Ganaraskan

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16-18 lbs
14-16"
Point Hope, Ontario
Ganny, Ganaraskan Terrier

In the late 1970’s, a group of breeders attempted to create the ideal therapy dog, utilizing small, low-shedding dogs such as the Bichon Frise, the Miniature Schnauzer, and the Poodle, along with the English Cocker Spaniel, another small dog known for their trainability and gentle nature. This resulted in a small happy-go-lucky dog that is generally friendly with everyone and that typically has a coat that is considered to be hypoallergenic. They were originally developed as a therapy dog, however, they have proven to be extremely pleasant companion animals as well. While this developing breed has not yet been recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, they are gaining in popularity and prestige. 
purpose Purpose
Therapy and Companion Dog
history Date of Origin
1970s
ancestry Ancestry
Poodle, Bichon Frise, English Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer

Ganaraskan Health

Average Size
Male Ganaraskan size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 16-18 lbs
Female Ganaraskan size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 16-18 lbs
Major Concerns
  • None Known
Minor Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None – generally a healthy small dog
Occasional Tests
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Ganaraskan Breed History

The Ganaraskan dog is a breed that has been in development in Ontario, Canada since the latter half of the 1970’s.  A group of breeders that lived around the Ganaraska River region of Point Hope, Ontario decided to attempt to breed an ideal therapy dog, one that was intelligent and friendly as well as causing low to no reaction for most allergy sufferers. They chose four breeds as their foundation, Bichon Frise, the Miniature Schnauzer, the English Cocker Spaniel, and the Poodle, all of which are small dogs known for their friendliness and their trainability. These traits make them excellent companion animals as well that can thrive in any size home and get along well with both adults and children alike, and they soon became very popular with the general populace as well. The breed also gained a great deal of press in when a Ganaraskan named Molly with a heart disorder known as patent ductus arteriosus was successfully operated on by fluoroscopy, allowing her to live a long and healthy life. All Ganaraskan breed dogs are registered through the Canadian Ganaraskan Breeders Association as well as the Canadian Identification Project, which can be found in Ottawa and in 2012 Bernard Gil of Point Hope filed a request to register the name Ganaraskan as a trademark for a new breed of dog, with a current status of “Interruption of Proceeding.” The breeders association is still in the process of qualifying as an official breed with the Canadian Kennel Club, a process involving that the breeding program be supervised over several generations by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Ganaraskan Breed Appearance

The Ganaraskan is a small breed of dog, typically between sixteen and eighteen pounds and around fourteen to sixteen inches at the withers when fully grown. There can be some variation as this is still a developing breed, but in general, they are well-built little dogs that tend to be slightly longer than they are tall, with a muzzle that is a tad shorter than their somewhat rounded skull. They have round eyes which are generally dark in color with a bright, inquisitive expression and short, triangular ears that are set high up on the skull and fold forward, with tips that typically hang just below the eye line. In most cases, they have wavy, medium-length fur which comes in many different colors and is frequently considered to be hypoallergenic. Many of the Ganaraskan dogs also have the distinctive eyebrows, mustache, and beard that they inherited from their Miniature Schnauzer heritage and their tails can either be long, with a slight curve, or they can curl tightly over their backs.   
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Ganaraskan eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Ganaraskan nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
gray Ganaraskan coat
Gray
brown Ganaraskan coat
Brown
cream Ganaraskan coat
Cream
white Ganaraskan coat
White
black Ganaraskan coat
Black
red Ganaraskan coat
Red
pied Ganaraskan coat
Pied
cream Ganaraskan coat
Cream
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Ganaraskan wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Ganaraskan Breed Maintenance

This breed requires more grooming than many other breeds as they sport fine, wavy hair that has a tendency to tangle and mat if not cared for correctly. While the coat can be left in its natural state, many pet parents elect to have their Ganaraskan’s coat clipped for convenience, either doing it themselves or having a professional groomer handle the work for them. Daily brushing is required to remove not only mats and tangles but also dirt and debris that may have collected. Their coats have only a single layer, rather than two layers, which makes them more susceptible to cold weather. A monthly check of the nails for length and readiness to be trimmed as well as thrice weekly teeth brushing sessions are recommended.

