- I. BREED NAME AND SYNONYM. Name: Presa Canario (in Spanish) Synonym: Perro Baste and Verdino for brindled specimens.
- II. ORIGINS AND DIFFUSION OF THE BREED. Molossoid dog, native to the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, in the Canary Archipelago, where it was originally bred for fighting purposes.
- III. GENERAL APPEARANCE AND CHARACTER. ...
Full Answer
What is a genuine Presa Canario dog?
This breed goes by a few different names:
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Dogo Canario
- Canary Catch Dog
- Canarian Molosser
- Canary Mastiff
How to buy the best possible Presa Canario dog?
Every Presa Canario we breed will:
- Be confirmed by Spanish Presa Canario breed specialists or judges as acceptable for breeding and FCI recognized.
- Be UKC DNA and Embark DNA tested to ensure both purity and health, testing for over 170 different genetic diseases.
- Be OFA’d, PennHIP’d or evaluated via other diagnostic imaging tests to show they’re free from Canine Hip Dysplasia.
Is Presa Canario a good family dog?
The Presa Canario temperament can certainly lend itself to life as a family dog and companion, but they are best suited to households with older children. Due to their extreme loyalty to their family, they are better as single dogs. Are presa canarios dangerous dogs? Are perro de presa canarios good with other dogs? Are presa canarios aggressive?
What breed of dog has the best temperament?
- French Bulldog — 96.2% passed out of 52 dogs tested.
- Boerboel — 94.7% passed out of 57 dogs tested.
- Belgian Malinois — 94.1% passed out of 440 dogs tested.
- English Cocker Spaniel — 93.3% passed out of 75 dogs tested.
- Labrador Retriever — 92.2% passed out of 842 dogs tested.
- Flat-Coated Retriever — 92% passed out of 87 dogs tested.
Is a Presa Canario a good family dog?
Known for their strong guarding instinct, Presa Canarios are considered to be an owner-focused breed that's highly intelligent and trainable. With ample socialization and proper training, the Presa Canario can become a loyal family pet—and model canine citizens.
What dog breeds make up a Presa Canario?
The roots of the Presa Canario can be traced back to the cattle breed Iberian Presa (Perro de Ganado Majorero), an average-size mastiff breed and intuitive guard dog.
What breeds make a Presa?
The Presa Canario is a Spanish breed of large dog of mastiff or catch dog type. It originates in the autonomous region of the Canary Islands, and is found mostly in the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. It was formerly known as the Dogo Canario....Presa Canario.Kennel club standardsFCIstandard1 more row
Are Presa Canarios dogs aggressive?
This breed is widely considered to make for a loyal pet and a first-rate guard dog when raised properly. But it also has a reputation as a fearsome fight dog with an aggressive streak when it is not well trained. Unfortunately, Presa Canario attacks are known to happen and can prove deadly.
Is a Presa Canario a Cane Corso?
Given that the Cane Corso breed is an offshoot of the Presa Canario, the two breeds are quite similar in size and build. However, each breed has unique characteristics that set it apart from the other and other giant breeds!
How much is a Presa Canario worth?
Potential Presa owners should expect to pay an even higher premium for a puppy with breeding rights, as well as for a puppy that's advertised as show quality (they will come with papers)—these dogs can run anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 or more assuming the dog is from top breed lines and is of superior pedigree.
Are Presa Canarios smart?
If you don't want that kind of responsibility at your end of the leash, don't get a Presa. This dog is large, powerful, intelligent, and headstrong. The breed standard says he should be calm, attentive and self-confident, obedient, and docile with family members and suspicious of strangers.
How does a Presa Canario dog look?
This breed has thick skin, dense bones, powerful muscles and a massive head with a large jaw. The ears are usually cropped. Colors include fawn and various brindles; white markings are sometimes seen.
How do you socialize a Presa Canario?
Continue socializing your Presa Canario throughout his life by taking him to puppy kindergarten class, visits to friends and neighbors, and outings to local shops and businesses. This is the only way he can learn to be discriminating, recognizing what is normal and what is truly a threat.
