International Canine Federation
DOGO CANARIO
Date of Publication of the Original Valid Standard:
April 6th, 2001
Utilization:
Guard dog and cattle herding
FCI CLASSIFICATION
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, Mountain type dogs, and Swiss Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 2.1: Molossoid, mastiff-type. Without working trial. This classification within the FCI groups certain dog breeds together based on their characteristics and roles, focusing on those breeds known for their strength, guarding capabilities, and sometimes, their herding abilities. The mention of "without working trial" indicates that for this particular section, the breeds are not required to pass a specific working test to be classified.
Brief Historical Summary
A Molossoid dog originating from the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It emerged from crossbreeding the indigenous "majorero," a pre-Hispanic livestock dog of the islands, with Molossoid dogs that arrived in the archipelago.
These crossings resulted in an ethnic grouping of mastiff-type dogs, of medium size, with brindle or fawn coats and white markings, robust morphology, characteristic of a Molosser but with agility and drive, of great temperament, rustic, active in character and loyal.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the population of these dogs increased considerably, with numerous references to them in historical texts following the conquest, especially in the "Cedularios del Cabildo." These documents outline their roles, primarily as guardians and cattle herders, as well as their service in helping butchers subdue livestock.
General Appearance
A medium-sized Molossoid dog, eumetric, with a straight profile and a black mask. Rustic and well-proportioned.
It is a mesomorph whose body is longer than its height at the withers, with the elongated character slightly more pronounced in females.
Temperament / Behavior
Its demeanor is calm and its gaze attentive. It is particularly suited for guarding duties and traditionally for herding and managing cattle. The dog has a balanced temperament with great self-assurance. Its bark is deep and serious. It behaves gently and nobly with its family, showing strong attachment to its owner and wariness around strangers. It exudes confidence, nobility, and a somewhat distant expression. When alert, its stance is very firm and its gaze vigilant.
Head
It is massive, brachycephalic type, solid-looking, covered with loose, detached skin. Its shape tends towards a somewhat elongated cube. The skull-to-muzzle ratio is 60-40%. The width of the skull is 3/5 of the total head length.
Cranial Region
Skull: Slightly convex in an anteroposterior direction and
transverse, although the frontal bone tends to be flat. Its width is very
similar in length. Very marked zygomatic arch, with a large
development of the temporal and masseter muscles, but without protrusions.
The occipital crest is negligible.
Nasal-frontal depression (stop): Defined, but not abrupt. The groove
median between frontal sinuses is marked and occupies two thirds of the
skull approximately. The craniofacial lines are parallel or
slightly convergent.
NECK: Somewhat shorter than the total length of the head. The
lower edge presents loose skin that contributes to the formation of
a slight double chin. It is solid, straight, tending towards cylindrical and very
muscular.
BODY: Long-lined, wide, deep, its length exceeds its height
at the cross by 18-20%, this difference being more pronounced in the
females. The flanks are not very marked.
Top Line: Straight, without deformations, supported by a
well-developed but barely visible musculature. It rises
slightly from the withers to the croup. It should never be saddled or
to become steep.
St-FCI No. 346
Croup: Medium, wide and rounded. It should not be long because
would limit their movement. Females usually have it more
wide.
Chest: Of great breadth, with well-marked pectoral muscles.
depth must reach at least the elbow, both in profile and
head on. The chest circumference will normally be equal to the height in
the cross plus 45% of it. Well-arched ribs,
Bottom line: Slightly tucked up, but never
descended.
TAIL: Thick at the base, tapering to the tip and not
It should extend beyond the hock. Its insertion is medium. In action it
It is raised in the form of a saber, without curling or moving forward towards the back.
At rest it hangs straight with a slight curve at the tip,
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulders: Well sloping.
Arms: Well angled, oblique and with perfectly balanced forearms.
plumb, straight, broad-boned and well-muscled.
Elbows: They should not be stuck to the ribs or open outwards.
distance from the elbow to the ground normally represents 50% of the
total height in males and slightly less in females.
Metacarpus: Very solid and slightly sloping.
Feet: Cat's feet with rounded toes, not too close together.
plantar pads are very developed and black. The nails are
dark, white ones are not desirable, although they may appear in
layer function.
HINDQUARTERS: Strong and parallel, without deviations.
Thighs: Long and very muscular. The angulations are not very
marked, without being scarce.
Hocks: They will always be low.
Feet: Slightly longer than the front feet and of similar size.
characteristics.
St-FCI No. 346
6
MOVEMENT: In movement it must cover a lot of ground, be agile and
elastic. The stride should be long. The tail is carried low and barely
raises the head above the dorsal line. In attention, the position of the
head is upright and tail is upright.
SKIN: Thick and elastic. Loose around the neck. Needs attention.
forms several symmetrical wrinkles on the head that have the axis
median sulcus between the frontal sinuses.
FUR
HAIR: Short, rustic, well flattened, without undercoat (may be present,
sometimes on the neck and buttocks), which presents a certain roughness to the
Touch, Very short and fine at the ears, slightly longer at the withers
and ridge of the buttocks.
COLOR: Tabby in all its range, from very warm dark to
very light gray or blond.
Fawn throughout its range up to the sand.
The white may appear on the chest, at the base of the neck or throat,
on hands and back fingers, preferably as small as possible
possible.
Always black mask, not exceeding the height of the eyes.
SIZE AND WEIGHT:
Height at the withers: Males: 60 to 65 cm.
Females: 56 to 61 cm.
In the case of very typical specimens, a deviation of 1 cm will be allowed.
the maximum and minimum heights.
Minimum weight: Males: 50 Kg.
Females: 40 kg.
St-FCI No. 346
7
FAULTS: Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria
It is considered a fault and its seriousness is considered to the degree of
the standard deviation.
MINOR OFFENSES
Excessive wrinkles in the craniofacial region, which do not
distort the expression.
Pincer bite.
SERIOUS OFFENSES
Head that does not comply with the established proportion.
Very convergent craniofacial lines (excessive stop, very
pronounced).
Mask that extends beyond the height of the eyes.
Hands and feet facing outward or inward.
Excessively pendulous, retracted or forward lips.
Equal height croup-withers.
Excessive double chin.
Droopy eyelids.
Carved nasal dorsum.
Very little or excessive angulations.
Lower line lowered.
Shallow chest.
Incorrect plumb lines.
High tail extension. Thin tail.
Sparse bones.
VERY SERIOUS OFFENSES:
Square profile.
Triangular head, narrow, not cuboid.
Light appearance.
Curled tail, very thin, of equal thickness along its entire length,
or deformed.
Sizes either too low or too large.
St-FCI No. 346
8
Dorsal line saddled or steep.
Sparse parapet.
Weak front.
Slightly arched ribs.
Absence of wrinkles in the craniofacial region (tight skin without wrinkles)
elasticity).
Light-colored (yellow) eyes. Close-set or slanted, bulging eyes.
or sunk.
Excessive prognathism.
Absence of any teeth (except P1).
Ears set very high.
Round or vaulted skull.
Divergent craniofacial lines.
Short, fine hair.
Poverty of mask.
Long neck, not very massive.
ELIMINATORY FOULS
Any dog showing clear signs of physical abnormalities 0
Aggressive or fearful dog.
Unbalanced character.
Total depigmentation of the nose, or inside of the lips.
Total absence of mask.
Undesirable white spots.
Enognathism.
Croup lower than the withers, descending dorsal line.
Blue eyes 0 with tonal difference.
Amputated tail.
Monerchid and cryptorchid specimens.
Underdeveloped chest
of behavior must be disqualified.
NB: Males should have two normal-looking testicles.
completely descended into the scrotum.
