Presa Canario???

[newf4u]

I am hoping someone here can give me some insight. My Sister and I do not agree on the same breed...I have a Newfoundland and a German Shepherd, and she seems to choose the more aggresive breeds, she has owned a Pitbull and just recently acquired a one year old Presa Canario. I am very uncomfortable about my young children, 6 & 8 being around this new dog of hers because I have heard of these dogs being viscious. It was one of these dogs that aggressively attacked and killed Dianne Whipple in her home. Please if anyone has any knowledge or personal experience with this breed could you please give me your insight. It puts such a strain on my relationship with my sister when I don't want to go around her home with my children to visit because of her choice in dogs...any advice would be welcomed. Thank you,

Jennifer

 

[Jeannie]

I board one of those. The owner brings the dog in to the kennel and puts him in his run. When I have to go in the run he is locked outside. When I have to go into his outside run he is locked inside. He has tried to attack Gary when the owners were right there. He is OK in his run--meaning he does not try to attack anyone but you don't want to make any moves toward him--that is what sets him off.IMO this is not a good dog have around children. Although the owners have 2 small (under the age of 5) children. They said the dog is good with family but they make sure he is secured away when ever visitors come

Edited to add: I did research on this breed when I first boarded this dog. It is from the Canary Islands. Bred specifically for attacking it has such an instinct for attacking that one website said "once the dog starts to attack, the victim is at the mercy of the dog as the dog will not stop until the victim is dead" I'll see if I can find the website

I got this from this website Gives me chills just reading it

It is an extraordinarily powerful looking dog with a severe gaze. Especially suited to guarding and defence. It is of firm temperament with a grave and deep bark. The Presa Canario is affectionate, docile and well-behaved with his owner and family, but fierce with strangers. Independent and aggressive with other dogs, both of his own breed and other breeds. It has been used in the past as an excellent fighting dog.

As a guardian breed with man-stopping ability there is no dog that is more effective than the Canary Dog. It remains and incredibly powerful and fearless animal, it is known for its great devotion to its human family, and it is known to accept children in the home. This is a dog that will stay by its master's side at all times and is never known to stray. This dog is protective by nature and will not hesitate to attack anyone whom it perceives as a threat to its family or home. Such an attack could only be a hopeless situation for any man involved."

[ 02-28-2005, 09:47 AM: Message edited by: jggrosch ]

 

[luvxl k 9]

My 'baby' is 19 but I wouldn't even want her around this dog!!! Let alone my grandbaby's!!

 

[ina/puusty]

Having read that,..it would seem appropriate to tell your sister that since they are the dogs primary family..and your family is a secondary family..that will..for the life of the dog..be regarded BY IT..as 'non family'...you will visit when you are without your children, or the kids are in the car(with their ages old enough to NOT GET OUT.to contact you for any reason period!!!)..while you drop by..for a visit/drop-off item..etc. If they come visit..their dog is not with them..and NOT in the venicle..as they can escape..if motivated enough. Their choice..is their choice.., but you are your own person..and should protect you and yours..to the max. If there are a few tensions built-up..between the two of you (sisters)..so be it..you must look out for your family health/welfare..without budging..as to a safety issue..of this magnitude. Family members often have diff. opinions on very important things, lifestyle, religion, diet..and in this case..furkids. Yes..we do find disagreements..in these areas.. but can find ways to maintain 'connections'..even if delicate and difficult. One ol lady-type..opinion..on my part. ina n HB

 

[blstarke]

I would never own one but is there any breed other than a newfie?

 

[luvxl k 9]

My 'baby' is 19 but I wouldn't even want her around this dog!!! Let alone my grandbaby's!!

 

[Varmint]

Here's my opinion: Your children, your decision. End of story. If your not comfortable with it, your children will sense that and not be comfortable. The dog could interpret this emotion incorrectly. Be honest with your sister. If she cannot accept that, it is her loss.

As a side note: I have two sisters. One sister has two big dogs like me, the other sister doesn't like dogs and would rather not be around dogs. (she was attacked by a neighborhood dog when she was little) We respect her and if she doesn't want the dogs around her, we will remove the dogs from the room. It is not that difficult. As a sister, she should respect your desicion.

 

[Annie Milliron]

Originally posted by Ker Chunk:
As a sister, she should respect your desicion.

BINGO!

 

[KS Newf]

I totally agree with all who say not even the most distant contact with the proximity of this dog. I live in a neighborhood with strict guidelines for animals and the adjoining areas have them also. My neighborhood and those around me are more urban than suburban. An individual in an adjoining neighborhood had one of these Presa Canarios and an older family dog, also. One day it devastated (way past "killing") the older family dog, and the situation was so violent and fearsome the owner was forced by court of law to get rid of it ( from the neighborhood) as a danger. Apparently, it went to a more rural community where I would be very wary also. It was simply the dog's instinct. It was perfectly safe, from all reports, with its immediate family. I could never trust an animal of that nature myself that much, but that's just me. Be very careful, and I pray your sister will, too.

