Kanni Dog Breed

Other names:
Maiden's Beastmaster

(Pronunciation: KHAN-ni)

The Kanni, sometimes called the Maiden's Beastmaster, is a medium-sized, protective sighthound that hails from South India. Though the breed was originally developed to be a small game hunter, the Kanni is very loyal to its owners (and suspicious of everyone else), and is thus used as a property and personal guardian as well.

The Kanni won't require too much care and maintenance (aside from frequent exercise and early training and socialization), and is generally in good health. The breed is not recognized by most kennel clubs, but is registered with the Kennel Club of India in its native country.

See below for more Kanni dog information.

Contents
Kanni Breed DetailsKanni Breed DescriptionKanni Health

Kanni Breed Details

The Kanni dog breed is a sighthound, and due to its rarity isn't recognized by a majority of major clubs like the AKC--though the breed is registered with the Kennel Club of India in its native country. These dogs were originally developed in India centuries ago to hunt rabbits and other small game, but they've also historically been used as property and personal guardians. The Kanni is athletic, independent, and fiercely loyal, and is best suited to life with active families, hunters, or those in need of a speedy guard dog.

A few Kanni dog facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 23 inches in height and 42 pounds in weight; they have short, close-lying coats that don't shed much; and like other sighthounds, they have very thin physical builds.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning this swift, bold breed:

Pros
Loyal and protective
Intelligent
Low grooming requirements
Easy to train
Excellent hunting abilities
Low barking tendencies
Good general health
Athletic and playful with family members
Cons
Stubborn and independent
Extensive exercise requirements
Suspicious of unknown people and animals
High prey drive; will instinctively chase small animals
Early training and socialization are musts
Frequent wandering/escaping tendencies
Very rare, and thus expensive to purchase
Type
Purebred
Lifespan
14 - 16 yrs.
Height
21 - 26 in.
Weight
35 - 50 lbs
Friendliness
Overall
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsGuard DogWatch Dog
Ownership
Intelligence

Kanni Breed Description

In the Indian language of Tamil, "kanni" means "pure"--and this breed was named so because of its undying devotion to its owners. Though the Kanni is a hunting dog at heart, Indian custom is to give gifts of these dogs to new brides so they'll be protected after marriage. (Hence the breed's nickname of "Maiden's Beastmaster.")

Over time, the Kanni became well-known not only as a hunter, but a fierce protector for humans against wild animals. And because of its build, for the Kanni dog running is a natural activity--so the breed is skilled at lure coursing and racing as well. The Kanni isn't the typical affectionate family pet, nor is it very well suited to live in apartments (or urban areas in general); even so, these dogs will be dedicated companions for the right owners.

The Kanni isn't blessed with brute strength, but is lightning-fast. These dogs will need a good bit of daily activity to keep them from turning destructive.

Kanni Health

The Kanni dog is healthy overall, and few inherited problems are known--but like any breed, the Kanni can suffer a few medical issues. Most common are various musculoskeletal problems, along with gastric torsion (or bloat). Other possible ailments are tapeworms, dental issues, and liver problems.

The Kanni's average life expectancy is quite long, at 14-16 years.

Kanni Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Kannis.

Bloat
Dental problems
Tapeworms
Liver issues
Musculoskeletal injuries

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 28, 2020
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