The Sarplaninac

The Sarplaninac is a very old breed from the mountains of former Yugoslavia in southeast Europe. Originally recognized by the FCI in 1939 under the name Illyrian Shepherd Dog, this name was later changed to the current title, named after the Sar Mountains in the region (the correct pronunciation, by the way, is “shar-pla-nee-natz”). Originally recognized with two types, the other type eventually split off completely to become the Karst Shepherd Dog. This is a flock guardian that is still used today, primarily overseas as he is quite rare in the United States.

The Sar is a breed that needs to work in order to be fulfilled and, in fact, usually prefers his flock to his human owners when utilized as a livestock guardian. Always alert to changing circumstances, if danger were to approach the flock he would respond with ferocity although otherwise is a calm (albeit serious) breed. He is unmistakably brave, not to mention strong, and will face any foe regardless of size. With strangers visiting the home, he is aloof at best and suspicious at worst. Care must be taken when owning this molosser breed and as such he is not recommended for novice owners!

Although the Sarplaninac is a loyal and intelligent breed, he is more likely to follow his own will rather than obedience commands. This said, it is vital that he be given rules, boundaries as well as training! This is not a breed that one can just “set and forget” in the yard (unless being strictly used as a livestock guardian rather than as a companion) – he requires mental stimulation and everyday structure. Furthermore, training and rule management should be done with an air of authority as he is not apt to listen to the timid or wishy-washy. Not only is he stubborn and extremely independent but he will take on the authoritative role if he can get away with it.

Sars are affectionate with their families and get along well with children, although it is important to research the lines before purchasing a puppy to make sure the temperament matches up to what you are looking for. Temperaments do vary with certain lines. They can be a bit too much dog for many people due to their sheer size. While usually affectionate with those they love, many are “serious”. This is a territorial guard dog who will take it upon themselves to protect both property, people and livestock if they sees fit – a trait that can make them a liability in the wrong hands. Sarplaninacs can tend towards being aggressive with other dogs as well as small pets, and get along best with livestock. Either way, they need lots of socialization starting in the puppy months to expose them to people/places/animals/things that they will encounter in their adult lives.

Although it should be obvious, the Sarplaninac is not suited to apartment living! He is best suited to living in a country setting, ideally with livestock to watch over (do you notice a trend?). Unlike the majority of breeds, he is perfectly capable of living outdoors with his flock. He also needs plenty of exercise, either in the form of free running on a big fenced property or daily walks/jogs. Historically he exercised himself while doing his guarding job but in a companion home (without a flock), he will likely need his owner to exercise him. Otherwise he can become destructive and difficult to live with.

The Sar is a large breed with heavy bone and a thick coat which gives him the appearance of being even bigger. He is ever so slightly longer than he is tall. The coat is straight, rough in texture and double-coated. Although most commonly seen in iron gray, he is actually allowed to be any solid or sabled color, and can also be shaded from dark to light as long as the color change is gradual. The ears are hanging and shaped like a V, and the tail hangs in a slight sabre shape. The Sar tends to be healthy and robust, usually living between 11 and 13 years. He does however require regular brushing, nail trimming, dental care and ear care. He also needs the occasional bath, which will help to pull out dead coat from this otherwise high-shedder – a coat that is designed for spending cold nights outside.

Sarplaninac

Photo by Sakal33

The Basset Artesien Normand

The Basset Artesien Normand is an active hound with a cheery disposition and an overall social nature. With the general appearance of a more “fit” and streamlined Basset Hound, this is indeed a breed unto itself although the two do share a common ancestry. While the more familiar Basset Hound developed in England, the Basset Artesien developed in France during the early 20th century. The legs of the BAN (the nickname given for this French breed) are slightly straighter and the overall body is much less heavy, however they share the same low-to-the ground, longer-than-tall features. This French scenthound has always been (and still is) a fantastic hunting companion however functions very well as a household companion as well. Tending to develop a strong bond with his owner, the breed is cherished by those “in the know”.

Basset Artesiens have soft temperaments and don’t enjoy living in high-stress environments. They do, however, enjoy playtime with humans of all ages! While strong-willed and courageous during hunting, they turn into gentle, stable hounds in the home. The breed is known for their stability and dependability, and can even live with cats as long as they have been socialized to them from puppyhood. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they’re generally great with other dogs as well.