FACIAL REGION:
Truffle: Wide, strongly pigmented in black. It is inserted in the
same line as the nasal bridge. The upper vertex is located
slightly delayed with respect to the start of the lips. The
openings are large, suitable for easy breathing.
St-FCI No. 346
4
Muzzle: Shorter than the skull. Normally 40% of the
total head. Its width is two-thirds of the skull. It has a very wide base
and tapers slightly towards the nose. The nasal bridge is flat and
straight profile, without cliffs.
Lips: The upper lips are hanging, without excess, and in their
conjunction, seen from the front, they form an inverted V. Lips or snouts
slightly divergent. The inside of the lips is dark in color.
Jaws / Teeth: Scissor bite. A snub bite is permitted.
clamp although it is not desirable due to the tooth wear it causes.
A slight prognathism may be allowed. The canines have wide
transverse distance. The teeth are wide, with a base of
very strong implantation, large molars, small incisors,
well-developed fangs and correct fit.
Eyes: Slightly oval, medium to large in size, with good
separation, short, neither sunken nor bulging. The eyelids
Black pigmented and well adhered, never falling off. The color varies
from dark brown to medium, according to the coat color.
Never clear.
Ears: Medium size, well separated, with short, fine hair,
They fall effortlessly on both sides of the head. If you fold them, they do so
in pink. Its implantation starts at a point slightly higher than
the prolongation of the eye. The ears are set very high and close together.
are atypical. In countries where cutting is permitted, these will remain
upright.
Nose: Wide, strongly pigmented in black, aligned with the nasal bridge. The top vertex is slightly set back compared to the start of the lips, with large openings for easy breathing.
Muzzle: Shorter than the skull, typically 40% of the head's total length, tapering slightly towards the nose with a flat nasal bridge.
Lips: The upper lips hang without excess, forming an inverted V when viewed from the front, slightly divergent, with a dark interior.
Jaws/Teeth: Scissor bite preferred, pincer bite accepted but not desirable due to tooth wear. Slight prognathism may be allowed, with widely spaced canines and strong, large molars.
Eyes: Slightly oval, medium to large, well-spaced, with black pigmented eyelids, neither sunken nor bulging, varying from dark to medium brown, matching the coat color.
Ears: Medium-sized, well-spaced, short, and fine-haired, hanging effortlessly at the sides of the head. If cropped (where legal), they stand erect.
This description outlines the key features of the dog's head, focusing on its nose, muzzle, lips, jaws/teeth, eyes, and ears, emphasizing the breed's distinctive characteristics and the ideal standards for its appearance
NECK: Somewhat shorter than the total length of the head. The
lower edge presents loose skin that contributes to the formation of
a slight double chin. It is solid, straight, tending towards cylindrical and very
muscular.
BODY: Long-lined, wide, deep, its length exceeds its height
at the cross by 18-20%, this difference being more pronounced in the
females. The flanks are not very marked.
Top Line: Straight, without deformations, supported by a
well-developed but barely visible musculature. It rises
slightly from the withers to the croup. It should never be saddled or
to become steep.
St-FCI No. 346
Croup: Medium, wide and rounded. It should not be long because
would limit their movement. Females usually have it more
wide.
Chest: Of great breadth, with well-marked pectoral muscles.
depth must reach at least the elbow, both in profile and
head on. The chest circumference will normally be equal to the height in
the cross plus 45% of it. Well-arched ribs,
Bottom line: Slightly tucked up, but never
descended.
TAIL: Thick at the base, tapering to the tip and not
It should extend beyond the hock. Its insertion is medium. In action it
It is raised in the form of a saber, without curling or moving forward towards the back.
At rest it hangs straight with a slight curve at the tip,
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulders: Well sloping.
Arms: Well angled, oblique and with perfectly balanced forearms.
plumb, straight, broad-boned and well-muscled.
