What do you think about a Presa Canario for a home defense dog?

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any dog can be or become aggressive.

some dogs it is harder to control that aggression with than others. some dog breeds as well.

most dogs are pretty people friendly as long as they do not feel threatened, or do not feel their property (including their humans) are being threatened.

the problem is that many people who do not have much of a clue other than wanting a big aggressive dog for self protection go out and get a big aggressive dog for self protection. then they fail to have the dog properly trained.

very few people are in a position to properly train a naturally aggressive big dog to behave in an appropriate way. many so called dog trainers are not much better.
 
I don't have time to read through the entire thread, so if any of these links have already been posted, I am sorry.

One of my favorite sites is dogbreedinfo.com

Here is the page that covers Presa Canario's specifically;

http://dogbreedinfo.com/canarydog.htm

The site gives very clear, simple but extensive info on virtually every breed out there. In addition, there is a quiz you can take that will allow the site to generate a list of dogs most suited to you and your needs.

Here is a link to the quiz;

http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

You can also search here by category;

http://dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

Categories such as "best with kids" "guardian" "apartment life" and "Low exercise demand" etc make it easy to use.

Here is a brief quote about the breeds temperament;

"The Canary Dog requires a very dominant owner who understand the alpha nature in canines. No member of the family can be uncomfortable around the dog. Canaries make outstanding guard dogs. Just their appearance is a deterrent not to mention their ability to confront any intruder. In the wrong hands this dog can be dangerous, but with the right owner it can make a nice, devoted companion. This is not a breed for first time dog owners."

My parents have had dogs since the day I was born, and I have had them ever since. Right now my wife and I have one Akita / German Shep. mix, one Pit-bull / AKita mix and one purebred yeller lab.

No dog is psychologically snaps or "turns" just because of its breeds. Having trained dogs most of my life, and having a good friend who trains protections dogs for the police across the country I can tell you that most "dog mauled ____" tragedies can be seen coming a mile away by anyone who cleary understands dog behavior.

I see a lot of guys puff there chests when breeders / trainers ask them "do you think you can handle a dominant dog?" This question is not to test you manliness, it is not about how tough you are.

You can handle a dominant breed when you have;

- A clear understanding of k9 agression
- A clear understanding of dominance and "pack order"
- A clear understanding of k9 social cues
- Have read one up-to-date training methods book for breed class
- Are comfortable around other peoples dominant breeds
- Have read at least one book on the specific breed you are interested in / and sat and discussed ownership requirements with at least on breed- specific breeder.
- Are prepared to ensure that your "working breed" receives enough daily exercise (45 minutes) and a weekly romp of lead in the boonies.

It is irresponsible to give a dog of courage and loyalty less than it deserves, and it is unsafe. Having said that, don't let anyone talk you out of a "protective, aggressive working breed" either, there is nothing to be scared of, just do your DUE DILIGENCE and enjoy a great companion and first line of defense. My Akita / German shep. mix has saved my life in the outdoors and none of my dogs will let anyone suspicious near my wife or kids. But as soon as I give them the ok, they happily lick the new person to death. I can walk all my dogs, off-lead, through down town and they will not leave my side. You have to KNOW you can train them to that degree.
 
Are prepared to ensure that your "working breed" receives enough daily exercise (45 minutes) and a weekly romp of lead in the boonies.
Click to expand...
This is one of the things dog owners often screw up on. Dogs all need regular exercise and human interaction. A good walk everyday helps the dog remember just who is the pack leader, plus it works off some of that energy most dogs have that can become undesirable behavior otherwise.

I suspect a lot of "dog" problems (or problem dogs) could be resolved by a daily walk. Many people are just too lazy to do this.

My beagle takes me for a walk every morning. Its good for both of us. She takes one of us to the dog park once or twice a week for a good romp in a big yard. She likes to play with the other dogs, or just go sniff around for squirrels.

