What is a Perro de Presa Canario?

A Perro de Presa Canario is a type of dog breed from the Canary Islands in Spain. The name is Spanish for "Canary dog of prey," and it likely stems from the use of this breed as holding dogs and guardian dogs.

This large breed of dog was used on farms in the Canary Islands and eventually for dog fighting. When dog fighting was banned through Spain, the dog breed almost became extinct. In the 1970s, breeders started reintroducing the Perro de Presa Canario. This reintroduction recommenced an interest in the breed, and its popularity spread throughout Europe and eventually to North and South America.