The confident Perro De Presa Canario is as unique as its name. This courageous alpha dog from the Mastiff family is the perfect companion if you want a first-rate guard dog.
So, what exactly is a Perro De Presa Canario? The Perro De Presa Canario is a rare dog breed with origins in the Canary Islands of Spain. This breed is part of the Mastiff family of dogs known for their large size and muscular bodies. The Presa Canario was bred as a working dog. This breed was popular in the dogfighting world owing to its powerful muscular body and aggressive tendencies.
The Presa Canario has a reputation as an aggressive and dangerous breed. However, there is a lot more to these alpha dogs than meets the eye. If you fancy adopting one of these fearless pups, here is everything you need to know about the Presa Canario.
Are Presa Canarios Banned In The US?
Any dog breed can be dangerous depending on the training and care they receive. However, some breeds are more prone to aggression and the Presa Canario is one of them. This is why some countries and states in the US enact legislation controlling the ownership of Presa Canarios.
Presa Canarios are banned in several countries around the world including Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. In the US, Presa Canarios are banned or restricted in some states based on breed-specific legislation.
States where Presa Canarios are banned in the US include Alabama, Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota among others.
Size
The intimidating appearance of the Presa Canario contributes to its fearsome reputation. A fully grown Presa Canario at the age of 18 months or more can weigh up to 160 lbs. The average weight for this muscular breed ranges between 100 to 160 lbs.
In terms of height, Presa Canarios range between 23 to 26 inches for males and approximately between 22 to 25 inches for females.
General Appearance
Like other breeds of the Mastiff family, the Presa Canario is a large powerful dog. This fearless breed has a bite force of 541 PSI. The muscular and robust build of these courageous pups belies their agile cat-like grace. Although this breed looks a lot like the Pitbull, the Presa Canario is not a Pitbull.
This breed has a characteristic large square-shaped head and a sloping back. You can expect your Presa Canario to have a short coarse coat that comes in shades of fawn and brindle. These pups shed little and are therefore low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
How Long Do Presa Canarios Live?
The Presa Canario is a hardy breed that can live up to 11 years with the right nutrition and care. The average lifespan of this large breed will range from 9 to 11 years.
Like other dog breeds, the Presa Canario can be susceptible to some genetic illnesses. Some common health problems you need to watch out for include:
Hip Dysplasia
Large dog breeds tend to be susceptible to joint issues and the Presa Canario is no exception. These pups can suffer from hip dysplasia which is a deformity of the hip.
This condition can affect mobility and in severe cases lead to lameness. Hip dysplasia can also lead to joint laxity and osteoarthritis.
Heart Conditions
Presa Canarios are susceptible to heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition impairs the normal function of the heart leading to weakness and difficulty breathing.
Having your pup checked regularly by the vet can help catch such conditions early. Early treatment helps to improve prognosis and manage disease progression.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is characterized by dislocation of the kneecap. This condition can affect Presa Canarios by impairing their mobility and causing lameness.
Patellar luxation is a painful condition that will cause your pooch a lot of discomfort. Fortunately, this condition can be corrected with surgery.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are a common type of cancer in dogs. This type of tumor typically forms nodules in the skin although they can also affect other parts of the body.
How To Take Care Of Presa Canarios?
As a pet parent, the health of your pup is always a priority. For your Presa Canario, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise are important to keep your pooch healthy and happy.
Diet
Presa Canarios are large active dogs that thrive on a nutrient-rich diet. To meet the energy needs of this powerful muscular dog, a high protein diet is essential. Feed your dog on a high protein formula like the Pet Plate recipe.
Its high protein formula is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of active high-energy dogs. It is also grain-free and made with human-grade ingredients to ensure your Presa Canario gets the healthiest nutrition possible.
To complement a healthy diet, include multivitamin supplements in your dog’s diet. Zesty Paws Probiotics is a great choice for Presa Canarios. It contains essential nutrients and probiotics to keep your pup’s gut healthy and boost the immune system.
