MyDogBreeds
This large dog, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is a rare Molosser-type dog hailing from the Canary Islands.
It does appear as if, according to records, that these dogs were also consumed at one time. The dog has also been used as a cattle dog as well as being used for dog fighting till the middle of the 1900s. Dog fighting was prohibited in the 1940s but it continued for a number of decades.
As people became interested in other dog breeds, the Presa nearly died out but some breeders revived the breed because of it having some good characteristics – territorial, brave, protective and intelligent. The FCI recognized the dog in 2011.
The Perro de Presa Canario or Canary Dog is large and muscular. He stands at 58 to 66cm in height and weighs anything from 40 – 70kg. He has a deep bark.
The head is broad and the ears are normally cropped to give him a more aggressive appearance. With ear cropping being banned the ears are close fitting to the head and are floppy. This is one of those dogs where the rear of the dog is slightly higher than the shoulders.
The coat is short and there is no undercoating. It is available in all different shades of fawn and brindle. The breed standard requires the dog having a black mask.
Canine experts tell us that this large working dog has got such fearless guardian characteristics that they wouldn’t recommend this dog for first time dog owners. On the other hand however, there are dog owners who claim that with good socialization, this dog becomes docile and amicable around their human family.
He is a clever dog so training and socialization will be easy and it will be worth it. This is a dog noted for its strength, it’s strong personality and potential for aggression, so training and socialization will be most important.
Contrary to what many people think, the Perro de Presa Canario can be a calm, gentle dog when trained and socialized properly.
It is only when you bring an older, unknown dog into your midst that you would have to exercise caution with him as he can then be aggressive.
Dogs become dangerous and aggressive when they are brought up by aggressive, uncaring people. Humans are always to blame for the way a dog turns out. Provide this large dog with a loving, caring home, and he’ll show you what a remarkable pet he can be.
The Perro de Presa Canario can live to be between 8 and 12 years of age. Being a large breed the dog can be susceptible to hip dysplasia and other problems such as cancer and heart problems. It is highly unlikely that a well cared for dog will get any of these illnesses.
It is far better to give your dog two smaller meals a day as opposed to one bigger meal as then he tends to wolf his food down. This can lead to bloat, where the stomach swells up and worse, it twists. This dangerous situation prevents fluid and air from escaping the stomach. Your dog is restless, he paces and salivates, wanting to vomit. Bloat can affect any dog at any age.
Kidney disease can develop because of some other illness or it can develop on its own. It can even be caused by bad teeth when bacteria enters the bloodstream of the dog.
This is a short haired dog, and he isn't a heavy shedder so beyond regular twice-a-week brushing he will simply need to have his eyes and ears checked for infections.
He will also need to have his nails clipped and to check his teeth over too. A sore, bad tooth at the back of your pet’s mouth can cause terrible pain but also play havoc with his general health.
Your Perro de Presa Canario is a high-energy dog and he will need daily exercise. He will love a good walk but he will also need something more strenuous and demanding such as ball- and rope tug-of-war games.
Try and provide your large pet with a top quality commercially manufactured food – one that is packed with vitamins and minerals instead of colorants preservatives and toxic fillers.
Break the monotony of feeding him only kibble by mixing in some cooked chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, carrots and spinach. Dogs love consistency and simplicity and simple meals like this with some raw meat thrown in occasionally will keep him healthy and happy. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.