people should make *informed* decisions about how much dog they want to own, and how much dog they are capable of handling. some breeds are too much for some people to handle. some breeds are just too much dog for the average dog owner.

i got a dog like that inadvertently. because i love my dog, i learned how to be the right kind of dog owner for his drive and temperament. we're doing great now, but it was a steep learning curve for me in the beginning. and i thought i was a very experienced dog handler.

you can think you can handle a certain kind of dog and be dead wrong. be careful.

Very thoughtful post, Dan, thanks for sharing.

We've had a few people come out with Presa Canario to train for protection. For the most part they have been very very cool looking dogs, very very intimidating dogs, and dogs that were on the low end for working ability.

Thank you all for your responses.

Trust me, I am fully aware that the Presa is NOT the breed for everyone. Same can be said for Pit Bulls, GSDs, etc. and most of the breeds all of us here are very familiar with. All are capable of being monsters in the wrong hands, perhaps Presas more than others based solely on factors like size alone. A 140-lb Presa is far more lethal than a 40-lb Pit.

I found the sites of some good breeders and I think the video, photos, and other information I've found has lead me to agree with what Robert suggested -- impressive, impressive looking dogs, very handsome dogs, but low on working ability. I just know I saw some weak bites -- I by no means am an expert on schutzhund but I saw some of these dogs latching onto sleeves the way I think my Springer might! Some of the 'stories of bravado' and how protective the dogs are, are actually mildly frightening. (I don't think a Presa -dragging- a Tibetan Mastiff because it didn't come when called is something to be proud of, I think it's a dog fight between two MASSIVE dogs waiting to happen...)

It's definately not something I'd consider for a very long time, and to be honest, I think I'd just prefer a GSD or something of that sort. They are definately no small undertaking! Thank you for all of your insight on this breed, though.

Dan,

The ownership, companionship and loyalty of a dog is an amazing thing. After reading these posts, I don't get the impression that anyone is faulting the presa. I believe that anyone who is reading this training board is taking their responsibility as a dog owner VERY SERIOUSLY. That said, I don't agree with you on the Red_Zone... book.

I believe it is informative on MANY, MANY points. One point being: if you purchase a dog of the Presa Canario's temperament and power you MUST be RESPONSIBLE and AWARE of what can happen. Those despicable lawyers were warned by a DVM PRIOR to taking delivery of the dogs that they (dogs) lacked discipline. A dog trainer also told them the dogs were a tragedy waiting to happen. I especially took note of the DEEPNESS (I believe one was 5 1/4? inches) of Ms. Whipple's wounds.

I believe the book conveys, as you so eloquently and succinctly stated:

 Quote:

The bottom line is they're dogs. Big, powerful, capable dogs that will behave as dogs behave. Consequently, you don't want to do wrong by these dogs as the stakes are higher than they would be with a less-capable breed. That's what makes them "not for everyone."

It is a pity that some people will not take their ownership of a Presa Canario (or any other breed of dog) as seriously as you. It is wonderful that you took the time to educate yourself and to train your dogs into being loyal companions.

I, too, am saddened by the incidents in Miami. The articles I have read so far mentioned: the victim's son advised his friend against coming over because the dogs were out and sometimes bite, the dog (that attacked) had been growling at the victim's son and boyfriend, the victim's boyfriend wanted to get rid of the dog and she flatly refused. I believe I also read (per the victim's friend) that she took delivery of the Presa pups at 6 weeks. I can't remember if she received both of them at the same time. Sadly, there are two children without a mother. One of which witnessed their mother being mauled to death. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />