Majorero, a pre-Hispanic sheepdog native to the Canary Islands. These dogs were interbred with various mastiff-type dogs brought to the islands by Spanish colonizers. The breed was primarily used for guarding livestock, protecting farms, and, unfortunately, dogfighting in the past. Dogfighting was outlawed in the 1940s, leading to a decline in the breed's numbers. Dedicated breeders worked to revive the Presa Canario, focusing on its working abilities and stable temperament. The breed was officially recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE) in 1989 and later by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2003, under the name 'Perro de Presa Canario'. The FCI provisionally recognized the breed, using the name Dogo Canario.

With proper socialization and training, they can be good with children in their own family. However, supervision is always necessary, especially with young children and unfamiliar children, due to the breed's size and protective instincts.

They can be dominant with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early socialization and careful introductions are crucial. They may do best as the only dog in the household.

They need a significant amount of daily exercise, including long walks, jogging, and playtime in a securely fenced area. Mental stimulation is equally important.

They are intelligent but can be strong-willed. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training from an experienced handler is essential.

The average lifespan is 9-11 years.

They are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers. Aggression is not a typical breed trait, but poor breeding, lack of socialization, or improper training can lead to behavioral problems. Responsible ownership is key.

They are not typically excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert their owners to perceived threats or unusual activity.

The price of a Presa Canario puppy can vary widely depending on the breeder, lineage, and location. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a well-bred puppy.

Check with breed-specific rescues and local animal shelters. Be sure to thoroughly research any rescue organization before adopting.

Ear cropping is a traditional practice with this breed, but it is becoming increasingly controversial and is illegal in many countries. It is a purely cosmetic procedure and does not have any health benefits.