Canary Dog

The Canary Dog, also known as the Dogo Canario, frequently comes to mind when considering unusual dog breeds. Originating in the Canary Islands, this breed is renowned for its robust physique and devoted character. These dogs, whose appearance is as impressive as their history, were originally bred to guard and herd livestock.

Powerhouse Canary Dogs are renowned for their remarkable agility and muscular build. They may have an intimidating appearance, but they also have a tender side, especially when it comes to their family. They are a favorite among people seeking both safety and companionship because, with the correct training and socialization, they can make kind companions.

The temperament of the Canary Dog is among its most fascinating features. They may be leery of strangers, but they will always be devoted to the people they love. This breed is great as a companion for active families or individuals because they thrive in a setting where they feel engaged and safe. But having a Canary Dog has its responsibilities, and a happy, healthy relationship requires that you both understand their needs.

This post will go into greater detail about what makes canaries unique, including how to take care of them, train them, and what to expect if you decide to bring one into your house. There’s plenty to learn about this amazing breed, whether you’re thinking about adopting one or are just interested in learning more.

Breed Name Canary Dog
Origin Spain (Canary Islands)
Size Large
Temperament Protective, Loyal
Coat Type Short, Dense
Exercise Needs High
Life Expectancy 10-12 years

General characteristics of Canary Dogs

The origin of the breed is indicated by its name. It began on the Canary Islands, specifically the Grand Canario and Tenerife islands. Additionally, Perro de Presa Canario (Spanish: Perro de Presa Canario), which translates to "a dog that grabs," is another common name for the Canary Dog. Locals refer to this breed as Canary Guard Dogs a lot.

Presa Canario is a member of the molosser breed, which also includes the Bordeaux Dog, Cane Corso, Alabai, and Argentine. It exhibits territorial instincts and a desire to defend its owner, just like the others. In the past, members of the breed were employed to protect property, herd and guard cattle, and eventually start fighting dogs.

At the start of the twenty-first century, there were reports of multiple canary dog attacks on people in the American press. Some are even lethal. As a result, these dogs are currently prohibited in several nations because they are thought to be vicious and potentially dangerous. In certain places, it is mandatory to walk such a dog on a leash and wear a muzzle when walking in public.

Parameters Characteristics
Breed name Canary Dog (Spanish. Dogo Canario)
Country Spain
FCI classification Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoid breeds, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs
Life expectancy 9-11 years
Height Males 60-68 cm, females 56-64 cm
Weight Males from 50 kg, females from 40 kg
Aggression Moderate
Activity Average
Character Balanced, reserved, loyal, suspicious, fearless
Care Easy, low shedding
coat short, smooth
colors brindle, black, red

Pros

Canary Dogs are big security dogs, but they are also quiet apartment dwellers who are not pretentious. They are not overly aggressive and are well-mannered, in contrast to certain other fighting breeds. They also require a moderate amount of exercise; frequent running is not required. These canines have the following benefits in the content:

  • strong, hardy;
  • protect the owner and his property from any threats;
  • devotees;
  • not prone to salivation;
  • do not need serious care, almost do not melt;
  • have pronounced security and protective instincts.

Cons

Not everyone is a good fit for Canar DOG. Such a dog is not suited for people with mild dispositions, and it is not advised for older owners or families with small children. Only one owner obeys, so she needs serious education. Such a dog’s owner must accept responsibility for its actions, walk it in public only while wearing a leash and a muzzle. Apart from the suspicion of others, these dogs’ drawbacks can also cause issues:

  • difficulty in training;
  • need for early socialization;
  • short life expectancy;
  • tendency to dominate;
  • possibility of aggression towards strangers;
  • intolerance of prolonged separation from the owner.

Similar breeds

Some shepherd dog breeds are similar to canary dogs. Despite having distinct evolutionary histories, they frequently shared molossoid ancestors. As a result, they still have the same facial features: a broad chest, a muscular body, and an almost square muzzle. The following breeds are most similar to Canary Dogs in terms of height, weight, and appearance:

  • Argentine Dogo;
  • Bordeaux Dogo;
  • Cane Corso;
  • Fila Brasileiro;
  • Bullmastiff;
  • Rottweiler;
  • American Bulldog;
  • Great Dane;
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog;
  • alabai.

