Native to the Canary Islands, these powerful dogs resulted from crossing of native perros de Presa de la tier and dogs, especially mastiffs and bulldogs, brought to the islands by the British settlers. Also included into the original foundation of the dogs is the Bardino Majorero, a shepherding dog native the island of Fueertventura. It has always been used as a cattle dog and guardian.

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A dog of medium size, it is mesomorphoric ( trunk of body longer than in height at the withers ), and has a large cuboid shaped head. It is a powerful and well-muscled dog that is clearly of mastiff influences. The chest is wide and deep. Lack of chest width is a serious fault; lack of depth is a disqualifying one. Forequarters are strong and straight with ample bone and cat feet. Hindquarters are without much angulations, well muscled and with low hocks. The tail is wide set at the base, tapering to a point.

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The Presa comes in 2 acceptable colors…fawn and brindle. Fawn may range from a very light blonde to a deep rich sand fawn. Brindles come in fawn shades with black striping of more or less intensity to very heaviy brindles, often called black or " reverse brindle. "

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Canine Hip Dysplasia is probably the most widely known health concern to affect this breed, despite rumors that it does not. CHD is a degenerative joint disease known to have a hereditary base. The only way to control this is by screening all breeding dogs and all of their offspring.

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The Presa displays powerful appearance with a severe expression. His look should denote strength and courage. The dog is a noble breed of great confidence and self security. The dog is never excessively aggressive. An overly aggressive animal is not one of " strong temperament " but one that is unbalanced and insecure. This is neither typical or desirable in the breed. The breed is gentle and affectionate with his family, including children. He should always be tolerant and gentle with them.

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This is not a fighting breed. It is a breed that can fight, and can fight well when necessary, but dog fighting was not the purpose behind this breed. There was a brief point in history, in which the dog was involved in this activity, as most Molosser dogs were. The Dogo Canario was developed by Canarian natives to be a farm dog and guardian. He was occasionally used for fights that were for entertainment at local fiestas. But the breeding and selection of these dogs purely for fighting abilities was never done.

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The Perro de Presa Canario makes an exceptional home guardian breed. They are naturally territorial, watchful of strangers, close bonding with their families and confident in themselves.

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