meet the...Perro de Presa Canario
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 3: Molossoids and Mastiffs Breeds
Sub-group :
Origin Country Spain/Canary Islands
Weight Males: 110-143 pounds. Females: 88-121 pounds.
Height Males: 23-26 inches. Females: 22-25 inches.
Other Name(s) Canary Dog, Canary Islands Mastiff, Dogo Canario, Presa, Presa Canario
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
The history of the Perro de Presa Canario, or Canary Dog, is well-documented thanks to historians such as Agustín Millares Torres and his thorough, 10-volume work, General History of the Canary Islands. Because many breeds are named after their place of origin, in this case, the place of origin is named after the dog. In fact, the name Islas Canarias is believed to have been derived from the Latin Canariae Insulae, or “Island of the Dogs.” Pliny the Elder explained that the island, Gran Canaria, was labeled such by the Mauretanian King Juba II, the person credited with discovering the islands for Western culture due to the “vast multitudes of dogs of very large size” that were found there. These large dogs were so intertwined with Canary Island culture that two large molossoid-type dogs are featured on the Canary Island coat of arms.
Ancient dogs were believed to have been brought to the islands with the original inhabitants (called Guanches). The Guanches were aboriginals of Berber descent who were some of the first inhabitants of the islands. They were believed to have settled the islands sometime around 1000 BCE or earlier. The dogs that they brought with them were large brindle and fawn dogs that are today known as the rare Bardino (or, Majorero) dogs. The dogs served a complex yet important role in the culture of the Guanches. According to Torres’s research, the dogs were considered holy animals and were worshiped by the Guanches, being used extensively in customary religious ceremonies, but they were also sometimes killed and consumed. In many instances, a deceased owner’s dog would be mummified and buried along with him, in a belief that the dogs would guide him into the afterlife. The culture of the Guanches was so intertwined with their canines that they became known far and wide for their relationship with dogs. Even the ancient Greeks wrote about the “dog-headed” people of the far-west island who worshiped dogs.
Over time, the islands were explored by many ancient cultures, including Carthaginians, Greeks, and Phoenicians, and eventually settled and claimed by the Spanish. Many of these people brought with them their own animals. The Spanish were credited with bringing their large molossoid dogs, along with cattle and swine farming. These dogs interbred with the native majorero or bardino dogs and have played a major role in the development of the Presa breed. The resulting dogs were large and protective, excelling at herding and guarding livestock, especially wild or feral dogs and pigs. Stock guarding wasn’t the only use for the breed. The dogs were used in the cruel and bloody sport of dog fighting into the 1950s. Fortunately, once dog fighting was banned for good, breeders continued to preserve these dogs that the islands had become so well-known for.
It wasn’t until the latter half of the twentieth century that the Presa was introduced to the Western world. This introduction was due in part to the works of anthropologist Dr. Carl Semencic in his magazine articles and books documenting fighting dogs from around the world. From there, the breed’s large size and handsome build have made them a favorite among many.Breed Characteristics
Head: Somewhat brachycephalic to slightly mesaticephalic skull type, substantial, yet proportionate to the body in size. The head appears as a somewhat slightly elongated block overall. It should appear neither completely rectangular, like that of a Great Dane, nor square, like that of a mastiff. The skull is almost imperceptibly arched when viewed from the front or back. In profile, the plane of the skull may be flat or almost imperceptibly arched. The zygomatic arches are pronounced, with well-developed, yet not protrusive, masseter (cheek) muscles. The topskull is broad, being as wide (measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). The occiput is only slightly marked. A median furrow begins at the stop and runs toward the occiput, emphasized by strongly developed, yet never protrusive, temporalis muscles. The head is fairly clean-cut and without excess wrinkle; however, slight wrinkling is permissible when the ears are brought to alert.
Eyes: Medium to large in size, oval, almond, or lemon-shaped. The eye color may range from medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set well apart, neither too high nor too low on the skull, but slightly above the level of the eye. They may be drop or rose in shape. The ears may be natural (preferred) or surgically cropped short. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Muzzle: The muzzle is powerful, full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. The base is broad and narrows only slightly toward the nose. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened. The line of the nose sits parallel with the line of the end of the muzzle, never pushed in or protruding beyond.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. It is powerfully muscled with a good arch. The neck is broad throughout, appearing truncated or cylindrical, without much taper from shoulder to head. The neck is somewhat clean but may have slightly loose skin around the throat area, forming a very slight dewlap. It should be without excess skin, throatiness, or an overly pendulous dewlap.
Chest: Deep, broad, and capacious, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Substantial, solid, powerful, deep. The body is never racy or refined. It is of a good proportionate length, never appearing short or square in proportions. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. The tail is to be left natural and never docked short. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or with a curve toward the tip when resting in a neutral position but may rise to form a sickle or saber. It should never appear curled or held over the back.
