Breed History
DENOMINATION:  Perro De Presa Canario

 The Presa Canario (The Canary Dog of Prey) is believed to have come into existence in the 1600's.  It is assumed that the Iberian Presa, a cattle dog provided the starting point of the current day Presa Canario.  The Iberian Presa (Perro de Ganado Majorero) was a mastiff dog with high intelligence and fearless courage.  Another dog believed to contribute to the Presa was the English Mastiff.  English colonists and traders brought their Mastiffs over and began crossbreeding their dogs with the local dogs.  The largest contributor to the Presa Canario was the Bardino Majorero.  The Bardino was an intelligent guardian with incredible biting power.  In time, the Presa Canrio has become it's own breed.  The Presa Canario is a dog of sizeable body and monstrous head. 

The Presa Canario was used throughout the island to guard farms, herd cattle, and exterminate any stray dogs.  In the late 1800's, a new function of the Presa came to the forefront.  Dog Fighting became a popular entertainment source throughout Europe and breeds were developed just for this sport.  No dog dominated the dog fighting ring like the Presa Canario.  In the 1940's, dog fighting became prohibited.  This, with the new arrivals of the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher to the Canry Island, put the Presa at the brink of extinction.  The only dogs that remained on the island were those in small numbers that farmers had on their farms serving as guard dogs.  The dog wass revived in the 1960's by Dr. Carl Semencic who went to the Canary Island and brought the breed over to the United States. 

The Perro de Presa Canario was recognized by the United Kennel Club on Jan. 1, 2003.

Depending on the owner of the Presa, he can be the fun loving family dog devoted to the family or he can be a fierce guard dog.  Their appearance alone will deter most intruders.  The Presa is one of the best even-tempered and working dogs alive today.