The Westphalian Dachsbracke

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is the short-legged cousin of the German Hound and most likely a direct descendant of the Dachshund as well. The German translation for the name of this small breed is “short-legged badger scenthound”, and he was (and still is) used to flush small animals such as badger and fox from their dens. Westphalians are one of the primary breeds used in the development of the similar-in-appearance Drever from Sweden. Westphalians are a rare breed, recognized by the UKC in America and the FCI overseas yet seldom seen outside of Germany.

Westphalians are tricolored dogs, with the primary color being either red or yellow. White markings and a black saddle are preferred for the show ring, and while bi-color dogs (red and white) are seen, they are undesirable. Also a fault – chocolate colored dogs. The coat is dense yet short and low-shedding, and needs weekly brushing. Ears should be medium-length and hanging, with no black markings. The body should be strong and powerful, and very long in length.

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is loyal with adults, gentle with children and generally pleasant to be around, owing to his affectionate nature and big personality. Some have a bit of a naughty streak, but it’s usually in good fun! Although a hunting dog through-and-through, he can still make a very good pet in the right household – particularly ones that don’t also house small pets. This said, he can live with cats as long as he has been aptly socialized to them (although he may still enjoy a game of chase from time to time). He is generally good with other dogs, both in the household and outside of it. Finally, although this is an active breed, he can be calm in the home as long as his exercise needs have been met.

The Westphalian is attentive to the everyday goings-on of the world around him and does have enough energy to make him an active partner, willing to engage in all sorts of outdoor fun! He prefers hunting to most other engagements (and will use his nose whenever he gets the chance), although either way does need daily exercise and lots of it! This is a high-exercise breed that needs active owners and plenty of outdoor engagement so that he doesn’t become bored. He does best in a home with a fenced yard so he can stretch his legs on his own in addition to the consistent walks, daily training sessions and regular play time that he needs. In addition, this breed also greatly benefits from job-like tasks such as hunting or dog sports like agility. Although is he game for almost any situation, his short legs mean that while he is able to partake in long walks, extended jogging is a bit difficult as he’ll have a hard time keeping up.

Westphalian Dachsbrackes can be stubborn and may take longer to train than other breeds of dog. They will need a lot of repetition with obedience lessons and an owner who doesn’t baby the dog too much, as they will push their limits and may even try to take control of the household. As with some scenthounds, they can be less trustworthy off-leash which means off-lead training must be worked meticulously – and even then, they may never be 100% reliable in extremely distractible situations. This said, the breed is intelligent and can learn as long as the owner/trainer is patient and persistent.

Westphalians are happy, social dogs who love all people. As such they make poor guard dogs but their balanced temperaments mean that they can work out well for first-time dog owners. They are fairly healthy and easy to take care of in terms of grooming, and they are also pretty quiet by scenthound standards. Prospective owners just must be willing to meet their high exercise requirements and be constantly aware of their hunting drives. They do best in cold climates but will be happy in most environments as long as there is plenty of space and fencing to keep them secure.

Photo by Stute.s

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is a terrier derived from Spain. The breed is recognized by Spain’s kennel club, the Real Sociedad Canina de Espana, however is not yet recognized by the larger FCI or anywhere in the United States. This terrier was bred for the unique purpose of hunting rats and mice from between the barrels of wineries and therefore keeping them free from vermin for wine merchants! His name translates roughly to Andalusian Wine-Cellar Rat-Hunting Dog – what a mouthful! Although he has been nicknamed the “Spanish Jack Russell”, this is an entirely separate breed, although he does have a lot in common with similar terriers (Parsons, Smooth Fox, Japanese and Brazilian Terriers, etc.).