BANs are not generally recommended for those who expect perfect obedience from their dog at all times. They are very headstrong and require plenty of patience from their owner when it comes to formal training. Luckily, these easy going hounds are usually laid-back to live with and don’t normally require extensive drilling in order to be good house dogs. Still, every dog needs some training and a consistent adherence to household rules, and the BAN is no exception. Just don’t expect “perfect scores” every time! It’s recommended to start training young for the best results.

The Normand does require daily exercise in the form of a walk or similar activity. Because of his short legs, he can’t go too fast and therefore isn’t the best choice for a jogging companion. Despite his slower speed, like most scenthounds he still requires a leash when off the property. His high prey drive and excellent nose means he’s likely to lope away if he catches the whiff of a prey animal!

While many BANs are less “barky” than their more familiar cousin, they will absolutely bark/howl in alert when guests come to the door – and their voices can carry far! The threat stops there, however. This social breed is way too friendly to be called a guard dog and guests are very likely to be given an enthusiastic greeting once through the door. Some can live easily in apartments, although thin walls may make neighbors frustrated if the dog is constantly “expressing his opinion”!

The Artesien is a low-maintenance breed in many ways. Despite being alert and attentive in the home, they also enjoy taking long naps throughout the day and require little exercise. This makes them easier for seniors and families who live a more sedentary life (take note – low exercise is not the same thing as no exercise!). They’re also pretty long-lived dogs, often living 13-15 years without many health issues to worry about. This said- do take note of hip dysplasia and disc problems in the lines before obtaining a puppy. Not all breeders are considered equal! Finally, grooming is simple. Brush the coat, trim the nails and clean the ears once a week and that’s about it. A low-maintenance hound with a fantastic temperament to boot!

Basset Artesien Normand

Photo by Bernt Sønvisen

 

The Plummer Terrier

The Plummer Terrier is, first and foremost, a working terrier bred to hunt rats in the UK. Created by the late Brian Plummer in the 1970’s, the breed is essentially a mix of early Jack Russell bloodlines crossed with Beagle, with a splash of both Bull Terrier and Fell Terrier. Having a fantastic sense of smell, a very high prey drive and an athletic body, they can “get the job done” when it comes to finding, digging out, and dispatching their prey. While they make excellent sport dogs for those who want to get into competitions such as obedience, agility, frisbee or flyball they do require lots of exercise in order to be happy in the home. For owners who possess enough energy to handle them, they can also be great household companions!

Plummers aren’t known for being yappy as long as their needs are met, particularly their substantial exercise requirements. Without adequate physical stimulation they can become obnoxious and difficult to live with. They do best in homes that have space for them to stretch their legs in the yard, play and “hunt” any backyard critters they can find. Additionally they also need structured exercise with their owner such as a long walk every day. The backyard alone will not cut it! While it is possible to keep one in an apartment, this is a daunting task as their already-substantial exercise requirements will triple!

Like many terrier breeds, Plummers aren’t for the faint of heart and do require firm handling due to their bold temperaments and occasionally manipulative ways. This said, they are intelligent and exceptionally versatile and, once trained, can do a number of things. Though their primary quarry is rat, they can hunt rabbit and some have even been used for retrieving water fowl! They have a need to work, and without outlets to use their brains they can become destructive. Therefore, training and interactive games are extremely important to keep the mind engaged! Extremely trainable, a Plummer needs an owner who will give them sessions regularly throughout the week (or the day) to channel that energy and enthusiasm into meaningful work. They do best with owners who are experienced with active terrier breeds.

The Plummer Terrier is a tiny breed, standing no higher than 14 inches at the withers. Color should always be red and white, and while a number of patterns are encouraged in the breed standard the dog should have a white chest, belly and legs. The smooth, tight-fitting single coat is low-shedding and requires only basic care. Ears are folded “neatly pinned to head”, above a strong powerful muzzle. The body is square and compact ending in a tail which is docked fairly long and balanced to the size of the dog. A rare breed, the Plummer is not recognized by any major kennel club and instead most dogs are registered with various breed clubs around the world, particularly in the UK. Many fanciers of the breed are more than happy to keep it this way!

