Breed: Some historians say that the dog looking like Perro de Presa, existed in the Canary Islands long before the conquest of Rome.

The first historical??mentioning??of the distant ancestors of Perro de Presa can be found in the reign of king Juba (about 50 years before Christ). There was described the historical fact of sending by the king of Mauritania to the Canary Archipelago a small group of people to study the area.

From his travels people brought to their king something that struck their fancy - two huge dogs. By the historical descriptions they resembled Perro de Presa and struck Mauritanians with their large size, strength, severe temper and freezing their hearts barking.

Also there were found the descriptions of the dogs, which French found in Tenerife. However, these descriptions have no resemblance to the descriptions of two dogs brought to the King of Mauritania. French described the dogs they had seen as strong, hardy, small in stature. Aboriginal tribes were almost always accompanied by these dogs.

Over the XVI and XVII centuries in the historical data there are many quotes and memories associated with Perro de Presa. This is confirmed by historical documents found after the conquest of the Canary Islands. Decrees were issued regarding Perro de Presa and Perro de Ganado (Majorero). Perro de Ganado were allowed only to the shepherds, who used them for herding cattle. The next decision concerned the Perro de Presa, these dogs could be only kept by the butchers, they used the Perro de Presa for slaughtering. The decree stipulates that dogs must be night and day on the chain and had to be released only to perform their duties.

The peasants used Perro de Presa for protection, as well as for the destruction of stray dogs.

In 1526 by decision of the City Council of Tenerife was issued a decree to destroy Perro de Presa, due to the damage of cattle and small livestock, except for a single couple, which was intended to serve the butchers. And this mission was entrusted to Don Pedro de Lugo, who had trained Perro de Presa.

During the XVII century the English colonists were often appearing in the Archipelago. They brought with them the British sporting traditions associated with dog fightings that were held on the islands. For dog-fighting were commonly used some types of gladiator Bulldogs or Pit Bull Terriers, which the British imported to the islands, so inevitably they were involved in a crosses between a Perro de Presa and Perro de Ganado.

Thus, in the Canary Islands emerged a breed with the certain morphological characteristics. It is not just about the Perro de Presa, who served for protection and cattle herding, but also about those who possessed good qualities to participate in dog fights, namely: the speed and agility, fearlessness in battle, great physical strength and incredible perseverance.

The genetic code of Perro de Presa is determined mostly by the representatives of the Canary breed - Perro de Majorero.

During the XVII century interest in dog fighting increased. These fights took place on legal grounds. For fighting the dogs were taken on the characteristics of their fighting qualities. In this situation, Perro de Presa were selected in terms of their functionality. Once in Spain the dog fightings were banned, the fighting breeds almost stopped ther development, leading to the 1960-th, when they almost extincted.

However, since 1970 the restoration of Perro de Presa began. This recovery was slow, but continuous. Interest in the Perro de Presa, as an integral part of the heritage of the Canary Islands was widespread.

At the same time, in order to obtain the genetic stability of Perro de Presa, was designed a breeding program to improve the breed.

Since 1970 the livestock of Perro de Presa has increased significantly. This breed of dogs, which had previously been used for grazing cattle, was now used as a guardian breed in urban environments. This allowed to introduce it into other social circles, which led to it's more rapid dissemination.

In 1982 was created a Spanish Perro de Presa Canario Club.

The official approval of a standard for Perro de Presa Canario was announced on Jan. 24, 1989

Thanks to the dedicated work of Spanish Perro de Presa Canario Club the number of dogs of this breed has increased so that they are now deservedly gaining popularity in many European countries as well, as in the United States.

June 4, 2001 the breed received official recognition of the FCI and the assertion of the breed standard Dogo Canario FCI 346.

General Features: Outwardly, this dog with a fighter past looks even frightening: his massive head of a square format, powerful neck, strong jaws (many compare them to the mites, which can not let go), and dark eyes Dogo Canario is always looking sternly and intently. Dogo Canario has a strong bones and well developed muscles.

Ears of Dogo Canario are set high (docking is optional), and the tail is set on high and curved in the form of a sword in the excited state or omitted in the rest.

Color of the Dogo Canario is usually fawn or brindle, a dark mask on the muzzle is a must, white markings are undesirable. Dogo Canario is a large, but at the same time agile and fast dog with excellent coordination of movements and amazing grace.

Temperament: Dogo Canario are characterized as confident, noble, and having lively and excitable temperament dogs. They are active and loyal, affectionate and generous, have a strong attachment to the owner and suspicious to strangers. They are mainly intended to protect.

Dogo Canario is physically strong and courageous dog with an independent nature. This is one of those rare breeds, who's nature is easy to determine by their appearance. Even at a young age Dogo Canario may carry security services because of their appearance and voice.

Birthplace of this dogs - Canary Islands. Traditionally, the owners of Dogo Canario were farmers, whose way of life influenced the character of the breed. These dogs are unpretentious to environmental conditions and feeding, are able to withstand heavy physical exertion, are very hardy and are not afraid of bad weather.

Representatives of this breed are a great guards: they are always alert, always vigilant. Any changes of the standard situation for them are alarming. Dogo Canario always feel the mood of the owner, have the insight to the intentions of other animals and humans. These dogs have always felt the mood of their owner: if the owner is nervous Dogo Canario will immediately take a??decision??to protect him. In this case, the reaction of the animal will be adequate to the situation: if the opponent of the owner behaves aggressively, but stays at a distance, then the dog will simply warn him with the impressive growl, but if the owner faces a real risk - the dog will attack, even if the enemy has superior numbers and strength are unequal. Dogo Canario in any situation will be located next to the master, to defend him, even at the cost of his life, always trying to prevent an attack and make it impossible.

In relations with other dogs the representatives of this breed are sufficiently balanced and calm. To start a "war" they need a good reason. ??

Dogo Canario have a particular insensitivity to pain: all minor medical procedures are often performed without anesthesia.

In addition to protection, at his homeland Dogo Canario is used as a herding dog and is also considered a great companion and family member. The representatives of this breed are extremely affectionate with their owners at the same time they are reliable guards, combining love for children with high protective qualities. In the house Dogo Canario is very intelligent and relaxed. Silent, at the same time curious and very observant, Dogo Canario clearly define for themselves their family, territory, environment. ??It is quite difficult to make friendship with him - he does not trust outsiders. But for those lucky ones who fell under his favorable location, he tries to bestow the warmest feelings of his big heart. A lover of peace, with the sense of self-sufficiency, Dogo Canario contemplates the situation and control his territory. Guest of the owner are always under strict supervision, with the family members Dogo Canario is quiet and docile creature.

Dogo Canario is always enthusiastically involved in all sorts of games with children, never showing aggression. In Spanish families traditionally there are many children, so the friendly attitude and love to the kids in these dogs are laid at the genetic level. Hearing a baby crying, the dog immediately becomes suspicious. He is ready to rush to the rescue, even if the crying child is not from his own family. In the presence of Dogo Canario no one can hurt the child - these dogs do not tolerate violence, especially towards children. If you will "educate" the child in a raised voice, Dogo Canario will stand between you, protecting your baby.

Dogo Canario is a very harmonious dog. Everything in them is beautiful, starting with a bright appearance and finishing with the strong, noble character. These qualities give the owners and breeders of Dogo Canario the full right to be deservedly proud of their dogs.

Health problems: Generally quite healthy breed, but in some lines Dogo Canario may be prone to the hip dysplasia.

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