Dogo Canario

The history of the Dogo Canario is deeply rooted in ancient times and is inextricably linked to the Canary Islands, which, according to one version, received their name precisely because of the large dogs (from Latin canis – dog) that lived there. It is believed that the ancestors of today’s Presa Canario were the local “Majorero” dogs (Bardino Majorero), which were crossed with Molossers brought to the islands by Spanish conquistadors.

For centuries, these dogs were used for guarding livestock, protecting property, and even for dog fighting, which was popular in Europe until the mid-20th century. It was specifically for fighting that the blood of English Bulldogs and Mastiffs was added to the local dogs, which gave the breed even greater ferocity, power, and the characteristic brindle colouring. When dog fighting was officially banned in Spain in the 1940s, the popularity of the Dogo Canario sharply declined, and the breed found itself on the verge of extinction.

The revival began only in the 1970s, thanks to the efforts of a group of enthusiasts and breeders led by the renowned American cynologist Dr. Carl Semencic, who “discovered” these dogs for the world. Spanish breeders actively worked to restore the population, selecting the best representatives that had survived on farms. In 1989, the breed received official recognition in Spain, and in 2001, it was provisionally recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), gaining full recognition in 2011. Today, the Dogo Canario is the national symbol of Gran Canaria.

The Dogo Canario is a medium-sized Molosser, with straight lines and a proportionate build. Its appearance exudes strength and confidence. It is a functional dog, whose body structure is ideally adapted for guarding.

• Head: Massive, compact, cuboid in shape (brachycephalic type). The skull is broad and flat. The stop is pronounced, but not abrupt. The muzzle is short, approximately 40% of the total head length, with a broad base. The lips are thick, but not overly pendulous.
• Eyes: Slightly oval, medium to large in size. Colour – from dark chestnut to medium chestnut, depending on the coat colour. The gaze is calm, but attentive and stern.
• Ears: Medium-sized, set wide apart. If the ears are not cropped, they hang naturally at the sides of the head. In countries where it is permitted, ears may be cropped to give a more imposing appearance and to prevent injuries.
• Body: Rectangular, slightly longer than the height at the withers. The neck is strong, muscular, with a double dewlap. The topline is straight, the croup slightly raised. The chest is broad and deep, ensuring a large lung capacity.
• Tail: Thick at the base, tapering towards the tip. At rest, it hangs down; in motion, it rises in a saber shape.
• Coat: Short, harsh, without undercoat, tightly adhering to the skin. Slightly rough to the touch.

Dogo Canario Colouring

Colouring is one of the characteristic features of the breed. An obligatory element is the black mask on the muzzle, which should not rise above eye level.

The Dogo Canario’s character is a unique combination of calmness and imposing strength. It is a dog with an innate sense of dignity and a balanced psyche. It never shows aggression without reason, but is always ready to defend its territory and family.

Relationships with Family: For its owners, the Presa Canario is a gentle and obedient companion. It forms deep bonds with all family members and treats them with great affection. This dog can be surprisingly patient with children it has grown up with, perceiving them as part of its “pack”. However, due to its size and strength, any interaction with small children should be supervised.

Attitude Towards Strangers: The Dogo Canario is naturally wary of strangers. It will not bark unnecessarily, but its low, deep bark is a serious warning to anyone approaching its territory. It observes strangers carefully and only reacts in the event of a real threat.

Interaction with Other Animals: Early and proper socialisation is key for this breed. Dogo Canarios can show dominance and even aggression towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. It is necessary to accustom the puppy to interacting with other animals from a young age to avoid problems in the future.

Training a Dogo Canario is a process that requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of the breed’s psychology. The main rule is – you must become an undisputed leader for the dog, whom it will trust and respect. This must be done not through force and cruelty, but through confidence and fairness.

Early socialisation is the foundation for raising a well-adjusted urban dog. From 2-3 months of age, the puppy should be introduced to various sounds, places, people, and calm, well-behaved dogs. This will help it grow up confident, rather than timid or aggressive.

During training, use positive reinforcement methods (treats, praise), but be firm in your demands. Dogo Canarios are very intelligent and quickly understand what is required of them, but their stubbornness can be an obstacle. Sessions should be short, interesting, and regular. The owner must be prepared for the fact that this dog’s character develops slowly, sometimes up to 2-3 years of age.

Despite its size, the Dogo Canario does not require complex care. The main thing is to provide it with proper living conditions and a sufficient level of activity.

