The Presa Canario is a large and powerful dog breed originally bred for working livestock. This breed has become increasingly popular as a family guardian and companion. Presa Canarios are believed to be the result of breeding between two existing breeds – the Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff) and the English Mastiff. Understanding the origins and history behind the Presa Canario can provide greater insight into this magnificent but sometimes misunderstood breed.
The Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario, or Canary Mastiff, is thought to be an ancient breed hailing from the Canary Islands. There are several theories regarding the origins of the Perro de Presa Canario:
- One theory suggests that these dogs descended from Mastiffs brought to the Canary Islands by Roman conquerors in the 5th century BC. Over centuries on the islands, these Mastiffs then developed into the distinct Perro de Presa Canario breed.
- Another theory proposes that the Presa Canario evolved from the Molossus, an early Mastiff-type dog breed used for warfare and guarding livestock that originated in the Middle East. Phoenician traders may have brought Molosser dogs with them as they colonized the Canary Islands between 500 – 300 BC.
- Some experts believe indigenous Canary Island dogs bred with Spanish Mastiffs introduced to the islands by European colonizers and conquistadors in the 15th century, forming the basis of the Perro de Presa Canario breed.
Regardless of their exact origin, written records indicate the Canary Mastiff existed on the islands for hundreds of years, utilized by local farmers as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and pigs as well as fearless guardians. Over generations in this environment, the Perro de Presa Canario developed into a muscular, broad, intimidating breed capable of grasping and immobilizing large prey. Their names translate to ‘Canarian Dog of Catch’ or ‘Canarian Dog of Prey’.
Characteristics of the Canary Mastiff
The traditional Perro de Presa Canario developed several distinctive physical and behavioral traits over centuries as a working dog:
- Size – Large and heavily boned, these dogs typically stood 22-26 inches tall and weighed 90-120 lbs.
- Appearance – Powerful physique with a massive head, square jowls, thick neck and straight back. Coarse, short coat came in various shades of fawn, brindle, and verdino (grey-brown with black mask).
- Working abilities – Extremely muscular and athletic with a strong grip, the Perro de Presa Canario was capable of tackling, controlling and holding down large cattle.
- Temperament – These dogs were bred to have a calm, attentive demeanor but ferocious aggression when threatened or attacking. They were fiercely loyal and protective of their owners.
The Perro de Presa Canario remained a working dog on the rural Canary Islands up until the mid-1900s, when their numbers dwindled significantly. In the 1970s, local breeders began efforts to preserve what remained of the nearly extinct Canary Mastiff. Selective breeding programs focused on maintaining the powerful physique and temperament of the traditional Perro de Presa Canario. The breed earned recognition by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1982. While still relatively rare outside the Canary Islands, their population has rebounded.
The English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is an ancient giant breed believed to have origins dating as far back as over 5,000 years ago. Often depicted in Roman arena spectacles, Mastiff-type dogs first arrived in Britain with Phoenician traders around 500 BC. By the time the Romans invaded Britain in 55 BC, these enormous dogs were an established presence. Prized for their size and guarding instincts, English Mastiffs fought alongside Roman legions and were utilized to control Britain’s native Celtic tribes.
After the Roman withdrawal from Britain in 410 AD, English Mastiffs continued to serve as valued guard dogs for noblemen and kings. Their duties ranged from protecting estates to even participating in medieval battles by the sides of knights. English Mastiffs fought with Henry VIII in the Battle of the Spurs in 1513. Their loyalty and protective nature made them highly regarded.
Characteristics of the English Mastiff
Centuries serving as estate guardians and military auxiliaries developed defining traits in the English Mastiff:
- Size – One of the largest dog breeds, English Mastiffs stand at least 30 inches tall and can weigh up to 230 lbs.
- Appearance – Heavily wrinkled face with a black mask, short muzzle, large square head and thick, muscular neck. Powerful, broad chest and straight back. Short fur coat typically apricot, fawn or brindle.
