| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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The Perro de Presa Canario, also known as Dogo Canario, is commonly mistaken for the Dogo Argentino, but they are actually pretty different.
Here we will try to introduce you to a breed that is still underestimated in the canine world. This is the Perro de Presa Canario, which is often confused with its slightly more famous South American “cousin”, the Dogo Argentino. Both breeds undoubtedly have some similarities, but they also have very different characteristics.
In this article, we will cover an overview of the Dogo Canario’s features in order to give some useful advice on its care and health. But let’s begin by analyzing the “generalities” of this breed, which, as its name indicates, comes from Spain.
We can say that the Presa Canario and the Dogo Argentino have “Hispanic Blood” in common. This breed was born and developed in the Canary Island, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean that is at the closest point to African mainland. Today, the Canaries are one of the most visited tourist and coastal resorts in Europe.
Presa Canario: Origins
Before talking about its origins, unfortunately, we have to remember that this breed was used in dog fights. It was a shameful practice with barbaric origins, in which the dog of the Canary Islands was sadly involved.
Today, dogfighting has been banned, and this beautiful Iberian Dogo has managed to mitigate its reputation as an “aggressive dog” used only for fighting.
However, we are talking about a dog that has the physical build of a “warrior”. It is a molosser, and its ancestors are the English Mastiff and the endangered Bardino Majorero. Yes, its strong muscular build makes the Presa Canario a skilled fighter, but this breed was actually used for much more useful and less violent purposes as well.
The Perro de Presa Canario can herd cattle, so it can be used as a shepherd dog with no troubles. It is strong and resistant.
Presa Canario: Physical Characteristics
The Perro de Presa Canario is a giant-sized dog. Its build is big and robust. It looks much stronger than other dogs bigger than it. This breed is agile. Female dogs have an impressive elasticity.
Which are the main differences between males and females? A male dog stands 24-26 inches (60-65 cm) at the shoulder. In comparison, a female dog stands 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) at the shoulder. A male dog may weigh more than 110 lbs (50 kg), and a female dog may weigh about 88 lbs (40 kg). This breed has a massive cuboid head.
Its muzzle is wide and square in shape. It is generally black. Its muzzle has a distinctive shape: The top lip should fall naturally over the lower, viewed from the front, the lips form an inverted “V” where they join. The tail, which is not particularly long, is very thick at the base and tapers to a point.
The ears hang gracefully and are of medium size. The eyes are quite big and wide apart, slightly almond-shaped, and almost always dark.
Its coat may be any shade of fawn, black, and brindle in any combination of these colors. Black is the only color that is not allowed by the breed standards.
The Presa Canario has a short, flat single coat that is harsh in texture. White is also not valued, although minimal white markings may appear anywhere between the chest and the throat or on the toes. To sum up, it has an excellent bone structure, an “athletic” muscular build and a short fawn-tan coat.
Presa Canario: Temperament
From what has been said so far, the Dogo Canario is a strong dog, but it is not aggressive. Undoubtedly, it is a lively dog, but it will never be too exuberant. The Perro de Presa Canario has a balanced temperament. It is not annoying even on an “acoustic” level: It hardly ever barks, yet it has a quite recognizable “tone of voice”.
It can be an excellent companion dog, although it is very quiet and not too affectionate. It is discreet with other dogs, it has its own way of making friends. That’s why you don’t have to worry if the dog seems to be a loner at first: It’s very likely that it just needs to break the ice.
Apart from that, it is intelligent and friendly, a dog to be feared only if you are ill-intentioned.
Presa Canario: Health
What is the most suitable diet for this breed? This is a large dog prone to obesity; therefore, a nutritious and balanced diet would be ideal.
Although it enjoys apartment life, it needs to be taken for walks several times a day. It can be said that it requires more work than other dogs because of its size.
This means that you should think carefully before adopting a dog of this breed as it involves taking your puppy for “fresh air” a number of times a day and keeping the area where a furry giant lives clean.
Presa Canario: Puppies and Price
Like the Dogo Argentino, a Perro de Presa Canario puppy costs around 1300 dollars, about 1100 English pounds. The main difference between the two breeds lies in their coat color: the Dogo Argentino has a lighter coat, in fact, many of them are white. In contrast, the standard for this Spanish breed seeks to avoid even white spots.
Some compare the Presa Canario and the Cane Corso, although the latter is clearly more robust than the former. But if we really want to name a breed with similarities, we can say that the Perro de Presa Canario is reminiscent of the Spanish Alano.
It is important to respect this breed’s timing. The Dogo Canario has a “soldier’s heart”, and it will take its time to enter into the family dynamics. It would be good to consult a specialist for its training. But how does such a “big guy” behave with our children? The Dogo Canario has a good relationship with children: It is patient and highly protective of the house’s little ones.
Presa Canario: Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
We always recommend buying a dog with Pedigree from specialized breeders. Although it is not a difficult dog breed to find, it is often mistaken for the Dogo Argentino, a more widespread and famous breed. It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
In addition, if you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate which states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the dog’s breed’s purity. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
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