What you should know about the Canis Panther dog

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

Combine the noble Great Dane, the dark coat of a black Labrador, the courage of the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the protective instinct of Doberman Pinschers, and what will you get? The remarkable Canis Panther, also known as the Black Panther Dog.

This fearsome guarding canine has an intimidating attitude, but they have a soft side, too. Curious? Read on to learn more about this fido.

Where did the Black Panther dog come from?

The Canis Panther has been around since the 1970s. It was created by Cleotha “Scorpio” Jones, Michael Stratten, and Lucas Lopez to create a breed that could defend its owners and their property.

The dog got its name, not because it hunts black panthers, but because it looks surprisingly similar to one. But it isn’t just a scary face. The Canis Panther can back up its appearance with its loyal, courageous personality.

It’s considered a molosser-type of dog, which are breeds known for their wide chests, muscular legs, and large stature. Other molossers include Cane Corsos and Dogo Argentinos.

While they aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by the Dog Registry of America and the Personal Protection Dog Association.

What does this mighty canine look like?

As you can imagine, a mix of four such distinctive-looking dogs creates one impressive animal. They look somewhat like a Doberman, and an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixed. They have the coat color of a Labrador and the stature of a Great Dane. They’re a muscular dog, with a wide face, a large jaw, broad chest, and a well-muscled body.

In the past, some owners have cropped the tail and ears of their Canis Panther, and have removed the dewclaws. Did you know that cropping and docking are often used to make some dogs look more ferocious? But these days, some owners choose to leave them natural.

They have a short coat that’s close to their skin and can come in other colors aside from black. You can find Canis Panthers in shades of chocolate, fawn/buckskin, or blue/gray. They can have a solid color or have a white or tan marking on their chest and belly.

Canis Panther size: How big do they get?

Canis Panthers are large- to giant-sized canines. Males weigh between 120 to 150 pounds (54 to 68 kg) and stand about 27 to 30 inches (69 to 76 cm) tall.

Females are slightly smaller. They have a height of 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) and a weight of 85 to 115 pounds (39 to 52 kg).

Despite its size, this hybrid can adapt to apartment living. But we recommend them for those who have a lot of space, both indoors and outdoors. If you have a safely secured backyard, the better!

Temperament: Is the Black Panther Dog dangerous?

Of course, the Canis Panther isn’t just about looks. It’s got a lot of personality behind that pretty face. These dogs are bred to be personal protection or guard dogs. While I wouldn’t call them dangerous, they’re definitely NOT for the novice owner.

They can be aggressive, and that aggression needs to be channeled with good training and socialization.

They also don’t do well with other dominant breeds, and two alpha males shouldn’t be kept together. However, if you raise your fido with other males or with other bully breeds, they should be fine.

Black Panther Dogs are headstrong and territorial. That’s why they need a strong owner who can match their attitude.

With that said, owners say that these doggos have two personalities: one for their family and one for everyone else.

At home with their favorite humans, they are sensitive and friendly. Canis Panther lovers say that this intelligent breed can almost read their thoughts. On top of that, they’re extremely loyal.

On the other hand, when they encounter a stranger, they’re likely to be wary and cautious until they get to know a new person.

The Canis Panther is ready to learn but needs a strong leader

As with any dog bred for protection, the Canis Panther needs a strong leader who can give them clear rules. In other words, training is vital if you want to have one of these impressive dogs.

Watch this video of a Canis dog that’s actually named Panther being trained and getting to socialize:

Socialization at a young age is key. With a pet this big, they should be exposed to all kinds of people in a wide variety of situations. Interactions should be positive and relaxed, and you shouldn’t push your dog to do anything they seem fearful or overly-excited about.

Even if your dog is properly socialized, you’ll always need to be cautious when you introduce him to new people. Some Canis Panthers can bite first and ask questions later when they feel threatened.

That’s not to say that they’re not incredible dogs – they are. There’s just more ”animal” in them, and you need to be prepared to handle this breed or it could spell trouble.