• Living Conditions: The ideal option for a Presa Canario is a private house with a well-fenced area where it can roam freely. Keeping it in a flat is possible, but only on condition of daily long and active walks (no less than 2 hours a day). This dog is not suited for life on a chain.
• Grooming: The short coat does not require special care. It is sufficient to brush it once a week with a rubber brush to remove dead hairs. The dog should only be bathed when necessary, 1-2 times a year, using special shampoos for short-haired breeds.
• Ear, Eye, and Nail Care: Regularly inspect the ears and eyes for dirt or inflammation. Trim the nails every 3-4 weeks if they do not wear down naturally.

The Dogo Canario is a large and muscular dog that requires high-quality and balanced nutrition. The basis of its diet should be animal protein.

You can choose one of two feeding types:

• Ready-made dry food: Choose super-premium or holistic food for large dog breeds with a high meat content (no less than 30%).
• Natural feeding: The diet should consist of 50-60% raw meat (beef, turkey, offal), and the rest – from cereals (rice, buckwheat), fermented dairy products, vegetables, and fruits.

Important! During the period of active growth (up to 1.5-2 years), puppies need supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin for proper joint formation. Do not overfeed the dog to avoid problems with excess weight and strain on the musculoskeletal system. Access to fresh water must be available around the clock.

The Dogo Canario is generally a healthy and resilient breed with a strong immune system. However, like all large dogs, it has a predisposition to certain genetic diseases. Responsible breeders test their dogs for these issues.

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: The most common problem in large breeds. It is important not to over-exercise the puppy and to monitor its weight.
• Panostitis: So-called “growing pains” that can occur in puppies aged between 5 and 14 months.
• Heart Diseases: Particularly dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Demodicosis: A skin disease caused by a mite, which can become active with a weakened immune system.
• Epilepsy: Can be hereditary.

The average lifespan of a Dogo Canario is 9-11 years, which is a good indicator for a dog of this size.

The Dogo Canario belongs to a large family of Molossers, among which there are many interesting breeds with similar, yet unique, traits. For example, it is often compared to another Spanish dog – the Ca de Bou. Although both breeds are guardians, the Ca de Bou is slightly smaller and has a slightly different head shape.

With its protective temperament and robust stature, the Presa Canario shares traits with the South African Boerboel, which was also bred to protect farms. However, the Dogo Canario typically has a more pronounced “stern” appearance. If we compare it to the Dogo Argentino, the latter has an immaculate white coat and was primarily created for hunting large game, which influenced its character. Powerful guardian dogs such as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog are also its “colleagues” in work, although they belong to the group of herding dogs and have a different manner of behaviour. In contrast to these serious guardians, there are also large but good-natured breeds, such as the Landseer, which once again highlights the uniqueness and multifaceted nature of the canine world.

1. “Dog Islands”: The very name “Canary Islands” comes from the Latin “Insula Canaria,” meaning “Island of Dogs,” due to the large number of wild dogs that lived there.
2. Island Symbol: In 1991, the government of the Canary Islands recognised the Dogo Canario as the natural symbol of Gran Canaria.
3. Two Names – One Breed: There is some confusion with the names “Presa Canario” and “Dogo Canario.” Historically, “Presa” (meaning “to seize,” “to hold”) – is a functional working dog. “Dogo” – is more of an exhibition type. Today, the FCI standard unites them under the name Dogo Canario.
4. Silent Guardian: The Dogo Canario is not prone to barking without reason. It only makes its presence known when it deems it absolutely necessary, and its deep, low bark is very convincing.
5. Film Star: Dogs of this breed have appeared in several films, including “Ocean’s Eleven,” where they demonstrated their impressive appearance.

Is the Dogo Canario suitable for a beginner?
No, absolutely not. This is a breed for experienced owners who understand the psychology of dominant dogs and are ready to dedicate a lot of time to education, training, and socialisation. A beginner simply will not cope with its strength and character.

How much does a Dogo Canario puppy cost?
The price for a puppy from responsible breeders can range from approximately £800 to £2,000 and even more. The cost depends on the parents’ pedigree, their titles, and the kennel’s reputation. One should be wary of overly cheap offers, as this may indicate health or documentation issues.

Do they drool a lot?
Yes, like most Molossers with massive jaws, Dogo Canarios are prone to drooling, especially after drinking, eating, or during hot weather. Future owners should be prepared for this.

How does the Dogo Canario get along with children?
With its own children, with whom it has grown up, the Dogo Canario is usually very gentle and patient. However, due to its enormous size and strength, any interaction with children must be strictly controlled. Such a large dog should not be left alone with a small child.

Can a Dogo Canario be kept in a flat?
It is possible, but highly undesirable. A dog of this size and energy needs space. If you do decide to keep it in a flat, be prepared for daily, very long (2-3 hours) and intense walks in any weather, so that the dog can expend its energy.