The Barrocal Algarvio

The Barrocal Algarvio is a very rare breed, not recognized by the FCI although they are acknowledged by the Portuguese Kennel Club. It is an ancient breed that developed as a hunter in inhospitable terrain, and is therefore hardy, agile and very fast! This is an intelligent and active sighthound-type dog with a gentle temperament. They are known for their ease of care and healthy constitution with an average lifespan of 13 years. The Barrocal is a medium-sized, athletic yet slender breed with large erect ears and a sickle tail. The face is somewhat elongated, but possessing a moderate stop. Their coat sets them apart from similar breeds (particularly their cousin the Portuguese Podengo), and has given them the nickname “fuzzy dog”. Color ranges from yellow, fawn, brown, gray, or black; and any of these colors can be mixed with each other or with white. They can also even appear as tricolored hounds.

The Barrocal is a courageous dog who is a hunter, first and foremost. This said, he has a gentle and patient nature and can also make a great companion as well when his needs are met – namely, when he is given enough exercise. He makes a good match for active owners only, as he can become bored and destructive without plenty of physical exercise. He can live in a family with children, or with a single owner. Either way he is known for a social and sweet temperament, and can often be seen accompanying his Portuguese owner from place to place when not hunting. Barrocal Algarvio

The Algarvio loves to work and is fairly easy to train! Because he has a playful side, making the training into a game can really speed up his learning. There is Border Collie in his lineage, which gives him his “willing to please” temperament, however there is also sighthound blood running through his veins which means he has a high prey drive. All training should include plenty of socialization around small animals if he is to live with any living things that could be considered prey.

The Barrocal Algarvio adapts well to hot climates and can even stay outside for stretched periods of time, provided he is given plenty of water and shelter. His medium-long coat will protect him getting sunburned, however must be brushed out twice a week in order to keep the coat tangle-free and allow good ventilation to his skin. Keep in mind that this sweet soul is not a guard dog, although he can function well as a watch dog which will bark to alert to strangers.

The Halden Hound

The Halden Hound, also known as the Haldenstovare, is a Norwegian breed named after the town of Halden in which they were developed. This scenthound is a medium sized dog originally used for hunting hare. Haldens are affectionate, athletic, and make great companions as well as hunting dogs. These hardy hounds work best for owners who are able to provide them with plenty of exercise as they have lots of energy and endurance! They make good jogging and/or hiking companions for active owners, and definitely need at least two long walks a day. Without enough physical stimulation they can become bored and destructive.

The HH is best kept in homes (rather than apartments) in rural settings or with large yards. They need room to stretch their legs and opportunities for running/playing/hunting/exercising, all activities that can be harder to provide if one lives in an apartment or small city dwelling. When allowed to hunt they are focused, zealous and keen. Luckily, with enough exercise and mental fulfillment they tend to be calm and relaxed in the home.

Despite their smooth coats, the Halden does well in both cool and hot temperatures. They also tend to be pretty healthy and have an average lifespan of 11-12 years. Although most individual hounds have a robust constitution and generally healthy body, unfortunately the breed as a whole is in danger of extinction. The numbers are too small to keep this breed afloat for too much longer, and despite being recognized by the UKC in the United States they are rarely seen anywhere except for Norway.

The HH is playful with children and generally likes being around people of all ages, so much so that separation anxiety can be an issue. Supervision is required when around toddler-aged kids as they can react defensively to rough treatment. If you can’t watch your kid and make sure they play fair with the dog – wait until the child is older before bringing home a dog! Most Haldens also get along with other dogs, especially dogs of the opposite sex. Although they weren’t bred to hunt in packs like many of their related breeds, they are still social and well-tempered if socialized correctly. Smaller pets may be more of an issue because of their high prey drive. Another note about the prey drive – make sure to keep him on a leash when out on walks! If he sees a squirrel and has the means to go after it, he will.

