Known as "El perro de presa canario" it is one of the official nature symbols of the Canary Islands. There, the Dogo Canario is rather rare. Regionally, it is classified as a fighting dog.
The origin of the Dogo Canario
The Dogo Canario's history is said go back directly to the original Molossians of the ancient world. Supporters of the breed claim that only in the Canary Islands the original type of these big old dogs has been preserved. Others claim that the Dogo Canario has been crossed with Nordic Mastiffs and other Molossians over the centuries.
In the past, the dog, also known as "Presa Canario", was found almost everywhere on the islands as a watchdog. To own a Presa Canario is still considered a special status symbol today. In Spanish, this proud dog carries further names like "Perro de Presa", "Perro de Toro" or "Alano".
The breed characteristics of the Dogo Canario
They certainly make an impression! Coming at you with their cropped ears, they can look quite frightening. You best not mess with a Dogo Canario. Exactly for this reason, this dog is sacred to the inhabitants of the Canary Islands.
Lovers of the strong types have brought the Dogo Canario to the mainland and as far as Germany along time ago. Around here, they are still rare, but have made a name for themselves as guard and family dogs.
Brought up right, the gentle giants are your best friend, cuddly and affectionate. The FCI has kept the breed semi-official for several years and finally fully recognised it in 2011.
- is an official nature symbol of the Canary Islands
- is considered one of the most primitive Molossians
- FCI Standard No. 346, Group 2, Section 2: Molossoids and 2.1 Mastiff