Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)

This dog can be particularly attached to its owner, as is often the case with dogs with such protective instincts.

‘Le Dogo Canario’, as it is known in Spanish, can be playful, particularly with children. However, they often struggle to channel their own emotions.

Their noble appearance and air of self-confidence gives them a certain composure that is ideally suited to their role as protecting their owner. At home they are quiet but always alert.

The Canarian Dog possesses many skills, mainly as a guard dog, as they were traditionally used as sheep dogs. This requires certain levels of adaptability and intellectual skills.

They have no predatory instinct. For example, these dogs do not go chasing after birds during walks in the forest, they can easily be let free on a walk but the whistle to call them back must be loud.

This breed becomes very close to their owner and are skilled in the art of guarding or herding a large group. Without being too aggressive, the Canarian Dog is always very wary of strangers even when there is no reason to be.

Generally, hounds such as the Canarian Dog are quite independent. Despite them becoming very attached to their owner’s family, they can easily stay apart from them, although this would mainly be to keep a close eye on what is going on around them.

They will only deal well with isolation if they have been accustomed to it from an early age. It is advised to gradually build this up from a few minutes to a few hours. However they shouldn't be left alone for a prolonged period of time and there has to be a dog-sitter during this training period.

This breed is easy to train as they are very attentive and tend to have a well-balanced mind. They are committed to pleasing their owner, although only if they are respectful in their training methods.

The key to obtaining results with this breed is to be gentle and patient with them. It is widely advised to start teaching and integrating them as soon as they come home as a puppy.

Social integration is key, these dogs must weigh around 132 lbs to enable themselves to cope with any type of environment.

Their barks are loud and serious; they use it especially when their posture is not enough to dissuade a completely oblivious intruder from approaching.

Far too attached to their social group and role as guardian, they generally do not leave their familiar environment.

Very calm and quiet at home, this dog does not do "stupid things", especially if they have been correctly accustomed from an early age to being left alone.

They will never ignore a bowl of food or a good treat. Food is a good way to improve their education.

Despite its very calm appearance and relaxed posture, when they are alert, Canarian Dogs transform themselves and become strong and very cautious.

Generally, their mere presence is enough to deter anyone with malicious intent from approaching. 

However, their aggressiveness should not be overly stimulated: they are a very good guard dog and defender without the need for any specific training.

There is nothing to stop this dog from living indoors, even in an apartment, as long as they are walked enough and are physically active every day.

However, be careful of their guard dog instinct, which could quickly disturb the neighbours. It is important to introduce them from an early age to hearing and accepting the "common" noises of neighbourhoods and social spaces.

However, these dogs would be more comfortable in a living environment that gives them access to an outdoor space. Be careful though, even if your house has a garden, this does not mean reducing or stopping daily walks.

With seemingly endless energy, they must be able to run every day, in large spaces to release their energy and allow them to meet their needs. 

They must be able to fully exert themselves, particularly through sporting, recreational and educational activities such as agility etc. For example, they can follow their masters while on a jog.

Be careful, however, as they are delicate during their initial phase of growth, physically stimulating activities should not start too early. It is advisable to wait at least a year and a half for these dogs, or even two years for more intense activities.

It is very complicated to travel with these dogs, as in addition to being imposing, they can be very intimidating for people who do not expect their sweet and well behaved nature.

The Canarian Dog is certainly not a predator, if they rub shoulders with cats from an early age. So as a puppy, they are able to live with other pets without any problem. 

However, be aware of the often unpredictable reactions of a cat that can hurt the Canarian Dog with their claws.

Living together with other male dogs will be very tricky for this breed. Although, if as a puppy, the Canarian Dog socialises and regularly meets other puppies with whom everything goes well, good friendships can be made.

This intimidating breed gets along very well with children, they turn out to be very gentle, calm and patient with them. However, as with dogs of any breed, it is advise to implement the usual precautions to avoid any accidents! 

Also, children need to learn to respect their dogs, especially by leaving them alone when they sleep and treating them as they are and not as a living stuffed toy.

Quite calm and balanced by nature, the Canarian Dog can fit into a home of people of a certain age but they must be careful of their strength, the more fragile and elderly the person, the less likely they will be able to control them.

As a first dog, they tend to be very good but you must beware of early mistakes that could impact on the initial integration of this dog into the home, as well as society in general. 

When adopting a powerful dog, if you are new to training, it is advisable to be accompanied by a professional.

If all the basics are in place, life with these dogs is very pleasant because, as well as being a guard dog, they are above all a very good dog to have by your side.