Canis Panther: Your Complete Guide
Despite its name, the canis panther is all dog. This relatively new breed has made waves thanks to its distinctive appearance and unique genetic combination. Canis panthers were bred to be the ultimate guard dog. The breed is a combination of the American Staffordshire bull terrier, the Doberman pinscher, the great Dane, and the black Labrador retriever.
The “panther” in their name reflects the sleek, strong appearance of these dogs. They often have a black coat, and are quite agile, further reinforcing the comparison to the jungle cat. Attractive, intelligent, and protective: they may seem like the perfect breed, but that’s not the whole story.
When choosing a dog for you or your family, it’s important to consider what breed will be a good match for your lifestyle. Canis panthers are an incredible breed that can be a great companion under the right circumstances, but they have very specific needs to consider. We’ll help you determine whether this dog is a good choice for you.
A Quick Look at the Canis Panther
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 85-140 pounds/24-30 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, straight fur |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Intelligent, protective, active, loyal, territorial |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-11 years |
What Is the History of Canis Panthers?
While many dog breeds have origins going back to the 19th century or earlier, canis panthers are a 20th-century invention. In the 1970s, three breeders in the US set out to design the perfect guard dog. Lucas Lopez, Cleotha ” Scorpio ” Jones, and Michael Stratten developed this mix breed of four popular working dogs known for qualities like strength, intelligence, and trainability.
Currently, no kennel clubs acknowledge the breed, but after several decades of breeding, there are now some established bloodlines and breeders that specialize in canis panthers.
What Do Canis Panthers Look Like?
Canis panthers cut an imposing figure with their broad chests and muscular builds. For those unfamiliar with the breed, they may be mistaken for an extremely muscular Doberman, though their head shape is more similar to the Staffordshire Terrier.
They tend to have solid color coats, usually black or dark brown, but there are some less common color variations that crop up.
What Size Is a Canis Panther?
Canis panthers can vary somewhat in size, with males tending to be larger than females. Regardless, they tend to be large, muscular dogs, even on the lower end of the size range. You can expect a full-grown female to be anywhere from 24 to 27 inches tall and 85 to 120 pounds, and males to be 27 to 30 inches tall and up to 140 pounds.
What Is a Canis Panther’s Coat Type and Length?
Canis panthers have straight hair and short, close-fitting coats that give them a sleek appearance. Their coats are dense and smooth, similar to a Doberman’s. The lack of fluff makes it easy to keep them clean and maintained. The short, refined fur enhances the dog’s muscular build, adding to their elegant look.
What Is a Canis Panther’s Temperament?
Canis panthers are very pack-oriented dogs. This means that they will see the group of humans around them as their family. It’s important that one of these humans takes on the role of pack leader in their eyes because canis panthers are naturally strong and assertive. You need to establish who sets the boundaries in the household, then they will be eager to please their pack leader and happy to learn many commands.
They can also be territorial, so that’s why they need firm boundaries to keep them in check. Their main instinct is to protect, so they will be loyal to their pack and suspicious of strangers. If they are well-socialized from a young age, it can curb that instinct and help them be more relaxed and friendly.
Are Canis Panthers Good With Kids?
Since canis panthers are so family-oriented, they may seem like the perfect dog to look after your children. It’s true that they will be quick to get between your child and any approaching strangers, but we wouldn’t recommend this breed for households with very young children.
Just due to their sheer size and power, a canis panther can be difficult for small children to play with. A trained and secure canis panther won’t act aggressively against a child, particularly a child from their household, but they may accidentally knock over a toddler during play. They can be a great companion to slightly older children, however.
Are Canis Panthers Good With Other Animals?
Canis panthers are usually best as the only pet in a family. They have a tendency to be territorial, and that can extend to not wanting to share their house or their favorite people with another animal. If you want to have a canis panther and another dog, it’s best to introduce them when the canis panther is very young so they can bond and see the other dog as a member of their pack. Another territorial dog breed would not mix well with a canis panther, so keep that in mind.
Though not hunting dogs, their prey drive can vary, so they may chase small animals. Again, due to their size and strength, they could also accidentally play too rough with small animals as well.
Are Canis Panthers Aggressive?
Bred to be the ultimate guard dog, Canis Panthers can be aggressive. They are extremely loyal to their pack, or family, particularly to the person they perceive as their pack leader. If they feel that anyone is threatening their family, they can lash out with aggression.
Since canis panthers are very strong and agile dogs, if they act aggressively, it can be quite dangerous. That’s why it’s important to train your dog from day one and assert yourself as the dominant one in your relationship. They should trust you and defer to your judgement as to whether something is a threat.
It’s essential that canis panthers experience a lot of socialization from the time they are very young. This can help them understand that someone who is a stranger is not necessarily a threat, and can nip aggressive behavior in the bud.
Do Canis Panthers Bark?
Like any dog, a canis panther may bark from time to time. They don’t tend to bark frequently, but as a protector, they may be on the lookout for any possible dangers and will bark if they think you need to be made aware of something.
Their bark is deeper and can sound quite intimidating. In a situation where there is danger, this could be very useful.
Are Canis Panthers Affectionate?
While canis panthers are fiercely loyal, they are not particularly cuddly dogs. They like to be near their families and love to play, but are generally more independent and like to be engaged in activities. Since they are protectors, they may cling to you more if you’re sick or they sense danger.
Are Canis Panthers Intelligent?
Eager to learn, canis panthers are quite intelligent. They can memorize a large variety of commands, along with recognizing patterns and habits. In fact, most behavioral issues with canis panthers stem from either a lack of mental stimulation or physical exercise.
