ABOUT PRESAS

Presa Canario Or Dogo Canario?  What gives?

To me, this breed will always be the Perro De Presa Canario.  However, I completely agree with what Johnny at GreJon Kennel has to say on the topic.  Please click here to read his well thought out opinion on this matter and also a written standard on the breed.

Why We Chose A Presa Canario

Our interest in the Perro De Presa Canario breed is one that began over six years ago.  At that time we were in search of a bull or mastiff breed of dog that would meet all our demands and values.  Such a dog had to be: healthy, have a sound temperament, social, great temperament, stable, trusted family member, great with children, and able to work as well. 

Various breed fanciers claim that their dogs can "work" doing various things, but they don't put their dogs to task or worse yet don't bother testing their so-called working abilities.  Our search for a breed of dog that can do it all ended when we finally found a dedicated kennel that bred, trained, and competed with their Presa Canarios.  Red Star Kennel was this breeder and trainer of presas.  Upon their recommendation, we contacted Oakleaf Ranch Working Presas and from there, not only did we obtain our highly admired family companion (Mole), but a friendship was forged that continues to this day.

This website was created with a true and honest attempt to uphold and/or grow upon the working abilities of the Presa Canario.  However, it must be said that you won't find exaggerated or conjured up stories in here in regards to this breed's history or working ability.  The truth is that the Presa Canario is in danger of becoming another large breed that can't work.  Furthermore, there are few breed enthusiasts that are not only health screeing their presas, but are actively testing their Presas in regards to temperament and working ability. 

By temperament, I refer to a confident, social, and stable Presa with an ideal on and off switch.  One that is great with friendly strangers and adoring of children.  An unsocial dog, regardless of breed, is of little to no use to us. 

By working ability I refer to the ability of a Presa to protect a member of their pack.  No claims will be made to "natural guardians."  The only way to see if a dog will protect, under pressure and stressful situations, is to test the dog in those particular scenarios.  Obedience training is essential for a protection dog and is necessary for a viable and happy relationship between such a dog and it's pack leader.  A truly trained protection dog that is confident and clear-headed, and has stable nerves, is far more trust worthy than a dog that is nervy or shy.