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Frequently Asked Questions
Taken from the
Dogo Canario Club of America
Web Site.
What is a Dogo Canario (Presa Canario)?
The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) is a molosoid dog native to the Canary
Islands. These powerful dogs resulted from crossings of native perros de
presa or presa de la tierra and dogs, especially mastiffs and bulldogs,
brought to the islands by the British settlers. Also included into the
original foundation of the dogs is the Bardino Majorero, a shepherding dog
native to the island of Fuerteventura. It has always been used as a cattle
dog and guardian.
What do they look like?
The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) is a dog of medium size. It is
mesomorphoric (trunk of body longer than height at the withers), and has a
large cuboid shaped head. It is a powerful and well muscled dog that is
clearly of mastiff influences. The chest is wide and deep. Lack of chest
width is a serious fault, lack of depth is a disqualifying one. Forequarters
are strong and straight with ample bone and cat feet. Hindquarters are well
muscled with slight angulations and with low hocks. The tail is wide set at
the base, tapering to a point. In action raises like a saber, but is
generally carried straight out while moving. The movement is single
tracking.
What is the correct size?
The standard size is 60-64 centimeters (23.5-25 inches) with a minimum
weight of 50kg (110 lbs) for a male, and 55-60 centimeters (21.5-23.5
inches) with a minimum weight of 40kg (88 lbs) for a female. Allowances of
up to 1 centimeter are acceptable. Weight must be in proportion to height.
Larger sizes should be discarded as neither functional nor characteristic.
We must not promote a very big animal. It must be functional for what is was
created for, companion to the farmer, cattle dog, and excellent guardian.
These tasks require an agile and very powerful dog of medium size. Larger
sizes may look more impressive, but are not functional animals. The Dogo
Canario was first and foremost a working dog and today's breeders must not
forget that.
What are the proper colors?
The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) comes in only 2 acceptable colors.....fawn
and brindle. Fawn may range from a very light blonde, sometimes referred to
as grey fawn to a deep rich sand fawn, called golden or red fawn. Brindles
come in the same fawn shades with black striping of more or less intensity.
From the very heavily brindles, often called black brindles or "reverse
brindled" to dogs of almost entirely fawn coats with very minimal striping,
sometimes called "tiger brindles". The dogs MUST have a black mask, no
matter what the coat color. The mask should reach to just below the eyes,
but not extend over them. The eyes should also have black pigmentation
around them, but that should be clearly separate from the mask on the
muzzle. Most specimens have white markings. They can appear on the chest,
base of the neck, back feet and toes but these should be kept to a minimum.
Black was an acceptable color in the breed in the past. It was never really
favored and few perpetuated this color. While black dogs do still exist,
their color is no longer allowed by the standard. Do not be lured into
believing this is a "rare or exotic" color of the dog. It is only rare
because it is not allowed, and few breeders strive to breed for
disqualifications.
The breed has NEVER come in the colors commonly referred to as 'blue" or
'blue brindle". This is not the same thing that grey refers to in the
standard. Grey is a shade of fawn that is very light blonde, which is silver
like in appearance. Blue refers to the steel grey color that is common (and
acceptable) in such breeds as the Neapolitan Mastiff, Great Dane and
American Staffordshire Terrier. A dog of this coloration is a mixed blood
dog, probably of one of the aforementioned breeds. This coloration also
lacks the required black mask and other black pigmentation of the eye rims,
nose and mouth lining. People who breed with dogs of this color may tell you
that it is a true color of the breed, just not "favored". This is false!!!
It has never existed in the breed.
What are the health concerns?
Due to the low number of dogs in the US and even lower number of dogs tested
for hereditary defects, there is not many know aliments specific to this
breed. Canine Hip Displaysia is probably the most widely know health concern
to affect this breed, despite past claims that it does not. CHD is a
degenerative joint disease known to have a hereditary base. The only way to
control this is by screening all breeding dogs and all of their offspring.
The Dogo Canario Club of America
is strongly advocating all dogs to be certified "phenotypically" normal by
the OFA, or other techniques such as PennHIP. More people need to get
involved in screening their breeding dogs.
For further information on Canine Hip Displaysia and a listing of OFA
certified dogs, please visit the OFA website.
Also reported in the breed is panosteoitis, knee injuries as well as
congenital problems including patellar luxation and patellar evulsions, skin
cysts, epilepsy and demodecosis. Fur further information on these health
conditions please visit our page on Health Issues.
For more health information, please visit
our Health Page.
What is the temperament?
The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) is a dog of powerful appearance with a
severe expression. His look should denote strength and courage. The dog is a
noble breed of great confidence and self security. The dog is never
excessively aggressive. An overly aggressive animal is not one of "strong
temperament" but one that is unbalanced and insecure. This is neither
typical or desirable in the breed.
The breed is gentle and affectionate with his family, including children. He
should always be tolerant and gentle with them. A dog that shows aggression
towards children is a dog of insecurity and unstable character.