The following traits of this breed of dog are enhanced by the video:

Canary Dog in Video. The world’s greatest guard

Canary Dog in Video. characteristics of the breed, maintenance

History of the origin of the Canary breed dog

The breed was created through artificial breeding using shepherd dogs from the area. They were referred to as presso canario or mahorero. With Roman molossers brought to the islands, they crossed freely. These were cattle guarding and herding dogs; they were peaceful, devoted, and non-aggressive.

Upon capturing the Canaries, the Spanish nearly wiped out the native populace. Shepherd dogs had nowhere to work. And they started to be used as bait in dog fights and for luring wild animals. Presso Canarios started interacting with English bulldogs, mastiffs, and boxers since they were good dogs. As a result, they lost their natural features; the breed had multiple varieties at the time.

The disappearance of Canary dogs started gradually after dog fights were outlawed. Spanish breeders made the decision to bring the breed back in the latter half of the 20th century. They crossed American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and Neapolitan Mastiffs with the dogs they had found. A national club was formed and a standard for a new breed was developed in the 1980s. Presso Canario started taking part in shows. However, they weren’t formally acknowledged by the FCI until 2001.

Canary Dog appearance standards

Canary dogs are strong, bulky molossers. They resemble German, Argentine, or Cane Corso dogs in appearance—all are equally strong and intimidating. Males can grow up to 68 cm in height, while females can only reach 64 cm. Although there is no set standard for body weight, it should not be less than 40 kg for women and 50 kg for men.

The head is proportionate to the body, massive, and rectangular in shape. The occipital protuberance is smoothed, and the skull is convex. The muzzle is broad and gradually narrows toward the nose, allowing one to clearly see the cheekbones. The halt is slight but noticeable. The dog’s forehead wrinkles when it is alert.

Broad nostrils and a large nose. Although the nose is typically black, light Canary Dogs may have brown noses. The upper lips are plump and protrude downward, with enormous jaws. large teeth with an undershot or scissor bite.

Medium-sized, round, widely-set eyes. The iris has a dark color. The eyelids fit tightly and have good pigmentation. The tiny ears are widely spaced apart. They fit snugly on the head and have a rose-shaped, semi-erect shape. Ears are frequently clipped, at which point they become triangular and stand upright.

Body

The neck is broad and strong. A tiny dewlap occurs on the throat. The body is massive, powerful, and rectangular in shape. The body is longer and more elongated in bitches. The loin is slightly raised, the back is straight, and the withers are weakly expressed. Crop has a moderate slope and is wide. Belly is tucked in, and the chest is large with arched ribs.

The medium-length tail is thick at the base and taper towards the tip. Usually hangs straight down. It can take on the shape of a sword in an agitated dog and rise up to the level of backs.

Limbs

Legs are firm and powerful. The front ones are widely spaced and parallel. Elbows are pointing back and shoulders are sloping. Shocks are low, thighs are elongated. Round paws with firmly clenched toes. Step is lengthy and flexible. Even though this dog seems clumsy, it moves quickly and is agile.

Coat and colors of Canary Dogs

The coat is coarse, short, and nearly devoid of undercoat. It is sleek and forms a tight fit on the body. Canary Dogs are typically brindle-colored. There are various shades, ranging from light gray to brown. Colors in fawn, sand, fawn, and black are permitted. These dogs may have white paw and chest markings. The muzzle should have a dark mask of any color.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

Which particular facets of the Canary Dog—history, maintenance, or temperament—interest you the most?

Characteristics of the Canary Dog

The Canary Dog is a loyal friend and fierce guard rather than a house dog. The dog exhibits a calm, collected demeanor and is wary of strangers. He boldly rushes to the defense if the owner is in danger or if a stranger tries to enter the property because he is decisive and self-assured.

This dog’s primary responsibility is to keep the family safe. It will never attack first, though; if you do not provoke it, it will just watch people around it warily. Additionally, it will undoubtedly growl in warning prior to the attack. It does not start fights with other dogs, but it will defend itself if there is aggression. Men contend for dominance frequently. This dog is calm around small pets, particularly if they were raised together.

The Canary Dog is calm and loving at home and never gets angry. It is able to discern the mood of its user, never tries to force itself, and always gladly supports the game. These dogs have a single owner that they choose to obey. They can disobey the order, but they will still defend the rest of the family.

