Origin & Purpose

Originated from the Canary Islands of Tenerife and Gran Canarias. It is a result of crossbreeding between the Bardino and Mahorero from the Islands of Fuerteventura and molosoid dogs, which were introduced to the Islands from abroad. Versatile dog with good disposition for the fighting and animal hunting, able to develop several jobs: guard, defense, companion, also as a man-stopper and attack-dog.

General Appearance

A medium sized, well-built dog, robust, of straight profile, wide base and wide front, well proportioned. The heavy Presa is not an ideal Presa. The main characteristics of these dogs should be quickness and agility.

Proportions

Skull to face ratio 6/4, height to width length of the body ration 10/12, height to width thoracic perimeter ratio at least 8/11.

Temperament

Impetuous temperament, this is not a "sofa dog," but a natural born fighter and guard, vigorous, with a strong character. Its powerful shape provides a clear impression on aggression and severity of this dog. Low, deep bark. The dog is devoted only to its family, distrustful with strangers.

Head

Expressive, large, sturdy and massive, looks square in front. Remind the head of the Dogo Argentina or American
Staffordshire terrier. Well marked, though not deep stop. Zygomatic archers are very pronounced with greatly developed
 jaw and cheek muscles. Occiput crest slightly marked. Very wide muzzle, wide back nose with large nostrils. Mouth
has dense lips, not very handing, but thick and fleshy. Clearly marked comissura labial. Upper flew usually forming an
inverted "V" when viewed from the front. Mucosa is preferable dark. Jaws are wide with large teeth. Bite typical of
Molsoid dogs. Canines and incisors located in one line and well placed. Slight undershot acceptable, given the dog's
origins. The absence of one or two premolars is not a fault. Ears are high-set. Ear has a form of a rose petal, but usually
they are short-cut (in accordance with Spanish tradition), in standing position with triangle shape.

Neck

Strong, short, of being accustomed to great muscles and of loose, skins, it is the
lever that immobilizes the action of capturing. Shortish between 18 and 20 cm.

Body

Being longer than the height at the shoulders, particularly in the bitches. Rectangular. Backline is straight or slightly falling towards the hips. Slight saddle effect just after the withers. Loin is straight, medium length and wide. Normally 1,5 cm higher than the withers. Wide tail base.

Chest wide and deep. Thoracic perimeter at least 30% greater than shoulder height. Well arched ribcage, almost cylindrical. Stomach slightly up drawn.

Lengthening of the body is preferred over its massiveness and height.

Forequarters

Straight, parallel with strong bone and a strong, visible muscles. Compact cat-feet. Shoulders are strong, muscled and with a vertical forearm. Elbows must not be closely set to the chest, however, should not be too free as well.

Hindquarters

Powerful, in parallel surfaces, very muscular second thighs, unpronounced angles. Cat-like feet, larger than the fore. No spur normally.

Movements

A rhythmical trot, powerful and flexible.

Tail

High-set, flexible and stronger at the root, will reach to the hock. In action elevated saber-like without curling over the back.

Coat

Hair is short all over, coarse. The tail tends to be more rough then the rest of the body. Skin is very hard and thick. Hair could be of a middle length, or more rough, typical for fox-terrier, depending on variations.

Color

All types of brindle: from very dark to gray or very light brown or blond; fawn, red, sand-color. White spots at the neck or chest is permissible, preferably as small as possible. Dark mask is obligatory.

Height & Weight

Males: 59-64 cm, 42-50 kg

Females: 55-59 cm, 38-45 kg

In case of preserving natural balance of proportions, it may exceed given standard: weight ranges from 60-68 kg, height at shoulder 65-70 cm.

Demorphisim

It is very well-developed

Defects

Slight defects: Excessive wrinkling, presence of spur.

Serious defects: Excessively long flews, poor mask, nose depigmentation (partial or complete) , excessively undershot jaw, light bult, deviated fore or hind quarters, cranio-facial disproportion, unbalanced character. Curled tail, of equal thickness all the way, amputated or mutilated.

Dogs, having monarchism or cyptochism, more than 20% white markings, enogmnatism and total lack of pigmentation over the muzzle or mucosa are disqualified.

**Unfortunately, at the moment Perro de Presa breed is not recognized by the FCI, due to this fact, claiming of prizes and titles on international dog exhibitions is often connected with various problems. Exception is, of course, Spain, where this breed is treated like a national sight.

In Spain and the United States of America, where this breed is mostly based, those working kennels which really improve the breed signs of Perro de Presa Canario, along with thoroughbred breeding make obligatory character testing of pedigree sires. Thus in Spain there is a dog's social behavior degree test-B.H., and also there are special systems of training: I.P.O/. R.C.I., SHC.H or C.E.A.C. Persecution, guarding and protection instincts must be expressed very evidently; an aggressive reaction to a gunshot is allowed, a dot may pay attention to the source of noise, best of all, staying indifferent an in to cast betraying cowardice; it must be eager to work, it must be active, brave and demonstrated a strength of character. Supersensitive and delicate individuals as well as those trying to dominate their master are disqualified.

The following tests are popular in America: temperament test-TT and a test to check. If a dog is suitable for breeding, its conformity with the breed-BST (breeding suitability test). TT includes control of general obedience, degree of social behavior, protection and reaction to a shot being fired if a dog passes it successfully it may have a claim to the BST. If both tests are passed without any problems, a representative of the breed receives a special certificate OFA or PennHip and it is registered in the PCCA stud book (American Club of Presa Canario) as BST-suitable for breeding.