Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Kanni - Breed Comparison

The Kanni dog is a rare South Indian Sighthound. It is also known as the Maiden's Beastmaster and this is because it is known to be protector and defender of its owner's property.

During ancient times, the dog was used for hunting but today it is essentially kept as a pet and it is registered with the Kennel Club of India.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was first developed in the northern sections of Birmingham and in Staffordshire, England. The Staffie is a cross between a Black and Tan Terrie and the Bulldog, but had other breeds crossed in over time in order to create a bull-baiting dog and a fighting dog. In the Victorian age these sports were banned but dog fighting went underground and continues on some level today.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was exceptional at these “sports” due to his build, power and jaw strength. Today’s Staffie is a descendent of those early Bull Terrier crosses. Together with the Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull, the Staffie also traces its roots back to those original English Bully dogs. All three breeds have the Bulldog in common.

After dog fighting and bull baiting were banned the Stafforshire Bull Terrier was further developed as a companion and pet. Still their reputation as fighting dogs cost them recognition in the official kennel clubs for some time. They finally made the UK registry in 1935, but it was not until 1974 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted them.

These dogs are tall, slim and deep chested, coming in two-color combinations, but it is the black and tan variety that is the true Kanni. There is also a cream variety. There are other color variations and each color has a unique name connected to it. The coat of the Kanni is short and smooth.

They are medium sized dogs standing at 62 to 67cm at the withers and weighing in the region of 18 – 22kg. When you first look at these dogs you might think of them as being similar to a Greyhound in looks. This is also because of their lean, muscular looks.

The eyes are a golden color, the nose black and the ears are a medium size and floppy with the long tail being semi-curved.

Temperament:

The Kanni has always been a hunting dog so he is used to being sharp, strong-willed, independent and alert as well as having some aggressive tendencies. It is also quite a reserved dog but he shows love and loyalty to his owner. He is independent and easy to train. It is a good thing to have him trained and socialized so that he is obedient to the simple commands you give him.

Description

The Staffordshire is a muscular, stocky and unusually strong breed, small to medium size in height and build. They have broad, powerful chests, wide set, strong legs, strong shoulders, broad head with a fairly short muzzle. Their ears are not cropped but they are short and fold over. The coat is stiff, close and short and the tail is medium and carried low. Most Staffies are brown, but they can be red, brindle with white, fawn, black, white or blue.

The Kanni looks much like your regular Doberman Pinscher but he has long tail and floppy ears. He is slim and agile but also powerful being able to have bursts of speed. It is why he requires a large place to run and play in, being better suited to a home with a large garden or farm.

He is a playful, quiet dog but he has quite a bark on him and is known to be a good watchdog because of this. He is a protective dog too, devoted and loyal and making a splendid family pet.

1.Children friendliness The breed adores children but care should still be taken because they are so strong and their jaws are so powerful.

2.Special talents they adore children and they one of the most powerful jaws among canines.

3.Adaptability they need exercise and space, they are not apartment dogs.

4.Learning ability very smart, but very stubborn

Not much is known about inherited health problems in this breed, and he can live up to a ripe old age of 16. It seems a pretty healthy dog, but still it helps to be aware of some of the more common dog illnesses that your pet can succumb to.

For first time dog owners it can be difficult knowing what health problems our beloved pets could suffer from. Every dog breed has certain diseases to which they are more prone to, but these are some common issues that most of our 4-legged friends will face -

Diarrhea:

This is a common dog health problem in India with the Kanni. There are so many things that disagree with their digestion. Most dogs may not want to eat their next meal, but when he is lethargic, he is hot and is vomiting, it is time to get your pet to the vet. This is because diarrhea causes rapid dehydration in dogs. To avoid diarrhea, steer clear of certain foods such as milk and dairy products as well as old, spoiled fatty foods. With diarrhea your dog must always have access to fresh, cool water.

Ear Infections:

This is a common dog disease, and ear infections can be painful and frustrating for your pet. He’ll scratch at his ear, shake his head and the inside of the ear may be red with a discharge. Check his ears for redness and try to keep them free from wax build up and dust.

Cleaning the ear is quite simple, and if you’re not sure how, the vet can do it quickly and effectively. Usually some dog ear cleaning solution on some cotton wool can do the trick. Ear infections are common in dogs like the Kanni with floppy ears.

Ticks and Fleas:

It is essential to control fleas on your dog from word go. Fleas thrive in warm temperature and humidity and your pet will scratch, bite and lick at the spot. When you brush your pet, look through his fur for fleas and tell you vet about it if you discover ticks and fleas. A topical ointment could nip the problem in the bud. You may want to consider a flea collar for your pet.

Worms:

Tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms for instance are commonly found in dogs, and even for healthy dogs, deworming tablets should be given from time to time. If your dog has worms, you’ll notice lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. It may be time to get your pet to the vet.

The breed is basically healthy, but they do have some hereditary health issues.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia- can cause arthritis.

• Patella luxation otherwise known as a slipped kneecap- can cause pain and some lameness.

• Skin allergies and even a tendency toward Mange which is chronic in some forms and fatal in others.

• Heat issues and breathing issues due to their short, compressed faces.

• Like most active dogs their size, they are susceptible to bloat which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Grooming:

The Kanni is a low maintenance dog with his short coat. You can give him a good brush twice a week, check that his nails don't grow too long and also check his ears inside and out. Ticks and fleas are rife in hot weather and you want to give your dog a thorough check for these. You should also be checking your dog's teeth and brushing them 2 or 3 times a week. Dental problems can cause havoc with your dog's health.

Exercise:

As a hunting breed, the Kanni is used to running so his needs for a good amount of exercise are quite high. While they do make good family pets, they hanker after wide open spaces and being busy. If you own one of these dogs, make sure that you exercise him often because otherwise he becomes frustrated and unhappy.

This dog has always been used to village life where he is free to roam wide open spaces. He is much more suited to country life than to city life, and as a pet, you will need to ensure that he receives a good amount of exercise.

Take him for walks, and if he's been socialized and trained, take him to the park and allow him off his leash to run.

Diet:

The dog has always been fed traditional food such as porridge and milk but we know better now that dogs need protein too as well as a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to ensure his health.

You can feed him a top quality commercially manufactured dog food and add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables from time to time. It is expensive, but if you can, try and add in some raw meat occasionally as well. Your Kanni dog must always have access to fresh, clean water.

1.Feeding the puppy Don’t over feed as he grows fast. Feed a high quality dog food for medium size puppies. Feed 1-2 and a quarter cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Don’t exercise right before or after eating due to potential for bloat. Feed 1-2 times a day a high quality medium breed dog food.

3.Points for Good Health immense strength and power.

4. Games and Exercises They are terriers after all and they dig. Need a fairly large yard with a strong fence. They love to play ball, frisbee and can excel at cart pulling.