The Presa Canario Breed

The Presa Canarios, also called the Canary Mastiff, was originally bred for working with livestock. It was a popular breed of dog throughout the Canary Islands, where it was used on farms and ranches to make sure that livestock didn’t stray too far from home. It could herd different types of livestock and could be trained to follow a number of commands. Unfortunately, the dogs eventually gained a bad reputation because some people also used them for dog fighting, which was a common practice on the Canary Islands until the 1950s.

Negative Feelings Toward the Breed

Many people have negative feelings toward the Presa Canarios breed, mostly because of what they may have heard about that particular breed from others. If they have heard stories of dog fighting and aggressive behaviors, it’s understandable that they may think the breed has problems. Because of those kinds of perceptions, you don’t hear that much about the breed unless it’s in the negative. The people who own and love these dogs talk about their pets, but there aren’t that many of them compared to the people who have other dog breeds as pets or companions.

Australia and New Zealand both prohibit bringing the Presa Canarios breed into the country, as well as the sale of them. In several countries, including the United States and England, people have been mauled and killed by Presa Canarios dogs, either purebred or mixed with other breeds. However, there were generally extenuating circumstances surrounding these attacks. In one case, the dogs had not been fed for nearly two days and how it was treated by its owner otherwise is not known. In another case, the dogs had specifically been trained for fighting, which is more the fault of the owner than the dogs.

Owners of Presa Canarios and Dog Fighting

Being trained for dog fighting and getting that reputation for aggression are problems that have plagued the Presa Canarios for a very long time. Once people began to see a breed as dangerous, it can be hard to change that. However, by prohibiting dog fighting on the Canary Islands back in the 1950s, some of the opportunity for people to use these dogs for fighting was reduced. Dog fighting is illegal in many places and countries, and those who teach dogs to fight are prosecuted. Unfortunately for the dog, rehabilitation after fighting isn’t often possible. Still, the Presa Canarios does not have to be trained to fight, and does not need to be aggressive by nature.

Socialization and Training Are the Keys

The key to successful ownership of the Presa Canarios is socialization and training. These dogs are not naturally dangerous to people, but the way they are trained and how they are socialized around people and other dogs can greatly affect how they will act in their daily lives when they have interactions with others. By starting early and working with your Presa Canarios on how to act around people, other dogs, and other types of animals, you can successfully own a great dog with a mild temperament and a protective nature toward your family. That can be a real benefit when it comes to keeping you and your loved ones and property safe.

When properly trained, the Presa Canarios makes a loyal and very lovable pet for children or adults, and can be an excellent companion for just about anyone. The dogs do get big so it’s important to be ready for that, but these dogs do not have to be aggressive. They can be sweet, good natured, and even tempered, all while making excellent guard dogs who are very loyal to their family and who will defend that family from others. Good socialization and training helps the Presa Canarios recognize when to be defensive toward others and when to relax and enjoy companionship. Through that training, you can learn all you need to know about your dog and how to make sure you both enjoy your time with one another. Any dog can be trained to act a particular way, and that training is very important.