Dogo Canario(Presa Canario) – Facts and Personality Traits

The Dogo Canario or Presa Canario is a typical Molosser dog: imposing, intelligent, and stubborn. The born Guardian needs to be carefully socialized and raised with sensitive consistency. He needs strong leadership and is not very suitable for novice dogs.

Origin and history

The Dogo Canario, a too Canary Mastiff, is a traditional Canary dog ​​breed. It is believed that the Dogo Canario was created by crossing original Canary dogs with other Molossoid breeds. In the 16th and 17th centuries, these dogs were widespread and not only used for hunting, but primarily served as guard and protection dogs. Before being recognized by the FCI, the Dogo Canario was called Perro de Presa Canario.

Appearance

The Dogo Canario is a typical Molosser dog with a robust and sturdy body that is slightly longer than tall. It has a very massive, roughly square head, covered with plenty of loose skin. Its ears are medium-sized and naturally hanging, but they are also cropped in some countries. The tail is of medium length and also hanging.

The Dogo Canario has a short, dense, and hard coat with no undercoat. It is very short and fine on the head, slightly longer on the shoulders and back of the thighs. Coat color varies in various shades of fawn or brindle, with or without white markings on the chest. On the face, the fur is pigmented much darker and forms a so-called mask.

Nature

A natural watch and protection dog, the Dogo Canario takes its responsibilities very seriously. It has a calm and balanced nature and a high threshold but is ready to defend itself if necessary. It is correspondingly reserved for suspicious strangers. The territorial Dogo Canario hardly tolerates foreign dogs in their territory. On the other hand, he is affectionate towards his own family.

With sensitive and consistent leadership and close family ties, the docile Dogo Canario is easy to train. However, puppies should be introduced to everything foreign as early as possible and socialized well.

The Dogo Canario needs a task that accommodates its natural protective instinct. Its ideal habitat is therefore a house with a plot of land that he can guard. It is unsuitable for life in the city or as an apartment dog.