Halden Hounds are not recommended for first-time dog owners because their independent, stubborn nature makes them difficult to train. They have strong work ethics when it comes to hunting… but are less inclined to get excited about formal obedience training. Furthermore they tend to take advantage of inexperienced owners/trainers, sometimes to the point of the question being asked – “who’s training who?” They require a firm and consistent hand (a bit of patience is helpful to have as well). Multiple short sessions throughout the day will go over much better than one long session. If not being used for hunting, they require a job that will allow them to use their brains and their bodies. Obedience training is a good start, but it is also recommend to get them into an additional sport as well such as nosework.

Haldens make good watchdogs as they are quick to alert to people at the door. This said, they are not a guard dog as they lack aggression in general and are too good-natured, if not even somewhat timid. In terms of barking, while some scenthounds are known for their… persistent voices, the Halden isn’t usually overly loud. He tend to bark only an average amount – more so if people or animals can be seen out the window or if he isn’t given enough mental or physical stimulation.

The Halden Hound’s smooth coat sheds an average amount but only requires a little bit of grooming. A good brushing once a week will help keep shedding down and promote a healthy, shiny coat. Baths can be given sparingly if desired, only really needing it when the hound gets dirty. Make sure to brush teeth on a regular basis, clip nails, and regularly inspect/clean the ears. Hanging ears are more prone to infections without proper care. Overall the breed is easy to care for and a delight to have around the house, as long as one is prepared to exercise regularly!

Halden Hound

Photo by Canarian

The Rampur Hound

The Rampur Hound is an Indian sighthound, sometimes called the Rampur Greyhound. He originated about 300 years ago and was used to hunt large animals – many of them quite dangerous such as the lion, tiger and other big cats, as well as the jackal. Similar in coat and appearance to his relative the (English) Greyhound, he also possesses a long muzzle, long legs and an overall narrow frame. This is a very rare breed that isn’t well known in most of the world. In India he is kept primarily for hunting and coursing and is not usually a companion, however he has the capability of being a great pet in the right home. He is loyal and attentive to his owner albeit can be somewhat shy. For this reason, it is super important to socialize the dog while still young.

The Rampur Hound is gentle with children although can be overly enthusiastic when happy, which means he may not be the best choice for a family with toddler-age kids. Furthermore he is prey-driven around small animals and may try to chase (or hunt) the family cat. His prey drive is so developed that he may also try to go after smaller dogs. He may be able to live peacefully with supervision, but it isn’t recommended to leave him alone with a smaller pet. With people, he is affectionate to those whom he knows well and can even be protective of his family if true danger actually arises. With strangers, he is very aloof. It is worth mentioning again that socialization is key – as an unsocialized Rampur can become a fear-biter when put into a stressful situation with a stranger.

Rampurs, like all sighthounds, love to run! Just make sure to keep out of the way while they are racing around – they have been known to knock small people and children to the ground who happen to step into their path! Once they start, it takes a little while for them to stop because of their high speed. In fact, they are one of the fastest dogs in the world! This is an energetic and playful hound that has more get-up-and-go than some of their lazier sighthound relatives. They can live in an apartment in necessary (and make good quiet neighbors), although will need lots of extra exercise in that type of situation. They should be given one walk a day, supplemented with time to run in a fenced area. In general, this breed is more of a sprinter than an endurance animal so fenced-yard-running is the most important. Rampur Hound

The intelligent Rampur can be an obedient dog when taught by someone whom he trusts. It is more difficult for him to work with a stranger, so a trainer must gain his trust from the beginning. He doesn’t tend to be hard-headed, can be housebroken quickly and is an average learner in terms of obedience training. It is very important to work on the recall command in particular, although be aware that it can be extremely hard to call a sighthound off of a running rabbit (or similar) once he has already taken chase! It is recommended to keep him on-leash when in an unfenced area that may contain small animals.

Rampur Hounds are generally healthy although all purebreds and mixed breeds alike can develop health issues. The issues that the Rampur is slightly more disposed to include bloat, a sensitivity to anesthesia and osteosarcoma (bone cancer). This said, many Rampurs actually live between 13-15 years of age – a very long lifespan for a large/giant breed! In terms of grooming, they are clean dogs that don’t require professional grooming. A weekly brushing and nail trim should take care of the majority of the work. Otherwise, make sure to keep the teeth clean (as they are more predisposed to bad/dirty teeth than some other breeds) and give the occasional bath when needed.