[ 03-02-2005, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: mml ]

 

[NewfyChic]

Oh Lord. We had a neighbor at our summer house years ago that had one of these dogs. Nothing but trouble. But the owners said She is soooo nice, never bites, total tame..blah blah blah. Well that didn't seem the case with me on July 4th that year when a 6 year old boy and his brother were fighting over a bag of chips and the dog lept on the one little boy and took him to the ground. The dog was on top of him and had the boys head litterally in her mouth. I could not believe what I was witnessing. Needless to say, the boy had 35 stitches and 13 more on his neck. The parents of that child (who was visiting the dogs owners) sued and won. Also, in our state if a dog attacks someone, NO questions are asked, your dog is taken from you and is put down. We have leash laws that prohibit anyone from a loose running dog. County, City, State, it doesn't matter. So the dog was taken and put down. Why on earth would anyone own these types of dogs is beyond me. So much liability. Also, with our Homeowners insurance, if you own Pitbulls,Rotties,Chows, and other vicious dogs you are NOT getting covered period! Yes, some owners make these dogs vicious but it is also genetic. I absolutely would NEVER EVER EVER take myself nor my children to a home with these types of dogs. Plain and simple. She should come to your house if you want to visit. That is my opinion. And if you remember that lady in California, the jogger who was litterally torn to pieces when 2 of these dogs attacked her at her apartment door. Here are some of the dogs blacklisted by insurance companies in our state.

Dangerous Dog Breeds
Due to the high cost of dog bite liability claims, some insurance companies have blacklisted certain breeds and are refusing to provide homeowners insurance to those who own these dog breeds. According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability claims have increased from $250 million in 1996 to $310 million in 2001.

"Blacklisted" breeds may include:
Pit Bulls
Alaskan Malamutes
Rottweilers
Akitas
Chow Chows
American Staffordshire Terriers
Doberman Pinschers
Boxers
German Shepherds
Great Danes
Siberian Huskies
Wolf-hybrids
Perro de Presa Canarios.
The Presa Canario breed came to the forefront when Diane Whipple was attacked and killed outside the door of her California apartment.
Any dog that has any of the above breeds in their lineage.

If a dog has a history of violent behavior, it is determined to be a dangerous dog no matter what its pedigree. Once a determination has been made that the dog is dangerous, the laws of the community governing dangerous dogs must be applied.

Vicious Dog Statute
A person is not permitted to keep a dog if he or she knows it is vicious, dangerous, or in the habit of biting or attack other people, regardless of whether the dog wears a tag or muzzle. Once a dog is proven to be vicious, dangerous, or in the habit of biting or attacking people, a judge may authorize it to be destroyed.

Vicious Dog Statute
Any person who keeps a dog that is generally considered to be vicious, for the purpose of protection, must acquire a special license from the county assessor

[ 02-28-2005, 12:44 PM: Message edited by: NewfyChic ]

 

[NewfyChic]

Here are some Canadian Laws. The Preso Canario is listed in one of them and is banned.

Vancouver
Vicious Dog bylaw (passed 1987) defines a vicious dog as any with a known propensity to attack a person or animal or that has attacked without provocation. Pit bulls are automatically considered vicious.

Coquitlam
Animal Control bylaw designates pit bulls and bull terriers as vicious.

Surrey
Dog Responsibility bylaw (passed May 1, 2000), defines dangerous dogs as those that have pursued, bitten, attacked or injured without provocation. Any dog running at large is considered potentially dangerous. Owners pay higher licence fees and fines, and must purchase liability insurance.

Nanaimo, Maple Ridge
Have vicious dog bylaws that are not breed-specific.


Alberta Edmonton
Community has enacted a Vicious Dog bylaw and restriction on pit bulls. Licence fees and fines for these dogs are higher, and owners must take out liability insurance.

Calgary
Dangerous Dog bylaw means owners with dogs designated dangerous pay higher licence fees and higher fines.

Brooks, St. Paul, Wainwright, Chestermere, Stony Plain, County of Newell, Sexsmith
Municipalities have dangerous dog bylaws.


Saskatchewan Province-wide
Saskatchewan has enacted Canada's only province wide Dangerous Dog legislation. Sentencing is costliest there, with a $10,000 fine and/or six months' imprisonment for any of the following:
A dog that has attacked, bitten, injured or killed without provocation
Owner not respecting court orders for keeping a dangerous dog
Dog owned for the purpose of fighting or encouraging a dog to make unprovoked attacks on people or domestic animals


Manitoba Winnipeg
Banned pit bulls in 1990.

Macdonald
Banned pit bulls.

Thompson
Has a Dangerous Dog bylaw.

Ontario Kitchener and Waterloo
Both communities have Dangerous Dog bylaws and have banned pit bulls. To ban a type of dog, they needed to have a private member's bill passed in Ontario legislature. Ban does not include bull terrier or English bull terrier.

Lakeshore
Dangerous Dog bylaw prohibits the ownership of "any dog of the Presa Canario, Pit Bull, Staffordshire, Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, or American Staffordshire Terrier" or any hybrid or similar crossbreed.

