History of the Arubian Cunucu

The Arubian Cunucu Dog is a rare breed that is a descendant of the Iberian Hound. It is believed the breed was brought to the island in the 1600s by the Portuguese slave traders and then allowed to breed with the common, semi-domesticated dogs that were already there. It was the Arawak Indians that took up the Arubian Cunucu Dogs and bred them. With these matings came a breed that was used for hunting small game, such as iguana, on the island. This breed gets its name from the word “cunucu”, which means “countryside” in the language of Aruba.

Arubian Cunucu Dog are intelligent dogs and can be trained quickly, as long as there is a good human to canine communication. They are also very athletic dogs so they need their exercise and need to be kept stimulated both mentally and physically. They are usually very friendly and social dogs, good with people and other animals, if they are used to being around them. 

Please check out the Cunucu’s next time you are in Aruba or from the pictures and stories on our website.