Breeders of Dogue de Bordeaux & Presa Canario       

Presa Canario (Spanish Mastiff)

History

Molosoid dog, native to the islands of Tenerife and Grand Canaria in the Canary Archipelago, where it was originally bred for fighting purposes. The Presa dog is a result of crossbreeding between the Bardino or Majorero from the Island of Fuerteventura and Molosoid dogs from that were introduced to the island from abroad.

Its fiery nature is inherited from the Bardino, a pre-hispanic, hard working and aggressive cattle dog, widely distributed throughout the islands. The resulting crossbreed has a black mask and a brindle or fawn coat with white spots.

A few decades ago, a group of breeders got together and began the process of recovering the breed, drawing on tradition and their experience. Since then the Canary Presa dog has been carefully bred widely promoted.

General Appearance

The Presa dog is of medium height, eumetric, straight profiled, robust, well proportioned and mesomorphic, the body being longer than the height at the shoulder (more so in females). The head is large, square and wide skulled. The mouth lining is black with strong teeth, wide apart and generally fitting. The ears are set high and the neck is round and muscular with thick fur and loose skin. The back is short and straight with a wide tail base and wide, deep chest.

Character & Temperament

The Presa dog has a powerful appearance with a severe expression and is especially suited to protecting and guarding. It was also traditionally used for herding cattle and dog fighting. The dog has an impetuous temperament with a low, deep bark. Although the Presa Canario is an obedient and reliable family protector, it is also unfriendly towards strangers.