Canis Panther – Ultimate Guide To Panther Dog

Written by: Kristina Lalovic
Canis Panther, or Panther dog, is a cross of the four most protective dog breeds. In this article, you will find all information on Canis Panther, from history to exercise needs.

Lately, the Canis Panther breed has been getting a lot of attention.

This sleek-looking cross-breed between the fierce Doberman and the muscly American Staffordshire Terrier is grabbing the massive attention of dog lovers.

But is Canis Panther dog aggressive? Is it a family dog or just an awesome guard dog?

Let’s find out what’s behind this breed’s history, and what are the most common traits that describe a typical Canis Panther.

Quick Facts

Real name: Canis Panther
Origin: USA
Breed type: Molosser dog
Weight: 38-48 kg (85-105 lbs) – female, 54-63 kg (120-140 lbs) – male
Height: 62-68 cm (24-27 in) – female, 68-77 cm (27-30 in) – male
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Litter size: 4 – 6 puppies
Color: Black, Fawn, Blue or Chocolate
Coat: Short, Dense, and Smooth

Canis Panther History

Canis Panther is actually a crossbreed of four different breeds.

This magnificent dog breed is very recent. It was bred in the 1970s by the then-famous dog trainer, Scorpio Jones.

Scorpio along with his fellow trainers L. Lopez and Michael Gypsy Stratten created the Canis Panther by cross-breeding four breeds.

They planned to breed a type of dog that would be a perfect guard dog. So they intently chose breeds that were great protection dogs:

The idea of the breeders was to design a Doberman-type of dog that was somewhat larger. It does mostly remind of an overgrown, muscly Doberman, right?

They achieved their goal of creating a dog breed that is the ultimate personal protection breed.

The idea of creating a Panther dog was based on the fact that popular guard dogs breeds such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds were very hard to find in the U.S. back in the 1970s.

They were also very expensive and adoptions required a lot of paperwork and waiting, so these breeders came up with the idea of creating an ultimate guard dog that will be more accessible to people in the States.

Canis Panther Physical Appearance

A Panther dog is a large, muscly dog. It grows to be large and has a wide chest and jaw.

Some owners crop the ears and dock the tail of a Canis Panther, but it is not a necessary thing to do.

Being a molosser-type dog, it can reach a height of 80cm (31 in) in males and about 68cm (27in) in females.

Being made of almost pure muscle, it’s no wonder that this breed was named Panther, as the resemblance is shocking.

Being short and dense, and most commonly of black color, this breed’s coat looks like a black panther’s one.

However, due to the mixture of their genes, their fur color can also be brown, blue, and chocolate. Some dogs can also have a white coat on their belly or chest.

Good to know: When getting Canis Panther to make sure that you deal with responsible Canis Panther breeders – avoid puppy mills as they are usually places of unethical breeding.

Canis Panther Temperament

When it comes to Canis Panther temperament it is crucial to understand that this breed is not for first time dog owners.

This powerful Panther dog should be only in hands of experienced dog owners, and if possible in hands of those who know their way around large-size dogs.

If you know that Canis Panther is a breed for you and you have children, make sure that you educate them on how to behave around dogs.

Overall, Canis Panther has a fearsome appearance making everyone think twice before approaching them. Yet, they are true softies.

This powerful breed is very sensitive, and it is not uncommon for them to have two personalities: one reserved for their owners, and the other one for strangers.

Canis Panther is an intelligent dog that will be very loyal and obedient to its owners if properly trained.

Canis Panther will require, but also give, a lot of affection to its family pack.

Canis Panther Is Very Protective

Being highly protective dogs, Panthers are very defensive over their territory and can even be aggressive toward strangers.

They aren’t big fans of other animals either, they might tolerate better non-dominant dog breeds if they are used to them from a young age. But, having another alpha male dog in the proximity of a Canis Panther, isn’t quite the best idea.