Plummer Terriers are generally good with kids, enjoying active playtime out in the yard with “their” children, followed by an affectionate face-wash session inside. Many are also good with other dogs – not a surprise since they would often work in packs during hunts. Finally, most are social enough to do well with strangers both inside and outside the home. Despite their fearless nature when it comes to vermin, they don’t tend to make the best guard dogs. Although many will at least alert to the presence of someone entering the property, the majority are just happy to meet a new “friend” and are quick to enthusiastically greet whomever comes to the door – whether friend or foe! These social terriers need to spend plenty of time with their families and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Plummers are diggers and they are apt to destroy a yard or garden. They are also escape artists and may try to dig out or otherwise maneuver around a poorly-secured fence. Make sure that the yard is totally secure, particularly if you live in an area where wildlife may roam! These feisty terriers are most likely to escape if they smell a “tasty” woodland creature nearby. Although they make fantastic companions, they are hunting and ratting dogs through and through.

Plummer Terrier

Photo by Phill the Kettle

 

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a scenthound originally used to track wounded game and has been prized for his keen sense of smell. He is able to work both in flat terrain as well as mountainous areas, an adaptability that has given him popularity in Austria although he is relatively unknown here in the United States. He is thought to have been developed in the mid-19th century and may be a descendant of the Celtic Hound.

Austrian Black and Tans have easygoing personalities and can make great family pets in the right circumstances. A “melodic” hound… like many scenthounds they do enjoy howling and as such might do best in more rural-type settings. Otherwise they can end up annoying neighbors! Homes out in the country also afford plenty of space to run, which is something that these hounds thrive on. The best homes are ones in which they can be taken hunting, although even without this outlet many will attempt to “hunt” on their own property. You can take the hunting dog out of the hunt, but you can’t take the hunt out of the hunting dog! It is for this reason that most members of the breed are hunting dogs first and foremost, and companions second.

While the Black and Tan Hound can get along well with children as well as other dogs, he does tend to chase small pets. Other less-than-desirable traits include drooling and a high tendency to shed. Combine this with the fact that his ears need to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis (anywhere from once a week to once a day), and one can see that he is not the most ideal dog for every owner. It’s so important to research before obtaining a dog, and the Black and Tan Hound is no exception!

Black and Tan Hounds also need regular, daily exercise. They have an immense stamina and aren’t easily tired out, so an owner must be athletic enough to keep up! Furthermore, daily walks are not enough. Jogging is a much better activity, combined with plenty of time to run and roam in a large fenced area. In addition, endeavors that stimulate both the mind as well as the body are paramount to keeping this hound healthy and happy!

Austrian Black and Tans can prove difficult to train, even for experienced trainers and owners. While they do have a great desire to work, they primary think that work equates to hunting and thus obedience training can seem pointless to many. This said, they do have an agreeable nature and can be taught if the trainer is persistent and consistent enough. Be prepared to be firm when needed, yet employ plenty of care and reinforcement for good behavior. These hounds are more likely to work with those whom they respect and have developed a bond with. Always remember that distractions which trigger their hunt drive will almost always trump their desire to follow commands. This is not to say that a hound cannot work when distractions are present – only that a trainer must start slow and gradually introduce the distractions through time, only after the hound has mastered the step before.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium sized breed, with medium-length hanging ears that round at the tips. As evidenced by his name, the color must always be black with tan markings. Tan must be appear particularly above the eyes but also on the legs, face and tail. The color and pattern are very important and distinctive features of the breed, and any variation is an instant disqualification. The smooth and shiny coat, combined with dark brown eyes, gives this hound a pleasing and gentle appearance.

Photo by Steffen Heinz (Caronna)

The Chippiparai

The Chippiparai is an Indian sighthound breed, once upon a time kept by royalty. Rumored to be a descendant of the Saluki, they share the same long-legged, thin-framed build. Despite their frail appearance however, the breed is actually fairly hardy, strong and healthy (the average lifespan is 13-14 years). Their original purpose was hunting game such as deer, hare and even wild boar so they needed to be fierce and resilient during these hunts. These large dogs definitely require plenty of exercise to stay fit when kept primarily as a companion, although once back home from the walk will curl up on the couch and sleep. The breed is very rare in the United States yet is recognized by both of India’s kennel clubs. This said, without continued growth they are unfortunately destined for extinction. Hopefully enough new breeders and fanciers will emerge in time to save this beautiful breed before it’s too late!