They enjoy playing together and get along well with kids. They like to ride kids in carts and sleds. However, this dog lacks boundless patience and cannot serve as a nanny. As a result, the child needs to be taught how to properly interact with the pet and not be left alone.

The following character traits apply to Canary Dogs:

  • restraint;
  • loyalty;
  • vigilance;
  • fearlessness;
  • stubbornness;
  • confidence;
  • playfulness.

Education and training

Canary dogs are intelligent canines that pick up on cues quickly. However, unlike a German Shepherd, this dog is not a service dog; it will not blindly follow commands, carry a newspaper, or offer a paw.

You can train a Canary to become an obedient dog with the correct training methods. But first, the owner needs to acquire authority. This dog needs only strong willed training from an individual. You must speak with it in a composed, assured manner. Instructions ought to be delivered in a monotone and with clarity. It is not acceptable to be impolite or to use force.

This breed of dog needs to be socialized and trained as early as possible. They require consistent, ongoing training. It is preferable to get in touch with a dog trainer if the owner lacks experience. This dog needs specialized training; otherwise, it may become aggressive and pose a threat to both the owner and other people.

Despite their size, Presa Canarios are modest and content to live in a home or apartment. You can house them in an aviary during the summer if you have a piece of land. It is best to avoid chaining them; the dog should have a sense of freedom. Canaries do not tolerate cold because they do not have undercoats, so when the temperature drops, they must be brought inside or a warm booth needs to be set up.

Canary dogs are powerful canines that excel at agility and weight sharing. However, their running endurance is limited. Walking should be vigorous, but it’s preferable to mix up the activities and play active games instead of going for long runs. You must walk for an hour, two or three times a day.

These dogs only need the standard hygienic procedures; they don’t require complex care.

  • once a week, go over the coat with a brush or silicone glove;
  • bathe when necessary, no more than 2-3 times a year;
  • wash paws after walks, you can wipe the body with a damp towel;
  • regularly inspect and wipe eyes if necessary;
  • clean ears with a special lotion once a week;
  • brush teeth several times a month, and also give cartilage and chewing treats;
  • if the claws do not grind down on their own, they need to be trimmed as they grow.

Nutrition

The Canary Dog doesn’t have a food preference. However, a lot of breeders advise giving it natural foods. If the pet owner insists on dry food, it ought to be high-protein, premium or super-premium food. Due to Presa Canario’s propensity for weight gain, it is imperative to watch portion sizes.

Lean, cartilaginous, sinewy meat should make up at least 60% of the diet when feeding naturally. Offal, eggs, and occasionally sea fish are acceptable. Porridge increases fullness; oatmeal, rice, or buckwheat work best. Giving veggies, kefir, and cottage cheese is beneficial. Greens, vegetable oil, seaweed, and yeast are required as additives. It is necessary to periodically add vitamin complexes containing chondroitin to the food, as recommended by a veterinarian.

You cannot give your dog sweets, baked goods, chicken bones, or food from your table. Foods that can cause bloating, such as canned goods, fatty and spicy meals, milk, legumes, and vegetables, should be avoided.

Health

The brief lifespan of canary dogs is one of their drawbacks. They can live up to 10–11 years if given the right care. The following illnesses afflict these dogs:

  • joint dysplasia;
  • epilepsy;
  • Wobble syndrome;
  • intestinal volvulus;
  • eye diseases;
  • allergies;
  • obesity.

The Canary Dog is a unique breed that is well-known for its enormous size and strength. These dogs are fiercely loyal and protective, making them great companions for people who respect their unusual temperament. Originally bred for herding and guarding livestock.

Even though they have a commanding appearance, canary dogs are typically kind to their families. Active settings that allow them to use their intelligence and energy are ideal for them. They need mental stimulation and regular exercise to stay happy and behaved.

This breed needs to be trained. Positive reinforcement that is given consistently aids in molding their innate tendencies into desirable actions. Additionally, early socialization is essential because it develops their capacity for versatility and situational adaptation.

Video on the topic

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Catherine Orlova

Professional Grumer and Expert Care for Pets Wool. I develop recommendations for the care of wool of different breeds, make reviews for the best tools and products for grooming, so that the pets always look beautiful and well -groomed.

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