History:

The Perro de Presa Canario is a cross between Bulldogs, Mastiffs and Native dogs, in the 1800s English settlers brought over mastiffs and old-style bulldogs that bred with the Canario. This resulted in very powerful, muscular, large-boned dogs, which were used for fighting until 1940, when dog fighting was banned. The Presa Canario was not solely a fighting dog, however, and was quite often used as a herding dog, guard dog, and all-purpose farm dog. In the 1940s the breed started to diminish but was revived once again in the 1970s by Spaniards searching for the native dogs that were able to find pure blooded specimens of the species. Within ten years, the breed was back on its feet again, not in high numbers but in good bloodlines and back in the show ring. Today the breed is known in the U.S., unfortunately, as a threatening breed that has attacked people. Although these dogs can be aggressive, proper training and socialization are key in their development to produce a calm and responsible dog. [Read more…]