Presa canario

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog presa canario!

Here, you will find all the useful information about presa canario. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

Originally from the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the Presa Canario has its origins in a crossbreeding between the Majorero and molosser-type dogs such as the Mastiff, imported into the Canary Islands by the Spanish. Endowed with an exceptional guardian temperament and extraordinary courage, it quickly demonstrated its effectiveness as a herding dog for cattle.

The Presa Canario embodies an ancient breed, which had already made a name for itself in the 16th and 17th centuries by proudly distinguishing itself as a protector of island farmers. Despite its distant origins, its recognition by international organizations came relatively late. Indeed, the FCI officially registered it as a definitive breed on July 4th, 2011, and its current standard was published on November 26th, 2018.

Ranked among large-sized dogs, the Presa Canario has always been appreciated for its power and fearlessness. Its bone structure is sturdy and massive, yet despite its imposing stature, it maintains a balanced morphology and remarkable agility. Longer than it is tall, its body is proportioned to fit within a rectangle. Its topline is perfectly straight, its back is broad and strong, accompanied by impressively curved ribs.

Its limbs are solidly built, and its head presents a substantial mass, with well-defined jaws and a pronounced stop. Its coat is short, lying closely against the body, with a somewhat rigid texture while maintaining a certain silky softness. The colors accepted by the breed standards are primarily brindle or fawn, in all their nuances.

The Presa Canario possesses a remarkably developed protective instinct, typical of dogs skilled in guarding. Attached to its social group and family, it enjoys playing with all members of the household. However, caution is advised with children due to its imposing size, which could inadvertently lead to bumps. Calm and serene by nature, it remains vigilant and ready to react to any incident or unusual situation.

Endowed with a strong territorial instinct and wariness towards strangers, the Presa Canario holds great self-confidence and will never shy away from danger. Despite its deep attachment to its family, it exhibits a rather reserved, independent, and resourceful temperament. Faithful and reliable, it proves to be a wonderful companion that brings serenity and affection to your home.

In adulthood, its weight reaches around 50 kg (110 lb) for males and 40 kg (88 lb) for females. Its height ranges between 61 and 66 cm (24" to 26") for males, and between 57 and 62 cm (22.5" to 24.5") for females.

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Origins

The Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, originates from the Canary Islands in Spain. This ancient breed was developed for guarding and herding cattle as well as protecting properties. Its ancestors include local herding dogs and mastiffs imported by Spanish colonists. The Presa Canario is known for its robustness, strength, and courage, traits that have made it a reliable guardian and versatile working dog.

History

The Presa Canario has a rich history dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Spanish colonized the Canary Islands. These dogs were mainly used for farm and livestock protection, as well as hunting large game. In the 18th century, the breed nearly disappeared due to laws banning dog fighting. However, enthusiasts managed to preserve and revitalize the breed in the 20th century. Today, the Presa Canario is recognized for its guarding qualities and role as a loyal companion.

Standard

The standard of the Presa Canario breed specifies a robust dog, of molosser type, with well-developed musculature and an imposing appearance. The head is massive, square in shape with a broad skull and powerful jaws. The eyes are oval, medium in size, and dark in color. The ears are medium in size, drooping and high set. The tail is thick at the base and tapers towards the end. The coat is short, coarse and tight. Colors range from brindle to fawn, with or without a black mask.

Physical characteristics

The Presa Canario is a large dog, measuring between 60 and 66 cm for males and between 56 and 62 cm for females. Its weight varies from 50 to 65 kg for males and from 40 to 55 kg for females. The coat is short, harsh and slightly rough to the touch, with a color ranging from brindle to fawn, often accompanied by a black mask. Its musculature is well developed, giving it an imposing and powerful appearance. Its gait is firm and elegant, showing its natural strength and agility.

Character

The Presa Canario is known for its protective and loyal character. It is naturally suspicious of strangers, which makes it an excellent guard dog. With its family, it is affectionate, devoted, and very attached to its masters. It is an intelligent dog, capable of learning quickly, but can also be stubborn. Early socialization and firm but positive training are essential to channel its energy and protective instincts. The Presa Canario requires an experienced owner who can provide clear and consistent leadership.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Presa Canario is generally between 9 and 11 years. Just like for all breeds, this longevity can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care. Owners must ensure to provide balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and frequent visits to the veterinarian to maximize their dog's health and longevity. Due to their size and weight, it is also important to monitor signs of hip dysplasia and other joint issues.

Exercise and activity needs

The Presa Canario is an energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy and balanced. One hour of intensive exercise per day is recommended, including walks, active play, and training sessions. This dog also benefits from mental stimulation provided by activities such as search games and obedience exercises. Due to its protective nature, it is essential to expose it to different situations and environments for proper socialization. A well-exercised Presa Canario is happier and less likely to develop problematic behaviors.

Recommended diet

The Presa Canario requires a high-quality diet, adapted to its size and activity level. A diet rich in animal proteins is essential to support its muscle mass. Premium kibble for large and active dogs is ideal. The monthly cost of feeding a Presa Canario generally ranges between 70 and 120 euros, depending on the quality of chosen products. It is important to monitor its weight and distribute meals to avoid digestion and obesity problems, especially in young growing dogs.

