About Presa

The Perro de Presa Canario were first found on the Canary Islands in 1515. The Canary Islands are about 70 miles Northwest of the African coast. The islands form two Spanish provinces: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. The dogs were described as a considerable size, suitable for guarding, defense, and war. The term ‘presa’ indicates that the dog was a catcher of cattle and smaller dogs. Since the Canary Islands had been conquered, the dogs were used to immobilize cattle used for slaughter, hunt and catch wild dogs, and to guard and drive cattle.