Elbows: They should not be stuck to the ribs or open outwards.
distance from the elbow to the ground normally represents 50% of the
total height in males and slightly less in females.
Metacarpus: Very solid and slightly sloping.
Feet: Cat's feet with rounded toes, not too close together.
plantar pads are very developed and black. The nails are
dark, white ones are not desirable, although they may appear in
layer function.
HINDQUARTERS: Strong and parallel, without deviations.
Thighs: Long and very muscular. The angulations are not very
marked, without being scarce.
Hocks: They will always be low.
Feet: Slightly longer than the front feet and of similar size.
characteristics.
St-FCI No. 346
6
MOVEMENT: In movement it must cover a lot of ground, be agile and
elastic. The stride should be long. The tail is carried low and barely
raises the head above the dorsal line. In attention, the position of the
head is upright and tail is upright.
SKIN: Thick and elastic. Loose around the neck. Needs attention.
forms several symmetrical wrinkles on the head that have the axis
median sulcus between the frontal sinuses.
FUR
HAIR: Short, rustic, well flattened, without undercoat (may be present,
sometimes on the neck and buttocks), which presents a certain roughness to the
Touch, Very short and fine at the ears, slightly longer at the withers
and ridge of the buttocks.
COLOR: Tabby in all its range, from very warm dark to
very light gray or blond.
Fawn throughout its range up to the sand.
The white may appear on the chest, at the base of the neck or throat,
on hands and back fingers, preferably as small as possible
possible.
Always black mask, not exceeding the height of the eyes.
SIZE AND WEIGHT:
Height at the withers: Males: 60 to 65 cm.
Females: 56 to 61 cm.
In the case of very typical specimens, a deviation of 1 cm will be allowed.
the maximum and minimum heights.
Minimum weight: Males: 50 Kg.
Females: 40 kg.
St-FCI No. 346
7
FAULTS: Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria
It is considered a fault and its seriousness is considered to the degree of
the standard deviation.
MINOR OFFENSES
Excessive wrinkles in the craniofacial region, which do not
distort the expression.
Pincer bite.
SERIOUS OFFENSES
Head that does not comply with the established proportion.
Very convergent craniofacial lines (excessive stop, very
pronounced).
Mask that extends beyond the height of the eyes.
Hands and feet facing outward or inward.
Excessively pendulous, retracted or forward lips.
Equal height croup-withers.
Excessive double chin.
Droopy eyelids.
Carved nasal dorsum.
Very little or excessive angulations.
Lower line lowered.
Shallow chest.
Incorrect plumb lines.
High tail extension. Thin tail.
Sparse bones.
VERY SERIOUS OFFENSES:
Square profile.
Triangular head, narrow, not cuboid.
Light appearance.
Curled tail, very thin, of equal thickness along its entire length,
or deformed.
Sizes either too low or too large.
St-FCI No. 346
8
Dorsal line saddled or steep.
Sparse parapet.
Weak front.
Slightly arched ribs.
Absence of wrinkles in the craniofacial region (tight skin without wrinkles)
elasticity).
Light-colored (yellow) eyes. Close-set or slanted, bulging eyes.
or sunk.
Excessive prognathism.
Absence of any teeth (except P1).
Ears set very high.
Round or vaulted skull.
Divergent craniofacial lines.
Short, fine hair.
Poverty of mask.
Long neck, not very massive.
ELIMINATORY FOULS
Any dog showing clear signs of physical abnormalities 0
Aggressive or fearful dog.
Unbalanced character.
Total depigmentation of the nose, or inside of the lips.
Total absence of mask.
Undesirable white spots.
Enognathism.
Croup lower than the withers, descending dorsal line.
Blue eyes 0 with tonal difference.
Amputated tail.
Monerchid and cryptorchid specimens.
Underdeveloped chest
of behavior must be disqualified.
NB: Males should have two normal-looking testicles.
completely descended into the scrotum.
St-FCI No. 346
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