The Cursinu

The Cursinu (AKA the Corsican Dog) has been around since the 16th century. Originating on the island of Corsica, the Cursinu was used to herd and guard flocks, in addition to being used as a hunting dog and a guard dog for the home. This is a primitive-type breed that has faced extinction in the past due to the modernization of farming, however several clubs and interested parties are currently working to keep the breed from dying out. In the process, the breed managed to become recognized by the French Kennel Club in 2003 and currently as of today, there are over 2200 dogs recorded by the breed’s parent club in France. This relatively unknown, yet distinctively versatile breed is most often used in wild boar hunting today and is still able to handle a vast number of jobs given to it.

The Cursinu is described as a rustic country dog. The breed is active and very capable of adapting to a limitless number of jobs and tasks, particularly hunting. He is loyal and devoted to his owner and is as good of a companion as he is a reliable worker, but he does need lots of exercise – both physical as well as mental! Long walks or jogs every day would be a good start, in addition to more interesting and engaging forms of exercise. Unsurprisingly because of his background, he requires an owner who can give him jobs that provide plenty of physical and mental outlets. He would be most at home with an owner who can let him herd livestock or hunt, but could also benefit from dog sports such as tracking, rally or agility.  The breed is said to be hyperactive until about the age of 1, after which point he tends to “settle” into… a fairly energetic dog!

The Cursinu is wary around strangers but generally docile and affectionate with those whom he knows. His alert nature, territorial disposition, and tendency to bark when he feels something is wrong makes the Cursinu a good watchdog and even guard dog. He can be protective of his owners if he feels they are in danger. He is gentle with children and can get along with cats when socialized to them early. With other dogs he is usually polite yet reserved. Although he’s great with most animals, small pocket pets may be in danger if they are left to wander the home un-caged because of this breed’s high prey drive. This prey drive also makes him more likely to wander so a fenced yard is definitely recommended!

The Cursinu is a very healthy breed in general with no health issues regularly seen, and an average lifespan of 12-15 years. He can adapt to any type of weather and is able to live either inside or outside. Many owners find that the breed requires only very infrequent visits to the vet and is quite low-maintenance in terms of health care. Grooming is also considered low-maintenance as he requires only an easy weekly brushing and the occasional bath. Nail trimming, dental care, and ear cleaning should also be added to the schedule but is easy enough to complete. Shedding is fairly low all year round, with slightly more hair loss twice a year.

The Cursinu is intelligent yet independent, and often requires more training than other breeds because of this independence. He also has a stubborn nature combined with a strong prey drive meaning that an owner/trainer must be patient when working him around highly distractible situations. With a strong personality and an often willful nature, an owner needs to be firm with this breed while remaining fair. Furthermore, without enough physical and mental stimulation (AKA training) the Cursinu can be destructive. Just one more reason that training is a necessity!

The Cursinu is a medium-sized dog with either a short or mid-length coat – the latter which often comes with fringes. The color is most often brindle in a variety of different shades. The ears are either hanging or rose shaped, but always triangular. The muzzle is shaped like a truncated pyramid and relatively thin. The tail is long, thick and well supplied with hair. At rest the tail can either hang low or be curled up onto the back.

The Cursinu

Photo By Küchenkraut

 

The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog

The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a devoted livestock guardian breed and household watchdog with an even temperament and generally calm demeanor. He loves his human family with all of his heart and is a dependable companion and alert protector. With a dignified personality that matches his grandiose appearance, this is not the type of dog that will demand attention frequently or otherwise act like an obnoxious pest, nor will he cower in the corner anxiously. This is a confident but laid-back breed that will step up to any challenge if he feels his owner or other charges are in danger, and the breed is well-known for even confronting bears when necessary – usually while protecting cattle. The breed gets its name from the raven-black color of the coat, and has been recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club since 2008.