Bodegueros are fearless and active, like most terrier breeds. They live to hunt and will attempt to do so whenever they get the chance, which means that going after the family gerbil or even cat should be expected. In other words, this isn’t a good match for people with small pets! That said, their friendly character and ability to get along well with children means that they can live happily in a cat-free family home. With their owners they are affectionate, enthusiastic and even clown-like in nature. They have a positive attitude about life combined with an active, always-on-the-go demeanor. When in unfamiliar surroundings they tend to slow down a bit and exhibit a polite, reserved manner of conduct as long as they were properly socialized as puppies.

The Ratonero Bodeguero is a small breed with folded triangular ears and a somewhat long muzzle. The body is “compact, but slender and graceful”. Many are born without tails although long-tailed specimens can be occasionally seen. These little terriers are always tri-colored, with the body being primarily white yet adorned with black spots (preferably on the face and neck) and tan markings over the eyes. The coat itself is short and dense, and requires no special trimming. They do need weekly brushings to keep their otherwise moderate shedding manageable. Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz

The Bodeguero Andaluz is very active and needs lots of exercise in order to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. This breed also benefits greatly from being given a job to do and needs mental stimulation as well. Good options for this include dog sports like agility, barn hunt and canine freestyle. Those without regular mental/physical excursions can become problem diggers, obsessive barkers, and/or just flat-out damaging to a house. However, when given proper exercise he is not only much easier to live with, but also happier and healthier. Although there are no common health issues associated with this terrier, staying fit will help to keep him strong and hearty well into his older years! 15-18 years is the average life expectancy for this Spanish terrier.

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz can be difficult for novice owners and novice trainers alike. He can be obstinate and stubborn when it comes to training and wants to live his life in the way that HE prefers rather than taking orders! Obviously, if left unchecked this is unhealthy for both dog and owner so obedience training combined with regular ole’ household rules are paramount. Start while the dog is still young and be prepared to continue lessons throughout his whole life, occasionally repeating foundation work when he starts pushing boundaries. He is intelligent and capable of learning when paired with an experienced dog owner who understands how to be firm, yet fair.

Unlike some terriers, the Bodeguero isn’t a particularly vocal dog as long as his needs are met. This, combined with his size and social aptitudes actually makes him a decent pet for apartment-living. This is of course assuming that the owner takes him on regular walks throughout the day, at least an hour’s worth! He’s also not particularly territorial, which means he probably won’t erupt into angry barking fits whenever he sees neighbors walking past the window. Meeting his socialization, training and exercise needs will go a long way to ensuring a happy life for both Bodeguero and owner!

The Smaland Hound

The Smaland Hound, with his distinctive natural bobtail, hails from Sweden. This scenthound has been considered all “all-around hunting dog” and evolved in a time when many hunters could only afford one hound and therefore needed a dog that could hunt prey of all sizes and types. In addition, they needed a dog that could also retrieve – a trait that the Smaland does possess. The breed was recognized in Sweden a hundred years ago, although is even older than that and seems to have been created in the 16th century. Unfortunately, this is a very rare breed whose numbers have been dropping substantially even in his home country. In the 50’s, other breeds needed to be influxed into the bloodline in order to keep him from going extinct. In the United States, he is recognized by the UKC but rarely if ever seen.

Smalands are always black and tan in color, and medium in size with a sturdy build. While his markings, general build and stubby tail might have some mistake him for a Rottweiler, his lineage is very different. Polish, German and English scenthounds make up his ancestry in combination with Swedish spitz-type dogs. The Smaland has a double coat, with the top coat being short and harsh to the touch. It should be noted that this breed is allowed to have a long or half-length tail although the natural bob is seen more frequently. The tail is never docked. Ears always hang flat.

The Smaland Hound has a gentle, affectionate temperament and typically adores his master/family. He makes a surprisingly great family dog for a breed that was originally created to be a hunting machine! Most are great with children as well as other dogs, and tend to form bonds with every member of the family. Unlike many hounds, he was not a pack hunter although can live with others easily as long as he was socialized to other canines from a young age. Your mileage may vary more considerably when it comes to cats and other small pets, however, and caution is advised.

It is recommended to keep the Smaland Hound safely enclosed in a fenced area when he is outside. This breed does have a strong prey drive and will attempt to follow interesting scents when they present themselves. Other ownership considerations include regular grooming – weekly brushing, occasional baths and regular nail care. And weekly ear inspections and cleaning is important as well as hanging ears are more prone to infections than other ear sets. Overall this is a fairly easy-care breed that can live with novice dog owners, and even elderly dog owners in the right situation.

The Smaland is naturally wary of strangers and, when at home, will bark to alert when someone arrives making him good as a watchdog. Many have a protective and territorial streak and will watch over “their people” and property to make sure they’re safe. Although they are the smallest of the Swedish hounds, they have enough size to be a deterrent to most would-be intruders. Despite their watchdog talents, this is a playful and loving dog, very rarely serious unless he needs to be.

Smalands do need plenty of daily exercise to be happy and remain full of energy until they start hitting around twelve of age (12-14 is the average age of these hounds). They aren’t recommended for apartments and can be destructive if their needs aren’t met. This said, when given enough exercise they are surprisingly calm and completely capable of chilling for hours while everyone watches TV. Furthermore this is a very healthy breed in general. The Swedish breed club states that there aren’t any major health issues that commonly occur, and even undertook a genetic study from 1994 to 2008 that showed there were no health issues unique to the breed.

Smaland Hounds are intelligent and do well in hunting and field trials – and also can be good obedience dogs as long as the owner is willing to put in the time. While capable of learning a great many commands, he may take a bit longer than other dogs so a bit of patience is recommended. It is suggested that owners of Smalands to get them into dog sports such as scentwork, hunting trials and/or trick training in order to enrich their minds and keep the learning process enjoyable!

Photo by User:Linathrash

The Swedish Elkhound

Although the Swedish Elkhound (also known as the Jamthund) wasn’t recognized until the 1940’s, it is actually an ancient breed. Originally lumped together with the Norwegian Elkhound in dog shows, this spitz was used for hunting not only elk, but also lynx and bear. Some were also used to pull sleds in Northern Europe. Affectionate with his family but possessed with a strong prey drive – this normally composed dog turns into a chasing/hunting machine if he catches wind of a prey animal! He may or may not do well in homes with cats or other small animals, and supervision will likely be necessary in those circumstances.

Swedish Elkhounds are known to be dominant with other dogs. With proper socialization, they don’t tend to get startled easily nor do they get phased by new experiences, and this confident attitude can cross over into assertiveness (or even over-confidence) with other canines. That said, this “can do” attitude makes them adaptable to many different living situations, and it’s not uncommon for them to hunt all day with their owners and then come home and calmly play with the children at home. Many take on a protective role of the kids in the family and see it as their job to keep young ones safe.

With training, the Swedish Elkhound loves to please and enjoys learning new things! In fact, this working breed needs a job to do in order to stay mentally stimulated so obedience training should be included in his life. Be aware that he can be independent despite his loyal nature, so he may need plenty of engagement training up front to keep him focused on his handler. Take note that it is very important to socialize young puppies extensively before even beginning formal training. Under-socialized members of this breed can develop undesirable traits such as overly-protective behaviors around strangers, as well as reactivity around other dogs. Starting young and getting them used to being in situations such as these (in happy or even neutral ways) can help to keep them from developing issues later on.

The Swedish Elkhound has been described as patient and stable, but because of his independence and tendency toward dominant behaviors, does best with experienced owners. He, along with related breeds, is more closely related to the wolf than some other breeds and it shows in his personality. One can even see this ancient wolf-y lineage in his appearance such as his grey coloration (accompanied by lighter grey or cream markings) and his tapered muzzle. He has a quiet intelligence and a strong will that, while admirable, can also make him stubborn and difficult to live with for some. He needs a strong authority figure as an owner.

