Presa Canario

The role the mythical dogs of the Canary Islands played in the development of the Presa Canario is largely unknown. However, the role of one indigenous breed in the composition of the Presa Canario is clear. The Perro de Bardino Majorero, a prehistoric herding dog believed to have originated in Fuerteventura that was well dispersed throughout the archipelago. According to the history of the breed, the "Majorero" (formerly believed to be extinct) provides the "verdino" (greenish-tinted) brindling, rustic coat, expression, courage, remarkable set of teeth, and disposition for "bullfighting" with cattle.

It is also believed that a number of Spanish and breeds may have contributed to the development of the Presa Canario. The Perro de Ganado Majorero was an Iberian cattle dog who it is believed is almost certainly a component in the breed. Also important were the various types of Presa Español and Alano Español (the alano actually refers to Spanish bulldogs and not the modern breed) that were also used in the conquest of the Americas. (What is particularly interesting here is the origin of the Alano. In 1556 Philip II of Spain introduced great numbers of the "English Alaunt"- the old bulldogs of England)*. The mestizo or mixed breed created by the combination of the Spanish breeds was used widely by butchers and farmers as holding dogs, catchdogs, and guardians for cattle and livestock. Historical documents list the Bardino Majorero as a co-existing separate breed until the 18th century.

During the 18th century, English traders and merchants came to the Canary Islands as temporary and permanent residents, bringing with them their working and gladiator dogs, notably the Mastiff of England and the Bulldog. Equally importantly, the English brought with them their traditions of pit fighting for which their breeds and the island dogs were inevitably mixed and eventually bred to produce the ultimate fighter.

Perro de Presa Canario literally means the Canarian Dog of Prey. The word presa can also be translated to mean catch or hold and also means the dog's actual grip. Presa Canario can even be loosely translated to mean Canarian Bulldog. At the time, the dog was bred solely for function and not for type. For these working dogs, both as combatants and livestock catch dogs and guardians, physical power and stamina combined with heart, drive, and gameness to produce low-slung, muscular dogs with large heads and strong jaws. No phenotype existed, but the traditional coat patterns would eventually emerge as fawn, brindle, and black, many with white markings.

In the 1940's dog fighting was banned and the Perro de Presa Canario decreased greatly in numbers. It was relegated to farms and hillsides primarily as a guardian for domestic livestock which was clearly far less widespread than it was during the late middle ages.

Description:

The Canary Dog has a powerful, square head that is nearly as wide as it is long. The muzzle is broad. The chest is deep and broad. The rump is slightly raised. This breed has thick skin, dense bones and powerful muscles and a massive head with a large jaw. The ears are usually cropped. Colors include fawn and various brindles, white markings are sometimes seen.

Temperament:

The Canary Dog requires a very dominant owner who understand the alpha nature in canines. No member of the family can be uncomfortable around the dog. Canaries make outstanding guard dogs. Just their appearance is a deterrent not to mention their ability to confront any intruder. In the wrong hands this dog can be dangerous, but with the right owner it can make a nice, devoted companion. This is not a breed for first time dog owners.

Height & Weight Height:

21-25 inches (55-65 cm.) Weight: 84-106 pounds (38-48 kg.)

Exercise:

This breed needs to be taken on a daily, long walk.

Grooming:

The short, rough coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin:

The Canary Dog ancestry probably includes the now extinct naive and indigenous Bardino Majero, crossed with imported English Mastiffs. It was developed in the Canary Islands in the 1800's specifically for dog fighting. At one time dog fighting was a common and popular entertainment in most European countries, and breeds were developed specially for their tenacity and endurance. In some countries, such as Ireland, fights were staged in open fields, but more often, as was the case in the Canary Islands, fighting took place in rings or pits. With the outlawing of dogfighting on the island and the introduction of foreign dogs such as the German Shepherd Dog, by the 1960s the breed was nearly extinct. It was revived by the American veterinarian Dr. Carl Semencic.

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