Grooming a Kanni in India is less about appearance than about catching problems early. Ten minutes with your hands in the coat finds the tick or the hot spot while it is still nothing.
Balancing loyal against shy
Breeds described as both loyal and shy need the two managed together rather than separately. With a large dog that usually means a predictable routine first and training second - the routine is what makes the training stick.
The monsoon
Damp is the whole problem: fungal skin trouble, ear infections and bedding that never quite dries. A drying routine that is actually followed prevents most of it.
Bathing: less than you think
Over-bathing strips the coat's oils and causes more skin trouble than it prevents. What matters more is drying thoroughly afterwards.
Planning for about 13 years
A Kanni is with you for about 13 years. Budget and routine both need to survive that, including the last quarter of it when a large dog needs more veterinary attention than it did young.
Ears and paws
Check between the pads after every outing, and check the ears. A yeasty smell from an ear is the earliest sign of infection and the cheapest moment to treat it.
A breed from India (Tamil Nadu), living in India
The Kanni was developed in India (Tamil Nadu). The part that travels badly is rarely temperament - it is the coat and the tolerance for heat. Plan the year around that and most of the rest follows.
The routine
Twice a week for a large dog, hands through the coat rather than a brush skimmed over the top. You are feeling for mats near the skin, scabs, ticks and damp patches.