Swedish Elkhounds need regular exercise to stay both fit and happy – otherwise they can become bored and destructive. They need a bare minimum of 30 minutes strenuous work with their owner in addition to a large fenced yard to stretch their legs and run. This is a large, high energy breed that is known for their endurance and power and therefore requires plenty of time and space. Furthermore, an owner can’t use the excuse of bad weather to forego daily exercise – this spitz is well-adapted to working in extremely cold weather conditions! The breed loves being outdoors and the colder, the better!

The coat of the Swedish Elkhound is short but thick, with a close laying topcoat and abundant undercoat. It requires only infrequent baths but does need to be brushed several times a week so the woolly undercoat doesn’t get out of control. Keep in mind that this spitz lives between 12-13 years and will need this brushing his entire life in order to stay comfortable! Shaving is not an option. As mentioned above he also needs plenty of attention, exercise and training but when his needs are met, this is a unique dog with a special and loyal temperament.

Photo by Canarian

The French White and Orange Hound

The French White and Orange Hound is a scenthound that traditionally hunts in large packs. This athletically-built hound is always (as his name implies) white and orange, or white and lemon in color. He is large in size, and the coat is smooth and easy-care like the majority of hunting hounds. Ears are low-set and hanging, slightly curled and long – reaching almost to the nose. He is celebrated for his easygoing and happy nature as well as his hunting skills. This breed is one of 3 Chiens Francais (French Hounds) and one of 7 in the extended French Hound family of dogs. He is also a rare breed, relatively unknown in most parts of the world outside of France.

The French White and Orange has a loud voice that he uses freely – both on the hunt but also in the home. His bay will be sounded loudly and proudly if he is happy, upset, bored, excited… or just because. It is for this reason that he does best in homes without close neighbors! It is also one of the reasons that he is mostly kept by hunters rather than pet owners. Furthermore, his excellent sense of smell (which he will use constantly) and independent attitude make him great at his job but rather frustrating for the majority of owners. This said, he can be a patient and polite family pet who enjoys spending time with his owners… in the right home that can meet his needs. Scoring high in “easy-going” as well as affectionate, it’s hard not to love this silly hound!

Prospective owners of the French White and Orange Hound should be advised that he doesn’t do well in homes with cats. His prey drive is simply too high in the majority of cases for this to be a safe situation. On the flipside, not only does he do very well with other dogs, he actually needs to live with at least one other dog in order to be happy. It isn’t unusual for this breed to actually prefer other dogs to people… despite his adoration of people. Speaking of people – this hound is not suited as a guard dog as he is simply too friendly, and not territorial or protective enough. This said, he can be an effective watch dog since he will bark (and howl, and bay) when people come onto the property. So while he is not likely to attack, he will emit a sound that may convince a would-be intruder to move to the next house. French White and Orange Hound

French White and Orange Hounds, as mentioned above, were and are used for hunting primarily. This is a job to which they need no training, and one they will do practically instinctively. However, when it comes to formal obedience training, they are less enthused. While they can be trained (and really should be given at least a basic course in obedience), they are likely to be very stubborn. They are also extra-distractible, as following interesting scents will always be their number one priority. This said, they do enjoy pleasing their owners and with the right motivation (read: tasty treats), they can be convinced to learn. Start early and make training as engaging and fun as you can!

The French White and Orange needs extensive exercise – more than many other breeds, if he is living as a family pet rather than working as a hunting dog. Furthermore, dogs that have no hunting outlets also need quite a bit of mental exercise as well to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. Plan on spending plenty of time with walks/jogs, playtime and mentally-engaging games or dog sports such as scentwork or barn hunt to keep him fulfilled! Exercise should always be done on leash or in a properly fenced area, because he will revert to “hunting dog mode” at the first sight of a squirrel!

The French White and Orange Hound is a very low-maintenance dog, his coat only requiring a weekly brushing. He doesn’t tend to have an odor, sheds minimally, and needs only minimal baths. Ears should be checked and cleaned on a weekly basis to curtail ear infections (long hanging ears are more prone to this malady), and nails should be clipped at the same time. Just make sure he has a securely fenced yard to run in, a canine companion or two and plenty of engaging mental/physical excursions, and the majority of his care will be complete!