- Temperament – Staunchly devoted and protective of their people, but typically calm and dignified. Courageous but not innately aggressive.
- Athleticism – Impressive strength, endurance and quick reactions despite massive size. Capable of restraining intruders.
While revered throughout British history, English Mastiff numbers dwindled by the 1800s. In the late 19th century, focused breeding efforts revived the breed. English Mastiffs remain a relatively uncommon purebred dog today. Their intimidating appearance and protective nature require dedicated and experienced owners. But for those willing to provide proper training and firm leadership, the regal English Mastiff makes a loving and utterly loyal companion.
Origin of the Presa Canario
The fusion of the Perro de Presa Canario and English Mastiff bloodlines occurred in the mid-1900s on the Canary Islands. Local breeders aimed to inject some of the renowned size and temperament of the English Mastiff into their revered but dwindling Perro de Presa Canario. The objective was to create a dog ideally suited for the traditional island duties of handling cattle and protecting property.
Francisco Ojeda and the Dorada Farm
Much credit for originating the Presa Canario belongs to renowned Canary Islands breeder Francisco Ojeda of the Dorada Farm. In the 1950s-70s, Ojeda strategically bred his purebred Canary Mastiffs to selected English Mastiffs and dogo Argentinos. The focus was enhancing the Presa Canario’s working ability and mental stability.
Ojeda successfully combined the strength, aggression and quick reflexes of the Perro de Presa Canario with the massive size, courage and loyalty of the English Mastiff. The Presa Canario breed was recognized by major kennel clubs in the 1990s-2000s and has gained popularity worldwide as an ultimate protector and guardian.
Appearance of the Presa Canario
The Presa Canario inherits some physical traits from each parent breed. Overall, the breed exhibits:
- A large, thickly muscled and square-proportioned body standing 22-26 inches tall and weighing 80-160 lbs.
- Powerful head shaped like a square or trapezoid with loose skin forming wrinkles, especially when alert.
- Thick neck that flows smoothly into muscular shoulders and straight back.
- Dark, almond-shaped eyes set wide apart. Round tipped ears typically cropped short and erect.
- Short, coarse coat in black, various shades of brindle, fawn, and verdino.
Comparison of Traits
This table highlights some physical similarities and differences between the parent breeds and the Presa Canario:
| Breed | Size/Weight | Coat | Ears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perro de Presa Canario | 22-26 in tall; 90-120 lbs | Short; fawn, brindle, verdino | Cropped or natural fold |
| English Mastiff | Min 30 in tall; up to 230 lbs | Short; apricot, fawn, brindle | V-shaped fold |
| Presa Canario | 22-26 in tall; 80-160 lbs | Short; black, brindle, fawn, verdino | Cropped or natural fold |
Temperament of the Presa Canario
The Presa Canario has a complex temperament blending traits from its parent breeds:
- Strong guarding instincts – This breed exhibits wariness of strangers and assertive protection when necessary, inherited from the Perro de Presa Canario.
- Loyalty and devotion – Extremely loyal and bonded with their family, Presa Canarios aim to please their owners, a quality passed down from the English Mastiff.
- Courage and self-confidence – With early socialization, these dogs develop into steady, brave companions that thrive with firm leadership.
- Intelligence and trainability – Eager to complete tasks, Presa Canarios respond very well to consistent obedience training and structure.
With proper training and socialization from a young age, the Presa Canario forms close bonds with its family and is gentle and docile in the home. However, they retain their guarded nature around strangers and powerful protective instincts when needed, making them consummate guard dogs.
Comparison of Temperament
This table outlines some behavioral similarities and differences between the Presa Canario and its parent breeds:
| Breed | Loyalty | Courage | Protectiveness | Trainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perro de Presa Canario | Extremely loyal | Fearless | Ferocious when threatened | Independent but responsive |
| English Mastiff | Utterly devoted | Steady and dignified | Protective of territory | Eager to please |
| Presa Canario | Intensely loyal | Confident | Assertive guardian | Highly trainable |
The Ideal Presa Canario Temperament
According to the Presa Canario breed standard, the ideal temperament balances protectiveness with stability:
- Confident, calm and docile with family.
