<Tr> <Th> Notes </Th> <Td> The breed is recognized, by the FCI, on a definitive basis and eligible for the CACIB from 6 July 2011 . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) </Td> </Tr> <P> The Perro de Presa Canario, A.K.A. the Canary Mastiff, is a large Molosser - type dog breed originally bred for working livestock . The name of the breed is Spanish, means "Canarian catch dog", and is often shortened to "Presa Canario" or simply "Presa". The breed is sometimes also called Dogo Canario, meaning "Canarian Molosser". It is the animal symbol of the island of Gran Canaria . </P> <P> First introduced to the world outside of Spain's Canary Islands by the American anthropologist Dr. Carl Semencic in an article for Dog World Magazine and in his books on the subject of rare breeds of dogs, the Presa Canario or "Canary Dog" is a large - size dog with a thick and muscular body . The head is broad, massive, square, and powerful brachycephalic shape . Proper head and good expression are part of the breed standard, and are manifest in the best breed specimens . The ears are normally cropped, both to create a more formidable expression and to prevent damage while working with cattle . If cropped, the ears stand erect . In countries where ear - cropping is banned, the ears are close fitting to the head; they hang down and should be pendant or "rose" shaped . The upper lip is pendulous, although not excessively . Seen from the front, the upper and lower lips come together to form an inverted V . The flews are slightly divergent . The inside of the lips is a dark colour . </P>

What breed of dog is a presa canario