Presa Canarios Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Health and Care

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Posted Oct 14, 2024

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Canary Dog head
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Presa Canarios puppies are a unique breed that requires special attention to their health and care. They are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, and responsible breeders will have their breeding stock evaluated for this condition.

Presa Canarios puppies need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, but their exercise needs are relatively low compared to other breeds. They require daily walks and playtime, but excessive exercise can lead to joint problems.

Presa Canarios puppies are naturally protective of their family and territory, but with proper socialization, they can become great companions. They are generally wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential to keep them healthy and clean.

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History of

The Presa Canario breed has an intricate history that spans centuries. The breed originated on the Canary Islands, where it was used as a work dog and a guardian of farms and livestock.

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Its ancestors include the Bardino Majorero and various molossoid-type dogs introduced to the islands during the colonial period. The Presa Canario was particularly influenced by dogs brought from the British Isles in the late 19th century.

The breed was close to extinction by the 1960s, but a breed society was formed in 1982 to draw up a provisional breed standard. The standard was approved by the Real Sociedad Canina de España in 1989.

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

Here is a brief timeline of the breed's history:

  • 15th-16th centuries: Presa Canario breed originates on the Canary Islands
  • 1960s: Breed is close to extinction
  • 1982: Breed society is formed
  • 1989: Provisional breed standard is approved
  • 2001: Breed is officially recognized by the Spanish national government
  • 2011: Breed is fully accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale

Today, the Presa Canario is recognized as a national symbol of the Canary Islands and serves as a guardian dog for many farmers and herdsmen. Its intimidating appearance and hyper-awareness make it an ideal breed for this purpose.

Characteristics of the

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The Presa Canario is a large dog with a heavy muscular body, standing 60-66 cm tall and weighing 50-65 kg. They have a broad, massive head with a square and powerful brachycephalic shape.

The Presa Canario's head is characterized by a pendulous upper lip and a dark-colored inside of the lips. Their ears are usually cropped, but in countries where ear-cropping is banned, they hang down and are pendant or "rose"-shaped.

The breed's topline is sloping, with the rear being slightly higher than the shoulders. This unique shape, combined with their cat-like movement and paws, gives them a feline appearance.

Here's a quick summary of the Presa Canario's physical characteristics:

The Presa Canario is a confident breed with a calm and confident temperament, often described as gentle and sweet. They are a medium-affectionate breed, requiring regular exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy.

Health

The Presa Canario is generally a healthy breed, but they can still be prone to certain health issues.

Their life expectancy is lower than that of other breeds, at around 7.7 years compared to 12.7 years for purebreds and 12 years for crossbreeds.

To prevent joint problems, using dietary supplements for joint health can be beneficial.

Health Problems

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The Presa Canario is generally a healthy dog breed, but they still suffer from common ailments seen in big dogs. Elbow and hip dysplasia are two conditions that can affect them, and using dietary supplements for joint health can help prevent them from developing early.

Large breeds like the Presa Canario are also prone to bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition can be life-threatening, so it's essential to take preventative measures.

Avoiding play and exercise at mealtime can help prevent bloat in Presa Canarios. Feeding high-quality dog food in a slow-feeder can also help prevent this condition.

Consider reading: Ear Cropping Presa Canario

How Long Do They Live?

The Presa Canario's life expectancy is a topic worth discussing. They have an average life expectancy of between 9 and 11 years.

This is considered high for dogs of this size, which is impressive. Their life expectancy is comparable to that of crossbreeds, which typically live for around 12 years.

Unfortunately, a UK study found that the Presa Canario's life expectancy is lower than that of purebreeds, with an average of 7.7 years compared to 12.7 years.

Quick Look

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Presa Canario puppies are a wonderful addition to any family, and here's a quick look at what you can expect from this breed.

They typically weigh between 85-140 pounds and stand between 22-26 inches tall.

Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, which is great news for busy owners.

Presa Canarios have a lifespan of 9-11 years, so you can look forward to a long and loving relationship with your new furry friend.

Here's a quick summary of their key characteristics:

Size and Build

The Presa Canario is a large and muscular dog.

Males can weigh anywhere from 110 to 140 pounds, which is quite a range. Female Presa Canarios, on the other hand, typically weigh between 85 to 115 pounds.

They stand tall, with an average height of 22-26 inches, giving them a formidable appearance.

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Coat and Color

The Presa Canario's coat is a short, smooth coat that stands close to the body.

Their coat is generally fawn or brindle, which are beautiful and striking colors.

Compared to other breeds, the Presa Canario's coat is rather harsh to the touch due to its coarse texture.

