The Presa Canario is also known as the Canary Dog, Perro de Presa Canario, and Perro Dogo Canario. Originally bred for dogfighting, it is probably the result, many centuries ago, of crosses between native dogs of the Canary Islands and mastiff breeds brought by travelers. The Preso Canario was almost extinct when, in the 1970's, it began to gain popularity as a guardian and the Club Español del Presa Canario was formed to manage the recovery of the breed. The Presa Canario is powerfully built and has a short, coarse coat. It reaches 21-26" and 84-106 pounds.