The Perro de Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is a rare large Molosser-type dog breed originally bred for working livestock. The name of the breed is Spanish, means 'Canarian catch dog', and is often shortened to 'Presa Canario' or simply 'Presa'. The original Real Decreto 558/2001 can be read on the site of the Spanish Government Gazette. The historian Agustín Millares Torres, in his 'General History of the Canary Islands', said that the derivation of large dogs in these islands were . According to his research, these dogs took part in the myths, funeral customs and even gastronomy of the natives (Guanches) of the islands.