For those considering getting a Presa Canario puppy or already have one, it's important to understand their temperament. This breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness, and high energy levels, making them a great fit for the right owner. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the breed and how their temperament has been shaped by their original purpose as a working dog. We'll also provide tips for training and socializing puppies to ensure they develop into well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dogs.
What is a Presa Canario?
The Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is a large breed that originated in the Canary Islands. They were originally bred to work on farms, guarding livestock and property, as well as hunting and fighting. They are powerful and muscular dogs that can weigh up to 130 pounds and stand up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Why is understanding the temperament of presa canario is important?
Understanding the temperament of a Presa Canario is important because they are not the right fit for every owner. They are a breed that requires a lot of attention, training, and socialization. They have a strong protective instinct, and if not properly trained, they can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
History of the Presa Canario
The Presa Canario has a long and complicated history. They were originally bred by the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, the Guanches, for their strength and loyalty. When Spanish conquistadors arrived on the islands in the 15th century, they brought with them large dogs that were bred with the Presa Canario. This led to the development of a new breed, which was used for fighting and hunting.
In the 1940s, the breed was nearly extinct due to a distemper outbreak. However, a group of breed enthusiasts worked to revive the breed, and it was officially recognized by the Spanish Kennel Club in 1982. The breed was reintroduced to the United States in the 1990s, and it is now recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Temperament Traits
The temperament of a Presa Canario is shaped by their history as a working dog. They are known for their protective instincts, loyalty, and inherent aggression and assertiveness. These traits can make them a great fit for the right owner, but they require proper training and socialization to ensure they don't become overly aggressive.
Protective instincts
Presa Canarios are natural protectors. They are fiercely loyal to their family and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. This can sometimes manifest as aggression towards strangers or other animals, so it's important to socialize them properly from a young age.
Loyalty and devotion
Presa Canarios are known for their loyalty and devotion to their family. They thrive on attention and love to be around their owners. This is why they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Inherent aggression and assertiveness
Presa Canarios have a natural assertiveness and can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs or animals. This is why they require proper training and socialization from a young age. They need to learn how to interact with other dogs and animals in a positive way.
Socialization and Training
Socialization is key when it comes to raising a well-behaved Presa Canario. They need to be exposed to a variety of people, animals, and situations from a young age to ensure they are comfortable in different environments.
Training is also important for Presa Canarios. They are a strong-willed breed and require a firm and consistent hand when it comes to training. Positive reinforcement training methods work well with this breed, as they respond well to praise and rewards.
Common Behavioral Issues
As with any breed, there are common behavioral issues that can arise with Presa Canarios. It's important to be aware of these issues and address them early on to prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
Aggression towards strangers and other animals
Presa Canarios can be naturally aggressive towards strangers and other animals. This is why socialization is so important, as it can help them learn how to interact with others in a positive way. It's also important to supervise them when they are around other animals to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Separation anxiety
Presa Canarios thrive on attention and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It's important to gradually acclimate them to being alone and provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation when you're not around.
Destructive behavior
Presa Canarios are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. If they don't get enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. It's important to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent any destructive behavior.
Conclusion
Understanding the temperament of a Presa Canario is important for anyone considering getting this breed. They are a unique and fascinating breed that requires proper training and socialization. With the right owner and proper care, they can make loyal and loving companions for years to come.
At Beastmaster Kennel, we specialize in breeding and training Presa Canarios. If you're interested in learning more about this breed or getting a puppy, visit our website at https://www.beastmasterkennel.com/.
Comments