The Presa Canario or Dogo Canario dog comes from the archipelago of the same name, mainly from the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In fact, there is a law of the Government of the Canary Islands that names the dogo canario as one of the symbols of the island of Gran Canaria.
Much has been written about the history of the Presa Canario. These dogs descend from the ancient Majorero dogs that existed in the archipelago since pre-Hispanic times, before the 14th century. At that time the large dogs of the islands were used by the natives as guardians, defense dogs and also as cattle dogs.
Later, with the arrival of Europeans to the islands, the Majoreros began to be used as auxiliary dogs for butchers, fighting dogs and began to experiment with the crossbreeding of English dogs. In this aspect, the bulldog and bull terrier type stand out.
Characteristics of the Presa Canario
The Dogo Canario is a medium to large sized, affectionate dog. Its appearance is imposing and, although its height at the withers is similar to that of the German Shepherd, it is much more robust and muscular.
The measurements of the Presa Canario are:
- In males, height between 60 and 66 centimeters at the withers and weight between 50 and 65 kilograms.
- In females between 56 to 62 centimeters at the withers and weight between 40 and 55.
The fur of this Presa de Presa dog is short, smooth and rough. According to the FCC standard, the coat must be striped tiger style and always with a black mask, while other organizations also allow plain black.
Behavior of the Presa Canario
The dogo canario stands out for being a quiet dog with a calm temperament. In general, it is very attentive and, above all, self-confident.
His past as a guard dog predisposes him to have a shy and reserved attitude with strangers, but very noble and serene with those close to him.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most loyal dogs in existence. In addition, the Presa Canario is a very manageable dog, with which we can work obedience and other mental activities with very satisfactory results.
Appearance
The beauty of the dogo canario lies in its massive head with dark mucous membranes, brown eyes, human appearance, rigid mouth with flaccid lips downward.
Its neck is cylindrical and muscular. It has thick skin, medium size, straight profile with a rustic and proportionate appearance. Its chest is very broad, being the proportion of its height less than its length, so its front legs are strong and plumb and its hindquarters are strong and powerful.
The combination of all these characteristics is divided into two basic lines of breed:
The one that encompasses the essence of those original gladiator dogs.
The one that agglutinates all those so-called Presa Canario dogs, used publicly in exhibitions.
Care of the Presa Canario
The Presa Canario requires relatively simple care. One brushing a week will be enough to get rid of any dead hair or dirt. We will use a soft comb with short bristles, since its coat does not have a double layer and the use of wire brushes could damage or irritate its epidermis and dermis.
The ideal frequency for bathing is every 6 to 8 weeks. It is advisable to wait until it is really dirty, so that we do not eliminate the natural protective layer of its skin.
The Dogo Canario needs at least two to three moderately long walks a day (approximately 30 to 40 minutes) to exercise his muscles and keep him active. In addition, it will be essential to dedicate part of the outing to exercise, an activity that will relieve accumulated stress and tension.
In the Presa Canario care article you will find in more detail everything you need to know about exercise, grooming, diet and health.
Socialization and education of the Presa Canario
It is not a breed recommended for first dog owners, because it needs a responsible and experienced person, who has the skills to educate it correctly.
Being a puppy, it is essential to take into account the socialization of the dogo when educating it. This aspect will be vital to establish relationships with other dogs or people.
After three months, we need to introduce him to all kinds of people and animals. This way, when he reaches maturity, he will not react in a reactive way.
It is a mistake to try that our dog does not socialize to improve his guarding instinct, since we could face a serious problem in the future when we cannot invite people to our house.
Another important aspect for the education of the Presa Canario is the basic obedience, fundamental for its security, that of other people and animals. Besides, we will lead our dog’s life with more tranquility.
Diseases
Like other large dogs, this Presa Canario is prone to suffer from some of the following diseases: hip dysplasia, godo dysplasia, epilepsy and gastric torsion.
In addition to strict compliance with the vaccination schedule and internal and external deworming, it is essential to visit the veterinarian every 6 to 12 months to ensure good health and detect diseases in good time.
If you follow these tips you will enjoy a healthy and happy dog for a long time.
Their life expectancy is between 9 and 11 years.
If after knowing more about this wonderful dog you think you are in a position to give him a healthy and happy life, go ahead, you won’t regret it!