The Romanian Raven Shepherd has an abundant, medium-long coat which is straight and rough. The head and parts of the legs are covered with short hair. As mentioned above, the color is always black, or black with white markings on the chest and forequarters although black must cover at least 80% of the dog. When two dogs of otherwise equal merit are being judged, the dog with the most black should be prioritized. Other key traits of the breed include a deep chest, a powerful and massive head, small almond-shaped eyes, v-shaped hanging ears, and a high-set pendant tail.

Ravens are active dogs that can get silly and joyous in play with their owners, and especially love playing with children. They tend to be gentle even with the smallest of kids. They do need owners that are able to exercise them regularly not only with games in the backyard but also with long daily walks of at least an hour a day. For this reason the breed isn’t for everyone as they require not only active owners, but those who live in homes with enough space to accommodate them. Like many livestock guardians, Ravens are often good with all sorts of animals as long as they are introduced to them while young. This includes cats and even smaller pets. This tolerance doesn’t hold true for animals that wander into their territory however, as they are not very forgiving towards strange dogs (or other animals) that suddenly appear on their property.

The Romanian Raven has a loud, thunderous voice which he will use when a stranger enters the property. He may tend to bark frequently, as anything out of place may cause his suspicions to rise so he is best living in a home without close neighbors! Like most livestock guardian dogs he is suspicious of people whom he doesn’t know. Standing up to 31 inches at the withers and reaching up to 130 pounds, this dog can easily take down a threat if he needs to! For this reason it’s doubly important to socialize him extensively while young to ensure the proper temperament develops. Even with socialization, know that this isn’t the best dog for people who enjoy throwing weekly parties at the house as he doesn’t love having house guests over.

Raven Shepherds are intelligent and generally submissive to their owners, making them easy to train in general. This said, they are independent-minded and are not push-button obedience dogs either. With consistency and plenty of guidance, however, they can become wonderfully trained members of the family! As the breed tends to live an average of 12 years it is important to start young and introduce training while they are still at an easier size to manage. It is also interesting to note that although they usually love everyone in the family, they will generally choose one person who they are more likely to “listen to”. This said, the whole family can (and should) take part in training as this will benefit everyone and promote an even stronger bond!

Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog

Photo By Canarian

 

The Medji

The Medji (AKA the Small Medimurje Dog) is a hundred-year-old Croatian rat hunting breed with a huge heart inside his tiny frame! He enjoys living life to the fullest, and his happy nature can be contagious to those around him! Although rodent duty was the first and primary job for this little dog, he was also used as a general farm dog and is currently classified in the herding category for the Croatian Kennel Club. Described in the standard as having features of a good guard dog without being aggressive (he will bark at new people but is otherwise friendly), he is loyal to his family (including kids) but reserved towards strangers. This is a very active breed that gets along well with other dogs but may not be a good match with free-roaming pocket pets such as mice or hamsters. This wonderful temperament combined with a compact size (and ability to live in an apartment) means that the breed is slowly gaining popularity in Croatia.

The Medji is easy to keep and fairly undemanding as long as his basic needs are met. He has a very level head and an exceptionally stable temperament. He loves to play and to shower his loved ones with affection. The breed is obedient, highly intelligent and easily trained. He can be successful in dog sports such as rally and agility, and is equally skilled at catching rodents. This has always been an adaptable breed and he can do almost any job asked of him, and tends to do so with a curious and excited nature. He has a working aptitude and enjoys being given a job to do!

The Medji comes in a variety of colors – including single-color, two-color or tri-color selections. Single colors include various shades of brown, as well as black, gray or yellow. Two-colors either combine two of the aforementioned colors or instead combine one of those colors with white. White should never account for more than one third of the body. Tri-color follows the same rules as the two-color patterns, although (obviously) with three colors. The high set tail is usually long and profusely feathered, although occasionally short-tailed dogs are born which are also permitted in the standard. Ears are erect, triangular and of a medium size. The body is rectangular with short legs. The coat is short, coarse and thick, and does shed regularly.

