The “Panthers” of the dog world: the Canis Panther

A well-made hybrid that is little known in Europe but is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.

Can a multi-breed hybrid be an effective working dog? What was the purpose of its creators and how did the Canis Panther come to be?

Hybrids from the 70s

In the world and history of dogs, up until the last decade of the 19th century, there were no dog breeds as are today. But rather dogs that were specifically selected for different tasks. Most of the dog breeds we know today were standardised and created around the turn of the century. Mostly within the breed clubs and associations that were being formed at the time.

In the US in the 1970s, a process was started that partially went against this method whereby existing breeds were mixed to create hybrids.  They were different in some aspects and had different characteristics from the registered dog breeds. Many of these experiments were aimed at improving marketability. In many cases, the aim was to create more fashionable dogs by mixing two popular breeds (eg.: Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Goldador, Jug, etc). However, there have been experiments where the primary focus has been on increasing work capacity and efficiency. It was often a reaction to the decline of the work capacity of existing breeds.

The Chicago “panther”

In 1971, in Chicago where public safety was already poor, an enthusiastic team of watchdog and bodyguard-dog trainers decided to use their experience to create the most effective breed of bodyguard-dogs. Their main motivation was the following. They had to import German working dogs from overseas to America, which was very expensive in those times. In addition to this, some of the dogs that came this way (German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans) were not up to standard. Furthermore, serious hereditary conditions have become common in these imported dogs. The aim was to develop a large, athletic and explosive dog breed with superior intelligence, trainability and protective instincts. But most importantly, which could easily be made into a working dog of equal or greater ability than the great breeds of the past.

In contrast to the designer hybrids‘ “creators”, who usually tried to achieve success by mating two popular breeds, the Chicagoans have crossed four working dog types. The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Doberman, the (black) Labrador, and the (black) Great Dane. The result was a dog with an average height of 62 – 78 cm, weighing 40 – 60 kg. Predominantly black (blue/grey and brown coat colours are rare) with excellent abilities. They have a rather distrustful and aggressive behaviour towards strangers. Their spectacularly agile and dynamic movements and similar build to black panthers have led to the colloquial name Canis Panther, or panther.

They are not recognised as an official breed by any international dog association. But their popularity is undiminished and growing among fans and trainers of the irrepressible guarding breed. The name is understandable, as the Canis Panthers have spectacular muscles under their short, black fur. But their appearance is alarming to most people. A person who is not necessarily familiar with dogs would see them as a bodybuilder Dobermann with the muscles of a Graat Dane and an Amstaff head. Not to mention the lightning fast body despite their weight.

What are the characteristics?

According to owners, breeders and trainers, the Canis Panther is one of the rare hybrids where the experimentation and efforts have been successful. The breeds used have mainly passed on their positive traits. Today’s breeds are now separated from the original breeds. Bred according to separate bloodlines, but retaining many of the characteristics of the “ancestors”.

Almost all of the descriptions mention the intelligence and the trainability inherited from Labradors. Also the guarding and working abilities of Dobermanns, the love for people and their owners of Great Danes. And last but not least the dynamism and fighting ability of the Amstaff. In addition of course it is often said that they are characterised by the Terrier’s stubbornness inherited from the Amstaff. Plus the aloofness and aggressiveness of the Dobermann towards strangers. But also been successful in the sense that Canis Panther are longer-lived than the average of such large dogs. Often living up to 12 years, and are not affected by the hereditary diseases of the originals breeds (vWD, DCM, dysplasia, etc.).

Who is the canis panther recommended for?

There is a consensus among Canis Panther experts and fans that the choice of this breed should be carefully considered. Additionally even an owner with experience with other breeds should think twice. Altogether it is generally recommended for people who have a lot of time on their hands and lead a very active, sporty life. As a breed weighing nearly 60 kilograms, tiring them out is no easy task. This breed is also not recommended for those who have a large number of visitors. That is because the Canis Panther has a hard time with strangers. However, for those whose lifestyle, experience and circumstances allow them to live with a Canis Panther, it may lead to them having the best bodyguard-dog possible