- Cautious and alert around strangers but not innately aggressive.
- Powerful defender that will only attack when absolutely necessary.
- Strong willed but responsive to consistent, firm handling.
- Extremely devoted and eager to please owners.
With this ideal temperament, the Presa Canario serves as a dependable guard dog that only channels aggression when essential and always remains obedient to its master. Proper breeding, training and socialization from puppyhood are critical to develop this ideal stable, brave and controllable protector.
Training the Presa Canario
Presa Canario puppies must begin structured training and socialization immediately to nurture the ideal mature temperament of a confident yet controllable guardian. Critical training tips:
- Socialize extensively – Introduce the puppy to a wide variety of people and other animals in a controlled, positive manner.
- Use positive reinforcement – Praise and food rewards incentivize desired behaviors.
- Be firm and consistent – Presa Canarios require strong leadership they can respect.
- Teach impulse control – Use commands like “Leave it” and “Settle”.
- Obedience train daily – Practice basic cues like Sit, Stay, Come.
- Provide structure – Establish household rules and routines.
With the right balance of socialization, firm handling, and consistent rewards-based training, the powerful and protective Presa Canario develops into a well-mannered yet vigilant guardian. Ongoing training and exercise are essential to prevent problem behaviors in these intelligent, energetic dogs. Most importantly, extensive socialization from an early age is vital for shaping the stable, discerning temperament that distinguishes the ideal Presa Canario.
Presa Canario Health
The Presa Canario is generally a robust, healthy breed with an average lifespan of 9-11 years. However, they are prone to some conditions common in large, deep-chested dogs:
- Hip dysplasia – Abnormal hip joint development leading to osteoarthritis. Careful breeding minimizes risk.
- Bloat – Potentially fatal twisting of the stomach. Preventative measures include proper feeding and exercise.
- Heart disease – At risk for dilated cardiomyopathy. Routine screening helps detect early.
Responsible Presa Canario breeders perform all recommended OFA health tests on sire and dam to produce the healthiest puppies possible. As a breed requiring dedicated training and significant exercise, Presa Canarios are best suited to owners who can provide proper physical and mental stimulation as well as routine veterinary care.
Finding a Presa Canario Puppy
For those seeking a Presa Canario as an ultimate protector and guardian, finding a puppy from an ethical, responsible breeder is essential. Warning signs of irresponsible Presa Canario breeders include:
- No OFA or PennHIP health testing of parent dogs
- No titles or working certificates on breeding dogs
- No questions asked of buyers about their experience or lifestyle
- Puppies available at all times with no waiting list
- Sells puppies through pet stores or third-party dealers
Reputable Presa Canario breeders should:
- Complete all recommended health tests on breeding dogs
- Prove working/show titles proving sound structure and temperament
- Carefully screen buyers to match puppies with appropriate homes
- Provide health guarantees and lifetime breeder support
- Focus on breeding to better the breed, not profit
Expect to be waitlisted with a responsible Presa Canario breeder. While patience and often greater expense are required, the result is a happy, healthy Presa Canario puppy with the best chance at growing into a stable, well-trained dog.
Presa Canario: The Ultimate Guardian
For experienced dog owners seeking a devoted protector, the Presa Canario has proven itself among the ultimate guard dog breeds. Blending the power of the Perro de Presa Canario and the size of the English Mastiff, Presa Canarios retain intense loyalty and protective instincts balanced by steadfast stability. With their imposing presence and complete loyalty, properly trained and socialized Presa Canarios provide peerless security. While substantial commitment is required, this rare breed rewards dedicated owners with unwavering protection, affection, and companionship.