Movement: Powerful, agile, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. The width between the forefeet, when extended, should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: Up until the 1950s, the Perro de Presa Canario was used for a fighting dog. However, since dog fighting has become illegal, breeders and owners have worked diligently on the breed’s temperament to make them more suitable for life without dog fighting. They are known for strong guarding instincts, loyalty, and a desire to bond strongly with their family. Well-socialized and well-adjusted individuals grow to become confident and regal. Most retain an aloof nature toward strangers. Due to their long history as a fighting breed, they can develop aggression issues with other dogs and animals, although early socialization and training should help to intervene. Due to the size and power, coupled with a strong desire to protect, and natural aloofness, stringent socialization and obedience is a must for this breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 3: Molossoids and Mastiffs Breeds
Proportions: Somewhat rectangular with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being slightly greater than the height at the withers. The ideal length-to-height ratio is approximately 5:4. Females may be slightly longer. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and solid bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic to slightly mesaticephalic skull type, substantial, yet proportionate to the body in size. The head appears as a somewhat slightly elongated block overall. It should appear neither completely rectangular, like that of a Great Dane, nor square, like that of a mastiff. The skull is almost imperceptibly arched when viewed from the front or back. In profile, the plane of the skull may be flat or almost imperceptibly arched. The zygomatic arches are pronounced, with well-developed, yet not protrusive, masseter (cheek) muscles. The topskull is broad, being as wide (measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). The occiput is only slightly marked. A median furrow begins at the stop and runs toward the occiput, emphasized by strongly developed, yet never protrusive, temporalis muscles. The head is fairly clean-cut and without excess wrinkle; however, slight wrinkling is permissible when the ears are brought to alert.
Expression: Regal, noble, self-composed, and watchful.
Stop: The stop is pronounced but never steep or abrupt.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 3:2, with the topskull being slightly longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis may be parallel or slightly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is powerful, full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. The base is broad and narrows only slightly toward the nose. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are thick, fairly clean, and fit rather well over the teeth and jaws. They are just loose enough to add depth to the muzzle and head profile and to produce the elongated blocked appearance of the head. They are never tight and close fitting or pendulous and fluttering.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened. The line of the nose sits parallel with the line of the end of the muzzle, never pushed in or protruding beyond.
Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and well-muscled but never bulging. The cheeks should not appear chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, reverse-scissor, or slightly undershot, with less than 1/8 of an inch of space between upper and lower incisors permissible. Contact preferred between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work is not to be penalized.
Eyes: Medium to large in size, oval, almond, or lemon-shaped. The eye color may range from medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set well apart, neither too high nor too low on the skull, but slightly above the level of the eye. They may be drop or rose in shape. The ears may be natural (preferred) or surgically cropped short. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Body and Tail
General Description: Substantial, solid, powerful, deep. The body is never racy or refined. It is of a good proportionate length, never appearing short or square in proportions. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. It is powerfully muscled with a good arch. The neck is broad throughout, appearing truncated or cylindrical, without much taper from shoulder to head. The neck is somewhat clean but may have slightly loose skin around the throat area, forming a very slight dewlap. It should be without excess skin, throatiness, or an overly pendulous dewlap.
Chest: Deep, broad, and capacious, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: The topline may be level from withers to the croup or gently rise toward the croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Broad, of a moderate length, and gently sloped. The level of the croup may be level with the withers or just slightly higher by no more than two centimeters.
Underline: A slight tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. The tail is to be left natural and never docked short. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or with a curve toward the tip when resting in a neutral position but may rise to form a sickle or saber. It should never appear curled or held over the back.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are fairly long and approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers, but in females, the distance from the withers to the brisket may be just greater than the distance from the elbows to the ground.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of solid bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are fairly long, equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Thick, yet well-fitted and supple. It may be slightly looser around the throat and neck. However, it should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The coat is short, smooth, coarse, flat, close to the body throughout. The texture is coarse to the touch. The hair on the ears is even shorter and finer. It may appear with or without an undercoat. If an undercoat is present, the coat will be slightly longer on the tail, back of thighs, withers, and neck, where it will form a very light ruff. No fringe or feather is permissible.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Perro de Presa Canario breed: the standard and the nonstandard.
Standard coat color variety: All shades of fawn or brindle, including black, gray, silver, brown, liver, Isabella, gold, and tiger. All with or without some white markings on the muzzle, chest, neck, throat, and feet. All with a well-developed black, gray, or dark brown melanistic mask that extends no further than the brows.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Solid black, white extending beyond 20% of the dog, any color or pattern other than listed above.
Movement
Powerful, agile, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. The width between the forefeet, when extended, should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
Up until the 1950s, the Perro de Presa Canario was used for a fighting dog. However, since dog fighting has become illegal, breeders and owners have worked diligently on the breed’s temperament to make them more suitable for life without dog fighting. They are known for strong guarding instincts, loyalty, and a desire to bond strongly with their family. Well-socialized and well-adjusted individuals grow to become confident and regal. Most retain an aloof nature toward strangers. Due to their long history as a fighting breed, they can develop aggression issues with other dogs and animals, although early socialization and training should help to intervene. Due to the size and power, coupled with a strong desire to protect, and natural aloofness, stringent socialization and obedience is a must for this breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
