Canary Island Dog History and Complete Breed Overview

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Posted Oct 10, 2024

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View of a Sea and Islands
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The Canary Island Dog has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, originating from the Canary Islands.

This ancient breed was developed as a companion dog for the island's inhabitants, who valued their loyalty and affectionate nature.

Their original purpose was to serve as a guard dog, but their friendly and outgoing personalities made them more suited for family companionship.

The Canary Island Dog is a small to medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 20-30 pounds.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners or those new to dog ownership.

For more insights, see: Treasure Island

What Is the Canary Island Dog?

The Canary Island Dog, also known as the Perro de Presa Canario, is a breed that originated on the Canary Islands.

It was developed from the Old English Mastiff and other breeds, making it a large and powerful dog.

This breed is known for its short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Credit: youtube.com, Before You Buy a Dog - PRESA CANARIO, CANARY ISLAND DOG - 7 Facts to Consider! DogcastTV!

The Canary Island Dog is a loyal and protective breed that makes a great companion for active families.

Its strong work ethic and intelligence make it a popular choice for dog sports and competitions.

It's a relatively rare breed, but its unique characteristics and charming personality make it a sought-after companion.

The breed's origins date back to the 15th century, when it was used as a guard dog and working dog on the islands.

History and Origin

The Canary Island dog has a rich history that spans centuries. The Presa Canario, a popular breed from the islands, was once close to extinction but was saved by a breed society formed in 1982.

The breed was heavily influenced by dogs brought from the British Isles during the late 19th century. This is evident in the breed's characteristics, which reflect the volcanic and fiery nature of the Canary Islands.

The Presa Canario was officially recognized by the Spanish national government in 2001 and later accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 2011. The breed was initially known as the Dogo Canario, but its name was changed to Presa Canario in 2018.

For your interest: Podenco Canario

Credit: youtube.com, The true story of the Presa Canario

The Podenco Canario, another breed from the islands, is a sighthound that was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006. This breed is highly skilled at detecting rabbits and has a unique "rabbit song" that it uses to alert its owners.

The origins of the Presa Canario are not fully understood, but it's believed to have descended from working Spanish dog breeds, such as the Perro Majorero and the Spanish Bulldog.

Characteristics and Traits

The Presa Canario is a large dog with a heavy muscular body, weighing between 50-65 kg, and standing 56-66 cm at the withers. They have a broad, massive head with a brachycephalic shape, and their ears are either cropped and erect or close-fitting to the head.

Their head shape is a key characteristic, with an inverted V formed by the upper and lower lips, and slightly divergent flews. The inside of their lips is a dark color.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Interesting Facts: About the PRESA CANARIO

Here are some key characteristics of the Presa Canario:

Podencos Canarios, on the other hand, have a distinct physical appearance with long, cone-shaped heads, flesh-colored noses, and almond-shaped dark amber eyes.

Characteristics

The Presa Canario is a large dog with a heavy muscular body, standing between 56-66 cm at the withers and weighing between 50-65 kg.

Their head is broad and massive, with a powerful brachycephalic shape. If cropped, the ears stand erect, but in countries where ear-cropping is banned, the ears are close-fitting to the head and hang down.

The upper lip is pendulous, but not excessively so, and the inside of the lips is a dark color. This unique feature is a defining characteristic of the breed.

The breed is also known for its sloping topline, with the rear being slightly higher than the shoulders. This contributes to the catlike movement of the animal.

Here are some key characteristics of the Presa Canario:

The Presa Canario's unique appearance is just one aspect of its character.

Podenco Traits

Credit: youtube.com, All About Podenco Dogs - List of All Podenco Breeds - Podengo - Warren Hound

Podenco Canarios have distinctive physical traits that set them apart from other breeds. They have long, cone-shaped heads and flesh-colored noses.

Their almond-shaped, dark amber eyes are a striking feature. Large, prick ears and low-set tails that reach just below the hock and taper at the tip are also characteristic of this breed.

Podencos Canarios are active and intelligent dogs. They require early socialization to curb their high prey drive and prevent them from chasing cats, other small pets, or wildlife.

These dogs get very attached to their families and are usually gentle with kids.

If this caught your attention, see: Presa Canarios Attack

Physical Features

The Canary Island dog, a breed with a unique appearance. They have long, cone-shaped heads, which is a distinctive feature. Podencos Canarios also have flesh-colored noses.

Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark amber, giving them a distinctive look. Presa Canario dogs, on the other hand, are a large breed, ranging from 22 to 26 inches in height.

They can weigh anywhere from 80 to 130 pounds, depending on their sex. This breed is sturdy and strong, with a wide chest and large skull.

Information and Pictures

White and Brown Long Coat Small Dog
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The physical features of this topic are quite fascinating, and there's a lot to learn. The average height of an adult is around 5 feet 9 inches.

One of the most recognizable features is the shape of the eyes, which are typically almond-shaped and slanted upwards. This is a common trait among many populations.

The nose is usually a prominent feature, and its shape can vary greatly from person to person. Some people have a straight nose, while others have a slightly curved or upturned one.

The mouth is a vital feature, and its shape can also be quite different. Some people have a wide mouth, while others have a narrow one.

The skin tone can range from very fair to very dark, and it's determined by the amount of melanin present.

Physical Features

The Presa Canario has a distinctive appearance that's hard to ignore. They're a large breed, ranging from 22 to 26 inches in height and 80 to 130 pounds in weight, depending on their sex.

El Medano Beach Welcome Sign in Canary Island
Credit: pexels.com, El Medano Beach Welcome Sign in Canary Island

Their sturdy build is a testament to their strength and power. With a wide chest, large skull, and muscular limbs, it's clear that this breed is built for action.

Their ears are quite large and prick, which can make them look a bit intimidating. But don't let that fool you - they're also incredibly intelligent and loving companions.

One of the most distinctive features of the Presa Canario is their head shape. It's long and cone-shaped, with a flesh-colored nose and almond-shaped, dark amber eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Canary Island dog cost?

The cost of a Canary Island dog can range from $1,200 to $3,000, reflecting their rare and valuable breed history.

Do Presa Canarios bark a lot?

Presa Canarios are generally quiet, only barking loudly when alert, and most of the time they remain fairly quiet. Their deep, loud bark is more of a warning than a frequent occurrence.

Is a Presa Canario a good family dog?

A Presa Canario can make a loving family dog, but they may prefer being the only pet due to their strong attachment to their family. With proper care and attention, they can thrive in a family environment.

Are Presa Canario legal in the US?

Yes, the Presa Canario is allowed in the United States, but its ownership may be restricted in certain areas due to local laws and regulations.

Ada Goodwin

Lead Writer

Ada Goodwin is a versatile writer with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of our world. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the unusual, she has explored a wide range of topics, from the cultural history of Japan to the fascinating world of taxidermy exhibits. Her writing often delves into the lives of individual dogs, monuments, and statues, revealing the unique stories and histories behind each one.