Presa Canario
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| Perro de Presa Canario | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ch. E Katia. Owned by Sanders Kennels. | |||||||||
| Other names | Canary Dog Presa Canario | ||||||||
| Origin | Canary Islands | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Notes | FCI recognition is still pending. | ||||||||
| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||
The Perro de Presa Canario, also known as the Presa Canario, Dogo Canario, and Canary Dog is a Molosser breed from the Canary Islands. This large breed of dogs were originally bred to hold and guard.
Appearance
Presa Canarios have thick skin and short fur that comes in all shades of fawn and brindle. White is allowed up to 20 percent and is most commonly found on the chest and feet, and occasionally on a blaze on the muzzle. The breed standard requires black pigmentation and dogs should have a black mask that does not extend above the eyes. No shades of blue are allowed in competition.
Proper head (considered a "square on a square") and good "expression" are part of the breed standard, and are manifest in the best breed specimens. The breed is also characterized by a sloping topline (with the rear being slightly higher than the shoulders). Another characteristic of the breed is the shape of the paws (cat foot)and the catlike movement of the animal. The breed is also known, incidentally, for ability to adapt to various climates and its very minimal shedding.
Females average between 90-115 pounds and males 115-135 pounds.
Diversity of Appearance
One of the unique characteristics of the breed is the diversity of markings. Fawn comes in silver fawn, gold fawn, and red fawn. Brindle comes in colorings of black (and may appear solid), brown, and all shades in between. "Verdino" or greenish-tinted brindle is among the most traditional coat colors; reverse brindle or "atigrado claro" is among the most exotic.
Standard Characteristics
Many breeders are trying to change the functionality of this breed by breeding males above 140 pounds, which causes health, endurance, and other issues.
History
The breed is originally from the Canary Islands in the 1800s. Its exact ancestry is unknown, but enthusiasts believe that an already established farm dog from the Canary Islands by the name of Majero bardino majorero was crossed with the Mastiffs and Old-Style Bulldogs that were brought from Europe to the Islands, creating the modern Presa Canario. Like many fighting dogs, the breed became nearly extinct after dog fighting was outlawed in the 1940s, but it was revived in the 1970s. It is sometimes referred to in English as a "Canarian Dog" and in Spanish simply a "Presa".
Health
Hip dysplasia is known to occur in this breed.
Aggression
As with any breed, those interested in purchasing a Presa Canario should carefully research breeders and a dog's ancestry to ensure that the breeding lines are healthy. Some enthusiasts hold that, if the dog's pedigree cannot be traced back to the Canary Islands, it is not a true Presa Canario but rather a Bandog.
As Presa Canarios are often bred for fighting or as attack dogs, this breed has a reputation of fierce loyalty to its owners and vicious aggression to any other person or animal perceived as a threat. Owners should be vigilant about purchasing from reputable dealers and ensuring the dog receives obedience training.
The breed received considerable press notoriety after Diane Whipple was mauled to death in 2001 by a neighbor's two Presa Canario in the hallway of her San Francisco apartment building. The dogs' caretakers were convicted of manslaughter.
External links
- Clubs, Associations, and Societies
- Directories and Informational Pages
- Origin of the Presa Canario - By the DCA
- Dogs In Depth Page
Dogo Canario Breeders
www.barnacanbull.com www.sanderskennels.com www.eternaprimavera.com