The Spanish standard states "desconfiado" which literally translates to
"distrustful, wary or suspicious". It has been translated by some as
"unfriendly", but mistakenly interpreted as "aggressiveness". The best
English description of this temperament is aloof or reserved. Aloof is also
often mistaken for unfriendliness or aggressiveness. Aloofness in an animal
is best described as indifference. The dog acknowledges your presence, but
neither reacts positively or negatively towards you. This is the correct
description of the Dogo Canario (Presa Canario). Upon meeting a stranger,
the dog should be watchful and "suspicious", ever keeping his eye out for
trouble, but should not react with aggression to a situation not warranted.
The dog should accept friendly strangers and even petting from them, but
typically show no real enthusiasm for it, never backing away fearfully or
reacting aggressively to a friendly person.
The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) does not have the instant dislike of
strangers or "ojeriza" that is associated with the Fila Brasilerio breed. In
the Dogo Canario (Presa Canario), this atypical and is associated with an
insecure and unbalanced dog.
For more temperament information, please
visit our Temperament Page.
What registries accept the breed?
The breed was recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de Espana, in it's
country of origin of Spain in 1982. In June 2001 it was officially
recognized by the FCI as a provisional breed
for 10 years. This means that during this time, the breed will be closely
watched to keep certain of it's continued growth. The dogs may now be
registered in any FCI member country and may
compete for National and World Championships. They may not compete for the
International Champion title until 2011.
The United States in not a member of FCI,
but the commonwealth of Puerto Rico is. The
Dogo Canario Club of America
endorses registration with the Federación Canófila de Puerto Rico. PO Box
13898 San Juan, PR 00908-3898.
In preparation for future advancement of the breed, the
Dogo Canario Club of America
opened it's own Stud Books in 2003. For additional information on how to
register your dog with the Dogo
Canario Club of America please visit our
Registry
Information.
There are numerous "American Registries" that accept the Dogo Canario (Presa
Canario) with out any official documentation. Any dog that is claimed to be
a Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) is issued papers and offspring of such dogs
are automatically registered. The
Dogo Canario Club of America does not endorse or accept papers from any
of these organizations.
Is the breed AKC recognized?
No. At this time the Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) is not given any
recognition by the American Kennel Club. Some dogs in the US are registered
with the Foundation Stock Service of the AKC. This is a record keeping
service that the AKC provides to US rare breed clubs or individuals that may
desire future AKC recognition and does not indicate in any way that the dogs
are given any AKC privileges.
Do not be mislead by those who advertise AKC registered when what they
actually have is FSS registration. AKC FSS pedigrees are not accepted by
FCI.
What is FCI and FIC? Are they the same
thing?
No, they are not one in the same.
The FCI stands for
Federation Cynologique Internationale This
is a world canine organization that is comprised of many member countries
throughout Europe, Asia and South and Central America. The
FCI is not a registration body, but rather a
governing body that recognizes one official kennel club from each of it's
member countries. The FCI protects and
translates the breed standards, record results of international shows and
working trials, maintain listings of international judges and set forth
rules for international shows and champion titles. For more information on
them, visit their website at www.fci.be
The FIC stands for Federation of International Canines. The name is
misleading as it is an American based registry that accepts and registers
many breeds in the United States. Their pedigrees are not accepted
internationally, and at this point in time are even declined by many US
organizations.
What is conformacion/registro?
Conformacion is for those dogs born of RRC registered parents. The litter is
registered at birth and each puppy is given a name and registration number.
Before that dog is eligible for breeding or dog show entries into the CAC
(champion certificate class or "open") the dog must pass conformacion. This
is a brief examination by a specialist judge to determine the dog's
suitability for breeding. Most registered dogs pass this class without
incident. Each dog is evaluated and it's strengths and faults pointed out to
the owner, so that he/she can make better educated breeding decisions.
Registro is the "open book" class where dog of unknown (or unregistered)
pedigree can be presented to a specialist judge to ask for registration
papers. If in the opinion of the judge a dog is a true Dogo Canario (Presa
Canario) and an asset to the genetic pool, he/she will be issued proper RRC
papers. If the dog is not passed, it is considered not to be a Dogo Canario
(Presa Canario) by any official organization. This class is much more
stringent than conformacion and many dogs do not pass. Because of the
background not being officially documented, the dogs are put through a much
more rigorous inspection.
The Dogo Canario Club of America
continues conformation in the United States and it is a requirement to
earning a championship title. Initial Registration is available to dogs not
previously registered in an FCI member
country or with the Dogo Canario
Club of America. Additional information can be found in our
Registry
Section.
Is the Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) a
fighting breed?
No. NO, NO!!! The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) is not a fighting breed. It
is a breed that can fight, and can fight well when necessary, but dog
fighting was not the purpose behind this breed. There is a brief point in
their history, which has been glorified by some, that the dog was involved
in this activity, as most Molosser dogs were. The Dogo Canario (Presa
Canario) was developed by Canarian farmers to be a farm dog and guardian. He
was occasionally used for fights that were for entertainment at local
fiestas. But the breeding and selection of these dogs purely for fighting
abilities was never done.
Do they get along with other animals?