Minimal maintenance is required to keep their coat looking its best.

Temperament

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The Presa Canario temperament is a unique blend of loyalty, protection, and strong will. They are naturally protective of their family and territory.

As a breed with a strong guarding instinct, Presa Canarios can be alert and hostile in the face of perceived danger. This can be a concern for novice dog owners.

Early socialization and training are essential to curb unwanted acts of aggression and teach impulse control. Without proper training, a Presa Canario can become disobedient, aggressive, and even dangerous.

Presa Canarios are generally calm in demeanor, but their size and strength require careful handling, especially around young children. They should be taught to remain gentle and calm when playing with kids.

Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs, but they may take their duties too far and confront intruders without training. This can be a double-edged sword, requiring careful management.

Temperament

The Presa Canario temperament is a unique blend of loyalty, protection, and aggression. This breed is naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.

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Presa Canarios are known to be suspicious of anything strange in their territory, which is a result of their history as guard dogs in the Canary Islands. They have a strong instinct to guard and protect.

Their protective nature can be a double-edged sword, requiring early socialization and training to curb unwanted aggression. Without proper training, a Presa Canario can become disobedient, aggressive, and even dangerous.

Presa Canarios are generally calm in demeanor, but they can become alert and hostile in the face of perceived danger. They are naturally confident and won't back down from a challenge.

Their loyalty is one of their most admirable traits, making them devoted family pets. However, their size can be a concern around young children, and they require supervision to prevent accidents.

Presa Canarios are not recommended for novice dog owners, as they require a dominant leader to channel their protective instincts into something useful. Early socialization and training are essential to teach them impulse control and calm behavior.

Their high prey drive makes them unsuitable for households with small pets, and they may chase or dominate other dogs if not properly socialized.

Are Energetic?

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Presa Canarios are low-to-medium energy dogs that don't require immense daily exercise. They enjoy lying around and slowly patrolling their territory rather than running in full sprints unless there's a need for it.

A half-hour-long walk around the neighborhood is enough to keep them healthy and fit. You can also incorporate hikes and appropriate dog sports to make them more tired and less interested in acting overprotective.

Care and Grooming

The Perro de Presa Canario's short coat requires occasional bathing to stay clean. You'll want to brush them regularly to remove loose fur, ideally on a monthly basis.

Nail trimming is a must for this breed, as their nails grow fast and strong. Use a nail clipper or a nail grinder like the Dremel PawControl to keep them in check.

Their short ears need regular checks to ensure they're clean and healthy. Brushing their teeth regularly will also help prevent dental problems.

Grooming

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The Presa Canario's grooming needs are pretty straightforward. They require very little grooming, with brushing only needed once a month to remove loose fur from their short coat.

You won't need to take them to a professional groomer like you would with long-haired breeds, but you should still take care of their nail trimming and dental care. Brushing them every other week can help manage their minimal shedding, especially during spring and fall.

Occasional bathing will keep their short coat clean, but they may require regular grooming and brushing due to their shedding. Their strong, fast-growing nails need to be frequently trimmed with a nail clipper or a nail grinder.

Their short ears should be checked regularly, and their teeth should be brushed regularly to keep them clean and healthy.

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How to Care for a Pet

Taking care of a pet requires attention to their specific needs, and for Presa Canarios, socialization and training at an early age are crucial.

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This breed demands a lot of time for socialization and training at an early age.

To live a healthy, happy life, Presa Canarios need an attentive owner who can provide the necessary care and attention.

Presa Canarios are generally easy to care for, making them a great choice for experienced dog owners.

However, their care needs, grooming, health, and feeding require careful consideration to ensure they thrive.

A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for Presa Canarios to maintain their physical and mental health.

With proper care and attention, Presa Canarios can live a long and happy life, making them a wonderful companion for many years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Presa Canario puppy?

A Presa Canario puppy typically costs between $1,500 to $2,500, depending on its lineage, health, and potential show quality.

Is Presa Canario a good family dog?

Presa Canario can make a loving family pet, but they thrive in households with limited dog interaction. They bond strongly with their family, but may prefer being the only dog at home.

What two dogs make a Presa Canario?

The Presa Canario is a cross between the Bardino Majorero and various molossoid dogs. This unique blend of breeds resulted from colonial-era introductions to the Canary Islands.

Rachel Kunze

Senior Writer

Rachel Kunze is a passionate writer with a keen interest in the world of animals and agriculture. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as the Maremma Sheepdog and livestock breeds. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, Rachel's writing is informative, engaging, and accessible to readers of all levels.