Breed standard.
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Origin & purpose :

Originated from the Canary Islands of Tenerife and Gran Canarias. It is a result of crossbreeding between the Bardino or Mahorero from the Islands of Fuerteventura and molosoid dogs, that were introdused to the islands from abroad. Versatile dog with good disposition for the fighting and animal hunting, able to develop several jobs:  guard, defense, companion, also as a man-stopper and attack-dog.

General appearance :

A medium sized, well-built dog, robust, of straight profile, wide base and wide front, well proportioned. The heavy Presa is not an ideal Presa, in the mainly characteristics of this dogs should be quickness and agility.

Proportions :

Skull to face ratio 6/4, hight to the withers-length of the body ratio 10/12, hight to the withers-thoracic perimeter ratio-at least 8/11.

Temperament :

Impetuous temperament, this isn’t a “sofa dog”, but a natural born fighter and guard, vigorous, with a strong character. Its powerful shape provides a clear impression on aggression and severity of this dog. Low, deep bark. The dog is devoted only to its family, distrustful with the strangers.

Head :

Expressive, large, sturdy and massive, looks square in front. Reminds the head of the Dogo Argentino or American Staffordshire terrier. Well marked, though not deep stop. Zygomatic arches very pronounced, with greatly developed jaw and cheek muscles. Occiput crest slightly marked. Very wide muzzle. Wide black nose with large nostrils. 

Mouth has dense lips, not very handing, but thick and fleshy. Clearly marked comissura labial. Upper flew usually forming an inverted “V” when viewed from the front. Mucosa is preferably dark. Jaws are wide with a large teeth. Bite typical of Molosoid dogs. Canines and incisors located in one line and well placed. Slight undershot acceptable, given the dog’s origins. The absence of one or two premolars is not a fault.

Eyes are wide set, oval, eyelids are dark, eye color from dark-nut to dark-red, depending on the coat.

Ears are high-set. Ear has a form of a rose petal, but usually they are short-cut (in accordance with spanish tradition), in standing position with triangle shape.

Neck :

Strong, short, of being accustomed to great muscles and of loose skin, it is the lever that immobilizes the action of capturing. Shortish between 18 and 20 cm.

Body :

Being longer than the hight at the shoulders, particularly in the bitches. Rectangular. Backline is straight or slightly falling towards the hips. Slight saddle effect just after the withers. Loin is straight, medium length and wide. Normally 1,5 cm higher than the withers. Wide tail base.

Chest wide and deep. Thoracic perimeter at least 30% greater than shoulder hight. Well arched ribcage, almost cylindrical. Stomach slightly updrawn.

Lengthening of the body is preferred over its massivness and height.

Forequarters :

Straight, parallel with strong bone and a strong, visible muscles. Compact cat-feet. Shoulders are strong, muscled and with a vertical forearm. Elbows must not be closely set to the chest, however, should not be too free as well.

Hindquarters :

Powerful, in parallel surfaces, very muscular second thighs, unpronounced angles. Cat-like feet, larger than the fore. No spur normally.

Movements :

A rhytmical trot, powerful and flexible.

Tail :

High-set, flexible and stronger at the root, will reach to the hock. In action elevated sabre-like without curling over the back.

Coat :

Hair is shot all over, coarse. On the tail is more rough. Skin is very hard and thick. Hair could be of a middle length, or more rough, typical for fox-terrier, depending on variations.

Color :

All types of brindle : from very dark to grey or very light brown or blonde; fawn, red, sand-colour. White spots at the neck or chest is permissible, preferably as small as possible.Dark mask is obligatory.

Height and weight :

Males : 59-64 cm, 42-50 kg
Females : 55-59 cm, 38-45 kg

In case of preserving natural balance and proportions, it may exceed given standard : weight ranges from 60-68 kg, height at shoulder 65-70 cm.

Demorphism :

It is very well-developed.

Defects :

Slight defects : excessive wrinkling, presence of spur.

Serious defects : excessively long flews, poor mask, nose depigmentation (partial or complete), excessively undershot jaw, light bult, deviated fore or hind quarters, cranio-facial disproportion, unbalanced character. Curled tail, of equal thickness all the way, amputated or mutilated.

Dogs, having monorchism or cryptorchism, more than 20 % white markings, enogmnatism and total lack of pigmentation over the muzzle or mucosa are disqualified.

Unfortunately, at the moment Perro de Presa breed is not recognised by the FCI, due to this fact, claiming of prises and titles on international dog exhibitons is often connected with various problems. Exception is, of course, Spain, where this breed is treated like a national sight.

USED LITERATURE :

A.I. Inshakov, E.G. Tsigelnitsky "Mastiffs and Bulldogs", 1995.
Anne Mary Delaliks "Los perros espanoles", 1991.
Augustin Mirrales Torres "Historia General Sobre Las Islas Canarias".
Also taken from translation of the "History of the Perro de Presa Canario" by Paolo Consolandi, "Origin of the Presa Canario" and "The Breeding Posterior to the Recognition" by Miguel Angel Gonzalez, "The Character of the Presa Canario" by Maria Paloma Iglesias Sanz and from "Official Translation of the Breed Standard of the Club Espanol del Presa Canario".