Are Presa Canarios easy to train?
Some dog breeds are easier to train than others, and the Presa Canario happens to fall into the more difficult category.
Can a Presa Canario live with other dogs?
This breed is highly protective of its family, but it can be unpredictable around other dogs, strangers, and even children. A Presa Canario that has not been trained correctly can be prone to aggression and alpha behavior.
How hard is a Presa Canario bite?
Perro De Presa Canario and Children This breed is large, stubborn, and aloof. Combined with a bite force of 540 PSI, it is easy to see why they are not a good choice for most families. Attacks from a dog of this size and strength are devastating.
Why is the Perro de Presa Canario so popular?
This breed is popular because of its low-shedding qualities. If you’re looking for a dog that won’t disperse fur all over your house, the Perro de Presa Canario has the coat of your dreams! Short hair and no undercoat means low shedding and easy grooming for the Presa Canario.
What color is a Presa Canario?
Presa Canario colors are of great importance pertaining to the breed standard. Fawn or brindle is accepted, as well as only 20% of white coloring on the chest, feet and muzzle. A full black coat is a hot debate, with the AKC-FSS, UKC and UPPCC accepting it, but not the FCI.
How much does a Presa Canario cost?
A Presa Canario puppy can cost up to $2000. This ancient breed is expensive, but for good reason. Molosser dogs are a complicated bunch, mainly because of their size, temperament, and guard dog instinct. Their reputation as a dangerous dog is also something to consider, as they are blacklisted in several US cities.
How big is a Presa Canario?
The Presa Canario is a large-sized dog breed, Molosser-type, also known as the Canary Mastiff or Canary Dog. This dog breed has a height of about 22 to 26 inches tall , weighing anywhere between 83 to 130 pounds. The average lifespan of Presa Canario is around 9 to 11 years.
What is a molosser dog?
Molosser dogs are noted for their large size and brawn. The Presa is the epitome of this, with a thick body and a broad, square head that is one of its defining characteristics.
When did the Presa Canario come back?
With careful breeding, the Presa Canario made a glorious comeback in the 1970s, distinguishing itself as a loyal working dog. 2. The Canary Dog is part of the Molosser family.
When was the Presa Canario first introduced?
The history of the Perro de Presa Canario is carefully recorded, evoking mystique and awe for the breed. The Presa Canario’s history dates back to the 15th century when it was first brought to the Canary Islands by the Spanish conquistadors.
What is a Presa Canario?
The name of the breed is Spanish in origin, and often shortened to "Presa Canario.". When properly trained and socialized, the Presa Canario is docile, devoted, and obedient to its family—however, they are natural guard dogs, highly suspicious of strangers, and will sometimes act aggressively towards people or animals they don’t know.
When did the Presa Canario breed come back?
Full recovery of the Presa Canario breed began in 1982 when a group of breeders from the island of Tenerife formed an association to support the resurgence of the Presa Canario. Today, the breed serves as the animal symbol of Gran Canaria. It has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.
What is the best training for a Presa Canario puppy?
Intensive socialization and obedience training as puppies and beyond is crucial for the Presa Canario breed, and they will respond best to fair, consistent training and clear limits.
What breed of dog was banned in the 1940s?
During the 1940s, dog fighting was prohibited throughout the islands, but fights were known to continue throughout the next decade—and it was during this time that Presa Canario numbers faltered thanks to the introduction of alternate fighting breeds such as the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd.
Where did the Presa Canario originate?
Several other Hispanic breeds may have contributed to the formation of the Presa Canario, in particular, the Presa Espanol, as well as the Bardino Majorero, a pre-Hispanic sheepdog originating on the Island of Fuerteventura.
When did the Canary Dog of Prey breed come into existence?
Also known as the “Canary Dog of Prey,” the breed is said to date back to the 15th and 16th centuries after the conquest of the Canary Islands when larger dogs would serve the very important roles of guarding farms, working cattle, and even exterminating wild or stray dogs. The roots of the Presa Canario can be traced back to ...
