The Perro de Presa Canario, or simply Presa Canario, is a mastiff breed originating from the Canary Islands. Anyone who has encountered this breed up close must admit that it is a powerful and impressive dog, known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. It is often considered a “special needs” breed when it comes to ownership. The Presa is used as a “catch dog,” for managing cattle and pigs, and for driving off or neutralizing other dogs that might threaten property. In communities and countries with breed bans, it is frequently listed among prohibited breeds.
Before diving deeper into this topic, it’s essential to emphasize that the Presa Canario is not a suitable choice for inexperienced dog owners. First-time dog owners and those who have only had “soft” breeds such as retrievers, spaniels, or lap dogs should not consider this breed. In the wrong hands, the Presa (like any dog) can be dangerous. Therefore, we reiterate that if you’re not ready or willing to take on such a responsibility, do not get a Presa!
This dog is large, strong, intelligent, and headstrong. The breed standard states that it should be calm, observant, confident, obedient, and affectionate toward family members while being wary of strangers. However, these traits are not “pre-installed.” The Presa Canario requires a leader who can develop and manage these characteristics with firmness and consistency, without resorting to force or cruelty.
Early and consistent socialization is essential for this breed. However, it must be said that no amount of socialization will make this breed friendly to everyone. The Presa Canario is primarily a guard dog and takes its responsibilities very seriously.
The Presa is an active breed that needs a task, whether it’s daily leash walks or training activities. It will not be content to lie around all day doing nothing. Training should begin as soon as you bring your Perro de Presa Canario puppy home, while it is still manageable in size. It’s always a good idea to take the Presa Canario to puppy training and then to basic obedience classes, especially if you work with a trainer who understands the breed’s mentality.
Like all puppies, Perro de Presa Canario pups are tireless and love to chew on everything. Because of their size, they can cause significant damage. Don’t give them free reign of the house until they reach reliable maturity. Keep your Presa puppy occupied with training, play, and socialization experiences. A bored Presa is a destructive Presa, which may start digging, chewing, or developing other undesirable habits.
The Perro de Presa Canario should spend plenty of time both indoors and outdoors with its family. Tying a Presa up in the yard and neglecting it is not only cruel but can also lead to aggressive and destructive behavior.
Basic Characteristics
The Presa Canario is a large, muscular dog with a powerful build and a confident demeanor. It has a massive head, a slightly rectangular body, and a short coat that can be brindle, black, fawn, or any combination of these colors. Height ranges from 22 to 22.5 inches, and weight varies between 88 and 110 pounds. The lifespan is 9 to 11 years. This breed requires an experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization.
Height | 20-22.5 inches at the shoulder | Weight | 88-110 pounds |
Adaptability | 🟠🟠 | Child Friendly | 🟠🟠 |
Apartment Friendly | 🔴 | Exercise Needs | 🟡🟡🟡 |
Dog Friendly | 🔴 | Health Issues | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
Barking Tendencies | 🟠🟠 | Intelligence | 🟡🟡🟡 |
Energy Level | 🟡🟡🟡 | Grooming | 🔴 |
Trainability | 🟠🟠 | Territorial | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
Social Needs | 🟡🟡🟡 | Stranger Friendly | 🔴 |
History of the Perro de Presa Canario
The history of the Perro de Presa Canario dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries when mastiff-type dogs were brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish conquerors. These dogs were used for guarding farms, protecting livestock, driving off wild animals, and neutralizing stray or wild dogs. The breeds likely involved in the development of the Presa Canario include the Iberian Presa, mastiff-type dogs, and various bulldogs known as Alanos. British settlers brought additional bulldogs and mastiffs, which also contributed to the Presa’s development.

The shepherd dog called the Bardino Majorero, known for its intelligence, guarding instincts, courage, and impressive teeth, was the final addition to this mix. The result was a dog of exceptional strength, making the Presa popular in dogfighting. This practice was banned in the 1940s, though it continued illegally for at least another decade.
The breed’s numbers began to decline not only due to the ban on dogfighting but also because of the introduction of other guard breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds. These breeds captured the attention of dog owners on the islands, while the Presa was relegated to farm work.
During the 1970s, people renewed their interest in this breed and began reconstructing it, aiming to create a dog that was massive, powerful, confident, courageous, highly territorial, and calm—a dog that would never back down, regardless of the odds. The Canary Islands’ Presa Canario Club was formed in 1982. The Presa became part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service program in 1996, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed in 2003.
Temperament and Personality of the Perro de Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is known for being calm, observant, and confident. Naturally protective of its family, it can be suspicious of strangers. With attention and care from an early age, the Presa develops a strong bond with its family and protects them from any threat. Active and athletic, this breed makes an excellent partner for running or other forms of exercise.
When it comes to friendliness with children, the Presa scores only 2 out of 5, meaning caution is necessary when interacting with kids. If children are part of the household, they should be introduced to the Presa from a young age and taught how to participate in feeding, brushing, and playing to help the dog understand they are part of the family.
The Presa can get along with other pets if raised with them, provided they yield to its dominance. However, the breed scores 1 out of 5 for friendliness toward other dogs and cats. The breed standard states that the Presa is aggressive toward other dogs, particularly dogs of the same sex or those with a similar “macho” mentality.
Attentive, curious, and wary of strangers, the Presa’s deep bark makes it an effective guard dog.
Training and Socialization
Training is crucial for the Presa Canario due to its strong personality. Start training your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Even at 8 weeks old, it is capable of learning basic commands. Waiting until the puppy is 6 months old can make training significantly harder.
Once your veterinarian approves broader exposure to the public, take your Presa to local cafes and introduce it to people. Invite visitors to your home to accustom the dog to guests. These experiences will help it grow into a sensible, calm adult and reduce its wariness of new situations.

What to Know About the Health of the Perro de Presa Canario
Like all breeds, the Presa Canario can be prone to certain health problems:
- Orthopedic Issues:Hip and elbow dysplasia are common.
- Eye Problems:Conditions such as entropion may occur.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat):This potentially life-threatening condition can affect deep-chested breeds like the Presa.
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all humans have the potential to inherit specific diseases. Avoid breeders who do not offer health guarantees for puppies or claim the breed is 100% healthy. A reputable breeder will be open about health issues in the breed and their occurrence in their lines.
Basic Care for a Perro de Presa Canario
The Presa Canario has a short, straight coat with a coarse texture. While they do shed, their coat is easy to maintain. It’s also essential to start grooming early to help the Presa become accustomed to handling without resistance.
In summary, the Presa Canario requires relatively low grooming maintenance:
- Coat Care:Brush the dog at least once a week to remove dead hair and maintain the coat’s health.
- Bathing:Bathe the dog only when necessary; their short coat does not require frequent washing.
- Nail Trimming:Regularly trim the nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth.
Conclusion
The Perro de Presa Canario is an exceptional breed known for its loyalty, strength, and protective nature. While they require experienced handling due to their powerful build and instincts, they can become affectionate companions when raised in a nurturing environment with proper training and socialization.
If you’re considering adding a Presa Canario to your family, ensure you’re prepared for the responsibilities that come with this breed. With dedication, patience, and love, you can enjoy a rewarding relationship with this impressive dog!