Dental health is also important for your pup’s health. Invest in dental water additives for a hassle-free way to ensure your Presa Canario’s teeth and gums stay healthy.
Exercise
Presa Canarios are not built for a sedentary lifestyle. A Presa Canario needs at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Include lots of physical activity in your pup’s daily routine. This breed can get very restless if they do not get sufficient daily exercise.
Do not forget to keep your pooch mentally stimulated with playtime and toys. The iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers For Dogs is a perfect indoor and outdoor toy to keep your dog engaged and out of mischief.
Is A Presa Canario A Good Family Dog? Temperaments Of Presa Canarios
Presa Canarios are a great companion for the right owner. However, these strong-willed pups are not ideal for every home.
Here are some traits to keep in mind before adopting this breed.
Confident And Courageous
The Presa Canario is a courageous and confident breed. This breed is very assertive and strong-willed which can make it a handful for first-time pet parents. Presa Canarios need a strong leader to keep them well behaved.
Intelligent
Presa Canarios are not all muscle. These confident pups are also very intelligent and respond well to training. However, force should never be used to train this breed as it can cause them to attack due to their natural fighting instincts.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to potty train your puppy. Despite their intelligence, this breed can be stubborn and requires firm and consistent training.
Protective And Territorial
The Presa Canario is a devoted companion that will fearlessly guard its master. These courageous dogs can be very territorial and wary of strangers. These traits make Presa Canarios ideal watchdogs.
Aggressive
The fearsome reputation of the Presa Canario is due to its aggressive tendencies. These dogs must be socialized and trained from an early age to curb aggression. Without proper training, Presa Canarios can be a danger to people and other animals.
Dominant
The Presa Canario is the ultimate alpha dog. It will assert its dominance in different ways including aggression. A Presa Canario is not recommended for homes with children or other pets due to its natural herding instincts.
Do Presa Canarios Shed A Lot? Grooming Tips For Presa Canarios
Presa Canarios are not hypoallergenic. However, these dogs have short coarse coats that shed very little. If you want a low-maintenance breed, these pups fit the bill perfectly.
Brushing
Presa Canarios have a short coarse coat that does not require daily brushing. Brushing your pup once or twice weekly will suffice.
To minimize shedding use the Furminator undercoat tool which is specifically designed for large breeds. The Furminator removes loose undercoat hair efficiently leaving your pup’s coat healthy and free of mats.
To get rid of all that pesky doggy hair, use the iRobot Roomba i3 vacuum. This state-of-the-art vacuum is designed with high-efficiency filters that trap up to 99% of cat and dog allergens. The iRobot vacuum also comes with a host of smart features including Wi-Fi for ease of use.
Bathing
The Presa Canario should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. However, you can increase the frequency to suit your pup’s activity levels. Depending on activity levels you can increase the frequency of baths.
Always use a gentle shampoo like Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo And Conditioner to avoid irritating your dog’s skin. This 2-in-1 shampoo cleans, softens, and helps to relieve itchiness. The Mighty Petz Shampoo also leaves your dog’s coat smelling clean and fresh.
Related Questions
How Much Do Presa Canario Puppies Cost? Presa Canario Puppies cost between $1,200 to $3,000. Depending on pedigree and breeder the cost for Presa Canarios can be as high as $7,000 or more. This breed is rare which makes it costly to buy. However, you can also adopt Presa Canarios from a shelter which is often cheaper than buying from a breeder.
Can Presa Canario Live With Other Dogs? No, Presa Canarios should not live with other dogs. The Presa Canario breed is a very dominant breed that is prone to asserting itself using aggression. This makes it wary of other dogs and potentially dangerous. You should never live a Presa Canario unsupervised around other dogs.
Which Is Better Cane Corso Or Presa Canario? The Cane Corso is slightly bigger than the Presa Canario. However, both of these breeds come from the Mastiff family and are very similar in appearance. Both breeds need intense socialization and firm handling since they are very territorial and assertive and can be prone to aggression.