The good news is that Black Panther Dogs are incredibly smart and willing to learn. They want to make you happy, so as long as you can show that you’re the leader, they’ll be eager to hear what you want to teach them.

Here’s how to care for this incredible beast

The Black Panther Dog doesn’t require a lot of grooming. A bi-weekly brushing with a comb made for short-haired breeds will help keep shedding to a minimum. 

In case you’re wondering, this isn’t a hypoallergenic breed. Although Canis Panthers are low-maintenance dogs, they’re average to minimal shedders. You will find short, fine hairs all over your carpets, so be prepared to do some vacuuming, especially during shedding season.

This canine also needs to stay indoors. Because of their type of coat, they aren’t built to handle extreme weather conditions.

When it comes to feeding, an active, muscular breed like the Canis Panther would need 4 to 6 cups of food daily. That’s 1,700 to 2,300 calories a day. Divide your fido’s meals into two in order to avoid bloat.

The amount of food you give your dog should be based on his age, size, activity level, and health.

If you’re wondering what type of dog food a Canis Panther eats, they require high-quality dry kibbles with plenty of protein in it. You can even mix it with some raw meat and vegetables to provide your pet with healthier meals. If you have the time and the budget to stick with a raw diet, that can work, too.

Aside from an annual dental check-up with a vet, your dog’s teeth should be brushed two to three times a week with a toothpaste made specifically for canines.

When it comes to activity, this dog is no couch potato. Don’t expect to bring one home and have them lay around by the fireplace.

They don’t need lots of aerobic exercises, but they do need at least 30 to 40 minutes of physical exertion per day to keep them in shape. On top of that, they need about the same amount of time for mental stimulation.

This can be in the form of a puzzle, playing hide and seek, or doing some form of training. A bored dog can become a destructive dog.

Are Canis Panthers healthy dogs?

Canis panthers live about 10 to 12 years. They’re strong canines and are generally healthy.

While they don’t have any known genetic health issues, they can be prone to some of the common issues that impact all dogs of this size. This includes hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems like dilated cardiomyopathy.

Since they’re a rare and modern type of dog, we shouldn’t be too confident about their health. Like with every pet, we should provide them the care and attention they need.

How much is a Canis Panther?

A Canis Panther puppy can cost anywhere from $500 to over $2,000.

A lot of factors can affect the price of these puppies. Some of those are the location of the breeder, the bloodline of the pup’s parents, the popularity of the kennel, as well as the size of the litter. For this breed, it’s about 4 to 6 puppies.

But before you take out your wallet, you’ll have to do your research to determine if a breeder is reputable.

Responsible breeders would always prioritize the welfare of his dogs. Of course, you’ll want to do your own research to determine if a breeder is reputable and right for you.

Canis Panther breeders & kennels

Most people have never even seen a Canis Panther because they’re not very common. In fact, they’re only bred by a few people in the United States.

• Rock of Ages Kennel (Momence, IL)
• Panther Dog Kennels

Canis Panther rescues

It’s not likely that you’ll find a Canis Panther dog for adoption since there aren’t any rescue organizations focused on this dog and they’re such a rare breed. That said, you can check your local shelter to see if one pops up.

Still, there’s no harm in checking some websites if they have any Canis Panthers that you can adopt, like My Dog Rescue.

Other than that, you can let your local shelter know that you’re eager to adopt a Black Panther dog so they can contact you if there’s a fido available.

Canis Panther is an impressive breed

This dog is a lot, and certainly not for the novice owner, but the Canis Panther is an impressive breed for the right home. They’re fearsome looks and bold personality makes them stand out among other canines. 

Black panther dogs are natural protectors with a sweet side. They love being with their people and are just as good at romping in the yard as keeping you safe. If you make a Canis Panther your fur buddy, he will pay back your devotion double of his own.

Have any comments about this pooch? Were you able to take care of one? Let us know your story!