With more interest, she said, she has had more questions. Then they'll quickly ask you how much. I come across a lot of people who call for all the wrong reasons. Mac Harris of Ozone Park, N.Y., said he stopped breeding the dogs three years ago because he suspected people wanted them for nefarious purposes. The dogs, also known as Presa Canario, were developed in Spain to guard cattle for farming.
Breeders estimate there are no more than a few thousand in the United States.
Males can weigh as much as 140 pounds, while females are in the 110-120 pound range. The dogs are about 27 inches tall at the shoulder, about the same height as a Doberman pinscher. The animals involved in the attack in San Francisco were being cared for by two lawyers, who could face manslaughter charges if prosecutors conclude the couple knew the dogs were dangerous. Properly trained, the breed is safe, experts say. There's never been any type of bad incident with the dogs trying to bite me or my kids.