The Canarian Mastiff is a truly imposing sight; it is known by its Spanish name, Perro de Presa Canario, and is commonly referred to simply as the ‚Dogo Canario‘. Its name alone reveals its origins: this breed hails from the Canary Islands. Let’s take a closer look at what it is known for.
Dogo Canario: Everything you need to know about the Canary Islands Mastiff
Strength, courage and a well-balanced temperament are the characteristics for which the Canary Islands Mastiff is best known. The dog was originally bred as a working animal in agriculture, where guarding grazing livestock was one of its tasks. Good-natured yet alert, these dogs display these traits accordingly.
The Dogo Canario has an eventful history. Today, it is kept as a companion dog, and in some places also as a guard and protection dog. However, in certain regions it is classified as a ‚listed breed‘, for example in Brandenburg and Bavaria.
Dogo Canario: Origins & History
The history of the Canary Mastiff dates back to the colonial era. The islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife played a central role in this, as they were home to the so-called ‚Presa dogs‘, which are now regarded as the ancestors of the Canary Mastiff.
The local population kept large, powerful dogs. When the Spanish brought further large and powerful breeds to the Canary Islands during the colonial era – including the Spanish hunting dog breed known as the Alanos – these were cross-bred with the native dogs. This gave rise to a new breed characterised by exceptional strength, courage and a territorial nature.
How the Dogo Canario made a comeback
The breed suffered a setback in the 19th century when it briefly fell into disrepute because the Dogo Canario was misused in illegal dogfights. It was not until the 1970s, with the official ban on dogfighting, that the Canarian Mastiff began to be bred again in a controlled and supervised manner.
Gradually, the breed shed its reputation as a ‚fighting dog‘. Official recognition by the Spanish Kennel Club followed in 1982. In 2001, international recognition was granted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), under the name ‚Perro de Presa Canario‘.
What the Dogo Canario looks like
The Dogo Canario is medium to large in size, with a very sturdy and muscular build. Males stand between 60 and 66 centimetres at the withers, whilst females usually reach between 56 and 62 centimetres. There is also a difference in weight: males weigh between 50 and 65 kilograms, whilst females weigh between 40 and 55 kilograms. The coat is short, dense and slightly coarse, with colours ranging from brindle to black and tan.
The large head is particularly striking; it appears rather massive in relation to the body and is characterised by a broad, powerful muzzle. This is complemented by a powerful jaw with strong musculature. The eyes are medium-sized and slightly oval, whilst the ears usually lie close to the head. Broad at the base, the tail tapers towards the tip.
Character & Behaviour of the Dogo Canario
The Dogo Canario is regarded as well-balanced, self-assured and intelligent. It is fiercely loyal to its owner and displays a strong protective instinct towards its home and family members. Normally, these dogs are calm and patient, yet very alert and ready to defend their pack if necessary.
Courage and a strong sense of self-confidence are hallmarks of the Dogo Canario. It is therefore only suitable to a limited extent for less experienced dog owners. As the breed possesses a natural protective and territorial instinct, its training requires clear leadership and consistent socialisation.
The Dogo Canario is a good guard dog that defends its territory independently. It displays a high level of tolerance towards other dogs and people. Dominant behaviour towards other dogs of the same sex can certainly be observed in the Dogo Canario.
Keeping and caring for the Dogo Canario from the Canary Islands
Anyone keeping a Dogo Canario must, above all, be able to provide plenty of time and exercise. Keeping the dog in a flat without access to a garden is not recommended due to its size and need for exercise. Although these dogs tend to be fairly calm, they need regular and lengthy walks as well as mental stimulation to remain well-balanced.
This breed is particularly well-suited to sporting activities, such as hiking or dog sports that challenge both mind and body. Grooming their short coat, on the other hand, is not labour-intensive. Occasional brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. In addition, regular attention should be paid to dental care as well as the care of their ears and claws.
Health and life expectancy of the Dogo Canario
As with many larger breeds, the Dogo Canario is also prone to a number of potential health issues: hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are among the common, genetically-related problems associated with this breed. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups and early detection are therefore advisable. As is typical for large dogs, the Dogo Canario’s life expectancy is comparatively short, at around nine to eleven years.
Breeders who specialise in the Dogo Canario place great emphasis on health checks and responsible breeding. This helps to minimise genetic disorders. Before acquiring a dog, it is worth carrying out thorough research to select a reputable breeder who has the parent dogs tested for genetic diseases.
The Dogo Canario is extremely loyal and is highly valued as a companion and guard dog. Its protective instinct, high intelligence and strong bond with the family make these dogs reliable companions for experienced owners. These dogs require responsible and experienced guidance, particularly during training. Anyone who meets these requirements will find the Canarian Mastiff to be an exceptionally loyal and dependable dog.
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