Rampurs tend to be one-person dogs. They can live with a family but will tend to choose one particular person as “their favorite”. This is the person whom they will tend to listen more to and whom they may be the most protective towards. If that person leaves for a period of time, the Rampur may experience some separation anxiety. This shows that while they need little maintenance care, they do need a good deal of attention. Luckily, while they should be given some training and mental stimulation, they don’t require a lot. A soft bed, a fenced yard, and an owner who is frequently home is often a great combination for a Rampur.

The German Hound

The German Hound is a medium-sized scenthound. Always tricolored and possessing a thick yet smooth coat, he is considered an ancestor to all drop-eared hunting hounds. The breed is affectionate, sensitive to his owners’ emotions and fairly quiet when inside the house, yet enthusiastic and unwavering when hunting. He has a superb nose for tracking and a fiery hunting drive, but will come home at the end of the day and play with the children. Despite being recognized by the UKC in the United States, the breed isn’t well known outside Germany. This said, in his home country he does enjoy a modest popularity as both a hunting dog and pet.

Like many high energy hunting breeds, the German Hound needs to be given a lot of daily exercise in order to keep him out of trouble. He can become destructive and frustrating to live with if bored and under-exercised! He also requires plenty of social time with his owner (and other friends, if possible) as he is at his happiest when around others. While some scenthounds are totally fine living in outdoor kennels with just the company of other hounds, he far prefers life as a house dog. He doesn’t mind spending time with other dogs and is friendly and social with them, just as long as he also gets plenty of time with “his people” as well!

German Hounds are alert and will bark when people come to the door which makes them good watchdogs. They are fairly versatile when given a chance, and are far more than “just hunting dogs”. This said, they are still “hunting dogs” and as such are inclined to roam! Make sure that your fence is secure and kept locked, and keep them on leash when out for a walk. The Bracke might not be the best choice in homes with cats or other small pets as he may be inclined to hunt them. Nor is he an ideal candidate for people who live in small apartments or homes without yards. He really needs at least an hour a day to walk in addition to being able to stretch his legs in a securely fenced area.

When it comes to training, the German Hound needs an owner who can be firm yet fair. This is a smart breed that can be good at manipulating his owner – he needs an owner just as intelligent as he is! An owner must stay one step ahead of this independent hound without actually resorting to overly harsh tactics. He is gentle and submissive, and might shut down if he feels the training isn’t fair. Finally, take care to keep this dog on his toes while training (he can get bored easily) and make sure you don’t train in too distracting of an environment before he is ready. Scenthounds in general tend to shift away from training mode and into hunting mode when prey-animal-type distractions come into play. All of this said, he can be an obedient companion if given enough work and time!

German Hounds live about 11-12 years on average and are a relatively healthy breed. They stay the healthiest when kept on a strict exercise routine and given plenty of physical excursion with activities such as long walks, hikes and hunt outings. Some members of the breed have issues with hip dysplasia and/or bloat and the breed in general may be slightly more sensitive to anesthesia. This said, for the most part these hounds are healthier than many other breeds. Furthermore German Hounds are easy to care for in terms of grooming and require very little maintenance to keep them looking their best. Brushing once a week and the occasional bath is all that is needed for the coat. Check and clean the ears weekly as hanging ears are more likely to get dirt and gunk buildup. Add in time for training, social time and a lot of exercise – and you’ll have a happy German Hound!

Deutsche Bracke

Photo By Rumo

 

 

The Kangal Dog

The Kangal Dog is an ancient breed of Livestock Guardian Dog from Turkey. It shares a close relationship to several other breeds (some people even argue it is the same breed as the Anatolian Shepherd) however in Turkey, the Kangal is the “original” breed and Anatolians are merely a Kangal cross. The FCI no longer recognizes the Anatolian, (nor the Akbash – another breed often lumped together with the Kangal) however the UKC in the United States recognizes all three as separate and distinct breeds. This is a powerful molosser-type dog that is able to guard flocks from wolves, bear and jackal.

