Perro de Presa Canario
The Presa Canario, also known as the 'Canary Mastiff', is a large and strong dog breed. They are known for their protective nature and loyalty.


Perro de Presa Canario Breed overview
Perro de Presa Canario is a powerful and intelligent breed that was originally bred to guard and hunt large game. They are loyal and protective of their family and territory, but need proper socialization, training, and exercise to prevent aggressive behavior. They thrive in homes with a yard and human companionship. They also excel at physical tasks and obedience training that challenge their intelligence and instincts.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Perro de Presa Canario
Training
Early training and socialization is crucial with this breed due to their strong-willed nature.
They respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques and require consistent and firm training.
It is important to establish yourself as the leader and prevent aggressive behavior from developing.
Exercise
Presa Canarios are a large and active breed that require daily exercise.
They should be taken on long walks or runs and provided with plenty of playtime and mental stimulation.
They do well in homes with fenced yards where they can run and play safely.
Nutrition
Presa Canarios should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Feeding should be divided into two or three smaller meals throughout the day to prevent bloat.
Treats should be given in moderation and should not make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Health
Like all breeds, Presa Canarios can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
They should be exercised regularly and provided with a healthy diet to maintain their overall health.
Grooming
Presa Canarios have a short, coarse coat that is easy to maintain.
They should be brushed regularly to remove loose hair, and baths should be given as needed.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly and teeth should be brushed often to prevent dental issues.
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Perro de Presa Canario Traits & Characteristics
Males usually stand around 23-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 100-130 pounds, while females stand around 22-25 inches tall and weigh between 85-120 pounds.
They have a broad and deep chest, a powerful neck, and a broad, square head with a strong jaw.
The coat is short and coarse with colors ranging from fawn to brindle, and a black or grey mask may be present.
Presa Canarios have a calm and confident temperament, but they can become aggressive if not trained and socialized properly.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Perro de Presa Canario is loyal to their owners, but they are not an affectionate breed. They are more inclined to show their devotion through their guard-dog instincts, rather than licking and cuddling with their humans.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Perro de Presa Canario can be good with children if socialized properly. Their size and energy level should be taken into consideration before introducing them to children. Supervision is recommended, and children should be taught to respect the dog's space and boundaries.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Perro de Presa Canario has a high prey drive and can be aggressive towards other dogs. Early socialization is essential. They should be carefully introduced to other dogs, and always kept on leash or in a fenced area to avoid aggressive behavior.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Perro de Presa Canario is wary of strangers and will guard their home and family. Early socialization and training can help them learn to differentiate between potential threats and harmless visitors.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Perro de Presa Canario has an average activity level and needs regular exercise to stay healthy. They can be playful and enjoy interactive games with their owners. But they are more inclined to use their energy to protect their territory and family.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Perro de Presa Canario is highly alert and will protect their home and family from perceived threats. They are an excellent guard dog and will quickly respond to any potential danger around their territory.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Perro de Presa Canario can adapt to different living conditions, but they thrive in homes with a yard where they can exercise and protect their territory. They also need early socialization to adapt well to different environments.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Perro de Presa Canario is a moderate shedder. Regular brushing can help keep shedding under control. They also benefit from occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Perro de Presa Canario has a short, easy-to-maintain coat. Regular brushing, occasional baths, and nail trimming are all they need to stay healthy and looking their best.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Perro de Presa Canario may drool, but it's not excessive. Providing them with fresh water and keeping their mouth healthy by regular dental checkups can help minimize drooling.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Perro de Presa Canario is a large breed and can weigh up to 150 pounds. They need plenty of space to exercise and may require special accommodations in small spaces, such as elevators and vehicles.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Perro de Presa Canario has an average activity level and needs daily exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy walks and playtime, but they also need plenty of rest and downtime to recharge their energy.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Perro de Presa Canario has an average activity level and needs daily exercise to stay healthy. They need regular walks, playtime, and interactive games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Perro de Presa Canario was originally bred to work as a guard and hunting dog. They are excellent watchdogs and will fiercely protect their family and territory. They also excel at obedience training and other tasks that challenge their intelligence and instincts.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Perro de Presa Canario has a high prey drive and excellent hunting skills. They were originally bred to hunt wild boar and other large game. They need proper training and supervision when introduced to other animals.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Perro de Presa Canario has high physical stamina and endurance. They excel at physical tasks that require strength and agility, such as retrieving and guarding. They need plenty of exercise and regular mental stimulation to stay in good shape and health.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Perro de Presa Canario is generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and other joint problems. Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent health issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Perro de Presa Canario should be fed a healthy diet and exercised regularly to prevent obesity. They also benefit from mental stimulation and interactive games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior related to overeating.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Perro de Presa Canario can tolerate cold weather conditions, but they need proper shelter and protection from extreme temperatures to prevent health issues. They also benefit from warm clothing during particularly cold days.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Perro de Presa Canario can tolerate hot weather conditions, but they need access to plenty of water and shaded areas to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. They also benefit from regular grooming to help regulate their body temperature.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Perro de Presa Canario is not suitable for apartment living. They need plenty of space to exercise, and their guarding instincts make them prone to noisy behavior, which can disturb neighbors.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Perro de Presa Canario has a moderate wanderlust and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard. They have a strong sense of territory and may try to explore beyond their boundaries if left unsupervised.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Perro de Presa Canario is not overly sensitive, but they may become stressed if they feel threatened. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training can help build their confidence and reduce anxiety.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Perro de Presa Canario can tolerate being alone for short periods if they are properly trained and have enough physical and mental stimulation. But they are a social breed and thrive better when they have human companionship.