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.

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.

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.
<br>

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.

HAIR
Short, rustic,
very flat, without undercoat (at times might be found, in neck and
buttocks) and with a certain harshness to the touch. Is very short and
fine in the ears, slightly longer in the withers and crest of the
buttocks. <br>

<span style="font-style: italic;">COLOR</span>:
Brindle all
ranges, from dark very warm tones to the very light gray or blond. Fawn
to sandy in all ranges. Markings can appear on the chest, at the base
of the neck or throat, on front and rear toes, it is desirable that it
is reduced as much as possible. Mask always black and should not
surpasses the height of
the eyes.

HEIGHT
WEIGHT</span>: Males: 60 to 65 cm. (23.5-25.5 in.) Females: 56 to
61 cm. (22-24 in.) In the case of very typical specimens, a 1cm
deviation from the set maximum and minimum will be allowed. - Minimum
Weights: Males: 50 kg (110 lbs) Females: 40 kg ( 88 lbs)