Libro Razas Españolas

Canary Islands Mastiff (Dogo Canario - Antiguo Presa Canario) FCI Standard No. 346 / 12. 08. 2011 / GB Origin: Spain Date of Publication of the original valid standard: 04.07.2011 Utilization: Guard dog used for protection of cattle. Classification F.C.I.: Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer-Molossoid Breeds – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 2.1 Molossoid Breeds – Mastiff type. Without working trial. Brief Historical Summary A molossoid type dog, originating from Tenerife and Gran Canaria (Canary Islands). It is believed to be the result of matings between the “majorero”, a prehispanic dog indigenous to these islands, and other molossoids introduced to the Canary Islands. These matings produced an ethnical group of mastiff-type dogs, of moderately large size, brindle or fawn with white marking, with a specific molossoid morphology but yet agile and powerful, having a strong temperament, robust and lively, loyal character. During the XVI and XVII centuries, the number of these dogs increased considerably and numerous references to them in pre-Conquest historical texts, especially in the “Cedularios del Cabildo” (municipal registers), which explain their duties essentially as guard dogs and protectors of cattle. General Appearance A moderately large sized molossoid, with a rectilinear profile and black mask. Robust and well-proportioned. Important Proportions The body is longer than the height at the withers; this characteristic is more noticeable in the female. Skull-foreface proportion is 60-40%. The width of the skull is 3/5 of the total length of the head. The distance from elbow to ground should be 50% of the height at the withers for males and a little less for females. Behaviour / Temperament Calm appearance; attentive expression. Especially suited to guarding and traditionally used for herding cattle. Balanced temperament and very self-confident. Low and deep bark. Obedient and docile with family members, very devoted to its master, but can be suspicious of strangers. Confident attitude, noble and a little distant. When alert, the stance is firm with a vigilant attitude. Head Massive, brachycephalic and compact in appearance, covered with thick skin. The shape tends towards a slightly elongated cube. The cranial-facial lines are parallel or slightly converging. CRANIAL REGION: Skull: Slightly convex in anteposterior and transversal direction. Frontal bone tends Las razas caninas españolas - Spanish canine breeds 144