The Arubian Cunucu is a popular type of dog that can be found on the Caribbean island of Aruba. Despite not being officially recognized as a breed by any associations or kennel clubs, these dogs are well-known and loved by the locals. According to legends, the native Arawak people of the area used to hunt with these agile and active sighthounds.
People who choose to have a Cunucu dog as a pet often find them to be patient, easy to train, and loyal. However, they can sometimes be a bit needy. This is true for both puppies that are brought into the household and adult dogs that have been rescued from the streets.
Below, we look at Arubian Cunucu dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Arubian Cunucu, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Arubian Cunucus!
| Dog Breed | Arubian Cunucu |
| Size | |
| Weight | 25-40 lbs (average) |
| Height | 16-20″ (average) |
| Location | Aruba |
| Ancestry | Unknown, possibly Iberian Hound or Portuguese Podengo |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Arubian Cunucu is a type of dog known as a pariah dog. They are not exactly wild dogs, but they are descendants of domestic animals. These dogs live on the outskirts of towns and villages, and they are essentially feral. Their breeding is unrestricted, but certain groups of them have developed enough similarities to be called a breed in their own right.
The pariah dogs in Aruba are called Cunucu, which means countryside. They make their homes there and are believed to be the descendants of Iberian Hounds or Portuguese Podengos. These hounds were brought to the islands by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century and later bred with local dogs. The Arawak people used Cunucu dogs to help them hunt in the rocky interior terrain of the area, particularly for hunting large iguana lizards.
Although the Arubian Cunucu’s status as a distinct breed has not been officially recognized by any association or kennel club, they are well-known on the island of Aruba by both native islanders and tourists. They have developed a distinct physical appearance and temperament. Some people believe that Laika, the first dog in space, may have been related to this group of dogs, although her exact heritage is unknown since she was picked up as a stray in Russia.
🐕 Arubian Cunucu Appearance
Due to the Arubian Cunucu’s unrestricted breeding, the breed can vary quite a bit, but all Cunucu dogs are medium-sized canines, weighing between 25 and 40 pounds, standing at roughly a foot and a half tall, and possessing a very distinctive appearance. Similar to the Portuguese Podengo and Iberian Hound from which they are said to have derived, they frequently have long muzzles, delicate skulls, and medium-sized triangular ears that are folded down and to the sides. Their almond-shaped eyes can have any color, including eyes with several colors. These dogs also have lengthy legs and powerful bodies, which provide them an advantage in their ability to jump and better move around rocks when searching for lizards. For the scorching heat of the region, they have very short, straight coats that come in a variety of hues and tones.
| 👀 Eye Color | Blue |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brown, Red, Blue, Pied, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Arubian Cunucu
The Arubian Cunucu is generally regarded to be a highly amiable dog toward humans, even children and strangers, and street dogs of this breed are known to welcome and occasionally fill entire days just by interacting with sympathetic travelers. These dogs tend to get along well with other dogs, but their high hunting drive makes them potentially deadly housemates for cats and other small animals, especially lizards. Those who have rescued a Cunucu report that they are quite simple to train, both as puppies and as adults. They are also renowned as exceptionally clever dogs. They can grow bored or melancholy if left home alone for an extended period of time and are more emotionally dependent than many other pariah dog breeds, but they are also quite flexible and can live very peacefully even in a tiny apartment as long as they receive enough exercise and attention throughout the day.
🤝 Are Arubian Cunucus Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Arubian Cunucu Care & Maintenance
The Arubian Cunucu’s short, silky coat usually needs very little upkeep, although weekly brushing with a slicker brush or a grooming glove can assist to prevent shedding and filth as well as maintain the coat lustrous and supple. Dogs with folded or hanging ears are more likely to get ear infections than other dogs because of the dirt and moisture that can become trapped there. Regularly inspecting your dog’s ears and making sure they are dry and clean will help stop infections from spreading. This breed may not tolerate the cold as well as other breeds since it evolved to be well-suited to the tropical temperature present in its original area. To prevent exorbitant veterinarian care costs, get pet health insurance right now. Wag! Wellness, provided by Pet Insurer, allows pet owners to compare insurance policies from reputable firms like Figo and Spot. With only a few clicks, find your pet’s “pawfect” plan!
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or roughly $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 10 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Arubian Cunucu Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Arubian Cunucu Dog Breed can be:
- None Known
While minor concerns include:
- None Known
🤧 Important: Is Arubian Cunucu hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Arubian Cunucu.
⚡ Arubian Cunucu Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Arubian Cunucu a great choice for families with young children?
The Arubian Cunucu is a great choice for families with young children because they are reported to be very friendly towards people, including children. They are known to be tolerant and easy to train, which makes them suitable for households with young kids.
Is the Arubian Cunucu breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Arubian Cunucu breed is generally considered suitable for apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and attention throughout the day. They are adaptable and can live quite peaceably even in a small apartment, but it is important to provide them with regular exercise to meet their energetic needs.
How much exercise does a Arubian Cunucu require compared to other breeds?
The Arubian Cunucu requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to some other breeds. As athletic and energetic sighthounds, they will benefit from daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. However, their exercise needs can be met with regular exercise sessions.
Is the Arubian Cunucu breed known for being good with other pets?
While the Arubian Cunucu is generally sociable with other dogs, their high prey drive may make them unsuitable housemates for cats and small critters, particularly lizards. It is important to carefully introduce them to other pets and monitor their interactions.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Arubian Cunucu?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Arubian Cunucu include the Basenji, Thai Ridgeback, and Carolina Dog. These breeds, like the Arubian Cunucu, are known as pariah dogs and tend to be adaptable and relatively low-maintenance.
What are the common health issues that Arubian Cunucus are prone to?
The common health issues that Arubian Cunucus are prone to may include allergies, skin conditions, and joint problems. However, since they are not officially recognized as a breed, there is limited specific information available on their health issues. It is always advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a comprehensive understanding of their potential health concerns.
Are Arubian Cunucus known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
The Arubian Cunucus are reported to be highly intelligent and easy to train, both as puppies and as adult dogs. They have a reputation for being trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement techniques.
Are Arubian Cunucus more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Arubian Cunucus can be more prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds due to their higher emotional needs. They can get bored or depressed if left home alone for too long. Proper socialization and training, as well as providing mental stimulation and companionship, can help alleviate separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Arubian Cunucu that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Arubian Cunucu that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds are known to be hypoallergenic or have low-shedding coats, which can be more suitable for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Arubian Cunucu are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller-sized dogs similar to the Arubian Cunucu, which are best for individuals or families with limited space, include breeds like the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. These breeds are compact and can adapt well to living in smaller spaces.
Is the Arubian Cunucu breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Arubian Cunucu breed is known to be generally good with children, but it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and children, especially those with special needs. Each dog’s temperament and individual training should be taken into consideration when determining their suitability for specific situations.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Arubian Cunucu?
The grooming needs of the Arubian Cunucu are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have short coats that require minimal grooming, but regular brushing to remove loose hair is recommended. They are moderate shedders and may require more frequent brushing during shedding seasons.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Arubian Cunucu dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