The Majorca Mastiff

The Majorca Mastiff is a guard dog, hunting dog, and bull fighting dog from Spain, established as a breed in 1923. Also known as the Ca de Bou, Presa Canario Mallorquin, or the Majorca Bulldog – with whatever name he goes by, he is medium-sized in height but built like a tank. He is brave yet loyal to his owners and otherwise well-tempered to those whom he knows. Although he is a guard dog, with early socialization he should be social and well-behaved with strangers. Males tend to be a little friendlier in general while females can be more suspicious as well as more protective.

The Majorca is quiet in the home and can be a good match for families – with the caveat that they should only be owned by those who are experienced with molosser breeds! They are naturally protective, and this combined with their powerful build and great strength means that in the wrong hands they could potentially end up hurting someone. If there are children in the home, supervision is required to ensure that everyone is playing nicely (this includes making sure kids aren’t teasing the dog). This isn’t to say that the breed is bad with children – in fact they are usually very patient with kids – but common sense, training and early socialization is a must!

With other pets, some Majorcas get along very well while others… less so. Particularly when it comes to cats and other smaller animals, the sheer size of these dogs make accidents more likely to occur. As the Majorca was also used in both bull fighting and dog fighting, they can have a naturally combative attitude. Mileage will vary considerably with some individuals unable to live with other pets at all, while others can be just fine. The amount of socialization the dog has had and the skill of the owner are definitely factors, but genetics play a huge part here as well. Unfortunately many Majorcas do not mesh well into a multi-dog household.

Majorca Mastiffs are a rare breed, recognized by the UKC but not the AKC. This means that prospective puppy owners are likely to have to import a dog from overseas. The breed nearly went extinct in the early 20th century but luckily, there was enough of a following that breeders were able to save them before they disappeared. This said, some sources state that the current Majorca is a recreation and other breeds had to be mixed in in order to save them. Either way, numbers are small and one won’t just “stumble upon” a puppy or adult dog.

Majorcas are not high energy in the home, however they do need a fair bit of exercise and do best with people who are active. At least an hour a day of structured exercise is recommended, and in addition they should also receive mental stimulation in the form of games, dog sports and of course formal training. Keep in mind that these powerhouses also eat a lot per day, particularly the larger males. Be prepared to spend enough money to keep the dog well-fed, while exercising enough to keep excess weight off and the body healthy.

While the Majorca Mastiff has a great potential to learn and does enjoy pleasing his owners, he is not always the easiest breed to train for an inexperienced person. He benefits from training that is balanced, firm and yet always fair. Owners and/or trainers should utilize patience as he may be a little slower to teach than other, more enthusiastic breeds. Despite the fact that he can be more of a challenge, however, obedience training is an essential must for this breed! He is too strong a dog (both in body as well as mental resolve) to be given free reign to do whatever he wants in the home. While the requirements for ownership can be high, when all of his mental and physical needs are met this can be an immensely loyal and devoted breed for the right owner.

Photo by Canarian

The Catalonian Sheepdog

The Catalonian Sheepdog was developed in the Catalonian Pyrenees Mountains in Spain. He was created to herd and drive stock from place to place, as well as to serve as a guard dog. During the Spanish Civil War he was used as a messenger and sentry. More recently he has also been used as a police dog and in search and rescue! High spirited, hard working and versatile, he was even chosen to be the mascot of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games! Not well known, this is a rare breed that was once on the verge of extinction but has been rising steadily in numbers since the 1970’s. While he is recognized by the UKC in the United States, he is often only seen overseas, primarily in Spain.