Medji

Photo By Canarian

 

The Colombian Fino Hound

The Colombian Fino Hound, AKA the Sabueso Fino Colombiano, is an active and energetic scenthound developed to track and hunt large rodents such as the Capybara and Lowland Paca. His background is shrouded in mystery but might include the Bloodhound, the Spanish Hound, foxhound breeds, and possibly some pointing breeds as well. This very rare hound was developed over 200 years ago in Colombia and has been owned by all classes of people but more commonly kept in rural areas. As of today, he is only recognized by the Colombian Kennel Club however despite his rarity in most of the world, there were about 10,000 members of the breed in Colombia as if 2015. Super social – he is a great choice for a hunter as well as a family companion as he gets along well with both humans of all ages and other dogs. This affectionate hound also tends to love strangers so guard dog duties are probably a no-go.

Colombians are intelligent and can be trained (especially when there are no distractions around), but can be stubborn and willful if they catch the scent of prey. Owners need to be patient when it comes to obedience training! Because of their prey drive it can be hard to keep this hound in a home with cats or other small animals. Training can help mitigate some risk but an owner is taking a gamble dealing with this strong inborn trait to hunt. It is also wise to realize this breed is vocal by nature and while training may curtail it somewhat… this is unlikely to go away completely. Rather than trying to fit this hound into a home which is unsuitable, it makes sense instead to match him only with owners which fit his needs and quirks. And when it comes to training – all dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Colombian is no exception, but many would also excel in specialized training which works to their strengths: such as scentwork or flyball!

As the Fino is quite energetic he does need regular daily exercise to keep him happy and healthy. He has a very strong sense of smell and a high aptitude for hunting which means that daily walks or jogging sessions will most likely be mixed with plenty of sniff-fests along the way! Even better – take him out hunting and you’ll see a hardworking hound emerge which is an even better form of exercise! This is not a couch potato breed by any means and does best with active owners as he needs daily outings regardless of weather. This hound won’t fare well in an apartment and needs a place with room to stretch out in addition to regular walks or hikes.

Colombian Finos come in two sizes – the standard size which reaches a top height at the withers of about 20″, and a large which reaches up to about 24″ and may be more robust. So in general the standard is a small to medium sized hound while the large is a medium to large size. The body is rectangular in proportion, with distinctively long hanging ears and a long tail which reaches beyond the hock. The muzzle is slightly short yet rectangular. The coat is smooth, shiny, and sheds only moderately. When it comes to color, the breed is allowed in black, brown, red, white and brindle, and that “different shades, tones, patterns and combinations of these colors are acceptable”.

The Fino Hound can work for a first-time dog owner (in the right situation) as he is particularly loyal and has an easy-going temperament. There are a few health issues in the breed to be aware of – primarily hip dysplasia, but most individuals are healthy and hardy. When it comes to grooming this breed is easy and only requires the occasional brushing and bath to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Otherwise he benefits from regular eye and ear cleaning – particularly ears as breeds with long hanging ears are more prone to infection. Finally, while he can be prone to become overweight through overeating, keeping him on a regular ration of food isn’t difficult for a new owner to learn to do. His friendly nature with people and other dogs is also a big plus for novice owners! As long as the prospective owner is active and ready to dedicate plenty of time to exercise this hound, it can be a wonderful pairing!

The Colombian Fino Hound

Photo By D1090

 

The Georgian Mountain Dog

The Georgian Mountain Dog is not from the American state of Georgia, but rather he originates from the country of Georgia- where he is the national animal of the country. This is an old guarding (property protection) and livestock guardian (livestock protection) breed that descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, and is highly related to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. At one point threatened with extinction, a group of dedicated breeders with the purpose of preserving this powerful dog has been working diligently to ensure the breed’s survival. The Cynological Federation of Georgia recognized the breed standard in the year 2000 and hosts shows so that breeders can continue their work. This molosser can be identified by a massive head, high-set ears traditionally cropped extra short, a short yet thick double coat which can appear in any color, and a heavy distrust of strangers.

