פרסה קנריו

The Unyielding Force, A Breed of Strength and Tenacity

History & Origin
The history of the Presa Canario, also known as the Perro de Presa Canario or Canary Mastiff, dates back several centuries. The breed originated in the Canary Islands, specifically on the larger islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Its roots can be traced to ancient Molosser dogs brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish conquerors during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Presa Canario's ancestry can be linked to various breeds, including the Bardino Majorero (an indigenous herding dog), English Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and other large working breeds. Over time, these dogs were selectively bred to create a breed that possessed specific traits suited for guarding and herding purposes.

Initially, the Presa Canario was primarily used as a working dog on farms and ranches in the Canary Islands. Their duties included herding livestock, protecting property from predators, and serving as catch dogs for hunting large game, such as wild boar. Their strong build, endurance, and natural protective instincts made them well-suited for these tasks.

Throughout its history, the Presa Canario has faced various challenges. In the 19th century, the breed's population declined due to changes in farming practices and economic shifts. However, dedicated breed enthusiasts and preservation efforts helped revive the breed, focusing on maintaining its original traits and purpose.

In the late 20th century, the Presa Canario gained recognition beyond the Canary Islands and started to attract attention internationally. It was recognized as a breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1986.

General Structure & Appearance
Presa Canarios are large, muscular dogs with a strong and athletic build. Males typically stand between 58-66 cm at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 56-64 cm. In terms of weight, adult males generally weigh between 50-66 kg, while adult females typically weigh between 40-55 kg.


Uses By Humans

  • Livestock Guardian: Presa Canarios were originally bred to protect livestock on farms and ranches. Their instincts and formidable presence make them excellent guardians against predators such as wolves, coyotes, and other potential threats. Their strong protective nature and loyalty make them reliable companions for farmers and ranchers in ensuring the safety and well-being of their livestock.

  • Property Protection: Due to their imposing size and protective instincts, Presa Canarios are often employed as guard dogs for properties. Their natural suspicion of strangers and their instinct to protect their territory make them excellent deterrents against intruders. Their mere presence can serve as a warning, and their alertness and ability to assess potential threats make them effective protectors of homes, businesses, and other properties.

  • Search and Rescue: Presa Canarios' intelligence, physical abilities, and trainability make them suitable candidates for search and rescue work. Their keen sense of smell and strong tracking instincts can be utilized in search and rescue operations, particularly in locating missing persons or in disaster-stricken areas. With proper training and socialization, Presa Canarios can contribute to these life-saving efforts.

  • Personal Protection: Presa Canarios have the instinct to protect their families and homes. When properly trained and socialized, they can be reliable personal protection dogs. Their size, strength, and alertness make them an imposing deterrent to potential threats. They can provide a sense of security and peace of mind to individuals or families looking for added protection.

  • Sport and Working Competitions: Presa Canarios can participate in various dog sports and working competitions that showcase their skills and abilities. These may include obedience trials, protection sports, and weight-pulling competitions. Engaging in such activities not only helps channel their energy but also allows owners to bond with their dogs and showcase the breed's capabilities.

It's essential to note that the temperament and behavior of individual Presa Canarios can vary. Proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership are vital in ensuring that these dogs fulfill their potential and exhibit the desired traits for their intended purposes. Consulting with experienced trainers and professionals can guide the appropriate training and utilization of Presa Canarios based on their specific strengths and temperament.
 

Temperament
Presa Canarios have a loyal and protective temperament. They are known for their strong bonding with their families and can be reserved and aloof with strangers. Early and ongoing socialization is vital to help them develop good manners and appropriate behavior around people and other animals. Presa Canarios are generally calm and confident, but their protective nature requires responsible ownership, proper training, and a thorough understanding of the breed's characteristics.

Trainability
Presa Canarios are known for their intelligence and willingness to please their owners. They are generally responsive to consistent and firm training methods. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to shaping their behavior and ensuring they grow into well-rounded dogs. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, praise, and treats, work well with this breed. However, due to their natural protective instincts, owners need to establish themselves as strong leaders and provide consistent guidance to ensure proper control and obedience.

In conclusion, the Presa Canario is a powerful and versatile breed with a rich history and a strong working background. Their impressive stature, trainability, and protective instincts make them suitable for experienced owners who can provide the necessary socialization, training, and responsible handling. Their loyalty and dedication to their families, coupled with their natural abilities, make them formidable and steadfast companions in the right hands.