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Brushes for Ganaraskan
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Clipper
Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Ganaraskan requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Ganaraskan Temperament

This breed was originally developed to be the ideal therapy dog, which calls for a very specific set of personality traits. They tend to be lively little canines with an exceptional capacity and eagerness to learn, combined with a patient and responsive nature. While it is important for the dog’s health and safety to closely monitor any interactions between these dogs and young or boisterous children due to their small size and their tolerant and playful natures, they also make excellent family companions, getting along well with both adults and children. They typically mesh well with other dogs and have a fairly low prey drive making them good companions for homes with cats and other small animals as well. This emerging breed does not make a particularly good watchdog, however, as they tend to love everyone that they meet are more likely to welcome a stranger into your home than to display any territorial behaviors. 

Ganaraskan Activity Requirements

While Ganaraskan breed dogs are typically lively and playful, they are also quite happy to just spend a quiet evening at home. They still require exercise on a daily basis, at least a few short walks, but they can often expend quite a bit of energy by playing games indoors and aren’t prone to barking, making them outstanding dogs for people who live in apartment buildings. These are also highly intelligent dogs, who need mental stimulation on a regular basis and may excel at activities such as obedience and agility training. It is important to properly outfit your dog when exercising in the colder weather as their single layer coat of hair makes them more susceptible to dropping temperatures. 
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Ganaraskan

Similarly Sized Breeds to Ganaraskan

Ganaraskan Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Ganaraskan Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Ganaraskan size stats at six months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
Female Ganaraskan size stats at six months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Ganaraskan size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 17.0 lbs
Female Ganaraskan size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 17.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Ganaraskan size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 17.0 lbs
Female Ganaraskan size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 17.0 lbs
author-img

Written by a Irish Setter lover Penny Sebring

Published: 11/02/2018, edited: 12/09/2021

More articles by Penny Sebring

Ganaraskan Owner Experiences

Lucy
12 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Walking
Sweetest dog ever, we love Lucy. Extremely friendly and loves people.
2 years, 10 months ago
I am seriously looking for this pup 🐶! Please help.
1 Month
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running, walking cuddles
I met one named Sally and I was smitten.
3 years, 2 months ago
Lucy
2 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ball throwing/ walks
Agility training
Great I love her so much and she is so sweet and calming ❤️❤️
5 years, 8 months ago
Astro
13 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Astro has been the best dog ever and I have always had dogs growing up. She is cuddly and so complacent. Amazing pet/ friend.
4 years, 6 months ago
Calvin
10 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love our doggie. Very very smart. In great shape for his age. Reckognises at least 20 people by name or sight. Knows many tricks. Generally not good with other dogs but it depends on the particular dog. Some he gets along with very well but most - not so much. He loves socks. Gathers piles of them in his bed. Playful. Seems to sense people’s moods. Does not wander off. Can be left off leash
4 years, 3 months ago
Aloysius
10 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I know many Gannies and few are under 20 pounds, so your listing may be inaccurate. My dog does not much care for extreme weather (hot, cold or wet) and would be quite comfortable living in an apartment.
4 years, 2 months ago
Molly
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Molly is an exception pet. She is fun, funny, affectionate and smart. She can be very demanding and needs to be reminded she is just one of two dogs and 4 beings in the house and not always numero uno. Everyone just loves her and when I keep up with her brushing she looks adorable. When I neglect it she gets dreads very quickly and needs to be cut too short.
3 years, 11 months ago
Ginger
7 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
LOVE HER but she has a loud bark and could be a bit crazy. She's super loving and affectionate and gives lots of hugs.
3 years, 5 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

I have a question about Ganaraskans. As a dog that was bred for therapy/companionship, how well do they handle being left home alone? Now, during the pandemic, we are all at home but, as and when life returns to 'normal' the dog would be alone in the house for 7+ hours a day.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

How do I buy a Fanny?

Answer
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