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Perro de Presa Canario is a vocal breed, and they will bark to alert their owners of perceived threats. Training and socialization can help them learn when it's appropriate to bark and when to remain quiet.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Perro de Presa Canario is an intelligent breed and needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy interactive games, obedience training, and tasks that challenge their wits.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Perro de Presa Canario is not recommended for novice dog owners. They need experienced and confident owners who can provide proper socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Perro de Presa Canario are intelligent, but they can be stubborn and willful. Effective training requires patience, firmness, and consistency. Professional help is recommended for inexperienced owners.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Perro de Presa Canario is loyal to their owners, but they are not an affectionate breed. They are more inclined to show their devotion through their guard-dog instincts, rather than licking and cuddling with their humans.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Perro de Presa Canario can be good with children if socialized properly. Their size and energy level should be taken into consideration before introducing them to children. Supervision is recommended, and children should be taught to respect the dog's space and boundaries.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Perro de Presa Canario has a high prey drive and can be aggressive towards other dogs. Early socialization is essential. They should be carefully introduced to other dogs, and always kept on leash or in a fenced area to avoid aggressive behavior.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Perro de Presa Canario is wary of strangers and will guard their home and family. Early socialization and training can help them learn to differentiate between potential threats and harmless visitors.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Perro de Presa Canario has an average activity level and needs regular exercise to stay healthy. They can be playful and enjoy interactive games with their owners. But they are more inclined to use their energy to protect their territory and family.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Perro de Presa Canario is highly alert and will protect their home and family from perceived threats. They are an excellent guard dog and will quickly respond to any potential danger around their territory.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Perro de Presa Canario can adapt to different living conditions, but they thrive in homes with a yard where they can exercise and protect their territory. They also need early socialization to adapt well to different environments.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Perro de Presa Canario is a moderate shedder. Regular brushing can help keep shedding under control. They also benefit from occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Perro de Presa Canario has a short, easy-to-maintain coat. Regular brushing, occasional baths, and nail trimming are all they need to stay healthy and looking their best.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Perro de Presa Canario may drool, but it's not excessive. Providing them with fresh water and keeping their mouth healthy by regular dental checkups can help minimize drooling.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Perro de Presa Canario is a large breed and can weigh up to 150 pounds. They need plenty of space to exercise and may require special accommodations in small spaces, such as elevators and vehicles.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Perro de Presa Canario has an average activity level and needs daily exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy walks and playtime, but they also need plenty of rest and downtime to recharge their energy.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Perro de Presa Canario has an average activity level and needs daily exercise to stay healthy. They need regular walks, playtime, and interactive games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Perro de Presa Canario was originally bred to work as a guard and hunting dog. They are excellent watchdogs and will fiercely protect their family and territory. They also excel at obedience training and other tasks that challenge their intelligence and instincts.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Perro de Presa Canario has a high prey drive and excellent hunting skills. They were originally bred to hunt wild boar and other large game. They need proper training and supervision when introduced to other animals.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Perro de Presa Canario has high physical stamina and endurance. They excel at physical tasks that require strength and agility, such as retrieving and guarding. They need plenty of exercise and regular mental stimulation to stay in good shape and health.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Perro de Presa Canario is generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and other joint problems. Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent health issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Perro de Presa Canario should be fed a healthy diet and exercised regularly to prevent obesity. They also benefit from mental stimulation and interactive games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior related to overeating.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Perro de Presa Canario can tolerate cold weather conditions, but they need proper shelter and protection from extreme temperatures to prevent health issues. They also benefit from warm clothing during particularly cold days.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Perro de Presa Canario can tolerate hot weather conditions, but they need access to plenty of water and shaded areas to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. They also benefit from regular grooming to help regulate their body temperature.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Perro de Presa Canario is not suitable for apartment living. They need plenty of space to exercise, and their guarding instincts make them prone to noisy behavior, which can disturb neighbors.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Perro de Presa Canario has a moderate wanderlust and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard. They have a strong sense of territory and may try to explore beyond their boundaries if left unsupervised.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Perro de Presa Canario is not overly sensitive, but they may become stressed if they feel threatened. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training can help build their confidence and reduce anxiety.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Perro de Presa Canario can tolerate being alone for short periods if they are properly trained and have enough physical and mental stimulation. But they are a social breed and thrive better when they have human companionship.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Perro de Presa Canario is a vocal breed, and they will bark to alert their owners of perceived threats. Training and socialization can help them learn when it's appropriate to bark and when to remain quiet.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Perro de Presa Canario is an intelligent breed and needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy interactive games, obedience training, and tasks that challenge their wits.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Perro de Presa Canario is not recommended for novice dog owners. They need experienced and confident owners who can provide proper socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Perro de Presa Canario are intelligent, but they can be stubborn and willful. Effective training requires patience, firmness, and consistency. Professional help is recommended for inexperienced owners.
Similar breeds
History of the Perro de Presa Canario
The breed was developed in the Canary Islands by Spanish Conquistadors in the 1800s.
They were traditionally used for herding cattle and as guard dogs, and were also used in dog-fighting rings.
The breed almost became extinct in the 1940s, but a group of breeders worked to revive the breed in the 1970s and 1980s.
Perro de Presa Canario Puppies
Presa Canario puppies are born weighing around 1-2 pounds and will grow rapidly over the first few weeks.
They should be socialized early and trained consistently to prevent aggressive behavior.
Puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy food to support their growth and development.