Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison

Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed ComparisonPresa Canario is originated from Spain but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) is originated from Belgium. Both Presa Canario and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) are having almost same height. Presa Canario may weigh 30 kg / 67 pounds more than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael). Presa Canario may live 3 years less than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael). Both Presa Canario and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) has almost same litter size. Presa Canario requires Low maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) requires High maintenance

History

presa canario - historyKnown also as the Canary Mastiff, the Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands. He was originally bred for guarding livestock.

This isn’t a new breed by any means, and it is believed that the dog dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The roots of the dog can be traced back to the Iberian Presa, a medium sized mastiff breed. A number of other Hispanic breeds have contributed to the formation of the Presa Canario, such as the Presa Espanol.

Its numbers have dropped over the years, but in the 1970s, reputable breeders bred Presa Canarios, a courageous, territorial dog.

Because of its aggressive tendencies, the dog has been banned from quite a few countries. It is found in the USA but not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael - historyLooking much like a pitch black German Shepherd dog, the Belgian Shepherd is a beautiful looking dog. Their roots go back to the 1800s to Groenendael, Belgium. This is where they were bred by a certain Nicolas Rose in 1910. The Groenendael is one of four different Belgian Sheepdog varieties but the Groenendael is sometimes treated as a distinct breed.

They have always been used for their intelligence, serving for instance in the police force and being message carriers in war situations. Originally, Belgian Shepherds were used to herd livestock. It was in 1911 that the Groenendael was registered in the United States, and not much later the first Belgian Sheepdog Club of America formed. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1912.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
Belgium
Height Male:
56 - 65 cm
22 - 26 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 65 cm
22 - 26 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
38 - 60 kg
83 - 133 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
38 - 60 kg
83 - 133 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 9
6 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Canary Mastiff
Belgian Groenendael, Belgian Shepherd, AKC: Belgian Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Fawn and brindle
Black
Coat:
Short and coarse
Dense double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

presa canario puppy - descriptionThe Presa Canario is a large Molosser-type dog breed originally bred for working livestock.He stands at between 56 to 65cm in height and weighs between 38 and 60kg. He has a thick, muscular body with a black mask over the broad head.

The ears were always cropped which just added to his aggressive appearance. When left they are high set and floppy, being of medium length. The coat is short and coarse and he is a low shedder. The coat comes in colors such as fawn, tan, or brindle.

Temperament:

Strong willed, confident and determined, the Presa Canario may well have an intimidating look.He looks both powerful and even a bit aggressive, but with training and socialization, the highly intelligent Presa Canario is actually a calm, docile dog, totally loyal and loving with his human family.

These dogs are suspicious of strangers and this makes them excellent watchdogs. For new dog owners, the Presa Canario isn’t a good first choice as he is strong-willed and can be aggressive when in the wrong hands. There are however, always exceptions, but he isn't considered to be a good choice of dog when there are children in the home.

Large, Strong and Well Proportioned

belgian shepherd dog groenendael puppy - descriptionWith his alert, bright brown eyes, the Groenendael, referred to often as the Belgian Sheepdog, has erect ears with a long, feathered tail. The straight, strong legs are also feathered. He is well proportioned, athletic and strong. He has a dense double coat, and this working dog’s coat is black, but you sometimes find some small white markings around his paws and muzzle. The size of the Groenendael is roughly 60-66cm at the withers with the females sometimes being slightly smaller. The weight of the dog is roughly 25–30 kilograms.

He’s a Social Dog who Craves Companionship

The Groenendael is an active, intelligent breed and training and socializing will be necessary to ensure he knows how to behave around his human family. He is a big, social dog and won’t do well when left alone day after day in the back yard. In fact he may even show signs of separation anxiety if you leave him indefinitely. He makes for an excellent family dog, just loving their companionship and he becomes very protective of them.

An Intelligent, Alert Breed

He is used to making use of his intelligence and therefore he will need mental stimulation as opposed to lying around all day. He gets on well with adults, children and other pets, but he needs to grow up with children and not be put among children when he is already an adult. He is loyal and loving to his human family, forming a deep bond, especially with just one member of the family.

Characteristics

presa canario dog - characteristicsThe Presa Canario is a formidable looking dog and has received quite a lot of negative media attention for being aggressive and dangerous. And yet non-aggressive owners who have brought the dog up properly tell of how well mannered and calm their dogs are.

The dog is confident and powerful and can be loyal and loving while also being well adjusted. Just like children are the fruit of their parents upbringing, so dogs turn out much the same as the kind of owners that reared them, and in the right hands, this big dog can be loyal quiet, loving and trustworthy.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael dog - characteristicsYour Belgian Shepherd is an intelligent, active, loyal companion for you. He is highly intelligent too, and will need the right owner who can meet his energetic needs. He therefore wouldn’t do well with in a small place where the owners are couch potatoes. He is a working dog and will require being kept busy.

