Kanni
Also called Maiden's Beastmaster
From Southern Tamil Nadu, India, mainly the Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi districts.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 16-22 kg for the breed, not split by sex.
Wikipedia gives 64-74 cm for the breed.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat
A tall, lean sighthound with a flexible back built for a fast double-suspension gallop, dressed in a short, sleek coat.1
Personality what they are like
Often shy and quiet, but faithful to the core and ready to stand up for its home and people. It is easy to train and works independently when hunting.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A coursing hound built for speed; it enjoys regular chances to sprint in a safe, fenced space.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only minimal care.1
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its owner and family.1
The story where it all began
The Kanni is an old hunting sighthound of southern Tamil Nadu, used to course hares. Its name is linked to purity and loyalty, and these dogs were traditionally given to brides as guardians for their new life.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Kennel Club of India
- Registers black-and-tan dogs as Kanni and solid-coloured dogs as Chippiparai (per Wikipedia).1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kanni. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Kanni, and at what times?
Feed your Kanni at least two meals a day, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.2
What should a Kanni eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.3
How often should I bathe a Kanni?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your Kanni gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Kanni need brushing?
Brush your Kanni's short, smooth coat once a week to remove loose hair and keep it shiny. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing. This minimal care keeps its coat healthy.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Kanni's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Kanni need?
Your Kanni needs daily walks and play, plus regular chances to sprint in a safe, fenced area. As a coursing hound, it loves to run. Furry Diary suggests daily exercise to keep it happy and fit.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Kanni's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Kanni live?
A Kanni typically lives between 14 and 16 years, which is a long, healthy lifespan for a dog. With good care, regular vet checks, and a loving home, your Kanni can enjoy many happy years.1
Is a Kanni good with children and other pets?
Kannis bond closely with their family and are often shy and quiet, but faithful. Their temperament with children and other pets varies; early socialization and supervision are key. Ask a good breeder or trainer for guidance.1
Can a Kanni be left alone?
Kannis bond closely with their owner and may not do well left alone for long periods. They are independent hunters but thrive on companionship. If you must leave them, provide enrichment and consider a pet sitter.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Chippiparai
Rajapalayam
Mudhol Hound
KaikadiLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Kanni, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.