Understanding these factors can help potential owners make an informed decision when choosing between these formidable canine companions.
Table of Contents
Visual Differences – Boerboel vs Presa Canario
The Boerboel and the Presa Canario are both large, impressive dogs. They look different in several ways. The Boerboel is often more muscular and has a stockier build. This makes them look very strong. On the other hand, Presa Canarios have broader heads and powerful necks that show their strength.
When you see these dogs, one of the first things you might notice is their ears. Boerboels have ears that are like rounded flaps which hang down beside their face. Presa Canarios can have different ear shapes because some owners choose to crop them.
A Quick Overview – Boerboel vs Presa Canario
Boerboel | Presa Canario |
Height Large; Males: 24-27 inches Females: 22-25 inches | Height Large; Males: 23-26 inches, Females: 21-25 inches |
Weight Up to 200 pounds | Weight 100 to 160 pounds |
Coat Short and smooth | Coat Short and coarse |
Temperament Loyal, intelligent, tenacious | Temperament Loyal, intelligent, tenacious |
Trainability Highly trainable with firm handling | Trainability Trainable with experienced owner |
Lifespan 9-11 years | Lifespan 9-11 years |
Health Concerns Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Heart conditions | Health Concerns Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Heart conditions |
Family-friendly Yes, with proper training and socialization | Family-friendly Yes, with proper training and socialization |
Exercise Needs High; requires regular exercise | Exercise Needs |
Breed History of Boerboel & Presa Canario
The Boerboel is a dog breed with roots in South Africa. They came to be by mixing European dogs with African breeds. This was done for farm protection. The name “Boerboel” means “farmer’s dog”. It shows their role on farms. These dogs were also used as draft dogs, helping farmers work the land.
The Presa Canario has a history on the Canary Islands, Spain. Their past includes dog fighting and working with cattle. People used them to herd and protect livestock from predators and thieves. Both of these powerful breeds share mastiff ancestors known for strength and bravery.
Boerboels:
- Mixed European and African heritage.
- Bred for farm protection.
- Known as friendly boerboels due to their nature around people they know.
Presa Canarios:
- Used in dog fights long ago.
- Worked alongside humans herding cattle.
Both breeds are recognized by various kennel clubs, including the AKC (American Kennel Club). However, it’s important not to confuse frequent breeding practices with responsible ones that maintain health standards.
Appearance of Boerboel & Presa Canario
When comparing the Boerboel and the Presa Canario, their looks are quite different. A Boerboel has a blockier head, which is big and strong. This makes them look powerful. The Presa Canario’s head is more like a rectangle, not as square as the Boerboel’s.
One thing you might notice on a Presa Canario is its face. They often have a black mask marking, which stands out against their fur. It’s like they’re wearing a little disguise! But Boerboels don’t usually have this mark.
If you see them side by side, you’ll also see that Boerboels are generally taller than Presa Canarios. Imagine standing next to your friend who’s much shorter or taller than you – that’s what it’s like when these two dog types stand together!
These dogs’ looks can help people figure out how to care for them too. For example, if somebody works in an office environment where there isn’t much space, they might choose the slightly smaller Presa over the bigger Boerboel.
Coat & Colors of Boerboel & Presa Canario
Boerboels and Presa Canarios are both large, strong dogs. They have different coats though. Boerboel coats are short and feel smooth when you touch them. Their colors can vary a lot.
Presa Canario dogs also have short coats. But their fur feels rougher than Boerboels’. Both kinds of dogs can have stripes in their fur, called brindle patterns. Presas often have darker shades in their brindle patterns.
Neither the Boerboel nor the Presa Canario has a double coat.
These breeds live in warm places well because of their single-layered coats. If it gets cold, they might need extra warmth from us to stay cozy!
Temperament of Boerboel & Presa Canario
Boerboels are known for their loyal nature. They form strong bonds with their families. This breed is also very territorial. They protect their home and loved ones fiercely. Boerboels need to learn how to behave around new people from a young age.
Presa Canarios have a different kind of temperament. They are bold and have a high prey drive. This means they like to chase things that move fast, like small animals or running children. Presa Canarios can be quite assertive too, which means they want to be in charge sometimes.
Both breeds must meet many different people and pets early on in life. This helps them get used to others and not be scared or aggressive when they see strangers.
Boerboels:
- Very loyal
- Protective of family
- Need socialization early
Presa Canarios:
- Strong prey drive
- Assertive personalities
- Also require early socialization
Neither breed is known for being stubborn on purpose, but both can show this trait if not trained well. They’re not usually chosen as therapy dogs because of their strong protective instincts. On an emotional level, both breeds offer lots of love but show it differently.
Their affection levels towards family members are high, yet they might seem distant with outsiders. These dogs aren’t the best fit for cold weather due to their coats discussed earlier.
Trainability
Boerboels and Presa Canarios are both powerful dogs with strong protective instincts. These breeds need early training to become well-behaved pets. Boerboels often learn quickly because they want to make their owners happy. They show an eager-to-please attitude, which can make training sessions smoother.
Training a Boerboel can be more effortless than training a Presa Canario. This is partly due to the Boerboel’s willingness to listen and cooperate. Their high energy level also means they enjoy activities that involve learning new things.
On the other hand, Presa Canarios require firm guidance from someone who can take charge confidently. They may show a stubborn side, so it’s important for their trainer to be consistent and patient.
Exercise
Boerboels and Presa Canarios are both powerful dogs that need a good amount of exercise. Boerboels, especially, must stay active to keep a healthy weight and energy levels in check.
If they don’t get enough movement, they might become overweight or too energetic at home. A daily walk is great, but these big dogs love having a job to do even more. They enjoy activities like pulling carts or playing fetch.
Grooming
Boerboels and Presa Canarios are both large, powerful dogs with short coats. This means they do not need a lot of grooming. You won’t have to spend much time brushing them. But there are some things you should know about keeping these dogs clean.
For Boerboels, regular brushing is enough to keep their coat in good shape. Once a week should do the trick. It helps remove dirt and loose hair, and it makes their skin healthy too. Since they have minimal grooming needs, you can spend less time on this and more on playing or training them.
Presa Canarios also have short fur but may shed more than Boerboels. When it’s shedding season, you might need to brush them more often to control the hair in your house.
Both breeds will sometimes get dirty or drool over themselves creating slobber spots that need cleaning up now and then.
Remember that just like humans who exercise need showers afterward; dogs who play outside may also get dirty!
Feeding
Boerboels and Presa Canarios are both strong and large dogs. They need the right food to stay healthy. Boerboels do well on a high-protein diet made for big dog breeds. This helps them grow muscles and have energy.
- High-protein foods help Boerboels stay fit.
- Big dogs like these need lots of good nutrients.
For Presa Canarios, it’s important they eat meals that keep their joints healthy. They can get joint problems because they’re heavy dogs. Foods with things like glucosamine can help.
- Presa Canarios need special food for their joints.
- Supplements in their diet can stop joint pain.
Both breeds must watch how much they eat. Eating too much makes them overweight, which is bad for their health.
- Too many treats or big meals can make these dogs fat.
- Owners should measure food to avoid obesity in their pets.
Feeding these dogs takes care but is very important for their health and happiness.
Puppy Prices
When you decide to bring a Boerboel or Presa Canario into your home, the price of the puppy is an important thing to think about. Both breeds are known for being protective guard dogs, and they often become a loving part of the family. However, these puppies don’t come cheap.
Boerboel puppies can cost quite a bit. This is because they must meet certain breeding standards. Also, in some places, Boerboels are rare which can make them more expensive. If you want a healthy dog that grows up strong and friendly, it’s worth paying for a good start.
- The price reflects how well the breeder takes care of their dogs.
- A higher cost usually means better health checks and living conditions for the pups.
Presa Canario pups also have high prices sometimes. Their costs show their pedigree and how well-known their breeder is. Breeders who focus on raising friendly dogs with good temperaments might charge more.
Remember that buying your new pet is just the start:
- Think about long-term expenses like going to the vet.
- Training classes can help your pup learn how to behave nicely around people and other animals.
Just as we discussed feeding in our last section, these ongoing costs are key parts of caring for your new family pup over its lifetime.
Health Conditions and Concerns
Both the Boerboel and the Presa Canario are large breeds. This size makes them prone to hip dysplasia. Vets often suggest screening for this condition. It helps to catch any problems early on. Early detection is key in managing health issues.
Heart conditions are also something to watch out for, especially in Boerboels. One such heart issue is dilated cardiomyopathy. It can be serious if not found early by a vet check-up.
- Common health concerns include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy
- Elbow dysplasia particularly in Presas
Regular visits to the vet are important for both breeds. They help find breed-specific ailments quickly.
For Presa Canarios, elbow dysplasia is another concern that needs attention from owners and vets alike.
Taking care of these dogs means being aware of their health risks. Owners should know about potential health problems they may face. Making good lifestyle choices for your dog can prevent some issues. This includes keeping them at a healthy weight because obesity can make things worse.
It’s also worth noting that as dogs get older, they might need more care. Elderly people who own these dogs should consider this fact too.
Final Thoughts
When picking between a Boerboel and a Presa Canario, it’s key to know what each dog needs. Both dogs are big, strong, and brave. They need an owner who understands them well.
Owners must be ready to spend time on training and making friends with their dog. This helps the dog behave well around other people and animals. Also, taking good care of their health is very important for both breeds.
The Boerboel comes from South Africa. It is known for guarding homes and farms. The Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands in Spain. It was used to guard livestock.
Both these dogs will give you lots of love if you treat them right. But they are powerful animals that need someone who can handle that strength safely.