Provide him with good food, look after that thick, lustrous coat of his, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and plenty of exercise, love and attention and he will turn out to be the wonderful pet that makes him such a popular breed.

Health Problems

presa canario puppies - health problemsThese are large dogs so they are susceptible to hip- or joint dysplasia and canine leishmaniasis.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a skeletal condition, found more often in large dogs. The ball and socket don’t fit properly, grinding as opposed to sliding smoothly. This eventually leads to loss of function of the joint.

There are a few factors that lead to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs, but it is also hereditary. That is why it is so important to provide your dog with the correct nutrition – one that is specially formulated for large breeds.

Canine Leishmaniasis:

This is a deadly disease caused by a protozoan parasite found in dogs, mostly in rural areas, and in quite a few areas of the world.

The parasite is transmitted by a sand fly. The clinical signs of dogs with this disease include weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhea with blood in the stools.

Treatment will require the administration of a special drug. Prognosis for a pet diagnosed with Leishmaniasis is unfortunately not very hopeful.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael puppies - health problemsThe Belgian Groenendael is a healthy, strong breed with no major health problems and with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

As with every dog breed, there will be some health issues to be aware of. Skin allergies, epilepsy, eye problems and hip- and joint dysplasia are some areas to look out for

Dental disease for instance, is a common problem with pets, and your Belgian Shepherd can have serious problems with their teeth. Tartar build-up on the teeth ca take you down a trail of infections and gum disease. If you don’t want to make use of a special canine toothbrush and toothpaste, your vet will do it for you.

Your Groenendael will also be susceptible to ticks, fleas and bacterial and viral infections. As a puppy of 6 – 8 weeks, vaccinations for parvo, rabies, and distemper will be necessary. You’ll also need to be generally watching your pet’s health and to get him to the vet when he shows signs of being run-down and ill.

Caring The Pet

presa canario dogs - caringThe Presa Canario will require being brushed twice a week to rid him of loose hair although he isn’t a heavy shedder.

Keep his nails trimmed.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness and the possibility of an ear infection.

When you brush him, check him over for any unusual lumps.

Make sure the dog is neutered or spayed if you don’t want puppies.

Get your vet to the vet if he shows signs of illness.

Make sure his vaccines are up to date to prevent some deadly canine diseases.

Ensure he has a nice comfortable, dry, warm place to sleep.

Ensure he has a top quality diet to enhance longevity and health. Commercially manufactured dog foods are a convenient means to feed your pet, and there are some excellent brands. Avoid the ones with low quality ingredients that don’t have the right balances of vitamins and minerals.

High quality dry kibble can become exciting when you add in some home-made food. Dogs thrive on simplicity, so boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be 100% sufficient for him. Chop this food up and add it into the dry kibble twice a week as a tasty treat.

Also, your pet will thrive on a bit of raw meat added in from time to time. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Make sure that your large pet gets a good quota of daily exercise outdoors. Lots of hectic ball- and rope games will keep him happy and keep him slim. Take him for a walk every day.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael dogs - caringThe Groenendael has a double coat and because it is also fairly long, his black coat may well be high maintenance and brushing every 2nd day will be necessary to keep the coat unmatted and to also get rid of those loose hairs. In fact, heavy shedding is part of this breed’s life and while heavy shedding happens twice a year, light shedding continues throughout the year. Sometimes is may be necessary to send him to a dog grooming parlour to snip his hair and to wash it.

Other care routines to watch for -

A healthy, quality diet it absolutely imperative. Speak to your vet about the best kind of wet- or dry food suited to an energetic breed like this and appropriate to his age. You need to include raw meat into your pets diet every day now and then to avoid skin problems. Always ensure a bowl of clean, cool water is available, The bowl will need to be washed out every other day.

make sure his ears are cleaned. Once again you have to be careful when prodding in a dog’s ear and your veterinarian will show you how.

keep him well exercised with long walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  2. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  3. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  4. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  6. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  7. Labrador Husky vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  8. Argentine Dogo vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  9. Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  10. Goldador vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  11. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  13. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  14. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  15. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  21. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  29. Presa Canario vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  30. Presa Canario vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  31. Presa Canario vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Presa Canario vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  33. Presa Canario vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Presa Canario vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  35. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  36. Presa Canario vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. Presa Canario vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  38. Presa Canario vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  39. Presa Canario vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  40. Presa Canario vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  41. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Presa Canario vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  43. Presa Canario vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  44. Presa Canario vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  46. Presa Canario vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  47. Presa Canario vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Presa Canario vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison
  49. Presa Canario vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds