Kanni

The Kanni is a rare native sighthound of Tamil Nadu in southern India, used mainly for coursing. Its home is the villages of the Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi districts. Strictly, the name Kanni is given to the black and tan and black and sable dogs, while solid-colored ones are called Chippiparai. Some experts regard the two as separate breeds.

History

The notes say little about the breed’s past beyond its home ground: in the beginning Kannis were found only in a few pockets of southern Tamil Nadu.

The name means “pure” in Tamil and is said to honor the dog’s loyalty. The other name, Maiden’s Beastmaster, comes from the fierce way it defends its territory against wild animals and from the custom of giving these dogs to newly married brides as guardians. Usually only black and tan dogs were given as wedding gifts, which is how the name Kanni came to be attached to that color. Local people call all of them Kanni, but the Kennel Club of India registers the black and tan dogs as Kanni and the solid-colored ones as Chippiparai.

Appearance

The Kanni has a straight topline and a tucked-up belly. It stands 64–74 cm (25–29 in) at the withers and weighs only 16–22 kg (35–49 lb). The head is straight with strong jaws, golden eyes and a black nose. The ears are flat and of medium size, and may stand up, drop or half-drop. The tail is partly curved.

The coat is short. Besides black with fawn or dark tan markings, the notes list brown with black, fawn, light to dark red, cream, white, red with white, pale gray, and brown and white, each with its own Tamil name.

Temperament

Kannis are considered loyal to their families and easy to train. They are usually shy, but will defend their home or their owner when needed. On a hunt they tend to think for themselves, though they are taught to follow their handler’s slight hand signals.

They are bred to hunt the Indian hare, relying on speed, stamina, sight and scent. Their light, muscular build, large heart, flexible spine and double-suspension gallop are said to carry them to speeds of up to 60 km/h.

Care and health

Kannis need open space and a territory of their own, and are not suited to city life. Their traditional diet is millet, corn, jowar and rice porridge with milk or curd, along with meat. They live for 14 to 16 years.

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