Perro de Presa Canario refers to the modern Perro de Presa Canario as a breed of dog that originated in the Canary Islands, mainly near Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The Perro de Presa Canario must be result of crossings of Majorero Cattle dog, "Presas" from the Islands and various Mastiffs and Bulldogs during the reconstruction period on the Canary Islands. The Perro de Presa Canario was recognized as a breed in 1989 by the RSCE and got its first "official" standard . More recently the Perro de Presa Canario was recognized by the UKC in its traditional name, coat colors and patterns. Perro de Presa Canario literally means "The Canary gripping dog" The Perro de Presa Canario is a working breed and is bred to maintain those characteristics. The word "Presa" means to clutch,hold or grip.they were called "Presas" because of what they did, not what they looked like. Men who bred these dogs for the task were referred to as "Preseros". While the Perro de Presa Canario must have blood of the Majorero in its genes it is not a requirement for the Dogo Canario.The FCI ( European Kennel Club) recognized the Presa Canario as the Dogo Canario in 2001 and changed the name and historic standard. Very few breeders in the Canary Islands ,outside the club( CEDC) have accepted the name change or standard modifications. Some Dogo Canario breeders insist the Presa Canario and the Dogo Canario are the same breed. It is to their advantage to claim their dogs have all the working attributes and temperment of the Presa Canario. This is not true. ps.There are still old "Preseros" breeding their old lines of holding dogs known as "Presas"