Kangals are as noble in temperament as they are awe-inspiring in appearance. They are often more affectionate to their owners than other Livestock Guardians, gentle with household children and other pets, and make great companions in the right home – however are not for every owner. For example, this powerful giant needs someone who can physically handle him! Training will help him be more manageable, but up until he is trained he may be too much dog for a frail individual. Furthermore his size means he needs a home where he can stretch out and not be cramped, and lots of food to nourish his giant frame. Add to this the fact that he can be stubborn and overly energetic during the puppy years and one can see that he is simply too much dog for many people!

Kangal Dogs need lots and lots of socialization starting from puppyhood. This is the best way to ensure a well-tempered dog provided he has come from a good breeder. Training is another important factor, as it will give the owner control and establish an important working bond between owner and dog. This said, know that obedience training in particular is more difficult with this breed. This independent soul is prone to ignoring commands and getting bored quite quickly. He needs an owner/trainer that won’t give up easily, and is ready to enforce all commands with an authoritative demeanor. After all, this intelligent breed is capable of learning quickly but will often not respond to someone whom he doesn’t respect. Although rules should be firm, training should remain fair as he will shut down with overly harsh corrections.

The Kangal Dog needs a job to do and can be destructive without one. Because of his size, he can do a lot of damage in only a little bit of time! His original purpose was to watch over livestock with a human shepherd and take care of any threats that came onto the property. This is an excellent job for those who have livestock, but those who don’t may find him behaving too aggressively towards perceived “threats” that come near the backyard. Many will chase off or even kill animals that enter a property, whether wildlife or even strange dogs. The breed may also be overly-protective towards his owners in certain situations. He must be contained within a very secure fence when outside and supervised when people come over. The fence must be at least 6 feet tall at a minimum and also escape-proofed.

What else makes it difficult to own a Kangal? Kangals are not quiet dogs and are known for “roaring” loudly at night and/or when they perceive an intruder. It comes as no surprise that they don’t make a great match for people in close-quarters to their neighbors! They also shed very profusely twice a year, dig huge holes in the yard and are destructive chewers when young. Finally, although one may originally think this is a great choice as a personal protection dog… this is actually not the case. The breed is gentle and friendly most of the time, but will make his own decisions on whether or not somebody constitutes a threat. Yes – he is naturally more territorial than many other breeds, and he will also serve as a great watchdog however he is not suited to protection training.

Kangals do need regular exercise but not an unreasonable amount. The amount needed depends on the living situation in which they are in. In Turkey, Kangals spend lots of time outdoor in large open areas, and will roam along with the livestock. Here, the smaller the yard the more supplemental exercise they will need – they are athletic and moderately active compared to some of the giant breeds. A Kangal kept in a large fenced property, on the other hand, might not need very much at all if he spends hours running the fenceline. One of the most important things to be aware of is to never over-exercise a growing puppy as doing so can damage the joints.

Kangal Dog

Photo By friend of tr:user:Onur1991

 

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne – both are ancient breeds in their own right. Characterized by his “blue” coat, short legs and long back, he is a scenthound that almost went extinct in the early 19th century but was brought back by dedicated fanciers, particularly a man named Alain Bourbon. Today he is a rare breed, and although he is recognized by the UKC in the United States, he is most commonly seen in his home country of France.

Like his cousin the Basset Hound, the Basset Bleu is small in height but a medium sized dog in terms of weight. He also shares the same deep, melodious voice as well as the smooth yet dense coat. Although easy to groom, he does shed and can tend to smell – a byproduct of the oily coat possessed by certain hunting breeds. Like most pack hunting dogs, he gets along well with other dogs and can live easily in a multi-dog household. He doesn’t tend to be very territorial towards strange dogs and is generally a welcoming fellow.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is easygoing and affectionate to his owners, including children. This said, if he smells something enticing like a woodland creature in the backyard, he is apt to “forget” about his owner and wander off in search of prey. He loves to hunt above almost anything else – which also means he may not make the best companion for a cat or other small pet! This hunting animal does best in a home with a securely-fenced yard, and can get frustrated in a small living area such as an apartment. Not to mention his voice (which he uses freely and loudly) also doesn’t make him the best neighbor in an apartment setting.

