Perro de Presa Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario is a large breed of dog. These dogs have a fierce reputation because they were bred for dog fights.

Appearance

Presa Canarios have thick skin and short fur that comes in gray, fawn, red brindle (red with white), and black brindle (black with red). They weigh from 84 to 106 lbs (38 to 48 kg) and stand 21.5 to 25.5 inches (55 to 70 cm).

History

The breed is originally from the Canary Islands, originating in the 1800s. Its exact ancestry is unknown but might include the English Mastiff and various dog-fighting breeds. Like many fighting dogs, the breed became nearly extinct as the popularity of dog fighting waned, but it was revived in the 1960s by Dr. Carl Semencic, an American veterinarian.

Miscellaneous

The Presa Canario was not well known in North America until two of them attacked and killed Diane Whipple in San Francisco in January 2001.