Presa Canario
The Presa Canario (Perro de Presa Canario, or Canary Mastiff) is a large mastiff-type breed indigenous to the Canary Islands, developed from crosses between indigenous island dogs and mastiffs brought by Spanish conquistadors.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Spain
Lifespan
9–11 years
Weight
38–59 kg (84–130 lbs)
Height
56–66 cm (22–26 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — large breed quality formula
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Presa Canario (Perro de Presa Canario, or Canary Mastiff) is a large mastiff-type breed indigenous to the Canary Islands, developed from crosses between indigenous island dogs and mastiffs brought by Spanish conquistadors. Used historically for guarding farms and livestock and, illegally, in dog fighting. The breed is calm and confident in its own territory but highly suspicious of strangers and has a strong dominance drive. The Presa is specifically named in India's March 2024 DAHD advisory as a restricted breed. It is also banned or restricted in several other countries.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Presa Canario is a large, powerfully built dog with a massive, broad, square head, strong jaw, and a compact muscular body. The short coat is rough in texture. The characteristic colours are fawn and brindle in various combinations. Black mask is common and desirable. The overall expression is attentive and commanding.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
The Presa Canario is calm and confident in familiar surroundings but highly suspicious and territorial toward strangers. Their dominance drive is significant — they will challenge for leadership with owners who are inconsistent or permissive. They are loyal to their family but express it with reserved dignity rather than effusive affection. They are not suitable for inexperienced owners.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
2/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
2/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
5/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 32°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
20%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
guarding, aggression, stiffening, deep barking, pacing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate daily exercise in a securely fenced area. Short coat minimal maintenance. Professional training from puppyhood is essential. Early and extensive socialisation is critical to managing their suspicious nature toward strangers.
Nutrition Notes
Giant breed formula. Bloat risk. Joint supplements. Epilepsy in some lines.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia. Bloat. Epilepsy. Entropion. OCD. Canary Islands molosser. Nearly extinct by 1970s — rebuilt. BSL-restricted in many areas. 9-11 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
2000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1500 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia is significant. Dilated cardiomyopathy and other cardiac conditions occur. Bloat/GDV is a risk. Generally a robust, healthy breed.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
BSL-restricted. Canary Islands origin. India: check state laws.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Presa Canario's name literally means "Canary Island catching dog" — a reference to its use in livestock management and hunting on the volcanic archipelago.
The breed was nearly extinct by the 1970s, when it was rediscovered and restored by breed enthusiasts in the Canary Islands and Spain.
The Presa Canario is the official symbol of Gran Canaria (one of the Canary Islands) — depicted on the island's coat of arms.