The Basset Bleu is a playful fellow who has high social needs and does best in a home where he won’t be alone all day. Some people have found success by introducing a canine buddy (or more) in order to keep him company while they are gone, although those who work long hours probably aren’t the best match. This friendly hound loves being around people so much that he also makes a terrible watchdog and/or guard dog. While he will probably bark when someone comes near the house… he does this all the time anyway and is unlikely to raise suspicion (much like a car alarm). If someone were to break in, he may or may not really care, short of saying hi to the newcomer. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Although eager to please in some regards, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be challenging to train. To start with, his high prey drive and desire to sniff the ground at all times means that an owner or trainer will need to make themselves more interesting than the distractions! Second, he is stubborn and independent-minded which means that the owner must be prepared to set down rules and hold tight to them. Many of these hounds will work for food so be prepared to go into a training session with plenty of food rewards, but resist the urge to bribe. He actually needs to work for his rewards! Finally, start training early. It will be easier.

Although his appearance may suggest he is lazy, the Basset Bleu is actually an active breed with a decent amount of athletic ability. He needs an owner as active as he is – ideally someone who can take him hunting as he also needs mental stimulation. If hunting isn’t an option, other mental activities can be substituted as long as they are challenging. He makes a delightful walking companion as his outgoing nature earns him friends wherever he goes – with correct socialization it is rare for this breed to be overly shy or aggressive. Once home from a satisfying walk, he is likely to lay down and nap.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be prone to gaining too much weight if overfed or under-exercised, so make sure to stay on top of food portions. He can also be somewhat prone to bloat, the risk of which can be minimized (although not eliminated) by various practices such as not allowing him to play hard right after eating. Overall, however, this is a healthy breed that tends to live 13-14 years.

The Akbash Dog

The Akbash Dog is an ancient Livestock Guardian Dog from Turkey, and was named by the USDA in the 80’s as one of the best predator control dogs for livestock. In addition to their superior watchdog skills, they also tend to be easier to keep than other LGDs. They are valued for their stable temperaments and low chance of biting both people and livestock. They take their job of livestock guard very seriously and are quite protective, but unlike other LGDs have less inclination to actually attack when they feel the herd is threatened. This said, they put on a good show towards intruders with barking/growling/etc, which keeps many predators (or human intruders) away out of sheer fright. This also means they can make great watchdogs for a human family as well, but only should be owned by experienced dog owners – particularly those accustomed to LGD molosser breeds.

The Akbash is very independent-minded and not known for his quick responses to commands. He is quick to housebreak, however. Due to his giant size, obedience training is a necessity! An Akbash is designed to work long hours, which means if he doesn’t have a job to do then he will become bored very quickly. Normally this job is livestock guarding, and as such he is pre-programmed to spend all day watching livestock all day on vast acreage. If this isn’t an option then he needs an alternative job, and obedience training can fulfill this role.

Akbash Dogs do best in homes with large, securely fenced yards, and with families who have stable routines. They like to know what to expect out of their environment, and how they fit into it. The fenced yard comes into play because these dogs also need to understand where their territory boundaries are – otherwise they may roam, thinking that the extended areas outside the property is also their territory which needs to be defended. This is dangerous because most have no fear of cars and will walk right into the middle of the street with no hesitation. When the yard is clearly marked by a fence, they are content to stay on their property. Invisible fences are not recommended for this breed as most will just run right through them. Apartments are also not recommended.