As they were bred to be ultimate guard dogs, they will take their role to protect their family pack and home seriously. Panther dogs will easily sacrifice their own lives if their owner feels threatened.

But, with proper training and socializing, a Canis Panther can learn to be friendly towards people he knows outside of its family pack.

So don’t leave a Panther dog unsupervised when kids or new people are around.

This should be a rule with any breed, but extra caution should be put in when it comes to larger breeds.

Canis Panther With Children

Canis Panthers may have a sweet temperament to those around them, but they still need proper socialization.

These dogs are highly loyal to their family members and affectionate toward their entire pack.

When it comes to children and Canis Panthers there should be some rules:

  • Socialize your Canis Panther early on
  • Educate children on how to behave around dogs
  • Implement house dog rules
  • Supervise any interaction between dogs and children
  • Do not let children walk Canis Panthers on their own
  • Include your children in the training process

Canis Panther is a large-size dog and as such, he can easily knock something off the table or accidentally push a kid during playtime.

This is why accidents may happen and lead to accidental injuries. To prevent them, stick to supervision.

Canis Panther With Other Pets

If a Canis Panther sees an animal as a part of his pack, it should be safe. For this to happen, both animals (or many) should be raised together.

When socialized properly and raised with other animals Canis Panther should not show any signs of aggression toward other animals.

Since all dogs are individuals, this may vary from dog to dog.

Do Canis Panthers have a high prey drive? In general, no, as they are more of a guard dog.

This means that they choose to focus on protecting their family members rather than chasing small animals.

Is The Canis Panther Dangerous?

Photo Credits: Kian Rahmani

Like any dog breed, Panther dog can be dangerous if not properly trained and handled.

They may be aggressive in certain situations if they feel that their pack members are in danger.

Overall, with experienced owners and proper training and socialization, Canis Panther is a great protective dog.

Canis Panther Grooming

Maintaining a Canis Panther coat is very easy. His coat is short, dense, and fine, so it will only need occasional brushing.

Because of his hair type, Canis Panther shouldn’t be left outdoors during winter days.

His short coat won’t be able to protect him from low temperatures, and therefore, it is necessary to keep a Panther dog indoors during cold seasons.

Canis Panther dogs shed only minimally, but don’t get fooled, they are not considered hypoallergenic.

So if you’re allergic, this dog might not be the right for you and you should rather choose a low-shedding dog breed that is allergies-friendly.

Canis Panther Training

Training a Canis Panther should not be a problem.

Being so intelligent, these dogs are fast learners that enjoy obeying your commands. They prefer a dominant owner that is quite authoritative and rules the house.

So don’t be afraid to take the lead and show your dog that you’re the boss.

You must be making all the decisions, as this is the only way that you will create a good relationship with your dog.

Panther dogs do very well with leash training. Although they are likely obedient, you will still need to pay a lot of attention to them to have a well-socialized pup.

To avoid having an overly aggressive dog (especially towards strangers), an owner of a Canis Panther will have to socialize him with other dogs and people at an early age.

Canis Panther Exercise Needs

Although they should be kept indoors, especially during cold temperatures, a Canis Panther needs a lot of outdoor time.

Having an athletic, muscular body, he needs daily exercise to keep his figure at its peak.

How much exercise does a Canis Panther need? Provide a minimum of an hour of walking each day.

Think about going to the dog park, and maybe participating in dog sports, such as agility, if your Canis Panther turns out to be active above average.

Next to this Panther dog should have easy access to a large backyard where he can roam and explore.

People that have large yards might provide the best environment for a Panther dog.

Frisbee games might also be quite helpful in exercising this dog at the park. Be creative and find a good way to include a 30-40 workout in your Canis Panther daily routine.

Being so muscly, a lot of dog owners decide on feeding this dog raw food diet because it keeps athletic dogs highly fit.

No matter what your choice might be, a Canis Panther will require the best, high-quality food to maintain their figure and health.

