Presa De Canario breed of dog? What are they like?

Question

The Presa De Canario (Spanish Mastiff I think). As a breed what are they like? How do they compare in personality/temperament, size etc to other mastiffs? Any reasons why they may not mix with other dogs? Any advice appreciated.

Answer 1

Mark,

I own a Presa Canario and can give you an answer that stems from experience. El Perro de Presa Canario or Dogo Canario can be a very nice dog. They are not the same dog as a Spanish Mastiff which is larger. They are more agile than most other mastiff breeds, however, they are not hyper or over-energetic. They naturally have a bit more guarding instincts compared to some mastiff breeds, however, the Neapolitan Mastiff is arguably more aggressive (per our vet who specializes in animal husbandry in Houston). There is virtually no problem with a Presa Canario mixing with other dogs. We have frequently watched small dogs in our home and our Presa Canario is gentle and patient with them even when they are snapping and biting at her. I would recommend keeping bad dogs away, however.

There are two main lines or strains of Presa Canario's. The European strain and the American strain. The European strain is generally a little shorter, sometimes smaller / lighter, and sometimes wider. Proponents for the European strain usually shun the American strain as not being TRUE Dogo or Presa Canarios, but rather mixes with English Mastiffs and American Pit Bull Terriers. However, the argument (mostly untrue) is quite hypocritical since the stock for the European strain 12 or so generations back contained mixed breeds as well. This is a reconstructed breed and since too few dogs with 100% Presa Canario existed, other dogs like Neapolitan Mastiffs and Dog de Bordeaux's were mixed in to accentuate various qualities. The political clout tips in favor of the European strain so if you were to invest in one for breeding, I would suggest one who's registration is FCI (European) versus UKC or UPPCC or FIC (American). American strain dogs are routinely bred directly with European strain dogs, but some European enthusiasts would see the result as impure.

Our dog's parents were both attack trained. However, we trained our dog to be very friendly and she is. She is 5 years old and we have 6 kids under the age of 11. She is very trustworthy. On the other hand, a poodle we were watching for a week bit our kids 6 times in that week!

Like other guard-type dogs, Presa Canario's can be trained to defend and even bite. One difference is that a Presa is powerful enough to cause more harm than a poodle for instance. So, I would argue in favor of the ignorant, careless, and abusive owners skipping this breed (and all other breeds). If you don't have $500 - $5000 to spend on proper training, or are disinterested in reading book-after-book on training and behavior, you should definitely look elsewhere.

On the other hand, Presa Canario's can readily pass Canine Good Citizen and other tests that demonstrate responsible pet ownership and can make great family dogs.

I hope this helps you. Don't get too scared from responses by people who do not have any experience with the breed. I listed some web sites you can search for more information.

Jace

Answer 2

Geographically isolated bloodlines tend to create consistency, and it is difficult to break their instinct of protecting any person or part of their perceived territory. They were bred and used often in isolation, and not to take commands. I have fostered a few and they are the epitome of the saying 'a 1 person dog'.....some are not even that. For example a dobie or gsd seeks praise and approval of their person. A presa is totally impartial.

Answer 3

Hi Mark!
The Presa De Canario (Spanish Mastiff or Presa Canario} is one of the hardest and most expensive breeds of dog to raise and breed .

In the wrong hands this dog can be dangerous, but with the right owner it can make a nice, devoted companion. This is not a breed for first time dog owners.

Presa De Canario - specially doted for guarding and defense, with an impetuous temperament; powerful and aggressive; skillful fighter with a deep, powerful bark. Is very aggressive with strangers.

It needs lots of exercise and mental and physical challenges

The Presa De Canario requires a very dominant owner who understand the alpha nature in canines. No member of the family can be uncomfortable around the dog.

Health problems that should be tested for are Hip and Elbow Displacia , Heart problems, genetic eye problems, and thyroid. Many reputable breeders go even farther and do testing for many more genetic health problems.

SIZE: Height at withers: dogs range from 59-64cm; bitches from 55-59cm. If the animal is correctly proportioned, it may exceed given standard. Weight ranges from 42-50kg for dogs; bitches range from 38-45kg.

Why is not mix with other dogs - it is bad idea.

Jason Homan

Answer 4

They are a dog not for the inexpeirienced,anyone considering this breed of dog should have expeirience with mastiff type breeds.They are extremely powerful,and with no masterful training they'll easily dominate a person.Regarding other dogs,if raised correctily any dog is good with other dogs,the males have a dominant streak with other males,but so do most male dogs.If under socilised though and a fight broke out with another dog,you would have series problems trying to seperate them.I wouldn't really advice this dog as a pet unless your a very expeirienced dog owner,who knows how to handle giant breeds of dogs.On top of all the basic info,you have vets bills which will be extremely high as giant breeds usually are expensive to treat.

Answer 5

The Presa is a massively powerful dog, with very pronounced bull terrier influences. I would advise inexperienced owners to stay well away from this breed.
The main reason that they don't mix with other dogs is that they tend to kill them. They are also extremely protective of their owners to the point of being dangerous i.e they might attack with little or no provocation

Answer 6

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tr.im/0U29A

By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

They are a very large and powerful breed. I don't recommend them for a first time dog owner.

In the right hands with proper training and socialization they can be wonderful dogs. Without proper training and socialization things can be disastrous.

Answer 9

Isn't that the kind of dog that killed that woman in San Fransisco a few years ago? They're massive and powerful, and you'd have to be very very devoted to training and discipline to make sure it didn't become a problem.

Answer 10

Hi

This site will help you.

http://www.presa-canario.com/