The Presa Canario is usually fawn or brindle but sometimes can be black. A distinctive feature of the fawn Presa Canario is the black mask that covers the muzzle and often extends around the eyes. This contrast with the fawn body color gives the dog a notable appearance.

Presa Canarios are extra-large dogs, most weighing 84 to 110 pounds and standing around 22 to 26 inches tall.

Yes, Presa Canarios can make loving, protective family companions to experienced pet parents who know how to handle this powerful breed. They are alert and ever-watchful, always ready to protect the family, and incredibly devoted to their families. They are massive dogs who require daily exercise.

The Presa Canario sheds minimally. The Presa Canario is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming — an occasional brushing will do right by this single-coated breed.

Yes, some Presa Canarios may drool, particularly after eating or drinking, but it’s not excessive compared to some other breeds known for heavy drooling.

Yes, when raised alongside children, the Presa Canario is likely to be gentle, loving, and incredibly protective of them. However, their size and strength make them a better match for a household with older children.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Presa Canario to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, Presa Canarios may not be the best match for a house with cats, as they were bred to hunt and guard. Of course, each dog (and cat) has his own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Presa Canario, if properly socialized to your cat and/or introduced at a young age, should get along well.

Yes, Presa Canarios can coexist peacefully with other dogs if properly socialized and introduced gradually. Their natural guarding instincts and assertive demeanor may require supervision and training to ensure they interact well with unfamiliar dogs.

Yes, the Presa Canario will bark to alert. But these dogs are overall pretty quiet and only use their powerful bark to let their family know when they need something.

No, Presa Canarios are not typically easy to train because of their giant stature and their independent nature. They require a knowledgeable, confident trainer and a “nothing in life is free” approach to training, where the dog must “work” to get any positive reinforcement, is recommended.

Yes, Presa Canarios can be friendly and affectionate with their families, displaying a strong bond and loyalty. They are known for their confident and assertive nature, which can come across as reserved or aloof towards strangers. Early socialization and positive experiences are crucial to help them become more comfortable and accepting of new people and situations.

Presa Canarios are considered smart dogs. They are known for their problem-solving abilities, independence, and quick learning when motivated by positive reinforcement training methods. They respond well to consistent training and enjoy mental stimulation activities that challenge their intellect.

Presa Canarios originate from the Canary Islands. Molosser-type dogs similar to the Presa Canarios have been used as cattle and guard dogs in Spain since the 14th century, though concrete proof of the developed breed we know today didn’t exist until the 1800s.

Presa Canarios were originally bred to work with livestock, including guarding and herding cattle. They have a strong, confident demeanor suited for these tasks.

Presa Canarios typically live around nine to 11 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Presa Canarios generally reach their full adult size and maturity by about one and a half years to two years of age. This breed tends to develop a robust build relatively early compared to some other breeds.

The Presa Canario is a sturdily built breed, but they have a lower lifespan than some other dogs due to their giant stature and some hereditary issues. Diseases Presa Canarios are prone to:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Presa Canario, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle regarding activities and exercise.

• Joint/bone Issues: These issues can include steochondritis dissecans, a joint disease that results from brittle bones and causes pain/lameness; patellar luxation, a condition that cause the kneecap to become dislodged or dislocated; and a self-limiting lameness or temporary limp (known as panosteitis).

• Dilated cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that is characterized by the heart muscles’ inability to contract properly, which ultimately leads to a decrease in blood pumping to the heart. When a dog has cardiomyopathy both the heart chambers become enlarged from having to work harder to get blood through. The extra stress on the heart from the restricted blood flow often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). The major symptoms of DCM include lethargy, anorexia, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, a swollen abdomen, and temporary loss of consciousness.

• Bloat: Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a sudden, painful and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen.

No, Presa Canarios are not hypoallergenic. They have short, dense coats that shed moderately, which can release allergens such as dander into the environment. People with allergies to dogs may still react to Presa Canarios, although individual reactions can vary. Regular grooming and cleaning can help reduce allergens in the home.