The Perro de Presa Canario, or "Canarian catch dog" in Spanish, is a mastiff breed that originated in the Canary Islands. It is a complex, powerful dog that requires special needs when it comes to ownership. The Presa is used as a “catch dog,” driving livestock and warding off or killing stray dogs. The Presa has a massive head, heavy rectangular body, and a short coat in tan, black, brown, or any combination of those colors.
The Perro de Presa Canario stands between 21 and 25 inches tall at shoulder height and weighs between an average of 80 and 130 pounds.
This breed was originally developed for working with livestock. The Perro de Presa Canario comes from the Canary Islands and its origins can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. This breed was developed between 43 and 89 AD. Later, the breed came to be known in dog-fighting circles until the 1940s when dog fighting was outlawed.
The Perro de Presa Canario was developed from large Molosser-type dogs as well as a variety of mastiff-type and bulldog-type breeds. After dog fighting was outlawed, the breed was combined with other protective breeds like the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher and used for guarding. A sheepdog known as the Bardino Majorero was also added to the bloodline.
Presas require early socialization and obedience training. In some situations, the Presa can be aggressive toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers. In countries with breed bans, it is often among the breeds that are outlawed.
Sources: http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/perro-de-presa-canario/ http://shivasystem.com/Most-Dangerous-Dog-Breeds/3
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