Presa Canarios can be a handful, but with the right care and attention, they can thrive as loving and loyal companions.
Presa Canarios are naturally protective of their families and territories, which can sometimes lead to defensive behaviors like snapping or growling.
They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, such as digging or chewing.
Presa Canarios are not generally aggressive dogs, but their strong prey drive can make them a challenge to manage around small pets or wildlife.
Related reading: Ear Cropping Presa Canario
History and Origins
The Presa Canario breed has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. The breed's origin dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries on the Canary Islands.
Presa Canarios were initially bred as work dogs, specifically as sentries and protectors, standing guard over farms on the Canary Islands. They were used to protect and herd cattle, and kill wild animals trying to prey on the farm stock.
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The breed's ancestors include the Perro de Ganado Majorero, a type of mastiff indigenous to the area. They also share genetics with other Spanish breeds.
Presa Canarios were used in dog fighting, a practice that was common in the Canary Islands until the 1940s or 50s. This history of violence is a significant factor in the breed's fearsome reputation today.
In the 1970s, breeders focused on preserving the Presa Canario breed, breeding dogs that were brave, protective, territorial, headstrong, and massive. This effort helped to recover the breed from the brink of extinction.
Here are some key dates in the Presa Canario's history:
The breed's history is marked by periods of decline and recovery, with a significant impact on its numbers and reputation.
Characteristics and Traits
The Presa Canario is a large dog with a heavy muscular body, weighing between 50-160 pounds, depending on its sex. They have a broad, massive, square-shaped head, and their ears are either cropped to stand erect or left natural, hanging down.
Dogs of this breed stand between 23-26 inches tall, while females stand between 22-25 inches. Their coat is short and slightly coarse, coming in a range of fawn and brindle coloring shades. The Presa Canario's imposing physical appearance contributes to the fear factor surrounding them.
A Presa Canario's body is mesomorphic, slightly longer than it is tall, which contributes to their feline-like movement. Their paws are shaped like a cat's, adding to their agile and powerful appearance.
Characteristics
The Presa Canario is a large dog with a heavy muscular body, weighing between 50-65 kg for males and 40-55 kg for females.
They stand between 56-62 cm tall for bitches and 60-66 cm for dogs.
The head is broad, massive, and square, with a powerful brachycephalic shape.
The upper lip is pendulous, and the flews are slightly divergent.
The inside of the lips is a dark color.
The breed is characterized by a sloping topline, with the rear being slightly higher than the shoulders.
The paws are shaped like a cat's foot, and the animal moves with a cat-like movement.
The body is mesomorphic, slightly longer than the dog is tall.
Here are the categories of dogs that the Presa Canario belongs to:
The Presa Canario's imposing physical appearance contributes to the fear factor surrounding the breed.
A healthy Presa Canario can weigh up to 160 pounds, making it extremely powerful.
The breed's color ranges from a range of shades of fawn and brindle coloring.
The coat is short and slightly coarse.
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Bite Force
The bite force of a Presa Canario is a force to be reckoned with. Some researchers believe it might exceed 500 PSI.
Studies have shown that dogs of a greater size, with large heads and more powerful jaw muscles, naturally have the most physical capacity for causing damage through biting.
A dog's bite force will also depend on its mood and motivation for biting, not just its genetics, making each individual dog's bite force unique.
The Presa Canario is widely believed to be in the top 10 of most powerful canine biters, which is a sobering thought if you're considering bringing one home.
Cons of Perro
Perro de Presa Canarios can be a handful when it comes to exercise. They need a lot of it to stay happy and healthy.
One thing to consider is the breed's attack instincts, which may not make it suitable for families with young children. This is a serious consideration for any family looking to bring a Perro de Presa Canario into their home.
Perro de Presa Canarios require intensive socialization and obedience training to become well-behaved members of the family. This training is essential to help them interact with people and other animals safely.
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Perro de Overview
The Perro de Presa Canario is an impressive breed that can be a great match for someone looking for a protective and loyal dog.
These dogs require a lot of time and effort when it comes to training and exercise, so be prepared to put in the work.
They're relatively easy when it comes to grooming, which is a plus for busy owners.
On a similar theme: Why Do Dogs Attack When They Sense Fear
Care and Ownership
The Presa Canario is a powerful breed that requires experienced owners who can provide proper socialization and training. They are intelligent and strong-willed, which can make them suspicious of strangers.
Their history as a guard dog has made them wary of outsiders, which is why early socialization is crucial to ensure they interact safely with others. In fact, experts believe that first-time dog owners should steer clear of this breed.
To keep your Presa Canario safe and happy, you'll need to provide ample opportunity for outdoor activity. This will help burn off their excess energy and keep them from getting destructive.
A Presa Canario's behavior largely depends on its training, which is why proper training is essential. Without it, they can become aggressive and even deadly.
Proper training can help your Presa Canario become a loyal and loving companion, but it requires a lot of effort and dedication. If you're not prepared to put in the work, it's best to consider a different breed.
