Perro de Presa Canario Information & Dog Breed Facts

There have been several books written by historians about the development of the known Perro de Presa Canario. Documentation of the original, holding dogs is believed to date back to the 15^th and 16^th centuries following the conquest of the Canary Islands, and it is thought that these dogs were brought by the Spanish conquerors. The name of the breed is Spanish in origin and it was once known as the “Canary Dog of Prey”. 

There are several theories regarding the genetic contributions to the creation of the breed. It is almost certain that the roots of the Presa Canario can be traced back to the cattle breed Iberian Presa (also known as the Perro de Ganado Majorero), an average-size mastiff breed with intelligent and an intuitive instinct as a fearless guardian. However several other Hispanic breeds contributed to the formation of the Presa Canario, especially the Presa Espanol in its large varieties. Back at that time dogs developed into a completely differentiated breed because of the influence of the Spanish breeds. Around the 18^th century, the English colonists, traders, and merchants brought their Bandogges and Tiedogs, predecessors of the Bulldogs and Mastiffs, to the Canary Islands. Not so much later, the English introduced their Bulldogs and Bull Terriers and began crossbreeding them with the then existent Perro de Presa of the Canary Archipelago. To what degree did each of these mentioned breeds contribute genetically to the overall development of the Presa Canario remains unknown.

The Presa Canarios had important roles which included guarding farms, working cattle, and exterminating wild or stray dogs. When the dog is properly trained and socialized, is devoted and obedient to its family. However, as they are natural guard dogs and highly suspicious of strangers which can be seen in their actions when they meet people they do not know. It has a thick and muscular rectangular body, broad and brachycephalic head shape usually with cropped ears that prevent damage while working with the cattle.

In the 1940s, the prohibition of dogfighting was ordered throughout the islands, but the fights were known to continue throughout the next decade and it was during this period that the Presa Canario numbers truly faltered thanks to the introduction of alternate fighting breeds such as the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. It nearly caused the extinction of the breed, which was regulated in small numbers to farmers and herdsmen as their primary guard dog. Reconstruction of the nearly extinct Presa Canario began in earnest back in the early 1980s. Reputable breeders bred strong Preas that were rustic, massive, vigorous, and functional with acute watchdog instincts, a strong temperament, and an extremely territorial nature. The full recovery of the Presa Canario began in 1982 when a group of breeders from Tenerife created an association with the goal to support the resurgence of the breed. The Club Espanol de Presa Canario (CEPRC) was formed and in January 1983 the club was recognized by the Real Canine society Central of Spain. Moreover, interest in the breed has extended into several European countries and America. During the late 1980s, many Presa Canario was imported into the United States by interested breeders who wanted to introduce this breed to America. It soon became evident with the formation of several breed clubs within the US that the breed’s popularity was on the rise and dog fanciers was anxious to own and show this rare breed dog. The breed is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club but it is accepted by the AKC Foundation Stock Service.