Catalonians are intelligent and tend to do well in dog sport competitions, from obedience competitions to agility! Many also compete in treibball (herding a giant ball), canine freestyle (doggie dancing), flyball, rally, conformation, tracking and herding. This is a breed that needs to have regular mental stimulation so training them in obedience and/or other dog sports should be considered essential – even if the owner doesn’t actually plan to compete. Those who have livestock to herd, or are able to bring their dog to livestock, make especially good owners for this breed!

As a working/herding dog, the happy and cheerful Catalonian Sheepdog is athletic and needs plenty of exercise. While their long coat may make it seem as though they shouldn’t be outside too frequently, in fact they are known as being great in all weather and are fairly resistant to both heat and cold (within reason, of course). Therefore a rainy day is no excuse not to go on a walk! These working dogs need a decent amount of physical activity every single day so owners must be active themselves.

The Catalonian has excellent herding skills and can do this job with very little training. They do have an independent streak which is prized by shepherds, as they will make their own decisions about how best to handle a flock. In terms of attitude during herding – they are known for their courage and dedication to the job, as well as their compassion towards the animals they have been charged to work with. Take note that the Catalonian will likely try to herd people and other animals – it’s in his blood!

Catalonian Sheepdogs are dedicated and loyal to their owners and get along well with other dogs and pets. They are also gentle with children despite their enthusiastic demeanors. Although extremely friendly towards those whom they know, they are much more aloof and suspicious of strangers until they get to know them. While they shouldn’t be outright aggressive, the correct temperament for them is to be naturally wary and protective until they are certain that the stranger poses no threat. Some can be overly nervous – this is usually a result of subpar socialization. It is vital that they be extensively socialized from early puppyhood so that this does not happen.

While the majority of Catalonians are very healthy, prospective owners should only buy from breeders who health test hips and eyes, as both can occasionally be problematic in the breed. This said, most members of the breed live healthily for 13-14 years as long as vet care and exercise needs are met. This breed will thrive if giving a living situation that includes a large fenced yard for them to romp in regularly, rather than being cooped up in a small home.

The Catalonian Sheepdog is a medium sized dog with an athletic build that may look stockier than it is because of the long hair. The double coat can be either flat or slightly wavy, and often sheds in a very unusual way with dogs losing hair on the front end before moving onto the hind end! Colors include various shades of fawn, grey, sable or a black/tan coloration. The long coat extends even to the face, with a beard and other facial furnishings being expected. As should be predicted, they do require a higher-than-average grooming commitment and need to be brushed frequently.

Photo by Canarian

The Kombai

The Kombai is a sighthound from India, that comes with the catchphrase “a sighthound that is different from the others”. Named for the town he was created in, he was originally used for hunting but also has very strong guard dog instincts and he will guard those he loves with his life. This athletic breed packs a lot more punch than most sighthounds, with a powerfully built frame rather than a slender build, and the ability to kill a bear if necessary! In the past they were most commonly used to hunt wild boar, bison and deer. This breed was even used in the army at one point, and trained to rip out the hamstrings of enemy horses! Today he is very rare and even endangered – only really seen in India. The “ferocious” temperament makes the breed difficult for the majority of pet owners to own.

There is a wide variation in the height of the Kombai. Some can be as short as 23 inches at the withers while others could get as tall as 30 inches! Most fall somewhere in between this range although all are strong and muscular. Because this is a serious guard dog with a propensity for being over-protective, he needs early and frequent training to keep him in check. Adding in the fact that this higher-energy dog needs lots of exercise (both mental and physical) as well and one can see that this is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner. Nor is he a good match for a family as he isn’t fantastic with young children without extensive socialization and constant supervision.

In case it wasn’t obvious, the Kombai isn’t known for his pleasant attitude toward strangers. Highly suspicious, he would not be a good choice for someone who wants a therapy dog. Although he is loyal and loving to his owners, he’s not overtly affectionate. With small pets, he can be a liability because of his prey drive. This temperament is the opposite of what many would want in a family companion – that said, his fiercely protective nature and extreme bravery definitely fulfills a need, and he can be the perfect fit for someone looking for a no-nonsense guard dog.