This depends largely on the animals involved. The Dogo Canario (Presa
Canario) is strong character and dominant animal. Most of them do not get
along well with another of the same sex and same dominant personality. Males
and females generally do fine together. They may have minor scuffles from
time to time, as all dogs will, but as a general rule do not fight.
The breed also generally gets along well with less dominant dogs. Many Dogo
Canario (Presa Canario) peacefully exist in households with smaller dogs or
other non dominate breeds, even of the same sex.
The Dogo should not show aggression towards a puppy. This is a dog that
lacks confidence, in that he sees a puppy as a threat. This in neither
typical or desirable behavior of the breed. As the Dogo is a confident dog,
he can often be seen taking "abuse" from a younger animal. Many people would
lead you to believe this older animal is "soft" or "cowardly", but in truth,
he is displaying his self security and in the process in boosting the
confidence of that younger animal. A parental correction from an adult to a
pup should not be viewed as aggressive behavior.
Too many people believe that the Dogo is an aggressive animal that cannot
get along with any other dogs. This is just not true. They can and do live
with other dogs, even other Dogos peacefully.
You must always use caution and common sense when introducing a Dogo Canario
(Presa Canario) into a household with other animals. Dogs of opposite sex
are the best choice to get along. Adults of the same sex will sometimes
result in problems, especially between two dominant males. This depends
greatly on the individual dog's personality and the amount of time the owner
spends working with him. Training and socialization are the key factors. No
breeder can answer this with absolute certainty. Use caution when dealing
with a breeder who will tell you that a Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) will
never fight. And in the same regard tells you they always will fight.
Many Dogos also live peacefully in the same household with cats and other
small animals. As well as those that live daily with horses and other farm
animals. This also, of course, requires the same training and socializing to
them as with dog to dog introduction.
Do they make good pets?
This depends on what you consider a good pet for you. The Dogo Canario
(Presa Canario) makes an exceptional pet for the right home. They are
obedient, loyal and bond very strongly with their owners. They thrive on the
attention of their human families. They are a dominant breed and do require
that the owners be as assertive as they are. This does not mean that you
must strong arm your dog into submission, but rather that you must be able
to set firm limitations on your dogs and earn their respect. The Dogo is NOT
a good dog for a submissive family that will allow the dog to rule the
household. Nor are they a good choice that expects a pack of dogs to live in
total harmony in one home. Some of them to require supervision around other
animals.
Do they make good guardians?
The Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) makes an exceptional home guardian breed.
They are naturally territorial, watchful of strangers, close bonding with
their families and confident in themselves.
A "watchdog" or "guardian" dog is very different from having "personal
protection". This is a dog that is highly trained in protection of his
owner(s). While most Dogo Canario (Presa Canario) can successfully become
personal protection dogs, they are not all born equally. If this is what you
are expecting of your dog, the we highly suggest consulting a professional
trainer in your area.
Breeder Caveat: Cabeza Grande Kennels does
not agree with the above statement that "most Dogo Canario (Presa Canario)
can successfully become personal protection dogs." It has been our
experience that a very low number can achieve this and if this is what you
are interested in, please find an experienced breeder who is working towards
similar goals and be specific about what you want in a dog.
For more temperament information, please
visit our Temperament Page.
How do I find a breeder?
There are several resources to finding a good breeder.
The Dogo Canario Club of America
has a listing of it's breeders. All
Dogo Canario Club of America breeders are required to sign and adhere to
our Code Of Ethics.
You can also use the internet to search for and contact reputable breeders.
You will find many breeders throughout the USA, Spain and other countries.
The Dogo Canario Club of America
recommends that foreign breeders be members of the
Club Español del Dogo Canario or of
their country's nationally recognized breed club for the Dogo Canario (Presa
Canario). No warranties on breeders are expressed or implied.
You can often meet breeders and their dogs at dog shows or working trials.
Generally you will meet the breeders finest animals at these events. This
gives you an opportunity to see several specimens of the breed competing
together, often from several different breeders. You can take some time to
talk with each owner there and get their prospective on owning this breed.
You can also find breeder listings in national dog magazines. But remember
that this is no indication of quality. Magazines accept advertisements from
anyone.
The last 2 places you can look for a breeder is Pet Stores and Local
Newspapers. The Dogo Canario Club
of America does NOT recommend finding your Dogo Canario (Presa Canario)
through these sources. No reputable breeder will sell his/her dogs through
pet stores. A reputable breeder CARES where he/she sends a dog to. Most
reputable breeders do NOT advertise in local papers. Most have a well known
reputation and do not need to offer dogs for sale through this means.
Newspaper ads are usually Back Yard Breeders that have no other means to
advertise and sell their dogs.
What is the difference between Presa Canario
and Dogo Canario?
Absolutely nothing!!! Upon acceptance by the FCI,
the breed known as the Presa Canario to most is now known internationally as
the Dogo Canario. This is simply a name change on paper and has little
meaning to the dog itself. There will be some that will try to seize this
opportunity to continue to produce atypical dogs in the name of the
'original' Presa Canario, and try to convince people that it is a different
breed from the Dogo Canario. This is totally false and don't be mislead by
this claim.
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