The dogo canario, also known as f.ex. 'perro de presa canario' or 'perro de dogo canario' originates from dogs from the 1600s that were referred to as 'bardino' or 'majoreno' - most likely descendants of the alano or spanish mastiff. The canarian dogs were brindle ('bardina' in spanish) mastiffs that herded cattle and also functioned as guard dogs. As interest in dog fights arose, the dogs were crossed with bulldogs and bull and terrier dogs. Spain didn't outlaw dogfights until the 1920s and when they could no longer be used for fighting, interest in the large mastiffs dropped. It wasn't until the mid-1900s that a few remaining specimen were found and a reconstruction of the breed could take place. The breed name was changed to 'dogo canario' to distance the modern breed from its dogfighting past. The modern breed looks almost identic to ancient mastiffs, and was recognized in 2001.

The dogo canario should be of clear mastiff type, large and powerful, yet agile. The head should be broad and impressive but still fairly dry. The body should be somewhat rectangular, with a deep chest. The tail is thick at the root and tapers gradually towards the tip. The boning is very heavy and the paws rounded. The coat is short, hard and smooth, with thick and elastic skin.