The Kombai can be stubborn, yet can also be obedient and eager to please when trained by a knowledgeable person. Training should be firm yet fair, and should be a regular consistent part of the dog’s life. This intelligent, yet sensitive hound will not tolerate overly harsh treatment at all. In addition, early socialization is definitely a must to supplement every training program and make sure he grows up stable and steady.

The smooth, red coat of the Kombai sheds a moderately high amount but he fares well in hot weather. He requires very little grooming to keep him healthy and his coat shiny, nor does he need any special trimming. He doesn’t drool, needs only infrequent baths, and is overall easy to keep in terms of coat care. This is also a very hardy breed, with very few health issues and an average lifespan of 13-15 years. Occasionally hip dysplasia, anesthesia sensitivity and skin issues are seen but a responsible breeder should be working on minimizing these issues in their breeding program.

Perhaps surprisingly, the Kombai can be adaptable to many different living situations including apartments as long as his high exercise requirements are fulfilled – meaning several hours a day for such a small living space. It is the rare person who would be able to dedicate that amount of time to exercising the dog, and without it, the owner risks behavior problems including frustration and even owner-directed aggression. The best situation for the prospective Kombai owner is a house with a securely fenced yard, in addition to having the time and experience for this beautiful, yet serious breed.

Photo by Richie2089

The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound

The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound was originally called the Illyrian Hound when it was first recognized by the FCI, but the name was changed in the 1970’s to its current designation. To make matters more confusing it’s also sometimes known as the Barak, the Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic, and many other variations of the Bosnian name. Although they are recognized by the UKC in America they are very rarely seen. This hound is also the only Internationally recognized breed in Bosnia. This is a hunting scenthound with a distinctively rough and wiry coat, originally used for hunting large game. The breed is brave, energetic and determined as a hunter with high endurance and a talented nose.

The Bosnian Coarsehair needs plenty of exercise in order to thrive and be happy. Bred to work long hours each day, a simple walk once a day is really not enough. They should only be owned by active families or individuals who can include the hound in vigorous activities like jogging, swimming and fetch games for a bare minimum of 45-60 minutes a day. Along with jogging or similar forms of exercise, keep their minds stimulated by providing them with scent games such as tracking or scentwork! Furthermore they need to live in a home with a fenced yard large enough for them to stretch their legs between formal exercise sessions. Because of their high activity needs, this breed is only recommended for experienced owners. Those who aren’t given enough physical as well as mental exercise can become destructive and excessively loud.

The Bosnian is an intelligent and sensitive dog who can be obedient and polite when trained. He is loyal and devoted to his owner, and enjoys spending time learning when it involves the person he loves! This said, he also has a stubborn streak and can be independent-minded so a trainer must stay consistent and firm. It should be noted that frequent barking is a hallmark of the breed and, while training can reduce this behavior, it’s probably not going to eradicate it completely. As the breed lives an average of 13-15 years, the barking tendencies should be noted before a prospective owner commits to acquiring a puppy! Furthermore remember that this scenthound will want to follow his nose and won’t hesitate to do so in the middle of a training session. An understanding of how to work through these behaviors is essential.

Bosnians make great watchdogs with their deep voices. They’ll bark to alert when people come onto the property, regardless of if the dog is inside the house or out in the yard. In Bosnia, many of these dogs live outdoors because their harsh double coat protects them from the elements and keeps them insulated from the cold. This said, with training they can make fine house pets as well. While they are adept at watchdog duty, they aren’t guard dogs as most are laid-back and friendly with people (assuming they were socialized correctly). Gentle in nature, they get along with children as well as other dogs. Some are even ok living with cats as long as they are socialized to them at an early age!

Bosnian Coarse-haired Hounds are medium-sized dogs with thick pendulous ears on a rectangular head. The body is slightly longer than tall with a deep, wide chest, ending in a proportionately thick tail. Colors include wheaten, reddish, gray or “black-ish” with small white markings. Some dogs have a dark saddle. The medium-long coarse coat is the biggest hallmark of the breed, including the distinctive eyebrows, mustache and beard that combines to give him an unkempt appearance.

