Appearance of the Arubian Cunucu
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| Due to the unlimited reproduction of the Arubian Cunucu, there can be a little diversity within the group itself, but the dogs that are called Cunucu dogs are medium-sized dogs, between 11 and 18 kilos and around 46 centimeters in height, and all have a fairly distinct appearance. They tend to be slim dogs with a delicate head and long muzzle, rather like the Iberian dog and Portuguese podengo from which they are thought to descend, and their medium-length triangular ears are generally folded down and to the sides. Their eyes are almond-shaped and can come in any color, including particolored. These dogs also have long legs and muscular bodies that give them a jumping advantage, as well as superior maneuverability for chasing lizards among the rocks. They have very short, straight coats adapted to the region's warm climate, which come in a variety of colors and shades. |
Temperament of the Arubian Cunucu
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| As a general rule, the Arubian Cunucu is said to be a very friendly dog towards people, including children and strangers, and wild dogs of this type living on the streets of Aruba are known to greet and sometimes even occupy a few days just spending time greeting tourists. Although these dogs are generally sociable with other dogs, their strong prey drive can make them dangerous housemates for cats and small critters, especially lizards. They are also known as highly intelligent dogs, and those who have rescued a Cunucu report that they are very easy to train, both as puppies and as adult dogs. They are more emotionally needy than many other pariah dog breeds, and can become bored or depressed if left home alone for too long, but they are also extremely adaptable and can live quite peacefully even in a small apartment as long as they receive sufficient exercise and attention throughout the day. |
Needs and activities of the Arubian Cunucu
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| These dogs are both energetic and intelligent, requiring both physical activity and mental stimulation to avoid the boredom that can lead to anxious, destructive behavior. Fortunately, these characteristics combined with their innate agility, speed and exceptional jumping ability, also make them excellent candidates for a number of different dog sports, including agility training, lure coursing and flyball. Training sessions should be short and encouraging to avoid boredom and achieve the best results. While Arubian Cunucu dogs do quite well in apartments if they receive plenty of affection and exercise throughout the day, they are generally too friendly to make particularly good guard dogs. |
Maintenance of the Arubian Cunucu
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| The Arubian Cunucu's short, smooth coat is generally very low-maintenance, but weekly brushing with a smooth brush or grooming glove will help control shedding and dirt and keep the coat shiny and supple. Dogs with folding or hanging ears are more likely than other dogs to have dirt and moisture trapped in their ears, and are therefore more susceptible to ear infections. Regularly checking your dog's ears and making sure they're clean and dry can help prevent any infection from taking hold. This breed has also developed to be well adapted to the tropical climate of its native land, and may not tolerate the cold as well as other breeds. |
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