Why is a guard dog considered a dog?
Because of its history as a guard dog, the breed is strong-willed, powerful, intelligent, and very suspicious of strangers —and therefore may require increased opportunities for socialization and training early in life to safely interact with others, particularly in a home with children or other pets.
Is a Presa Canario a pit bull?
Presa Canario is a mastiff breed from the Canary Islands. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier at one time were considered the same breed, but now they have distinct bloodlines. They are both loyal and protective family companions.
Why are Presa Canario dangerous?
Presa Canario Bred as a fighting dog they retain a good degree of this aggression making them only suitable for experienced dog owners. If not shown absolute authority the Presa Canario can be an extremely dangerous dog. It is also said they gain aggression in numbers as they are pack dogs.
Where are Presa Canario illegal?
Presa Canarios are banned in Australia and New Zealand. The Fila or Brazilian Mastiff, is a huge dog bred for hunting boar and jaguar, and was even used for tracking down runaway slaves.
Is a Cane Corso bigger than a Presa Canario?
The Presa Canario is shorter, on average, by an inch compared to the Cane Corso. The Presa stands between 24 and 26 inches, whereas the Cane Corso stands ever so slightly taller between 24 and 27 inches.
Are Presa Canario illegal in the US?
Breeds currently prohibited under Commonwealth legislation are the dogo Argentino; fila Brasileiro; Japanese tosa; American pit bull terrier (or pit bull terrier); and Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario). A person who owns a "restricted" dog must: keep the dog within a child-proof enclosure.
Are Presa Canarios aggressive?
With correct rearing, a Presa is loyal, confident, fearless, and protective. This breed is highly protective of its family, but it can be unpredictable around other dogs, strangers, and even children. A Presa Canario that has not been trained correctly can be prone to aggression and alpha behavior.
What's the difference between a Cane Corso and a Presa Canario?
The biggest difference I know of is that the Canario is a created breed, they were added to the mastiff family, Cane Corso is a natural breed of the mastiff family. Presa Canario is a large dog breed that was originally bred for working livestock.

Characteristics of The Presa Canario
History of The Presa Canario
- Traditionally used for herding cattle, its intimidating appearance and hyper-awareness make the Presa Canario an ideal guard dog. Also known as the “Canary Dog of Prey,” the breed is said to date back to the 15th and 16th centuries after the conquest of the Canary Islands, when larger dogs would serve the very important roles of guarding farms, wor...
Presa Canario Care
- While protective and devoted to its family, this breed is generally better suited for experienced, active owners who can properly socialize their Presa Canario and provide ample opportunity for outdoor activity. Because of its history as a guard dog, the breed is strong-willed, powerful, intelligent, and very suspicious of strangers—and therefore may require increased opportunities …
Common Health Problems
- Overall, the majority of Perro de Presa Canarios are healthy dogs. Due to their larger size, the Presa Canarios can be susceptible to: 1. Hip or joint dysplasia(abnormalities in the joints which can cause lameness) 2. Heart and eye problems 3. Epilepsy (a neurological disorder that causes seizures) 4. Canine Leishmaniasis(a disease caused by Leishmania parasites that are transmitt…
Diet and Nutrition
- The Presa Canario will perform well with any high-quality diet, whether their food is commercially prepared or cooked at home(with guidance from a veterinarian). As a larger, active breed, they may require more water than the average dog, and may also prefer higher-protein food.
Where to Adopt Or Buy A Perro de Presa Canario
- Although the Presa Canario is not eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club, it is possible to find a reputable breeder. The United Perro de Presa Canario Clubprovides referrals to breeders, and the best way to find a Presa Canario rescue is to research rescue groups online.
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
- When determining if the Presa Canario is the right dog for you, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult other Presa Canario owners, breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out: 1. Cane Corso Breed Profile 2. Mastiff Breed Profile 3. Great Dane Breed Profile There’s a whole world of potential dog breedsout there—with a little r…