The Akbash was bred to be distrustful of strange dogs, and as such is not a good candidate for dog parks, doggie daycare, or similar settings where off-leash dogs are thrown together to play. This said, he tends to do just fine with dogs raised in the same household although he will likely try to take on the most dominant position. Where two equally dominant dogs are involved, there may be fights until the position of order is determined. As might be expected because of their original purpose, they get along fantastically with livestock and other animals and often form strong bonds with all sorts of other animal species. They get along with children and are loyal to their families – all in all, although they are independent-minded they do like to be close to their “charges”, whether animal or human.

Akbash Dogs are fairly quiet in the home although are always keeping an eye out for possible danger. Although more laid-back than similar breeds, they are still very watchful and suspicious of strangers. Wherever they are (inside or outside), they prefer to find a place with a good vantage point in which to sit and watch the goings-on. They aren’t a very active breed but they are a patient and watchful breed. This is a calm dog that needs only minimal exercise, although they should have enough of a yard to stretch their legs on a daily basis – particularly when young.

The Akbash Dog is a rare breed although is recognized by the UKC in the United States. Prospective owners should be prepared to wait if they want to get a puppy. They should also be prepared to invest in grooming equipment while they wait as this breed is a big shedder! The always-white coat (designed to blend in with sheep) is known for shedding profusely throughout the year, and even more so in the summer. While easy to maintain with brushing, it does require a commitment of regular brushing sessions – especially long haired dogs. They do come in both a long coat and medium coat variety although both coat types do require regular care.

Akbash Dog

Photo By OrysiaD

 

 

 

The Mudhol Hound

The Mudhol Hound is an ancient sighthound from India, occasionally lumped together as one breed with both the Caravan Hound and the Pashmi – although many experts assert that the breeds are separate from each other. The origins of the breed is said to go back to Saluki and Afghan stock and the resemblance is quite clear. Although definitely a rare breed, their numbers grew dangerously low at several points in time although have been steadily growing, with both the Kennel Club of India as well as the Indian National Kennel Club showing interest in this recently revived sighthound.

Interestingly, the Mudhol is currently being tested by the Indian Army for border protection as well as general surveillance. A small number of hounds have been given to the military for this specialized work. While sighthounds aren’t normally used for these types of tasks, the giant size, suspicious nature towards strangers and natural guarding abilities of the Mudhol gives them promise for this work. This isn’t a overtly aggressive dog although they may react with teeth if they feel they need to, particularly if they are startled by a strange person encroaching upon them. This said, recent reports show that the hounds may be a little too interested in chasing moving animals rather than do their assigned tasks so it is still up in the air as to whether or not this job will stick long-term.

In a home setting, the Mudhol Hound is loyal and tends to be tolerant of both (older) children as well as other dogs. Because of their high prey drive, they are less likely to live harmoniously with small animals. They are easy to groom although need regular brushing to control their shedding, which they tend to do somewhat frequently. They should be given regular exercise including access to a large fenced yard to run at least a few times a week (the fence is very important!), in addition to daily walks. They are considered an active breed, although their activity is more likely to occur in spurts rather than a constant level of motion. This said, they seem to have more energy than other sighthounds and do require an owner who is somewhat energetic themselves. Unlike similar breeds, they aren’t the best fit for apartment-dwellers due to their energy level and territorial natures.

Mudhols are a sensitive breed that can be somewhat temperamental. They aren’t going to be the life of the party when out in social situations as they are more of a one-man dog vs. a friendly, social creature. They bond particularly strongly to one person in the family and will protect that person if they feel there is a threat – this said, extensive socialization is essential as their suspicious temperament can otherwise turn overly nervous. A nervous dog who thinks they need to protect their person can quickly become a dangerous situation, which means that the dog needs to be socialized from the time they are are very young!

Mudhols need to be trained with a fair training style and they definitely will not work with harsh methods. Their headstrong, yet sensitive temperaments make them more difficult to train than other breeds of dog and they are more likely to ignore commands when faced with distractions. That said, they do enjoy athletic sports such as agility and lure coursing and so there are competitive activities that the breed can still fare well in.