Georgians are courageous yet calm, and are well known to have a very high suspicion of strangers. They are extremely protective of their families (including livestock and other pets) and won’t hesitate to defend if they feel they need to. This dog is not for the novice, for if they suspect danger they won’t wait around, choosing to act quickly whether or not actual danger exists! An owner must be very knowledgeable and experienced with handling the unique personality of a livestock guardian dog, including early and frequent training and socialization. This said, when raised correctly the breed should not be aggressive towards his owners, and in fact will form a very tight bond with them.

Georgians can be gentle with children and will often play more carefully with them than they might an older person. They also share a gentle nature with family livestock and household pets including cats, as long as they consider those animals to be part of their family. When it comes to strange animals or wild animals however, they are not so kind. This trait makes sense when one remembers their original purpose was to protect their herd or family group from predators and/or outside danger. With other dogs, they usually only get along with those in their household, although there may be some initial scuffles with housemates as the dogs decide where they stand with each other. Not a breed generally known for its dog-sociability skills, they have historically (and unfortunately) been used in dog fighting pits. The Georgian Mountain Dog

The standard of the Georgian Mountain calls him a dog of “robust constitution” but he is definitely not a huge couch potato! Rather, he is an athletic dog fully capable of long exercise routines in even the worst of weather. He does need regular daily exercise in order to thrive. He will not do well in an apartment or even a small house as he needs room to stretch out. Traditionally the breed is kept outside to guard the flock or home, and while he can be an indoor dog he prefers to be outside as much as possible so that he can patrol a large yard. When given regular exercise and correct care, the typical lifespan is 11-12 years and the breed as a whole is not prone to any particular health issues (although any dog of any breed or mix can always develop an issue).

Georgian Mountain Dogs require patient owners when it comes to training, and furthermore they tend to be dominant which means household rules must be in place and upheld at all times. A wishy-washy owner will not be a good fit for this strong assertive breed, as they require someone firm and experienced. Add in the fact that this giant breed can reach 30″ or so, and can weigh anywhere from 100-200 pounds, and it becomes obvious that an out-of-control Georgian is a disaster in the making! With the right owner, however, this strong breed is known for being clever and is capable of being taught obedience. This said, the primary goal of this dog is that of serious protector.

The Basque Shepherd Dog

The Basque Shepherd Dog (AKA the Perro de Pastor Vasco) hails from Spain where he has been traditionally utilized as a herding dog and a protector of sheep and other herd animals. He was also used to guard farmhouses. Originally developed on its own without much human intervention, the breed was eventually standardized and then recognized in 1995 by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but is probably much, much older. It is suspected that this breed is in the background of a more well-known breed here in the United States, the Australian Shepherd. Unfortunately, this rare breed is currently endangered with only 700-1000 individuals remaining today.

The Basque is sweet and loyal to his owners but territorial when around strangers until he gets to know them. Naturally protective, he can make a decent guard dog when danger is afoot although for the most part he is demonstratively affectionate and happy. In other words, he is not as serious as dogs whose primary purpose was to guard, and probably shouldn’t be counted on as a personal protection dog, but he can definitely do light-duty guarding duties. Naturally gentle, he can get along well with children, the elderly and other pets despite having extremely high energy and boundless enthusiasm! Note for prospective owners – your mileage may vary and always take your particular circumstances into account. Also take into account that younger dogs are less likely to be able to control their energy and a bit of maturity may be necessary before setting them loose around very small children.