Most people do not have a very good idea just how much time taking good care of your dog involves, and never devote enough time to the dog. IMO, if you are unable to devote at least one hour per day of attention to your dog (including a daily walk), you should not get a dog at all.
 
from:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/canarydog.htm

Canary_Dog_Picturesmq50751.jpg



If you have a family, I'm thinking that this might not be the best choice.
 
Guard Dogs

I heard Presa Canarios, Fila Brasilieros, etc are pretty ferocious animals and I wouldn't trust one around my family.

My suggestion is a European Bred German Shepherd (American Breeders are screwing up their hips), a Belgian Shepherd, an English Mastiff.

Belgian and German Shepherds of good stock are very intelligent, trust worthy and not overly aggressive.

Check out:

http://petrix.com/dogint/intelligence.html

It says a lot about dog intelligence.
 
I haven't read all 7 pages- maybe this thought has been covered. What do you want the dog to do- warn you of intruders or engage them? A Pomeranian (I know you said you don't like small dogs) can bark and you can get the shotgun. How about a Golden Retriever? They are handsome and have nice personalities.
 
I heard Presa Canarios, Fila Brasilieros, etc are pretty ferocious animals and I wouldn't trust one around my family.

I can't speak to Presas (don't know any), but I do know a bunch of Filas (and Fila owners- I am one too). And I can state with conviction that where Filas are concerned, you heard wrong.

I will tell anyone flat out that Filas are not for just any person or family- they are a responsibility not to be taken lightly. But it doesn't make much sense to me for someone to 'Zumbo' a dog breed just because they don't know much about it and have formed an opinion out of ignorance.

lpl/nc
 
Fila

I don't own a fila and have no personal experience with them. I can read however, and they have some information on these dogs in the following sites. So I don't think I have formed an opinion out of ignorance.

http://www.mastifland.com.pl/fila_brasileiro_en.html

http://www.dogpage.us/filabrasileiro.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/filabrasileiro.htm

I guess you are capable of handling and training a 170 lb dog with an alpha personality which is "naturally aggressive towards strangers. " I note the comment about being great with "his children" in one of the above sites.
Most kids have little friends.

I DO know there are far too many people out there who have problems controlling or disciplining a Lab, let alone a 75 lb German Shepherd. The thought of them having a 170 lb alpha dog is a bit unsettling. I don't know anything about the guy who posted the original query or his experience handling dogs of this type.

So, at the risk of offending you on this subject, I would recommend that dogs like this be best left to those individuals like yourself who are capable of handling them. My guess is there is a very small percentage of people around who are in your class in this respect.

Again, for the average person with some experience handling dogs, I would suggest something a bit more manageable and with a mellower reputation, but just as capable of defending a family. A German Shepherd or Belgian Sheepdog would, in my opioin, be a far wiser choice.
 
never handles a presa but i owed a big kennel bill and worked it off over a year.had only 2 dogs that didn't recognize me as alpha there. both big dogs its was an experience to be remembered
 
If you really want a big dog as as a warning and to deter BGs and is easier to handle choice would be a Great Pyrenees

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatpyrenees.htm

Very easy to handle dogs, that are protective but not really foolish or mean. They are working dogs and from both reputation and my personal experience they are VERY smart and trainable.

I have had and been around several and they are very good dogs. My current PUP is about 110 lbs and he is not yet a year old.
 
To bring this back to firearms, looking at the pictures of those big guys brings me to several conclusions. I see why the Aztecs folded so fast, and a "velo dog" revolver ain't gonna cut it!

I wouldn't want any guard dog I couldn't pick up and carry if needed. Vet trips are one thing, but being able to physically control the animal when his blood is up is another matter. You have to be able to hold the leash secure and in a pinch pull him off another male. I couldn't do that with a dog the size of a black bear.
 
A rottie does anything a presa can do to an invader, yet is a good companion, and not as much as a liability. A lawyer could rip you apart for a presa attack and cost you more than it's worth.
 
I've been training working dogs for 29 years for Schutzhund, Ringsport (formerly French Ring), KNPV and personal protection.

A Presa would be my dead-last choice.