The Mudhol Hound is generally a very healthy breed that doesn’t tend to get sick easily. They have no problems living in hot climates as long as they’ve been acclimated to the temperature, and are able to run great distances with ease. Average lifespan is 13-14 years. Add to this fact that they don’t require any special grooming and it’s clear that they are fairly low-maintenance in general. The majority of the work comes with exercising and socializing – two important facets of Mudhol ownership.

Mudhol Hound

Photo By Tharun Gowda

 

The Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian Livestock Guardian Dog, bred for watching over sheep both in mountainous and flat terrain. He would stay with the flock all day and night, keeping watch of predators both two and four legged. This is a brave dog willing to die for his charges if need be. Maremmas are a rare breed but are recognized by the UKC in the United States and the demand for them is actually quite high from ranchers around the world. A prospective owner may need to look abroad for a puppy and be prepared to wait.

Maremmas are affectionate toward “their people”, often wanting to be as close as possible so they can keep watch (just like they did in Italy). Their affection does not look the same as the typical dog as they are not prone to kisses or jumping, but they will often lean on their person and/or give “hugs”. This said, they are not recommended as pets. This is because they were never bred to be companion animals – rather they were bred to be working dogs. They must have a job to do and most of them need a 24/7-type guarding job as was their original purpose. Without a purpose, they can become bored and/or develop serious behavior problems.

Maremma Sheepdogs are massive animals which can weigh over 100 pounds (for males). Add this to the fact that they are supremely suspicious of strangers and one can see why they could be a liability in the wrong hands! Most cannot handle other people coming into the home, at very least without the presence of their owner, which makes him very difficult to own as a pet for most people. It is not that the breed is randomly aggressive – rather that they are more likely to see threats where there are actually none. While a Maremma as a pet can be done, it would require the right puppy (with a more sociable temperament than most) from the right breeder (who is very knowledgeable about the lines) and a literal TON of continued socialization (more so than the average puppy/dog would need) to go into the right hands (an experienced owner with time to spare, who can give the puppy plenty of work to do).

The Maremma is not a guard dog in the “traditional” sense as he was never bred to be a personal protection dog. To compare, a breed such as a Rottweiler is hardwired to listen and work with the owner through protection training, while a Maremma is bred to think independently and make his own decisions about what may constitute a threat. He needs no special training to do this, but he will ignore his owner and act (or not act) depending upon his own assessment of the situation. Personal protection dogs are very different from livestock guarding dogs and do not fulfill that same purpose.

Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with young children, including infants, as long as the children are in their own family. However, they can misinterpret the interactions of children’s friends which is where the danger lays. An innocent childhood game could be seen as one child attacking “their child”, and they could potentially go after the childhood friend in a misguided attempt to protect. Furthermore, they may also have issues with older children, particularly those who act “weird” (as some teenagers are apt to do). They have a very short fuse for any form of teasing and will not tolerate it.

Maremmas get along with other dogs and animals in general, as this is essentially what they were bred to do. Most love being around livestock but are also usually fine with small animals as well. Just make sure to supervise all initial interactions, especially when it comes to young clumsy puppies and/or large unruly animals such as cattle. Accidents can always occur so use common sense! As Maremmas were bred to “be the boss” of whatever animals they are assigned to watch, they tend to be dominant and assertive. If there are two dominant dogs in a household (particularly males) that refuse to yield to each other, there may be problems.

The Maremma Sheepdog doesn’t need a lot of exercise in the form of walking although they do best living in places with land, particularly growing puppies. They need space to roam in a securely fenced area and many also prefer spaces to dig (they can create enviable craters in which to keep watch over their charges). Young puppies also need to be given appropriate things to chew on so they won’t take their teething behaviors out on something expensive (like the side of the house!). Maremma Sheepdogs can be barkers when living in a place with a lot of stimuli. Barking played an important role in their job, as they would warn any intruding enemies that they were getting too close to their territory. This is another reason why they do better in a country setting.