The Chippiparai is reported to be a one-man hound. They tend to “imprint” on their owner (or will choose one person in a multi-person household) and will remain dedicated and loyal to that person for the rest of their life. While they can live in a family home, many prefer living in a quiet household without young kids. Most prefer adults over children, but will do fine with older, well-behaved kids. They aren’t too keen on having strangers fawn over them either (a typical sighthound trait) and can even be suspicious of strangers welcomed into the home until they warm up. Nor are they good candidates for homes with small pets.

The Chippiparai can live either in a house or apartment, although does need regular access to a fenced yard to run around in. They can be escape artists capable of jumping extremely high distances, so fences must be able to accommodate this! Their high prey drive combined with their agile and athletic nature means that if they see something they’d like to hunt on the other side of a short fence, they aren’t going to think twice before leaping.

The Chippiparai is an almost-silent breed which is very unobtrusive in the home under most circumstances, however does have a protective streak and can turn instantaneously from a meek hound to a fierce guard if he deems it necessary. He can have a sharp temperament when it comes to possible intruders and won’t hesitate to become a protector of the family and home. Sometimes, his protectiveness can be overdone and he may show possessiveness for “his” bonded human even when it’s not called for. It is for this reason that any owner of a Chippiparai be prepared to train, socialize, and ultimately make sure that the dog shows only appropriate reactions when it comes to guarding behavior! When raised correctly, the proper hound should be even-tempered, albeit aloof.

Very smart, the Chippiparai is one of the more trainable of India’s indigenous breeds and members have even been used as police dogs! They tend to enjoy pleasing their people and do well with consistent and enthusiastic training sessions. This said, many need a firm (though fair) hand as they can be headstrong, although not too firm or they might shut down! A trainer must be ever-ready to walk the tightrope of enforcing rules without destroying confidence when it comes to these hounds.

The Chippiparai’s smooth, single coat is ideal for hot weather climates and makes him very easy to groom. There’s no special trimming required and no need for visits to the groomer. The little coat care that needs to be taken care of is easily accomplished at home, including weekly brushing and infrequent baths. As he is a warm-weather hound, he probably will require a dog jacket when going outside in the wintertime, especially if it’s particularly nippy outside! Don’t skip his daily exercise as it’s a necessity for him – just make sure he’s bundled up before being taken out on a winter-y walk.

Photo by Pankajakshannair Manoj

The Serbian Tricolor Hound

The Serbian Tricolor Hound was originally the same breed as the Serbian Hound, but split off and was considered it’s own separate breed in 1946. The standards are very similar except for the color. This is a medium sized scenthound breed with a smooth, obviously tricolored coat. Used to hunt a variety of animals – often hare, fox, deer and wild boar, they are adept at hunting in difficult terrain for long hours. This is a very rare breed, and although is recognized by the UKC in the United States, is rarely seen outside of Serbia and unfortunately may even be close to extinction.

Serbian Tricolors can be obedient as they are intelligent animals. That said, they do require plenty of patience to train, particularly if the owner is a novice, because they are headstrong and become bored by even the smallest amount of repetition. While they were bred to hunt alongside a hunter, it was to do so independently. As such, they aren’t as “hardwired” to follow orders as some other breeds. When training, they do best with plenty of motivation and fun, broken up into multiple short sessions a day. Long training sessions are almost guaranteed to bore them.

The Serbian Tricolor Hound is affectionate and loyal to his human family while also being friendly toward strangers. He can be playful and enjoys spending time with children just as much as he does with adults. As he is a pack hunting hound, he also usually gets along with other dogs. Smaller pets are the one exception to his good-natured attitude, as his hunting instinct means he can be a danger to cats and pocket pets. Serbian Tricolor Hound

While Serbian Tricolors can be calm in the home, this breed does require a lot of exercise as they have energy to spare that must be expelled regularly! While generally low maintenance in terms of health and grooming, they do require active owners who have the time and energy to exercise this hound – at least an hour a day. It is also for this reason that they don’t make good apartment dogs, or even for city living in general, as in addition to regular walks/jogs/bike rides they need to also spend time running outside. When not given adequate exercise, they can become very loud and destructive.

The Serbian Tricolor Hound has hanging ears which are thin and rounded at the tips. Deep chested with a long tail that is carried in a slight curve below the line of the back. The coat is thick (double-coated) yet very short in length, although may be slightly longer at the thighs and on the tail. It requires only a weekly brushing. As the name implies, the only color that is accepted is tricolor.

The best homes for many Serbian Tricolor Hounds are ones in which the owner takes the dog hunting, although this isn’t a deal breaker. When kept as a pet, he needs mental stimulation that will engage his brain the same way that hunting might. This stimulation should begin as socialization in puppyhood, but continue throughout his life in the form of obedience training and other dog sports.

The Majorca Shepherd Dog

The Majorca Shepherd Dog originated in Spain, and is also known as the Ca de Bestiar or Perro de Pastor Mallorquin. He was used as an all-purpose farm dog with a specialization in guarding livestock, although he was also used as a herding breed, a guard dog for the home, and even a bird dog! Although the breed is very old (with fore-bearers possibly hundreds of years old), the standard wasn’t created until 1980. This is a brave, willful breed with a tendency to become dominant and must only be owned by experienced dog people.

The Majorca Shepherd can be prone to territorial behaviors, a trait frequently seen with dogs bred for guarding livestock. This is hardwired and practically impossible to train away. Frequent and early socialization is a must, but even so one must be mindful when having friends over to the house, as he will be suspicious and possibly even unfriendly. The breed is also protective of his master and will not hesitate to use force if the situation calls for it. This is a dog whose bite can match his bark! In general, this is not a breed that one should consider if they want a social and friendly dog either inside or away from the house.

Majorcas are often better in only-dog households without small children. While the breed is intensely loyal, he’s a little too defensive and intense to live with very young kids, and much too territorial and dog-aggressive to live with other dogs. This is not really a family dog – in fact, many prefer to live with only a single person, whom they’ll dedicate all their time and affection toward. They can even be difficult to re-home as they develop deep bonds toward “their person”.

Majorca Shepherd Dogs live an average of 12-13 years and are fairly hardy dogs. They don’t tend to get ill very often, nor are there common health problems associated with the breed. They can do well in both cold as well as hot climates, despite their black coats – although of course they must always have access to water and shade when temperatures are warmer. This means they can live as outside dogs as long as all their other needs are met (such as training and exercise) and as long as they are able to have regular interactions with their owner. They are also generally easy to care for in terms of grooming. Majorca Shepherd Dog

Majorca Shepherds are medium-sized dogs in height (averaging from 22 to 24 inches tall), although the sturdy and muscular build puts them in a larger size category (usually 77 to 88 pounds). The coat is always black. While a longer-haired version is allowable overseas, here in America the UKC states that only the short haired version is recognized. The breed has hanging ears, a short neck and an overall Lab-like appearance although the temperament is quite vastly different.

Majorca Shepherd Dogs tend to do best when living in rural properties so they can run around, stretching their legs. They require a lot of exercise and physical activity in order to stay mentally and physically healthy – a minimum of an hour a day, not including free time to run in the yard. Many enjoy swimming, jogging and hiking in addition to long walks around the neighborhood. A life filled with varied activities is perfect for these outdoors-y individuals. Even farm-dwelling dogs must still be given additional exercise or games to keep them engaged – this is not a dog for a sedentary individual! One must provide a job for the dog to do so that he doesn’t become bored and develop into a problem barker or hyperactive terror.

Independent-minded, the Majorca Shepherd Dog should start training while still young for the best results. He is intelligent but is also more wired to work for himself rather than with other people, so getting started early can help mold him into a dog more likely to follow commands. While one should never use overly harsh training, he does require a firm hand and will simply walk all over a trainer utilizing zero repercussions for bad behavior. Make sure to stay consistent when training, and plan on keeping up with his lessons throughout his life. This working breed needs regular training sessions up until old age to help give him purpose!

The Black Mouth Cur

The Black Mouth Cur has an undetermined history, however it is known that they were bred as all-purpose dogs by early American settlers. They were primarily used for hunting as well as guarding, but have also been adept at tracking and even herding! This dog is courageous in nature and has energy and strength to spare – a true multi-talented working dog. Along with these attributes, he is also an extremely affectionate companion at home and adores kids – although it should be noted that his size and rough play style makes him a better match for older children rather than toddler-age.

