All you need to know about the breed

The Presa Canario, a molossoid-type breed from the Canary Islands, is a big imposing dog, combining strength and athleticism in one outsize package. It’s easy to see why these rustic dogs, developed from the crossing of local cattle dogs with mastiff-type breeds, made a name for themselves as guard dogs (they also helped farmers herd cattle). The Presa Canario’s huge, square-shaped head and solid, muscular body would make any intruder, human or animal, think twice before encroaching on their territory.

Nowadays though, while the breed is fairly rare, Presa Canario dogs also make affectionate family pets. They get on well with children once trained but because of their sheer size they should never be left alone with little ones. They are naturally wary of human strangers (those guard dog instincts) and while they have many good qualities, they are not known for their ability to get on with other dogs: Early socialisation is important to help them overcome this.

You’ll need plenty of space to accommodate your Presa Canario as well as the capacity to commit to training a breed that can sometimes be a little … how can we put this … strong-willed. With a dog of this size, thorough training is particularly important—for both your sakes. Just remember—you’re the leader of the pack!

Nowadays the Presa Canario can make an affectionate companion to humans, but their origins are less peaceful. The breed originated in the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago off the coast of North Africa, in the 19th century and was initially developed for dogfighting as well as guarding and herding on farms.

While the Presa Canario’s exact ancestors are not known for certain, the Bardino Majero, a now-extinct breed native to the islands, is thought to feature in their make-up, alongside English Mastiffs and the Perro de Ganado Majorero, another local breed of cattle dog.

Thankfully, by the mid 20th century, dogfighting had been banned, but the Presa Canario breed found itself facing an existential threat, as imported breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Great Danes and Doberman Pinscher began to gain in popularity on the islands. An American vet, Dr Carl Semenci, was instrumental in reviving the dwindling numbers of the Presa Canario breed, giving it a chance to thrive once more.