Presa Canario

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Canary Islands

Group: Guard Dog

Height: 22-26 inches

Weight: 88-110 lbs

Life span: 9-11 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: family children

Good with other pets: unpredictable

November’s Dog of the Month

This strong-willed dog is very protective of its family. It is an excellent guardian of home & hearth.

What is the origin of the Presa Canario?

Also known as the Dogo Canario (Canarian Molosser), it calls the Canary Islands home. Large dogs may have existed on the Islands or were brought there by Spanish Conquistadors or both.

What does the Presa Canario look like?

The Presa Canario has a thick, muscular body, height 22-26 inches tall, weight 85-110 lbs. depending on gender. The head is massive with powerful jaws. Ears are generally cropped where this practice continues. The coat is slightly coarse, short and flat to the body with no undercoat. Colors are fawn, brindle and black, sometimes with white markings. Only infrequent brushing is required.

What is the temperament of the Presa Canario?

Bonding strongly with their families, Presa Canarios don’t like to leave their owners alone and are very protective. This is a strong-willed breed and needs early, firm training and socialization. The owner must show the dog that he is the leader, always in a calm, kind manner. While loving with its family, the Presa Canario is reserved with strangers, even children it doesn’t know. If properly socialized it may be okay with other pets but can be dog aggressive. It is very important to get the Presa Canario from a reliable breeder. While this dog likes to be indoors with its family, it should have a large, secured yard. Exercise with a long, daily walk.

What are the uses of the Presa Canario?

The Presa Canario is an excellent guard dog. With the right owners it can be a family companion dog.

Possible Health Issues

Hip/elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, panosteitis, eye problems, cryptorchidism (undescended testicle), bloat/gastric torsion