The Black Mouth is a loyal companion gifted with an empathetic nature. Many are said to know when their owners are sad and will try to comfort them thusly. They also generally do well with other dogs and tend to make friends easily, owing to their good natures. This said, if a real threat were to show itself in the form of a home intruder or even a menacing stranger, most would flip that friendly attitude post-haste and become quite threatening themselves. There is a real guard dog hiding under this otherwise social hound! In fact it is very important that he be socialized extensively from puppyhood in order to ensure he doesn’t become aggressive without reason.

When it comes to training, the BMC is surprisingly sensitive and does not respond well to harsh methods despite his otherwise fearless character. This said, too much slack and he may just try to take advantage. Therefore training needs to be firm, yet fair. He is intelligent but may take a little extra knowledge on the owner’s part to work with him adequately. Furthermore, he has a high prey drive that can override his “training brain” if the scent or sight of a woodland creature become apparent. Utilize short sessions to hold his attention and practice all early sessions in places that aren’t likely to present distractions – adding distractions only once he’s learned the commands.

Black Mouth Curs aren’t generally recommended for novices as they are often “too much dog”. Namely, this is a very high-energy breed that requires extensive exercise every day, at very least a long walk supplemented by a vigorous run in a fenced yard daily. Apartments are a big no for this hound! Neither does he do well with those who work all day as he was bred to work with people from sunup to sundown and can get lonely, frustrated and destructive when left alone by himself constantly. Finally, like many hounds the Black Mouth Cur isn’t the best match in homes with cats or other small animals.

Black Mouths can also be difficult in other areas as well. For starters, they are not known as quiet dogs. In addition, they can be wanderers and shouldn’t be trusted to roam an un-fenced area unsupervised. The same personality traits that helped them to protect early settlers from predators such as bears and wildcats also leads to their desire to protect their territory – traits which can be more problematic in suburban areas.

BMCs are a rare breed – especially outside of the United States but unknown by many even in the U.S.A., except mostly for those living in the southern states. They are recognized by the UKC although not by the AKC. Because there are several main strains of the breed, appearances can differ quite a lot. This is one of many reasons why the breed may not be recognized by the AKC for awhile, if ever. It is thought by some that the the main canine character in the novel “Old Yeller” was a Black Mouth, and this seems to be his greatest claim to fame….except to those who live with and love these hounds, who consider their own BMCs to be the stars of their own hearts and homes.

Black Mouth Cur

Photo by Greg Hume

The Ratonero Valenciano

The Ratonero Valenciano is a rare breed seeking formal FCI recognition. Recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain, and with an active club in that country, they are well on their way. This little terrier was created to dispatch vermin and serve as a watchdog while also providing companionship to his owners. His nimbleness, brave nature and determination was key to his skills in ratting. He was also an ideal size and didn’t take up too much room (nor eat a lot) for even the poorest of farmers who kept him in the late 19th century. Even today, these tough terriers will go up against other vermin or even snakes – a testament to his tenacious nature!

The Ratonero Valenciano has many talents. He has an excellent sense of smell and does quite well at tracking. Some hunters have been known to take their Ratoneros with them while hunting rabbit or quail! He is also a first-rate watchdog and is always ready to alert at the first sign of anything “off”. If a stranger were to enter the property, this little dog would not let it go and will continue barking until the owner has put an end to it. Furthermore, he cannot be bribed to stop with food by a stranger. If the “intruder” is a known friend, he’ll still bark until his owner is well aware, although his bark is different. The breed was also used to guard property, such as bicycles or even cars. His possessive and territorial traits make him adept at this task as well!

The Ratonero Valenciano is an intelligent, active dog and has the capability to do very well in dog sports such as agility or canine freestyle. He learns quickly and has a lot of versatility to do most anything asked of him! For this reason, he can be a good choice for a first-time dog owner as long as that person is energetic. The Ratonero Valenciano is a very active dog that needs an equally active lifestyle. They aren’t big on naps or taking it easy. Ratonero Valenciano

Ratonero Valencianos can be a gentle and highly affectionate dog to those whom he knows and trusts, including children, the elderly, as well as other dogs. He wants to spend time with his family and be involved in everything they are doing, if at all possible! Spending a lot of time alone isn’t recommended so he works best in situations where people won’t be gone all day. With strangers, he is much more wary because of his protective nature and not generally wild about meeting new people.