Canis Panther Health

Not only that this dog is easy to train and groom, but maintaining his health will also be a breeze.

The Canis Panther usually has a lifespan of 10-12 years. When treated with care and affection, these dogs typically have no health-related issues inherited from their genes.

Always find good breeders that will guarantee your dog’s parents are healthy.

Check out NorCal Canis Panthers if you’re looking for Canis Panther breeders in the USA.

Nevertheless, large dogs have some health concerns that are not so present in small dogs, and those are mostly related to their bones.

That’s why providing a Canis Panther with top-quality food and enough exercise is crucial.

However, ears, teeth, and skin have to be checked occasionally. Pay attention to brushing your dog’s teeth 2-3 times a week.

Regular teeth maintenance is highly recommendable for large-sized dogs, because of the amount of tartar build-up found on their teeth.

The tartar buildup is caused because of the higher amount of foods large dogs intake daily.

Things To Know Before Buying A Canis Panther

An owner of a Canis Panther has to be devoted to his dog, as much as this dog likes to be devoted to its family.

If you’re not of a firm hand and don’t have a dominant, authoritative approach, you might reconsider buying this breed.

In the wrong hands, this dog breed can have behavior problems that can end up in destructiveness and extreme aggression towards unknown people.

If you don’t want a Canis Panther to chew on your furniture, bark, or whine excessively, make sure you provide him with proper care and approach training him seriously.

So if you’re a firm person that can ensure proper training, with a Canis Panther you’ll be able to get so much more than the best guard dog on Earth.

Not only will he protect you and your family, but he will also be very affectionate and loving toward you.

Note: Videos and photos used in video courtesy of Kian Rahmani , Norcal Canis Panther, The Grimm of Sierra Crest.

Canis Panther – Conclusion

Canis Panthers are protective dogs who are highly loyal and affectionate toward their people.

They are fast to bond with their humans and keep them safe 24/7. This breed is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming which doesn’t mean that they are suited for allergy sufferers.

Make sure that you compare different dog breeds before you get a dog and do your best to find a breed that will match your lifestyle.

For example, if you are a first time dog owner, Canis Panther isn’t the breed for you.

If you are an experienced dog owner who wants an intelligent guard dog, this is a breed to consider having.

How much do Canis Panthers cost? For a healthy Canis Panther puppy from a responsible dog breeder in the States, you should expect to pay between $1,000 to $5,000.

Quick tip: Panther dog is a rare breed and it will take some time to find a responsible and reputable dog breeder. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is – bear that in mind.

Scroll down to get a full infographic on Canis Panther and check frequently asked questions on Panther dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions On Canis Panther

1. Are Canis Panthers Sensitive To Loud Noises?

Yes, Panther dogs are highly sensitive to strong noises and will respond to sounds. In fact, Canis Panther is one of the top ten breeds with the best hearing.

This is one of the many reasons why they are great protectors they will hear everything. As a breed sensitive to sounds, these dogs are best suited to quiet homes.

2. How Healthy Is A Canis Panther?

Overall, Canis Panther is a healthy breed.

Since this is a rare and new breed, there are no proven predispositions to genetic health issues, like seen in German Shepherds for example.

However, since this is a larger size dog the most common issue is hip and elbow dysplasia.

3. Do Canis Panther Like Water?

Canis Panthers are not crazy about water. If you want a dog who enjoys swimming, go for any retrieving breed, such as Labrador Retriever.

Panther dogs may lay around water when it is too hot, but it won’t be for a long period. They have short coats and they will feel cold quickly.

4. Can Canis Panther Be Left Alone?

No, as this breed is prone to separation anxiety. Yes, they are guard dogs, but they prefer guarding people, meaning that someone has to be around.

They form a strong bond with their family members and prefer to be part of every family activity.

5. Do Canis Panthers Bark A Lot?

No, Canis Panther is not much of a barker. This breed is calm and quiet. If something is off they may growl rather than bark.