Vaughan, Midland, Laurentian Valley Township, Grimsby, Pelham, Bonnechere Valley Township, Killaloe, Hogarty and Richards, Cambridge, Ingersoll, Mariposa, Mississauga
Have a Vicious or Dangerous Dog bylaw or references to vicious dogs in existing bylaws.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Originally posted by newf4u:
My sister.....recently acquired a one year old Presa Canario.

Is this dog a rescue? How did she get it? Why was it given up? Even the best of breeds come with issues when rescued as an adult. For all you know he could have already exhibited aggressive behavior with the former owners. I would invite your sister to your house or meet somewhere, but I would not bring my children there. I think your instincts are good with this. All it takes is one mistake.

[ 02-28-2005, 01:56 PM: Message edited by: NewfYork ]

 

[Maggiesmom]

From what I've read on the breed I would in no way shape or form allow it anywhere near my child. My brother & SIL have 3 rotties that are absolute babies BUT whenever we visit with Katlin my brother has put them in 'their room' just cuz they are big dogs and not used to toddlers and accidents can happen. They are fine with older children but nobody knows how they would be with a toddler and we dont want to find out. I personally wouldnt want to be around your sisters new dog either not knowing its background and I'd be worried for you sister too.If they get that attached to their family and she recently aquired it wont it look at her as not family?

 

[tonkatruck]

I agree with what everyone has been saying. Your children, your decision. I hate to say it but you have to play the "what if.." scenario here. What if my child got attacked because of my decision. Better to be safe than sorry. Hope this helps

 

[newf4u]

Thanks to all of you for your insight. I am going with my gut here, that is why I started this thread...I just do not feel comfortable with this dog...I have not even seen it yet and I just don't want to. I did some research before I posted this thread...but it is always good to have first hand info from people you trust...you guys. I thank you. As mentioned my sister had a pitbull/lab cross...she sweared that this dog was so sweet...I did not trust it...she just showed up here with it and I could tell right away it had pitbull in it...they have a look unlike any other breed. I immediately told her under no uncertain terms this dog was not allowed in my home it must be left in her vehicle, she tried to assure me that this dog was fine...and I told her that my feelings for pit bulls are so strong...IMO they should all be banned and destroyed...can't stand them. Anyways as she was putting it in her vehicle it spotted my cat and got away from her it grabbed my cat by the head and thank god we were able to get it off of him because I know this dog would've killed him. I feel sick to my stomach thinking about this newly acquired dog. She got this dog from her son, he had to move and could not take her with him. He has young children, but as mentioned they were the dogs immediate family. Anyways if it means losing a Sister so be it, I would rather that than lose a child. And my sister complains at how our Newf Ben drools...seems to me that is a pleasure compared to what she might be up against. At least I can trust both my Newfoundland and my Shepherd with both of my children and any of their friends that may be over playing, there is alot to be said for that. Thanks again everyone.

Jennifer

 

[NinaA]

I agree with everything everyone has said, plus have one more little thought. Your children are also comfortable and used to your dog which is a whole other world away from this type of dog. They could do something, anything around that dog that yours would totally be great with, but this dog would see as aggression. I, myself, would not want to be around one of these dogs. Period.

Nina
et al

 

[Varmint]

Originally posted by NinaA:
Your children are also comfortable and used to your dog which is a whole other world away from this type of dog. They could do something, anything around that dog that yours would totally be great with, but this dog would see as aggression. Nina
et al

I never thought of that! My 2 year old lays on top of the dogs all the time. Crawls over them and plays with their faces. He does this to a friend a dog that belongs to a friend, a shelti, who is not too happy about the situation, but does well in holding his temper about it. I can't imagine what would happen if Dan did this to a Presa Canario, kinda scarey to think about.....

 

[newf4u]

Yes what an important point to raise. That is one thing that we have made sure our children both understand...that you DO NOT approach someone elses dog without first getting approval from the owner. Not every dog will greet you with a lick and a wagging tail. They are both really good at respecting an animals' personal space, it's so imprtant for children to know this. Unfortunately I think in the case of the Presa Canario...it would not matter how much they were keeping to themselves, if they seemed strange to the dog. Scary situation. We have even taught our children to respect Jake our 11 year old German Shepherd and not sneak up on him from behind because we feel he is maybe getting a little hard of hearing. We ask them to always let him know you are there not to scare him...it's just a respect thing. Children need to know how to not only respect people...but also animals.

Jennifer

 

[N2N Mags Dad]

Some of these animals shift in an unstable, unpredictable manner from semi-domesticated to pure velociraptor predators.

Please be careful for the kids and take a hard line against any contact, supervised or not, with these animals.

 

[nice newfie]

Hi Guys, It's been awhile,But I just had to give my two cents worth on this,At the Animal shelter I work at,we do not take pit bulls.however, we will help them contact a rescue.
I'd print off this thread and show my sister.The line that got me was the "sued and won" couple.Family might not sue however,what about other friends?Would never take the chance.I think her son should have given it to that breeds rescue.Karen