Keeping their minds engaged is essential, so training them to do tasks or regularly playing games that challenge them will help keep your dog happy and prevent aggression.
Are Canis Panthers Energetic?
Born from a blend of four working dogs, canis panthers have plenty of energy. A happy canis panther is a tired one, and tiring them out can be quite a task. They are best suited to households where they have opportunities to run and play or even work alongside their humans.
If you have an active household, canis panthers are a good fit and can keep up with runners, hikers, and even potentially swimmers.
Are Canis Panthers Easy to Train?
Canis panthers live to take orders. Born from a combination of four breeds of working dogs, they are highly intelligent, but need you to take your place as their pack leader and direct that intelligence. Canis panthers can have an independent personality and may present a stubborn streak, so they need a strong leader. They aren’t a good choice for a first-time dog owner.
Asserting your dominance does not mean yelling at your dog and certainly does not mean hitting them. Instead, it’s about establishing boundaries and being consistent with them. Calmly correct any unwanted behaviors as soon as they occur, but reward and praise good behavior.
Once your dog sees you as their pack leader, they become more eager to please and have the capacity to learn a lot.
Working with a trainer or following a professional dog training course is recommended. Even if the canis panther isn’t your first dog, you want to ensure these powerful creatures learn how to control their strength and direct it in positive ways.
Are Canis Panthers Good Watchdogs?
As the original breeders intended, canis panthers are ideal watchdogs. They have a lot of energy, are very intelligent, and live to protect their pack. If a dangerous situation arises, they have the strength, speed, and agility to neutralize a threat. Not to mention the fact that their sheer physical presence is intimidating.
Are Canis Panthers Good Service Dogs?
Despite their loyal and protective nature, canis panthers aren’t recommended as service dogs. Service dogs are often called on to accompany their humans into a variety of settings, interacting with many strangers. This could spur some anxiety for a canis panther who would constantly wonder if new people might be a threat to their owner.
To avoid possible anxiety or aggression, it’s better to keep a canis panther as a family dog or a watchdog.
How to Care for a Canis Panther?
Canis panthers need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but fortunately, their grooming and health needs are pretty straightforward. These active dogs love to be outside and may get dirty frequently, but it’s easy to keep them in good condition.
Do You Need to Groom a Canis Panther?
Thanks to their short, straight coats, canis panthers don’t need to be groomed often. You should periodically wash them to get rid of excess dirt, but if they are getting muddy outside every day, try to spot clean them or rinse their paws. Bathing them too frequently can actually cause dryness and skin irritation.
You should brush their teeth periodically, though these headstrong dogs may not like it. They don’t typically need haircuts, but you may want to periodically trim their claws. Start regularly performing these grooming rituals on them as young as possible so that it becomes a habit and they don’t fight you on it when they’re powerful, full-grown dogs.
If you plan on taking your canis panther to the groomer, take them as early as possible. Many dogs are sensitive to being groomed or having their paws touched, and since canis panthers tend to be cautious of strangers, starting them at a young age is essential to acclimate them to it so they don’t express any aggression toward the groomer. Using the same groomer regularly will also help them be more comfortable.
Do Canis Panthers Shed?
Like most dogs, canis panthers shed. It’s not very excessive, but you may notice more during seasonal changes. To help reduce the amount of hair around your house, you can get into the habit of brushing your dog. Once a week should be sufficient for the canis panther. This regular brushing will also help spread their natural oils, keeping skin and coat in good condition.
What Health Problems Do Canis Panthers Have?
Due to the fact that canis panthers are a mixed breed, they tend to be healthier than many purebred dogs. During the short history of the breed, no serious health issues have been identified as unique to them. For such a large dog breed, they are surprisingly healthy.
Like any large breed dog, canis panthers are at a higher risk for joint issues. Hip or elbow displacement is a potential risk. Arthritis can also be a risk as they get older.
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is also a risk, so it’s important to adhere to good feeding habits. They also have a risk for dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart pump issue, that can be treated by a vet.
How Long Do Canis Panthers Live?
Similar to many large dog breeds, canis panthers don’t have particularly long lives. With regular vet visits, a good diet, and plenty of exercise, a canis panther can be expected to live about 10 years. Some live to the age of 12.
What Should a Canis Panther Eat?
A good diet is essential for keeping your dog healthy and ensuring they live to their maximum lifespan. A dry dog food that’s high in protein and grain-free should be the backbone of their diet. Food with added nutrients like calcium and glucosamine can help keep their bones and joints in good condition as they age.
Due to the risk of bloat, avoid feeding your dog table scraps. Only give them healthy dog treats to support training and show them extra love now and then.
Wet foods can also be part of their diet to provide extra nutrients and support hydration, It can also be more appealing if your dog is a picky eater.
Is a Canis Panther the Right Dog for Me?
Canis panthers are incredible dogs. This newer breed is truly the perfect guard dog and protector. That being said, they are not going to be a good fit for everyone. First-time dog owners or more passive dog owners may struggle to appropriately control this intelligent and powerful breed. Such a large and strong dog can be dangerous if they are not properly trained or does not respect their owner’s authority.
Canis panthers also need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They are not suited to living in a small apartment and only getting to go out for a few minutes each day. Active owners with a yard are better suited to meet this dog’s needs.
If you have the lifestyle situation suited to a canis panther, you might be the ideal candidate to enjoy this dog’s unfailing loyalty and protection. They can certainly give greater peace of mind to a family with children or women who enjoy active outdoor sports solo. This is a dog breed you can depend on to keep you safe.