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Training and Temperament
Training and temperament are crucial aspects of owning a Presa Canario. They can be calm, affectionate, and obedient, but only with proper training from experienced owners.
Intensive socialization and obedience training as puppies and beyond is crucial for the Presa Canario breed. They will respond best to fair, consistent training and clear limits. This is especially important because they have a powerful natural instinct to attack anything that appears to be a threat.
A Presa Canario's temperament can be a concern due to their strong will and protective nature. They are generally calm in demeanor, but will be alert and hostile in the face of any perceived danger to themselves or their family.
If they do not receive the right training, care, or attention as young puppies, a Presa Canario can be disobedient, aggressive, and even dangerous in everyday situations.
Here are the top 10 training tips for Presa Canario owners:
- Presa Canarios need a strong alpha to provide firm training. Your pet needs to understand that you are in charge.
- Do not use force to train your puppy – by making them fearful, you may make the dog more likely to attack or exhibit aggressive behavior as it develops.
- Make sure your Presa puppy knows and responds to its name. This is a vital first step in teaching it to pay attention and remain obedient.
- Start providing frequent socialization for your puppy with different people as soon as you get it home.
- Attend puppy kindergarten sessions and obedience training with your Presa from around 10 weeks old.
- Use positive reinforcement when possible to help shape your puppy’s behavior.
- Visit friends and neighbors with your dog, and invite people to interact with it.
- Keep your Presa puppy busy and active with exercise and activities to prevent them from becoming bored and engaging in bad behavior.
- Make sure your yard is secured with a strong six-foot fence.
- Presa Canarios have a strong prey instinct – make sure you prevent them from chasing cats and small dogs.
A Presa Canario's behavioral characteristics include being intelligent, headstrong, territorial, self-confident, having a high activity level, suspicious of strange people and dogs, and protective.
Health and Safety
Presa canarios are powerful dogs that require careful handling and attention to their health and safety needs. They are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, which can be costly and time-consuming to address.
Exercise is essential for presa canarios, but owners must be mindful of their body language and energy levels to avoid overexertion. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended.
Presa canarios are naturally protective of their families and territories, which can sometimes lead to aggression towards strangers or other animals. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help mitigate this risk.
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Common Health Problems
Perro de Presa Canarios are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. These issues can be significant and impact the dog's quality of life.
Hip or joint dysplasia is a common problem in Presa Canarios, causing mobility problems, pain, and lameness. This is due to abnormalities in the joints that can be painful and debilitating.
Heart problems are also a concern, with Presa Canarios at risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This condition causes the heart to enlarge and ineffectively pump blood, which can be life-threatening.
Eye problems can affect Presa Canarios, including conditions like cataracts and canine multifocal retinopathy. These conditions can impair vision and require veterinary attention.
Epilepsy is another neurological disorder that can affect Presa Canarios, causing seizures that require treatment from a veterinarian. This is a serious condition that needs to be managed carefully.
Canine Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by Leishmania parasites that are transmitted from the bite of an infected phlebotomine sandfly. This disease can be serious and require prompt veterinary attention.
Here are some common health problems that can affect Perro de Presa Canarios:
- Hip or joint dysplasia
- Heart problems (dilated cardiomyopathy)
- Eye problems (cataracts, canine multifocal retinopathy)
- Epilepsy
- Canine Leishmaniasis
Dog Attack Aftermath Checklist
If you've been a victim of a dog attack, it's essential to take immediate action to ensure your safety and well-being.
First, call the police and file a report as soon as possible after the attack. This will help create a record of the incident.
Documenting the scene and your injuries is crucial. Take photos and videos of the area, including any visible wounds or damage.
Speaking to witnesses is also vital. Secure their statements and contact details to help build a case.
Contacting an accomplished dog bite lawyer is your next step. They can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here's a checklist to help you navigate the aftermath of a dog attack:
- Call the police and file a report
- Document the scene and your injuries
- Speak to witnesses
- Contact an accomplished dog bite lawyer
Sources
- "Presa Demand Grows for All Wrong Reasons / Dogs wanted for killing, fighting" (sfgate.com)
- Perro De Presa Canario: Special Rare-Breed Edition : A Comprehensive Owner's Guide (google.com)
- "Killer Dog Sparks Interest in Rare Breed" (go.com)
- "El Perro de Presa Canario" (elpresa.com)
- New name for Dogo Canario (346) (fci.be)
- FCI breeds nomenclature: Presa Canario (fci.be)
- Real Decreto 558/2001, de 25 de mayo, por el que se regula el reconocimiento oficial de las organizaciones o asociaciones de criadores de perros de raza pura (boe.es)
- Presa Canario - Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- United Perro de Presa Canario Club (unitedpresacanarioclub.com)
- comprehensive study (dogsbite.org)
- Presa Canario Aggression (askthedogguy.com)
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