Maremmas definitely need to be given obedience training, both because of their size and their naturally assertive temperaments. Clean dogs by nature, they are usually quick to housebreak although obedience training may take a bit longer because of their highly independent personalities. This breed is not known for high scores in the obedience ring because they prefer to call the shots themselves. This said, they are highly intelligent and they still need to learn basic house manners/introductory obedience commands (at very least) so time must be put into this important work. They learn best when taught in several short sessions spread throughout the day. Make sure to start teaching while they are still young and more easily managed!

The Maremma does tend to shed quite heavily twice a year. The coarse, white double coat doesn’t need a lot of grooming. In fact, some working dogs coats are never groomed as the water-repellent, weather-proof coat tends to do a decent job protecting the dog from outdoor conditions. This said, if the dog is to be housed inside, one will probably want to give grooming more attention. A clean, dry dog smells better (to the owner) and feels better (to the dog) as the skin and coat will be kept fresh. Furthermore, grooming promotes coat growth and will give an overall more majestic picture. Finally, brushing helps to pull out dead hair which will lessen the severity of shedding when it happens.

Maremma Sheepdog

Photo By ACiiDMaN

 

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Originally from Croatia, the Istrian Shorthaired Hound was bred to hunt both fox and hare. This old scenthound breed is at least 100 years old (probably much more) and highly regarded as an excellent hunting dog. As might be surmised, he is a cousin to the Istrian Coarsehaired Hound – a breed which is slightly taller and wirehaired but otherwise shares many of the same attributes. Today he is mostly found in Croatia and surrounding areas, almost always as a hunting dog rather than a pet. Although rare in the United States, he is recognized by the UKC.

Istrian Shorthairs are a small to medium sized breed, weighing from 35 to 40 pounds and ideally standing no taller than 19.5 inches at the withers. Their smooth coat is hard in texture and sits atop a muscular, slightly boxy body and long tapered tail. Color is either solid white, or white with lemon patches/ticking. The broad head has a fairly distinct stop and medium-length hanging ears. They only require moderate brushing in order to keep their coat in good condition, and just regular maintenance grooming (such as regular ear cleaning and the occasional bath) for them to look their best.

As they are fairly active, Shorthaired Hounds do best in homes with yards for them to run around in, in addition to a large amount of daily exercise. They are energetic hunting dogs that are best paired with owners experienced in raising scenthounds. This really isn’t a typical “family pet” type of dog, they do best in hunting households or at least households which can replicate a similar lifestyle with exercise and mental activities. They are capable of being calm in the home (with enough of a workout) but tend to do best living outdoors with lots of mental/physical stimulation.

With their high prey drives, Istrian Shorthairs don’t always live peacefully with cats. They may or may not get along with other dogs.  They also may not the best choice in homes with children as they weren’t really bred to be companion dogs (not that it can’t be done, but make sure to introduce early and be prepared for lots of supervision). Furthermore they are fairly loud (like many other scenthounds) which also makes them more suited as hunters than pets in most traditional homes. They certainly aren’t apartment, or even city dogs! Shorthaired Hounds tend to be devoted, gentle and loyal to their owners although are not overly-playful or excessively affectionate. They are happiest when their days are filled with plenty of outdoor fun! They are suspicious of strangers which means that socialization is extremely important in puppyhood. This said, they are not guard dogs.

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is intelligent, steady and mellow in temperament but also independent. He is quite capable of all sorts of physical demands but may be a little slower to respond to obedience commands, particularly if he is engaged in any type of hunting when a command is given. As such, he requires plenty of consistency and extra proofing work around distractions. Furthermore he is prone to being overly assertive and will take control with a particularly lenient owner/trainer, so make sure to stay firm. He is trainable although may take a little longer and require a bit more work than the average dog. Make sure to start early with training and socialization for the best results!

The average lifespan of an Istrian Shorthaired Hound is between 13-14 years. For the most part a majority of these hounds are healthy although some issues, such as epilepsy and hip dysplasia, have been found in some lines. Most members of the breed are pretty hardy, however, and able to withstand the somewhat-harsh lifestyle that many hunting dogs are accustomed to. Ear infections or scrapes from hunting are the most common ailments. These are sturdy working hounds.