Presa Canario

Large, powerful, and stately dogs, Presa Canarios are self-confident, self-sufficient dogs that were once used for guarding livestock. They are on alert with strangers but are loving and warm with their families and people they know.

Presa Canario Breed Overview

The Presa Canario dog originally hails from the Canary Islands in Spain, where they were used to guard and herd on farms and perform general farm duties. These calm yet watchful dogs have been around for more than 500 years and have been integrated into family life ever since. They are alert with strangers but gentle with their families.  

Presa Canario Facts

• This Spanish dog is also known as the Perro de Presa Canario.
• They require experienced dog owners due to their size and strength.
• They were nearly extinct in the 1940s, but had a resurgence in the 1970s.
• They prefer large yards in rural or suburban areas.
• They are relatively quiet dogs unless they see something that needs attention.
• Despite their size and strength, they are sweet and loving towards their families.

How to Care for Your Presa Canario

The Presa Canario needs specialized care, including nutrition and feeding, grooming and hygiene, and living arrangements. Here’s what you need to know.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Presa Canario

Due to the Presa Canario’s large size – they can weigh up to 125 pounds – they need specific food created with larger breeds in mind. Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE are great options for large to extra-large dogs because they contain much-needed nutrients like glucosamine, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and more to support bone and joint health. High-quality protein and essential fats are included in these foods, as well as vitamins and digestive health elements like probiotics.

How Much to Feed a Presa Canario

A dog as big and active as a Presa Canario will require a lot of food, something a vet can help you figure out specifically. Presa Canarios do best with scheduled feeding, or feeding them at the same time, usually twice a day. It’s important that this breed keeps a healthy weight with the right amount of food and exercise. To get specific food recommendations, use the Purina Feeding Calculator.

Treats & Supplements

Dogs love treats, and they should be used in moderation and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training.

Presa Canarios may or may not need supplements for issues like joint care but you can discuss those with your vet.  

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

All dogs, including Presa Canarios, should see a vet regularly for vaccines, parasite prevention, and more. Good pet parents will also include dental hygiene and talking to a vet about spaying or neutering your dog.

Presa Canario Enrichment & Exercise Needs

A Presa Canario loves to be outside, and will adore everything from long leashed walks to swimming. They do best when they have access to large yards where they can roam, but they can get by in smaller living situations with plenty of access to the outdoors, so long as they have enough room to relax inside. Mentally stimulate your Presa Canario with games, puzzles, and other enrichment opportunities, including positive reinforcement-based training. These agile, athletic dogs might also enjoy activities like dog agility courses.

Understanding Your Presa Canario’s Behavior

The Presa Canario is a confident, self-assured dog, but all dogs can benefit from socialization. Additionally, because of their confidence, they can sometimes be stubborn in training. The best owner for a Presa Canario is one who has experience with larger, more obstinate dogs. They can be loving and wonderful family members, but they also can be territorial or dominant towards other dogs, given their instinctive high prey drive.

What to Expect as Your Presa Canario Ages

Most Presa Canarios can live somewhere between 9 and 11 years if they are healthy and well-taken care of. To give your dog the best shot of maturing into a healthy dog, feed them large breed puppy food when they are small and large breed dog food as adults. As they age, they shouldn’t have any major issues with health, but it’s still a good idea to feed them an age-appropriate food, such as Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food. It’s formulated with ingredients specific to aging, like glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility, and probiotics for digestion and gut health.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

A Presa Canario requires weekly brushing to release oils and any loose hairs, and an occasional bath when things are looking dirty. They have strong, fast-growing nails that need to be cut frequently to prevent splitting and overgrowth.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Dog ear health is important, and you should do weekly checks on your Presa Canario to see if they are dirty or have infections. This breed loves to swim, so make sure you are drying them thoroughly after any water play. Check their paws for infections, cuts, and scrapes regularly, and be sure to commit to a dental hygiene routine to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Anal Gland Care

While it’s not as common in large breeds, some Presa Canarios might need their anal glands expressed. You’ll know it’s time to call the vet or your groomer if your dog is scooting, licking their behinds excessively, producing a strong, foul odor, or if they are having trouble going to the bathroom.

Living With a Presa Canario

Living Space

The Presa Canario is a large dog, often reaching over 100 pounds. Large dogs need plenty of space to move about a home, and a large crate and dog bed to call their own. They do best in homes in suburban or rural areas that have a lot of land, preferably with access to water, as they love to swim. They can get by in smaller living situations with plenty of access to the outdoors, but they’ll be happiest with lots of free space to roam. They do bark to alert, so an apartment isn’t ideal, given that there might be a lot of unfamiliar noises. It’s best for them to have a yard with a very secure fence.

Socialization

Born confident and sure-footed, the Presa Canario can still benefit from socialization and being around other dogs. While they might not need to get their confidence up, they can benefit from social interactions. While they are family dogs and utterly devoted to those they love, they are not the best dog for families with small children or elderly family members, as they are very large dogs.

Climate Considerations

The Presa Canario originated in the Canary Islands of Spain. They do not do well with extreme temperatures of any kind, hot or cold. They can have darker coats, which absorb heat. Anywhere with mild winter conditions will be fine for them, but they have a hard time in extreme cold.

Potential Challenges

The Presa Canario dog was bred to protect, and because of that, they can be “on” all the time, looking out for potential dangers. This can lead to excessive barking, which is not ideal in an urban living environment or a home with small children or elderly family members who might startle easily. They can be territorial thanks to their herding instincts, so a strong fence is recommended for any yard.

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