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 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. Demons appeared to these people as big fleecy dogs, known as 'Tibicenas' in Gran Canaria and 'Irnene' on the island of La Palma. In the funerary cults, the dogs appear mummified beside their owners (as guides to the afterlife). The dogs were also consumed in small amounts, as has been proven in archaeological discoveries.
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