Training and obedience

The education of the Presa Canario must start from a young age. Due to its strong character and protective nature, early socialization and ongoing training are crucial. The Presa Canario responds well to positive reinforcement methods, which include rewards and encouragement. However, it also requires firm and consistent discipline to establish clear boundaries. Owners must be patient and consistent, as this dog can sometimes be stubborn. Professional obedience classes can be beneficial in ensuring appropriate behavior.

Behavior with children

The Presa Canario can be an excellent companion for children, provided that it is properly socialized and trained. It is naturally protective towards its family, including the youngest members. However, due to its size and strength, it is important to supervise the interactions between the dog and the children to avoid accidents. Children should also be educated on how to respect and treat the dog properly. A well-socialized and trained Presa Canario can become a loyal guardian and friend for the children in the family.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Presa Canario can coexist with other pets, but early socialization is essential. Its protective instinct can make it territorial, especially towards dogs of the same sex. It is important to gradually introduce it to other animals and monitor interactions to avoid conflicts. Ongoing training and supervision are necessary to ensure harmonious cohabitation. When well socialized, the Presa Canario can peacefully live with other pets, but each dog has its own personality and individual behaviors may vary.

Grooming needs

The Presa Canario has a short and tough coat that requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and keep its coat clean. An occasional bath, about once a month, is recommended to keep its skin and coat healthy. It is also important to regularly check its ears to prevent infections, brush its teeth to prevent dental problems, and trim its nails if they do not wear down naturally. Regular grooming contributes to the overall health and well-being of the dog.

Health

The Presa Canario is generally a robust breed, but it can be prone to certain health conditions. The most common problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, and some heart diseases. It is essential to choose a breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding stock to minimize the risks of hereditary diseases. Regular visits to the veterinarian, a balanced diet, and adequate exercise are crucial for maintaining the health of the Presa Canario. Monitoring its weight and overall well-being also helps prevent health issues.

Average price

The price of a Presa Canario puppy generally ranges between 1000 and 2000 euros, depending on the breeder's reputation, the pedigree of the parents, and the quality of the puppy. Puppies from champion bloodlines or parents with titles in shows or work may cost more. It is crucial to buy from a reputable breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding dogs and who adheres to the breed standards. The initial purchase costs should be followed by regular expenses for the maintenance, health, and training of the dog.

Expenses

Monthly expenses for a Presa Canario typically range between 100 and 150 euros. This includes food, veterinary care, grooming products, and potential training or activity fees. Veterinary costs may increase in case of illnesses or accidents. It is also recommended to invest in a dog health insurance, which can represent an additional monthly cost of 30 to 60 euros depending on the chosen coverage. Good management of expenses is essential to ensure a healthy and happy life for the Presa Canario.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for your Presa Canario can reflect its strength, nobility, and unique character. Here are some name suggestions: Titan, Zeus, Rocco, Maximus, Hera, Nala, Kali, Thor, Atlas, Diesel, Rex, Gaia, Bruno, Luna, Juno, Zara, Sable, Duke, Storm. These names often evoke the power and impressive presence of the Presa Canario. The name should be easy to pronounce and remember for better understanding during training and education.

Legislation and regulation

The Presa Canario is classified as category 2 in France, which means that it is considered as a guard and defense dog. Owners must comply with certain regulations, such as declaration to the town hall, obligation to have liability insurance, and possession of a detention permit. Category 2 dogs must be kept on a leash and muzzled in public places. Regulations may vary from one country to another, so it is essential to check the local laws regarding ownership of this breed.

Official recognition

The Presa Canario is recognized by several international canine organizations. In France, it is recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, the breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). In the United Kingdom, it is recognized by the Kennel Club. These recognitions allow the Presa Canario to participate in dog shows and working competitions, contributing to the promotion and conservation of the breed on a global scale.

Pedigrees

The Presa Canario is eligible for pedigrees issued by several recognized breed clubs. In France, the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) issues pedigrees under the auspices of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) manage pedigrees for this breed. In the United Kingdom, the Kennel Club also issues pedigrees. These breed clubs ensure the respect of standards and the quality of lineages, thus contributing to the preservation of the breed. Responsible breeders must adhere to these clubs to ensure the health and conformity of their dogs.

Destination and usage

The Presa Canario is primarily used as a guard dog and protector due to its protective nature and impressive strength. It is also used for herding and guarding livestock, especially in its native islands, the Canary Islands. In addition to its working abilities, the Presa Canario is appreciated as a family companion for households that can meet its exercise and mental stimulation needs. Its protective instinct makes it an excellent property watchdog, while its loyal and affectionate temperament makes it endearing to those close to it.

Prohibitions

In some countries, the Presa Canario is subject to specific restrictions due to its classification as a potentially dangerous dog. For example, in France, it belongs to category 2, which imposes strict regulations regarding its ownership, including declaration to the town hall, holding civil liability insurance, and wearing a muzzle in public. In other countries, owning a Presa Canario may be prohibited or subject to specific conditions. It is essential to inquire about local laws before acquiring a Presa Canario to ensure compliance with current regulations.

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