For what you describe you want, you want a dog with a high degree of intelligence and decision-making ability. A Presa doesn't fit that bill.

Secondly, you need to be seriously, seriously experienced with not ony training dogs, but working them as well. Left to just "being Fido," a Presa will turn bored and/or insecure, then begin to question YOUR role as alpha of the pack.

Then you have major-league problem. As in deadly, possibly fatal problems.

A Presa is incredibly powerful, incredibly hard-headed and incredibly dominant--not good traits for a family dog when all three are present in the same dog.

Someone earlier mentioned importing a European-bred German Shepherd. Again, if you are not experienced in training AND working a dog, this is not a good choice either.

Dogs are not push-button robotic security systems. They have a complex pack-order mentality, and as such, have to know their place in the order of things. Left to their own devices, they will work to ascend in order within the pack. That means that you, as Dad and Family Leader may still hold the dog's respect, but your wife and/or children may not. So then your wife and kids become subordinate to the dog.

That is a recipe guaranteed to end in disaster.

For your neck of the woods (weather, geography and climate-wise), you might consider something like a Bouvier des Flandres or a Giant Schnauzer. Both are hardy, working dogs that do not shed much. You can clip them short for the warmer spring/summer months, then let the coat grow for the colder months. Both are inheritently protective of kids, seeing them as part of their herd but without the dominance issues that breeds like the Presa exhibit.

Neither breed is a concern to your homeowner's insurance nor lucal municipality laws. Both are highly intelligent, fairly easy to train and retain their training very well. Both are large enough to romp with your kids while giving strangers more than a moment of pause.

A domestically bred German Shepherd from proven working lines AND proven health records (the Europeans' concern over health isn't as great as the Americans') is also a good choice. Reputation alone will give strangers pause.

We personally have both German Shepherds and Dobermans. We import both, however, and both my wife and I have many years of experience with these breeds in the sports and training regiments I listed at the top of this post. Another favorite breed is the Rottweiler, but it would scare hell out of me to buy one here in the States.

In Germany, the Rottweiler used to be prized as a family dog even more than their beloved "state" dog, the German Shepherd. Properly bred, a Rottweiler is as stable of a family guard dog as has ever been. Problem is, too many people are breeding them to be "bad ass" dogs.

The key is to talk to lots and lots of dog folks and listen openly and honestly. Do not get selective hearing. Listen to what everyone has to say and compare notes. Pretty soon you'll hear common threads emerge, both for and against certain breeds, and then you'll know you're starting to get some consistent information.

Jeff
 
"The key is to talk to lots and lots of dog folks and listen openly and honestly. Do not get selective hearing. Listen to what everyone has to say and compare notes"

Jeff, minus the French Ring we have almost identical backgrounds...IMO the above is REAL good advise...
Loandr. AKA BoerBoelGuy
 
Jeff we have similar backgrounds...IMO the above is REAL good advise...
Loandr. AKA BoerBoelGuy
Click to expand...

Always good to meet another working dog enthusiast who is ALSO a firearms enthusiast.

That's what I call A Real American.

We'll have to do a little PM on our preferred breeds and sports.

Jeff
 
Due to its temperament, the Presa Canario can be a challenge to train. They require a firm owner who is willing and able to meet the challenges a young, dominant puppy may pose. The breed is not traditionally suited for protection sports but it is gaining in popularity due to a small group of enthusiasts who have selected dogs based heavily on function. The Perro de Presa Canario is not recommended for the first time dog owner.[3]

**********************

Get a Big Pit Bull from the pound, you are better off. Won't cost you as much and it will be much better. They like people as a rule, unless you make um mean.

:uhoh:
 
If you get German Shepherds as puppies, they can be had for much less than $3,000(assuming you're not buying direct from Germany, hahah.)

They grow up, fast, too.


I have 3 german shepherds, and I love them.

They're gorgeous(if a little goofy) tough as nails, too.


Only downside to G.S.s is that they're very emotionally needy.

They'll get all mopey if you don't spend a decent amount of time with them every day.
 
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