The Basque Shepherd is a dog that needs active owners which can give him lots of outdoor exercise every day (for it can be quite the task to wear him out) but that doesn’t mean he can’t make a good pet! In Spain, he is already known to be a wonderful companion for those who have the room and the energy to meet his needs. It is common to see him on farms, and it is in this setting that he does best as it allows him room to exercise. Be prepared that in addition to a big yard, he needs daily outings which can include walks or even swimming sessions. He’s a high energy, high-exercise-needing dog and without enough physical stimulation he can develop frustrating behavior problems. Obviously, apartments are a no-go for this breed!

Basque Shepherd Dogs come in two separate varieties – Iletsua (rough coated) and Gorbeiakoa (soft coated, medium-length hair). Both can appear in blonde or fawn, while the Gorbeiakoa can also appear in a fire-red and the Iletsua can come in a cinnamon color. Both coat types require a medium amount of care and while it isn’t recommended to bathe super frequently, they do benefit from a good brush a few times a week. When it comes to size, Basques are generally medium in size although the Iletsuas are sometimes a little bigger. The average lifespan of both varieties is 12-15 years, particularly when vet care and routine grooming is taken care of including attention to dental hygiene. For the most part this is a healthy breed, although hip dysplasia, eye problems and cancer are things to watch out for.

Basques are highly intelligent and quick-learning but do require owners who will set and enforce household rules, for they will test boundaries. This is not a breed for the novice owner as they require lots of mental stimulation and ongoing training to keep them happy! When matched with the right owners, however, their talents know no bounds and they can become skillful competition dogs if so desired. They have been known to be very successful in dog sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, tracking, freestyle and parkour! Whether the plan is to raise a competitive teammate or simply to have a well-behaved companion, it is always recommended to start early with training and socialization. Most love to please their owners but also have a naughty, impish side that can emerge when they are bored or they become tired of repetition. They will keep you on your toes!

Basque Shepherd Dog

Photo By Inigoruiz

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is an ancient French breed created to hunt feathered game such as woodcock and waterfowl in all sorts of different terrain. Originating in the 16th century, he almost (but not quite) went extinct by the end of World War 2. Thankfully he was single-handedly brought back from the brink by a young priest – Father Robert Billardin, in the mid-1900’s. While still very rare and recognized only by the Societe Centrale Canine, there are fanciers of the breed in various parts of the world working on the breed’s continued revival and a parent club was created for the breed in 1990. Those “in the know” state that this is a very loving and affectionate breed with a wonderful balanced temperament.

The Usuge is easy to train and quite intelligent, often taking very well to obedience. Unlike many breeds created to hunt, they aren’t nearly as distractable when confronted with prey animals and are easier to be train to a strong recall. Most have a strong desire to please although can be on the sensitive side so it’s up to the owner to make sure not to push them harder than they can handle. With only a little bit of work, this spaniel learns manners very easily!

The standard of the Saint-Usuge states that he should have a balanced, elegant appearance. The breed can be recognized by his slightly domed skull, round eyes, hanging ears covered in flowing hair and his always-brown and white coloration. He has a long feathered tail, a medium-sized muscular body and his coat is medium-length, silky and slightly wavy with shorter hair on the head and front of legs. All puppies are said to be born with a white star on their foreheads which may or may not disappear in adulthood.

Usuge Spaniels do best in homes with at least a moderate sized yard so that they can run around and stretch their legs, but can live in a smaller home or even an apartment as long as they are given regular exercise. They are always game for hiking or jogging excursions with their owners, but will also do well with just a good daily walk. They love being taken on hunting trips and make excellent dual-purpose (hunting and companion) dogs!  Natural companions, they are gentle and fit in well in households with children and other pets alike – with the exception of pet birds for obvious reasons! This people-loving and docile breed often wants nothing more than to follow “their people” around from room to room, and as such this velcro dog isn’t prone to wandering off.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is always up for playing games and being silly and, being a water-lover, especially loves any games involving H2O! He won’t mind making a fool of himself whether romping in the yard with kids or relaxing on the couch in his favorite position. He’s a happy-go-lucky spaniel that enjoys getting all out of life that he can! When it comes time to hunt he’ll put on his courageous face and will rush head-first into that as well. While he can be hard to find in the United States, this is a top-notch breed for a novice owner or experienced hunter alike.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel

Photo By Canarian

 

The Dogo Guatemalteco

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a molosser recognized only by the Asociación Canofila Guatemalteca – the first standard being published in 1972. It is known only in a few parts of the world – primarily in its home country of Guatemala where it is the only native breed, and has therefore been granted the title of the country’s national breed. This dog is the result of crossing the Bull Terrier, Boxer and Dalmatian in the late 1800’s and for a while was known as the Guatemalan Bull Terrier until the name was later changed. Despite a similar appearance to the Dogo Argentino, the two breeds are themselves not related although they do share a couple of ancestor breeds (Bull Terriers and Boxers). Of the two, the Guatemalan is actually an older breed. Like the Argentino, Guatemalans are usually primarily white although it is preferred for them to have markings of other colors on their face. Another physical difference is the tail, which is often (although not always) docked.

Guatemaltecos are known for being physically strong and agile. In terms of temperament, when raised correctly they should be sound-minded and stable although courageous when necessary. They are alert to, and cautious around, strangers and don’t tend to be overly friendly unless the person is a friend of the family/owner. This is a guard dog and a territorial one at that. They don’t generally tend to like strangers coming onto their properties. When it comes to their owners they are calm and affectionate – gladly obeying orders and tending to become very loyal dogs. Many are one-person dogs, becoming most bonded to the person they spend the most time with. In fact, they can be difficult to re-home if something ends up happening and they can no longer stay with their original owner/s.

Dogo Guatemaltecos are medium in height but have a sturdy, muscular build making them powerful dogs. This, combined with their serious temperament means that they are not a breed for the novice owner! With poor management they can become aggressive, which means they need an experienced owner who is prepared to “run a tight ship” at home. The breed must receive obedience training from a young age and live in a household where everyday rules are enforced. Without this structure they can be prone to putting themselves in the head position of the house, which can be a dangerous situation. Take note that training may be a slow process as they are a stubborn breed.

The Guatemalteco has a smooth, harsh coat that does require some regular grooming. They shed heavily which means they will need to be brushed a minimum of once a week, if not even several times a week. While some breeds shed more frequently at only certain seasons, the Guatemalan tends to shed heavily year-round. Nails should be groomed weekly and baths given occasionally (too much bathing or the use of cheap shampoo can exacerbate skin allergy issues). This is also a drooling breed which means keeping towels handy around the house will help an owner clean up drool before it ends up on furniture and floors! In terms of physical care, the Guatemalan Dogo has a medium activity level and requires regular exercise on-lead – 45 minutes to an hour each day should be sufficient. When at home he needs a securely fenced yard to keep him on the property while he roams and patrols.

While the primary purpose of the Dogo Guatemalteco was that of guard dog, he was unfortunately also used in dog fighting. This means that many cannot be trusted with other dogs regardless of how long they have known each other. It goes without saying this breed will probably not do well in a dog park situation! On the other hand, Guatemalans can live in families with children if they are raised with them and as long as the parents are experienced with guarding breeds. While not a dog for a novice, they can be loyal guardians for the right knowledgeable owner.

Guatemalan Dogo

Photo By Blabriel

 

The Polish Hunting Dog

The Polish Hunting Dog is an ancient scenthound mainly used for hunting deer and wild boar, and is also used for tracking purposes. Like his cousin the Polish Hound, his ancestors are said to go back to the 13th century. This is a rare breed that is not recognized in the United States although is recognized by the FCI overseas. In terms of hunting abilities and temperament – unlike some scenthounds which were bred to face off against (sometimes very tough) prey, this breed is less likely to jump into a fight that he may lose. He’s generally more of a good-natured and noble fellow than he is a scrappy fighter.

