FCI STANDARD #346 Dogo Canario, Canarian Dog

ORIGIN: SPAIN

UTILIZATION: Guardian and cattle dog.

CLASIFICATION F.C.I.: Group 2

Section 2.1: Molosser – Type: Dogo

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: Molosser dog native of the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, in the Canary Archipelago. Emerging as a result of crosses between the "majorero", a pre-Hispanic cattle dog originating from the islands, and molosser dogs brought to the archipelago.

These crosses originated an ethnic grouping of dogs of “dogo” type, of medium size, of brindle or fawn color, marked with white, of robust morphology, characteristic of a molosser, but with agility and drive Of tremendous temperament, rustic and of an active and loyal character.

During the XVI and XVII centuries their population increased considerably. Numerous mentions of them exist in the historical texts prior to the conquest, mainly in the “Documents of the Town Council” which explained the functions that they fulfilled. Essentially they functioned as a guardian and cattle dog, as well subdued the cattle for the butchers.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Molosser dog of medium size, well balanced, of straight profile, with a black mask. Rustic and well proportioned. It is mesomorphic; the body is longer than the height to the withers. Females accentuate this characteristic being slightly longer.

TEMPERAMENT/ BEHAVIOR: Their appearance is calm. Attentive gaze. Especially equipped for the function of guarding and traditionally used for the handling and driving of cattle. Their temperament is balanced and of great self-security. Serious and profound bark. He is gentle and noble with his family, with great affection to his owner, and suspicious with strangers. Expression is confident, noble and a little distant. When alert his attitude is very firm and the gaze watchful.

HEAD: Is massive, brachycephalic, of solid appearance, and covered with loose hanging skin. Its shape is a somewhat lengthened cube.

The proportions of cranium-muzzle are 60%- 40%. The width of the cranium is 3/5 of the total longitude of the head.

CRANIAL REGION:

- CRANIUM: Lightly convex in anteroposterior and transversal directions, although the frontal bone is flatten to the plane. Zygomatic arch very pronounced, with well developed temporal and mastoid muscles, but without being pronounced. The occipital crest is unappreciable.

- NASOFRONTAL DEPRESSION (STOP): Defined, but not abrupt. The middle furrow between the frontal sinuses is marked and occupies approximately two thirds of the cranium. The craniofacial lines are parallel or lightly convergent.

FACIAL REGION:

- MUZZLE: Shorter than the cranium. Normally 40% of the total head. The width is 2/3 of the cranium. It is of very wide base and diminishes slightly toward the nose. The nasal line is flat, of straight profile and without ridges.

- NOSE: Wide, strongly pigmented in black. It is inserted on the same line as the nasal cana. The front is set slightly behind the front of the lips. The nostrils are large, appropriate for easy breathing.

- LIPS: The upper lips hang, but without excess and when viewed from the front form an inverted “V” where they join. The interior lips are dark.

- MANDIBLE/ TEETH: Scissor bite. Level bite is accepted although not desirable due to the tooth ware that it causes. Slight prognathism permitted. The canines show wide transverse distance. The teeth are wide, with a strong base of implantation, with large molars, small incisors and well-developed and correct fitting canines.

- EYES: Slightly oval, medium to large size, well separated, brevilineal, neither sunken nor bulging. They are well pigmented in black and tight, never drooping. The color fluctuates between medium to dark chestnut, in accordance with the color of the coat. Never light.

- EARS: Of medium size, well separated, with short and fine hair, they drop effortlessly to both sides of the head. If they are folded, they are rose shaped, close fitting to the head. The base is at a point slighter higher than the eye line. Ears set very high and joined are atypical and excessively crowd the top of the cranium. If cropped they are erect.