Dogo Canario

It is speculated that the Dogo Canario originated from the Bardino Majero and the English Mastiff. The Bardino Majero is not extinct but was native to the Canary Islands. The first documentation of the Dogo Canario dates back to the 1800s while he was used as a farm utility dog. Archivists claim that the Dogo Canario actually dates all the way back to the 15th or 16th century and were brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish conquistadores. The Dogo Canario was used as a catch dog. He was given the job of catching unruly cattle and killing wild boars. He became the livestock guardian dog for many farmers. He even protected livestock from rustlers. With the Dogo Canario’s powerful build and aggressive nature, he was also used as entertainment in dog fights. When dog fighting became outlawed in the 1940s and other dogs such as the American Pit Bull Terrier became more popular, the Dogo Canario’s popularity waned. Breed enthusiasts began working towards preserving the breed in the 1970s. In 1982, the Dogo Canario had his first breed club on the Canary Islands. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Dogo Canario in 2003. The International All Breed Canine Association also recognized the Dogo Canario in 2003 as a rare breed. The American Kennel Club allowed the Dogo Canario to become part of its Foundation Stock Service in 1996. There are not enough Dogo Canario dogs registered within the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service to become an officially recognized AKC breed.