The Presa Canario was first bred in the Canary Islands as a working farm dog and it's thought they were developed during the 15th and 16th centuries when the Spanish conquistadores bought mastiffs-type dogs with them to the islands. They crossed their dogs with the now extinct Bardino Majero as well as other breeds which included the Iberian Presa, Alanos-type bulldogs and English Mastiffs to produce a robust, loyal and courageous working dog whether they were asked to protect livestock from prey, guard property or wrangle cattle. It is also thought that Hispanic breeds like the Presa Espanol were also introduced into the mix too.

It was during the 18th Century that English traders, merchants and colonist introduced their dogs to the Canary Islands. These were the dogs that predated Mastiffs and Bulldogs and which were known as Tiedogs and Bandogges. A little later, other breeds were introduced to the islands by the English which included the Bull Terrier and Bulldogs which they proceeded to cross with the Perro de Presa a native breed that is now extinct although just how much these breeds eventually influence the Presa Canario remains unknown.

The Presa Canario proved to be popular fighting dogs right up until a law was passed banning the blood sport in the 1940's. Breed numbers dropped because of the ban and because other breeds were appearing on the scene which included the German Shepherd Dog and the Dobermann Pinscher, both of which became an extremely popular choice as family pets and companions in the Canary Islands. This meant the Presa Canario was only really seen working on farms and as guard dogs rather than being chosen as a family pet or companion dog.

It was not until the 1970's that interest in the breed was revived when dedicated enthusiasts set about resurrecting the breed to be a strong, very large, outgoing, confident and calm dog that boasted being extremely territorial and protective. The Presa Canario has always been renowned for defending his owner and property without ever backing down which is a trait that that has been highly prized in the breed.

In 1982, a breed club was established in the Canary Islands which was recognised by the Real Canine Society Central of Spain or RSCFRCE. These impressive dogs were subsequently recognised as being part of the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service in 1996. The United Kennel Club recognised the Presa Canario in 2003, but these large and impressive dogs are yet to be accepted as a breed by The Kennel Club.

Today, the Presa Canario has fast become a popular breed in the UK with breeders taking great care to produce good natured, well-balanced healthy dogs that make wonderful family pets and companions. However, anyone wishing to share their home with a Presa Canario would need to register their interest with breeders and agree to being put on a waiting list because very few puppies are bred every year. It’s worth noting that finding insurance cover for a Presa Canario can prove quite challenging too and the premiums tend to be a lot higher than for many other breeds.