Commonly known as the Perro de Presa Canario, the Presa Canario breed’s ancestry includes some input from the Bardio Majero (now extinct) as well as some from the English mastiff. Developed in the Canary Islands, which is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, this breed of dog is extremely huge and if you look at face-to-face you’ll probably be stunned by their massiveness and fierce looks. Here are a few interesting facts about this breed which will definitely leave you awestruck.
- The Presa Canario breed is a Molosser type dog which was originally developed for working with livestock.
- This breed originally comes from the Canary Islands while their origin goes all the way back to the Roman Empire times. The Presa Canario breed was developed in between 43 and 89 AD. In the initial years, this breed was seen fighting along with the Romans during the Roman Conquest of Britain.
- The name, “Perro de Presa Canario” comes from the Spanish language, meaning “Canarian catch dog”. The title itself means that this dog was kept in the previous times to be bred and trained to catch bigger animals such as wild boar, as well as to protect the livestock from outsiders.
- These dogs are specifically developed from mastiff and bulldog type breeds, particularly bred for their strong muscular build.
- They have a very dominant and willful nature but can turn out to become calm and obedient if properly trained.
- This breed of dogs is headstrong and powerful so they require proper and consistent training.
- The Perro de Presa Canario have a strong and muscular build, with a height that ranges between 21 to 29 inches and weighs between 80 and 150 pounds.
- These dogs have a long life of about 12 years on average with relatively fewer genetic issues (some might develop hip dysplasia and epilepsy).
- Even though they have a harsh coat but they don’t require excessive bathing or care and remain totally perfect with the occasional clipping and care.
- Physically, this breed looks very muscular; has thick skin, dense bones, and a massive head with a large jaw.
- These dogs are considered to be very aggressive in nature and get out of control if the owner isn’t knowledgeable and experienced one.
- No matter how aggressive people say these dogs are, the people who’ve kept them have often commented on how this breed is very protective of its property and families, always keeping a watchful eye on any threat coming in their family’s way.
- The Presa Canario breed is known to be bold and fearless in nature, for this very reason they’re often kept for protecting livestock, security work and personal protection, in all parts of the world.
- This breed is banned from ownership in Australia and New Zealand, largely because the administration of these countries believe them to be aggressive as well as have the audacity to inflict serious wounds on someone if attacked.
One of the best dogs i have ever owned. Great around the kids. They are extremely tolerant to little toddlers too. Never a worry around other family pets as well.
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My Presa is my best friend, and most loyal protector. He’s always ever vigilant with keeping my acreage safe from wolves & Bears. He’s never far when my family is out. For that he will always have my love & a big plot on my bed.
Thanks for sharing your Presa Canario story!
My Presa was awesome. Fearsome to look at but gentle with children and very much my protector. As a single woman I took my dog with on backcountry hiking trips and always felt safe. She was loyal and gentle unless you gave her reason to be protective, then she was quite intimidating. Great guard dog and loyal companion.
My understanding is that they can be dangerous around small children. Which is why I lean towards the Cane Corso. What are your thoughts? Also, I’m ur opinion, what are main differences between the two breeds? Thanks!
They are not dangerous with children if raised right. Any dog can be a danger to children if not brought up correctly with them, even a small dog
I have rescued a pressa lad who was a typical Covid puppy in the totally wrong hands, he was very lucky to end up with me. It’s been a tough training routine but he has had to grow up with me and learn not only how to be a dog but also learn to do as he’s told. It bloody annoys me when people are breeding these dogs and irresponsibly selling to totally inadequate people. He came to me not even house trained at 8 months old. It is not fair for any of these dogs to be treated as a joke. They are hard work, but they cheeky and very inquisitive. I’m enjoying being dominant with him and he’s been fine with my sons two staffs, plays with a big group of dogs in the local park and gets on fine with cats and adores my grand children but I have to be 100% watching him all the time. You have to persevere to beat the stubbornness. What a wonderful boy he has become. It’s not the dogs that are the problem, it’s the owners.
[…] The Presa Canario, commonly known as the Perro de Presa Canario, is a breed with roots deep in the Canary Islands. Originating from Tenerife and Gran Canaria, these dogs have a storied past, including their initial use for fighting purposes. This Molossoid dog has a lineage that incorporates elements from the now-extinct Bardio Majero, among others[4][5]. […]