Kanni
Also called Maiden's Beastmaster
From Southern Tamil Nadu, India, mainly the Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi districts.1
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
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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 [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Kanni, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.