PRESA CANARIO

Temperament: Suspicious, Stubborn, Strong Willed
Height: 21 – 25 inches 
Weight:  80 – 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Presa Canario is thought to date to the 15th and 16th centuries, perhaps descended from mastiff-type dogs brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish conquistadores. There they guarded farms, helped wrangle cattle, and drove off or killed stray or wild dogs.

The Presa Canario has a powerful, square head that is nearly as wide as it is long. The muzzle is broad. The chest is deep and broad. The rump is slightly raised. This breed has thick skin, dense bones, powerful muscles and a massive head with a large jaw. The ears are usually cropped. Colors include fawn and various brindles; white markings are sometimes seen.

The Presa Canario is not an appropriate choice for an inexperienced dog owner. First-time dog owners and people who have had only “soft” breeds such as retrievers, spaniels, or toy breeds need not apply. In the wrong hands, the Presa (like any dog) is dangerous.

Early, frequent socialization is essential. Purchase a Presa Canario puppy from a breeder who raises the pups in the home and ensures that they are exposed to many different household sights and sounds, as well as people, before they go off to their new homes.

The Presa has a high activity level and needs a job to do, which can be anything from being your on-leash walking companion to daily training activities. He will not be satisfied to lie around and do nothing all the time.

The Presa Canario has a smooth coat that sheds. Brush him at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the skin and coat healthy. Clean the ears and trim the nails as needed, and bathe the Presa on the rare occasions that he’s dirty.

PERSONALITY

The Presa is a docile, affectionate dog. They are great family protectors and are bred to be family companions as well as guardians. They are distrustful of strangers, but should accept strangers if the owner accepts them. They should be very alert and ready to defend the owner or property if necessary. It is generally a quiet breed but has a very intimidating bark. This breed requires an owner who understands the alpha nature of canines. No member of the family can be uncomfortable around the dog. Canaries make outstanding guard dogs. Just their appearance is a deterrent, not to mention their ability to confront any intruder.

FEEDING

Whether food is commercially prepared or cooked at home (with guidance from a veterinarian), the Presa Canario will perform well with any high-quality diet. As a larger, active breed, they may require more water than the average dog, and may also prefer higher-protein food.

HEALTH

Health problems that have been seen in the Presa include orthopedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans and panosteitis; eye problems such as entropion; hypothyroidism; demodectic mange; epilepsy; and cryptorchidism (a single testicle or a testicle retained inside the body). The breed may also be prone to gastric torsion/bloat, and anterior cruciate ligament tears. Ask the breeder to show evidence that a puppy’s parents have hips that have been rated as fair, good or excellent by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Both parents should also have OFA elbow clearances, an OFA thyroid evaluation and eye clearances from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs vet checked is not a substitute for genetic health testing.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Presa at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Health problems that have been seen in the Presa include orthopedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans and panosteitis; eye problems such as entropion; hypothyroidism; demodectic mange; epilepsy; and cryptorchidism (a single testicle or a testicle retained inside the body). The breed may also be prone to gastric torsion/bloat, and anterior cruciate ligament tears. Ask the breeder to show evidence that a puppy’s parents have hips that have been rated as fair, good or excellent by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Both parents should also have OFA elbow clearances, an OFA thyroid evaluation and eye clearances from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs vet checked is not a substitute for genetic health testing.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Presa at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.

CARE

The Presa Canario will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

This breed needs to be taken on a daily, long walk. Do not allow this dog to walk out in front of the handler while out on a walk. Pack leader goes first and the Presa must understand that all humans are above him in the pecking order. The Presa will thrive if given a job to do.

Early, frequent socialization is essential. Purchase a Presa Canario puppy from a breeder who raises the pups in the home and ensures that they are exposed to many different household sights and sounds, as well as people, before they go off to their new homes.

Once your vet gives the go-ahead, continue socializing your Presa Canario throughout his life by taking him to puppy kindergarten class, visits to friends and neighbors, and outings to local shops and businesses. This is the only way he can learn to be discriminating, recognizing what is normal and what is truly a threat. That said, no amount of socialization will make him friendly toward one and all.

The Presa has a high activity level and needs a job to do, which can be anything from being your on-leash walking companion to daily training activities. He will not be satisfied to lie around and do nothing all the time.

Begin training as soon as you bring your Perro de Presa Canario puppy home, while he is still at a manageable size. A nothing-in-life-is-free program, requiring puppies to “work” for everything they get by performing a command before receiving meals, toys, treats or play, often works well with this breed. It’s always a good idea to take a Presa Canario to puppy kindergarten followed by basic obedience class, especially if you are working with a trainer who understands the Presa Canario mindset.

GROOMING

The Presa Canario has a short, flat, single coat with a harsh texture. It sheds but is easy to groom. Brush him at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the skin and coat healthy. Bathe the Presa on the rare occasions that he’s dirty.

You can expect him to shed seasonally in the spring and fall. Brush him more frequently during that time to remove dead hair. Warm baths and thorough blow-drying (use a low setting to avoid burning the dog) will also help to loosen the coat and get rid of dead hair more quickly.

The Presa doesn’t drool as much as some mastiff-type dogs, though some drooling is inevitable after he eats or drinks or during hot weather. Wipe his mouth after to prevent him from wiping drool on your clothing, walls, or furniture.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually once every week or two. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Check the ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian. Begin grooming early so the Presa learns to accept handling willingly.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: vetstreet, dogbreedinfo, thesprucepets.