Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
Other names: Perro de Presa Canario, Canarian Dog

The Canarian Dog is a dog with a natural suitability for guarding and defending which, in the past, can be compared to Bouviers. This breed was predominantly used as a fighting dog until this practice was banned. Canarian Dogs have a reckless temperament, they tend to be fearless and almost insensitive to pain. However, they are balanced and caring as a family but sometimes fight amongst themselves.
Key facts about the Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
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Origins and history
This species comes from the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, where they are brought up as a fighting dog. This comes from the Bardino, a dog that is very aggressive with a fighter's instinct from the island of Fuerteventura, although they are not very big. The size of the Canarian Dog has grown through breeding the species with Mastiffs and other large hounds found on the islands. In 1946, when dog fighting was illegal, they came close to total extinction. Although later on, a group of enthusiasts, supported by the Assessor of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Canaries, made it possible to recover the breed which was only recognised by the FCI definitively, in 2011.
Physical characteristics of the Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 24 in
Male : Between 24 and 26 in
Weight
Female : Between 88 and 121 lb
Male : Between 110 and 143 lb
Coat colour
Their coat can be brindle (from dark to light grey or blond) or fawn (from darker to a gritty colour). White marks are common but not sought after. Their face is always black.
Type of coat
They have a short coat.
Their coat lies close to their body and is rough to the touch and they have no undercoat.
Eye colour
The eye colour varies from dark to medium brown, without being too light, depending on the coat.
Description
The Canarian Dog is of average size, robust and muscular, with a large head and a wide skull. They are also rustic in appearance and well proportioned. The skull to muzzle ratio is about 6/4; their upper lips fall back, a little flabby, on the lower lips. Their eyes are average sized and are slightly oval. Their ears, set high, are set apart and in the shape of a rose. The neck is broad and muscular and has a slight dewlap. The tail is set high: large at the base and it gradually tapers towards its tip. The belly is set back, but the last ribs are not prominent, giving an harmonious harp shape. Their legs are strong, muscular and perfectly straight; the buttocks are not very pronounced.
Good to know
Given their size, the Canarian Dog, if not experienced enough, have no choice and must be accompanied by their master who is confident in their ability to keep them under control. It should not be forgotten that a poorly trained dog who has not been subjected to enough social interaction is potentially very dangerous.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Canarian Dog varies according to its origin, age and gender but it can be said that on average they cost £730 if they registered with the KC.
An average budget to support a dog of this size would be about £60/month.
Grooming
These dogs do not need grooming. Only weekly brushing is required to maintain a well groomed coat.
Their droopy ears require regular care to avoid infection.
Shedding
Without undercoat, these dogs moult very little. The rest of the time, they lose almost no hair (especially if brushed regularly).
Nutrition of the Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
The daily meal-intake of the Canarian Dog must be adapted according to their age, weight and level of daily physical activity.
In addition, you need to really pay attention to this during the puppy's growth phase because this is a very sensitive time. For this period, veterinary follow-up is all the more necessary for this breed.
This rather hardy dog can be satisfied with a diet based on high quality feed, but there will never be a problem feeding them meal such as bones and raw foods or other common feeds.
Health of the Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
Life expectancy
Their estimated life expectancy is 10 years.
Strong / robust
As a very robust dog, their growth must be carefully monitored.
Withstand heat
These dogs are used to high temperatures because of their origin and they are therefore not particularly sensitive to heat.
Withstand cold
Without an undercoat, the Canarian Dog can suffer from the cold but they will still remain resilient.
Tendency to put on weight
If they are walked enough each day, the Canarian Dog has no reason to get fat, especially since they are not particularly greedy and can quickly burn off the calories they consume.
Common illnesses
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Panosteitis
- Osteochondritis dissecans (knee injury)