Presa Canario

The Presa Canario originated in the Canary Islands and dates back to the 15th and 16th century. The breed is believed to have descended from mastiff-type dogs brought by Spanish conquistadores to the Canary Islands where it was bred and developed to guard farms and drive off or kill wild dogs.

Dog breeds that likely contributed to the Presa Canario's bloodline include the Iberian Presa and other types of mastiffs and bulldogs. The Bardino Majorero, a sheepdog with notable intelligence, courage and guarding instincts, was later added to the mix. With its powerful build and daring characteristic, the Presa Canario became popular in the dog-fighting circles until the practice was prohibited in the 1940s.

The number of the Presa Canario breed began to decline, not only because of the dog-fighting ban but also due to the introduction of other guard dog breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog and the Doberman Pinscher. In the 1970s, the interest for the breed increased, and some breed enthusiasts decided to reconstruct the Presa with the goal of developing a massive, strong, fearless, highly territorial and calm dog breed.

By 1982, a breed club was formed in the Canary Islands. It was recognised by the United Kennel Club in 2003, but The Kennel Club in the UK has yet to recognise the Presa Canario as a breed of its own right.

The Presa Canario is a large-size dog with a thick and stocky body. The breed has a standard size of 88 to 110 pounds and 56 to 65 centimetres. The head is massive, broad and wedge-shaped. The ears are cropped to create a daunting expression and to prevent being damaged while working the cattle. When not cropped, the ears lie close to the head and hang down to a rose shape. The dog has a pendulous upper lip, with the front, upper and lower lips forming an inverted V, while the flews are divergent.

The Presa Canario sports a single coat that is short, flat and harsh to the touch. The coat comes in various colours or shades of fawn, black, and brindle.

The Presa Canario dog is low maintenance when it comes to grooming and sheds very little. Brush the dog once a week to remove dead hair to keep the coat healthy. Bathing should be done only when necessary. However, the breed shed seasonally during spring and autumn and as such should be brushed more frequently.

The rest is basic dog grooming. Trim the nails when necessary, usually once every two weeks. The teeth should regularly be brushed to avoid gum disease and to promote overall oral health. The ears should be checked weekly for dirt or any signs of infection and must be cleaned weekly with a vet-approved solution. When you notice something that is not normal during grooming, immediately consult a veterinarian.

With this said, training should be done at an early age, so they understand their place in the pack in the household. They are not suitable for novice dog owners since they need owners who know how to handle a large and dominant dog breed. Once trained, the dog will settle well in their environment and will start to form tight bonds with the owners and naturally protect them from harm. Although early socialisation is crucial for this type of breed, it is a mistake to think that Presas will shed their protective instincts, which are deeply embedded in their consciousness.

The Presa Canario is known as a docile dog, despite its imposing appearance. However, they are not suited to households with babies and toddlers. Their large forms can easily knock over small children and accidents may happen. It is crucial that any interaction between the Presa Canario and any children, regardless of age, is always supervised. Presas get on well with other dogs but might become a bit aggressive towards male dogs they meet. Also, care should be taken when they are around smaller animals and pets since they have a high prey drive.

• Senior and less active: up to 1,810 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 2,030 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 2,265 calories daily

The last thing on some potential dog owners’ mind is how much a dog will cost in its entire lifetime. Buying a dog on impulse and without considering the way it may alter your lifestyle is a mistake. Let us settle first the concerns regarding the cost to own a dog. When you buy a Presa Canario puppy, you will have to pay £500 to £700. However, you will have to wait to get one since it is a rare breed and only a few puppies are bred in the UK each year. Regardless, below is a quick overview of other costs:

• Pet insurance - £50 to £100 a month.
• Dog food - £40 to £50 a month.
• Veterinary care - £1,200 a year.
• Dog supplies - £200 one-time purchase.