Dogo Canario Dog Breed: Facts, Temperament & Traits

Height:	22 – 25.5 Inches
Weight:	88 – 110 pounds
Lifespan:	10-12 years
Colors:	Black, fawn, and brindle. Red, silver
For:	Guard dogs, working
Temperament:	Sturdy, confident, and calm

Dogs love the Dogo Canario. Many believe they are a large breed, with a negative reputation. They are also known by many other names such as the Canary Mastiff and Presa Canario, Canary Dog, and Perro de Presa Canario.

Dogo Canario ownership means that you have to take on some responsibility for your dog. They have been reported to cause harm to children and adults. They are capable of being good dogs. You just need to socialize them and give them lots of training so they can be as confident in you as in you.

Dogo Canario — Before You Get One…

Three Little-Known Facts about Dogo Canario

1. These dogs are the Canary Islands’ national dogs.

Dogo Canario has a shorter history than some older breeds. It is difficult to determine which breeds the Dogo Canario could be related to or from which descent.

They are believed to date back to the early or late 16th century. It is believed that they are descendants of Mastiff-like Mastiff dogs that were brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish conquerors. They could include the Iberian Presa (a rare breed), the now-extinct Alanos, and the Bardino Majorero, a sheepdog.

The Dogo Canario was originally bred to guard livestock. They were bred to protect livestock from both large and small predators. They were “discovered” and began being exported as fighting dogs. Their history takes a horrifying turn at this point.

Fighting was banned in the 1940s. Unluckily for the breed, they were so adept at it that they were still widely used in fight rings, even though illegally. Breeders are now working to eliminate vicious tendencies. They are used widely as guard dogs.

2. Dogo Canario’s bite strength is 540 psi

The Dogo Canario isn’t as big as some other giant breeds. However, their size does not mean they aren’t strong and can be a formidable force. They have now guarded dogs because of their bite strength, which is why they were so skilled fighters.

They can bite at 540 psi. This is a remarkable amount considering the Rottweiler’s high bite strength of 328 psi. The pressure applied to a single square inch is called bite strength.

3. These pups are guard dogs but they don’t tend to be vocal.

Rottweilers and the German Shepherd are two other breeds of dogs that are often used to guard their property. The German Shepherd is very trainable. They can be vocal, however. They will let you know if they sense any threat to their safety.

Dogo Canario owners prefer it because they are quiet and not vocal. They will not bark unless they feel threatened. Depending on their training, they might decide to jump into action even if they are not certain of a threat.

Temperament and Intelligence of Dogo Canario

Dogo Canario is confident in all of their muscles. They are strong-willed and require a loving owner who respects them as well as their independence.

These pups are able to be well-adjusted companions once they have learned how to lead. To be able to interact with humans and other dogs, they need to be socialized early. These puppies are not recommended for new dog owners.

The Dogo Canario is a happy companion and makes for a great, calm dog. They love to spend time with their pack members and protect them. They have the brains and intelligence to handle any type of operation.

Are these dogs good for families?

They are usually not a good choice for families. If they have the chance, they will assert their dominance and can be difficult to get along with children. Dogo Canario shouldn’t be left alone for too long as they can make it difficult to interact with children. Even though they are gentle and loving dogs, their volatility can be a problem.

Is this breed compatible with other pets?

Dogo Canario requires a lot of socialization in order to be able to get along with other pets. Dogo Canario’s dominance over humans is even more evident with other dogs. Because they are hunted in the past, their prey drive can be quite high and they cannot be trusted around cats or other small animals.

What to know about owning a dog Canario

Food & Diet Requirements

Dogo Canario requires a healthy diet to support their muscular build. Each day they need about 3 cups of food. You should provide high-quality food with lots of protein and easy-to-digest carbohydrates. Dogo Canario owners may prefer to give their dogs a raw diet, as they have control over the nutritional content.

Exercise

Dogo Canario requires a lot of exercises. Their aggression can be reduced if they get enough exercise. You don’t want your dog chewing on broken things because of its strong jaw.

Because they are serious-minded, these dogs enjoy doing things with a purpose. They are moderately active dogs. It is a great way to exercise by working with them on specific tricks or work-based methods.

You can take your dog on walks for as little as 9 miles per week. They should get at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. Before taking your dog to the dog park, ensure that they behave well.

Training

Dogo Canario can be challenging to train. You must first establish yourself as a leader. Do not be rude when correcting someone’s wrong. Don’t be negative. This attitude won’t work.

It is important to not allow them to challenge your authority when you’re training them or playing with them. They often prevail in a battle of dominance. These games include tug-of-war.

Grooming

The coat of a Dogo Canario is easy to maintain. Their sleek, beautiful fur is close to their skin and has no undercoat. They are hypoallergenic, though they don’t shed as much.

They should be brushed once per week to reduce hair loss around their home. To remove their hair, use a slicker or bristle brush. This helps to keep their skin healthy.

They shed more during the season, so it is a good idea to bathe them. Use shampoo that is suitable for sensitive skin. It is important to get them used to have their teeth brushed. It’s a good idea to brush your teeth at least once per week. It is a good idea to trim their nails whenever possible.

Health Conditions

Their immune system is just as strong as their overall health. They are larger-breed dogs, so they can suffer from the same conditions as larger dogs. To ensure their health, take them to your vet for annual or biannual visits.

Minor Conditions

• Demodectic mange
• Entropion
• Bloat
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Tears from the ACL

Severe Conditions

• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Panosteitis
• Osteochondritis dissecans

Male vs. Female

The breed does not have any distinguishing characteristics between males and females. Males can be slightly larger and heavier than their female counterparts, sometimes up to 20 pounds.

Last Thoughts

Dogo Canario’s high training requirements are the most important consideration. Training can be a bit easier with some breeds than with Dogo Canario. However, it is important to consider how they will behave around other puppies. This is not the case with a Dogo Canario.

These dogs can be great companions if you feel you have enough time. They make excellent guard dogs. Their companionship and love will last a lifetime if you give them lots of attention and time.