The Ratonero Valenciano does require regular grooming, despite the fact that the coat is smooth and short. In order to keep the skin nourished and the coat clean, it is recommended to bathe this dog every 5 weeks or so. Using a shampoo formulated for dogs, this regular bathing will help loose hair come out and keep the dog from shedding very much. A quality conditioner should be applied afterward to keep the hair shiny and healthy, and some dogs also benefit from a leave-on conditioner sprayed into the coat in between baths. Nails should be trimmed at each bath at a minimum, and ears need to be cleaned every couple of weeks.

Some Ratonero Valencianos can be escape artists if they feel there are more interesting things to do outside the property than inside. A secure fence is a must! Also plan on keeping this curious terrier on leash when out on walks or he may race away at the first sign of a rodent, cat or other small creature. Cats living in the home may also be in danger if the particular Ratonero is extremely prey-driven. They aren’t normally recommend for cat owners or those who have small pets that roam the house.

The Volpino Italiano

The Volpino Italiano is an ancient breed from Italy. At one point they almost went extinct due to lack of interest but were then saved in the 1960’s. The word volpino means “little fox”, so essentially the breed name means “little fox from Italy”.  Although this rare spitz has only recently been granted membership to AKC’s FSS program (a service that helps breeds eventually gain full recognition), ancestors of the breed might possibly date back all the way to 350 BC! Close relatives include the German Spitz, the Pomeranian and also the American Eskimo Dog – in fact Eskie breeders used the Volpino to help create the toy variety of their own breed.

Volpini (the plural form of the name) are energetic in the home and do need regular exercise. That said, this is a tiny breed so a little exercise for you equals out to a lot of exercise for him! A brisk walk for most humans is enough to get him into a jog, which means that walking even a short length can amount to a decent workout. Once he’s back home, he’ll probably be more than happy to take a long nap in his bed (or your lap).

The Volpino Italiano is an affectionate and loyal little spitz that is good with children, other dogs and cats. Because of his tiny size and overall delicate frame, he is not recommended for those with very small kids. Like all dogs bred to be companions, he needs to live in the home and have plenty of interaction with his owner/s. He can get lonely without enough companionship and doesn’t do well when his people work all day, even becoming destructive. This devoted spitz forms a very tight bond with those whom he lives with! With strangers he is often more suspicious and may even vocalize his concerns when out in public.

Many Volpini share the trait of being yippy, particularly in homes with lots of guests or passers-by to the property. They will announce when they see people walking outside or that they hear in the hallway so while they can be apartment dogs, they must be trained to be quiet – not always an easy feat. (Historically they were appreciated for their “guarding instincts”, which speaks volumes of their voices and enjoyment of barking.)

The Volpino Italiano is easy to train and can even do well in dog sports such as agility, nosework and rally! His curious nature, love of food rewards and great desire to please means he also tends to enjoy learning obedience. Like his active body, he also has an active mind that needs mental stimulation in the form of training, games and challenges. Very playful, he especially likes training that seems like a game. Like most spitz breeds he’s not an obedience robot and does have a mind of his own when he decides on “a better way” to perform a command – leading to some calling him stubborn. He also tends toward bossy behavior if rules aren’t started (and enforced) from puppyhood!

The Volpino can be prone to eye problems so it is highly recommended to only purchase dogs from breeders who test for primary lens luxation before breeding. Breeders should also test parents for patellar luxation, a kneecap problem. Thankfully, many Volpini live healthy and non-eventful lives in terms of health, and can live up to 15-16 years – a long time compared to many other breeds. Thankfully the adaptability of the breed means he can transition easily to different lifestyles as his owner matures and changes throughout the years, as long as his basic needs are always met.

Volpini Italiano are a low-to-medium shedding breed. Their coat is medium-long in length but double-coated which lends to it’s extra fluffy appearance. The coat isn’t difficult to groom but does require regular care – at least twice a week of brushing. Check the eyes to make sure they’re clean with no discharge, and clean the ears every week. They require no special trimming with the exception of evening out the hair under the feet so they don’t slip and slide. Finally, bathe every few weeks or so using a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Keep nails clipped short and teeth brushed regularly, and he’ll be all set!

Volpino Italiano

Photo by Canarian