Presa Canario
Also known as Perro de Presa Canario, and Dogue des Canaries in French
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 65 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9 to 11 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Canary Islands, Spain
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
A large, powerful molosser-type dog with a sturdy build, a calm, attentive expression and the imposing presence of a self-assured guardian.
History and origins
An old breed native to the Canary Islands, originally developed as a versatile farm and guard dog to protect livestock and property, and used to catch and hold cattle. Nearly extinct in the 1960s, it was revived by dedicated breeders.
Health
Life expectancy is 9 to 11 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Demodicosis (demodectic mange)
- Entropion and ectropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Presa Canario FAQ
How big does the Presa Canario get?
The Presa Canario stands 56 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 65 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Presa Canario shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Presa Canario live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Presa Canario need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Presa Canario good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Presa Canario live?
Life expectancy is 9 to 11 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
