{"id":126200,"date":"2016-09-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-09-22T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=126200"},"modified":"2025-12-17T17:19:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T15:19:09","slug":"aruba-dog-aruban-cunucu-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-aruba-cunucu-dog","title":{"rendered":"Aruba Dog (Aruban Cunucu Dog)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Aruba Dog<\/strong>, or Aruban Cunucu Dog<\/strong>, is a rare breed descended from pariah dogs that have lived near human settlements on sunny islands for ages. Known locally as the Cunucu, they have island origins and a somewhat mysterious genealogy. Despite this, they have become beloved companions for thousands of owners, especially among tourists who simply cannot resist their gaze. These are hardworking dogs with lively behaviour, a sharp mind, and a love for children, requiring very little grooming. Learn more on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aruba Dog (Aruban Cunucu): A brief breed overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Characteristic<\/strong><\/td>Data<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands)<\/td><\/tr>
Group<\/strong><\/td>Pariah Dog \/ Sighthound (not FCI recognised)<\/td><\/tr>
Life Span<\/strong><\/td>12-15 years (some sources say 10-12, but they live longer with good care)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers<\/strong><\/td>35-50 cm (medium size)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>15-25 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Coat type<\/strong><\/td>Short, smooth, no undercoat<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Companion, small game hunting, territory guarding<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the breed and the name Cunucu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of this breed is closely interwoven with the history of the colonisation of the Caribbean. The homeland of Aruban dogs is the Antilles, specifically the island of Aruba. The word “Cunucu” itself in the local Papiamento language means “countryside” or “the boondocks”. So, effectively, it translates to “country dog”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts believe that the Aruba Dog<\/strong> is a direct descendant of the Portuguese Podengo, brought to the islands by European traders and colonists in the 16th and 17th centuries. On the island, these dogs mixed with local pariah dogs and, possibly, dogs left behind by the indigenous Arawak people. As a result of natural selection, which is very harsh on an island with a hot climate and rocky landscape, a unique type of dog was formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local dogs bred spontaneously with breeds brought from the mainland. Thus, Holland and its colonies gained four-legged shepherds, guards, and helpers who were happy to retrieve – even from water. Many people confuse them and think it is just an ordinary mixed breed<\/a>, but this is an established aboriginal group with distinct traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to their typical appearance, Aruba Dogs have not yet gained broad international recognition from major kennel clubs (FCI). However, the breed’s independence is actively proven by the International Progressive Dog Breeder’s Alliance in America. Meanwhile, the Aruban peasant dog remains a little-known pet in Europe, although their popularity is growing rapidly in the USA and the Netherlands thanks to tourists who bring home rescued puppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Aruba Dog looks like: Anatomy of survival<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aruba<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A breed that emerged on its own possesses a functional rather than decorative appearance. The Aruban country dog can display a wide variety of colours, as a standard as such did not exist for a long time. The short and smooth coat can be any colour: from red and white to black-and-tan or brindle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n