Bosnian Coarsehairs are rare outside of their home country however are somewhat well-known in the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina where they were developed. There, most are still used as hunting partners rather than as family pets. It is somewhat surprising, then, to learn that many are quite easy-going in the home and can be easy to live with. With enough exercise they are fully capable of lounging with the family and staying relatively calm.

Photo by Sandy

The Chilean Terrier

The Chilean Terrier is the first official breed to come out of Chile. It is recognized by the Kennel Club of Chile although is not yet recognized by the FCI. It is virtually unknown in America altogether. The breed came about by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier (brought over by European immigrants) with a rare breed known as the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz in the late 19th century. These small terriers are known for their outspoken natures, courageous temperaments and high aptitudes for rodent extermination. This is an active (almost restless) breed that nonetheless also possesses a balanced and loyal nature towards their owners.

The Chilean is a working terrier but can make a great companion in the right home because of his dedicated and faithful nature. He can live in either a large home or a farm-type setting with ease. He has no problem getting “down and dirty” on a ranch but can fare equally well in a large estate as well – both were homes in which early members of the breed lived. He also can live comfortably in most any climate as long as common sense is used. He gets along with children as he is very playful and enjoys romping around with them. This said, because of his excitable nature, he does best with slightly older kids.

Build for hunting ornery rodents, and speedily avoiding sharp rodent teeth in the process of doing so, the Chilean Terrier is adept at keeping himself from getting unnecessarily hurt whenever possible. This isn’t to say that injuries cannot happen, but he has fast reflexes and is quick-witted at avoiding bites from rats, snakes and even dogs. Another talent of this breed is his fantastic memory – both for good events as well as bad. He will remember someone that treated him harshly just as well as he will remember a favorite person from his early puppyhood. One final talent – Chileans have excellent senses of smell and they are often in “hunt mode”, especially when outside. If they smell a rat, it can be difficult to get them to listen as they consider hunting rodents their number one priority! This is a breed with a high prey drive and one which doesn’t always do well with small pets.

Chilean Terriers are aloof when meeting new people, although are not normally aggressive as long as they’ve had adequate socialization. If they don’t like someone for whatever reason, they will bark continuously rather than attack. Their tendency to bark when something seems awry also makes them adept as watchdogs at home. While courageous when hunting, in general they are more laid back and less sharp than many other terrier breeds. Chileans enjoy and love their owners but they don’t tend to be overly clingy and can be fairly independent. They’re more likely to use their curiosity to explore and patrol the yard or home, while occasionally checking in with their family. They also aren’t overly loving with other dogs, and many are naturally dog aggressive. Chilean Terrier

The Chilean Terrier is most often seen as a tricolored dog – either black tri, chocolate tri or blue tri. Bicolors are less common but do occur – with dogs being either white and black, or white and tan. It is important that these terriers be primarily white, with colors being present only on the head and ears if at all possible. Most Chilean Terriers are born without a tail, or with a shortened tail however sometimes a dog will be born with a full length tail which isn’t faulted as long as it is carried correctly. This is a long-legged terrier with a fine build and folded ears set high on a triangular head.

The Chilean Terrier is happy to learn knew things and often enjoys training, particularly when he is started very young. Very intelligent, he can also be stubborn and does best with an experienced owner or trainer. He is highly independent and willful when there’s something he’d rather spend his time doing. Due to a tendency toward dominant behavior, training is very important for this breed and should be a non-negotiable part of responsible ownership!

The Chilean is an active dog that needs regular exercise every day – at least an hour total! While walks are great, he can also benefit from exercises that let him use his strong sense of smell as well. Make sure to give him activities that keep his legs moving and his brain working. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for this little working terrier! Without these outlets, he can develop problem behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking and extreme digging.