The Hunting Dog isn’t overly stubborn in the way that many scenthounds can be, but can still get caught up and distracted if he sniffs something interesting. Every backyard excursion is likely to include a large amount of time sniffing and investigating the grounds for signs of wildlife. This means that he is amiable and ready to listen in the home when there aren’t distractions to deal with, but that will likely go out the window once he goes outside! With a high prey drive, households with small pets will want to keep those pets safely away from this hunter, and those with cats may want to consider a different breed altogether. On the plus side, the Hunting Dog tends to get along great with other dogs (and also children for that matter). With families, he is not usually recommended for those with very small kids or children who don’t know how to be gentle – he is far too sensitive for harsh handling and may react badly.

The Hunting Dog is intelligent and requires an outlet for his mind. In other words, he needs a job to do! Luckily, he can be quite successful when trained in dog sports including agility, obedience and canine freestyle. An owner must always keep in mind his high exercise requirement when it comes to training, however. If he has spent too much time cooped up in the house he’s going to be harder to train than if that excitable energy has had a proper outlet to be expelled. With enough exercise to get him into the right frame of mind, he can be pleasant and easy to train. It bears repeating again that this breed is sensitive and doesn’t do well when training is overly harsh! Loyal and eager to please, he enjoys learning when it comes from a trusted owner.

Polish Hunting Dogs are quite loving and affectionate towards their owners but may be aloof and suspicious of strangers at first. Once they get to know a new person, however, they become friendly and are always level-headed. They will befriend neighbors as well, and may either bewitch them with their beautiful voices (which can be heard loud and far) or annoy them, depending on the proximity of the neighbor’s property! This unique voice was bred into them in order to signal the hunter as to their whereabouts and hunting status.

Hunting Dogs need owners that are active and able to exercise their hounds daily. They require daily jogs that span at least a couple miles for each excursion, and/or have at least 90 minutes a day being exercised A home with a big backyard isn’t enough! The gold standard of exercise would include regular hunting trips combined with running (both free running in a fenced yard and running on lead with the owner) and games at home. Those without enough exercise will quickly become bored and prone to behavior issues such as excessive barking, digging in the yard, or chewing up your stuff! It would be hard to imagine a member of this breed thriving in an apartment or even a home with a small backyard unless they were constantly being taken out to run and hunt.

Polish Hunting Dogs are medium in size with deep chests. The coat is smooth and harsh to the touch, with abundant undercoat. Surprisingly, it is water resistant! It requires only a weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep clean and healthy – the breed doesn’t tend to be overly stinky. The coat sheds a moderate amount and is not hypoallergenic. Color possibilities include black/tan, chocolate/tan, or red. The hanging ears are low set and broad at the base. The long tail, carried low at rest and high when moving, is adorned with a brush at the tip.

Polish Hunting Dog

Photo By Grzegorz Weron

 

The Serrano Bulldog

Recognized only by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia, the Serrano Bulldog originated (quite obviously) in Brazil. The word serrano indicates “mountains” or “hills”, pointing to the type of region that the breed evolved in. Their ancestors were dogs brought to Brazil by European immigrants in the 1800’s, and they were originally used for herding cattle and pigs in slaughterhouses. They were said to have dragged the pigs by the ears and helped to control the animals. In the 1970’s this was eventually deemed unhygienic and the breed became more scarce for awhile until eventually being revived and then recognized fairly recently. They share a similar background to another Brazilian breed, the Campeiro Bulldog, which is a heavier cousin that developed in different regions of the country.

Temperament is very important in the Serrano, as they are supposed to be balanced and easy-going for the most part while still retaining the ability to attack if necessary (whether the owner tells them to or they make the decision that it’s required). This molosser breed is a guard dog through and through when the situation calls for it, however should never be unduly aggressive to people or other (known) dogs, and in fact should be fairly submissive to their owner. Keep in mind that although they shouldn’t be unduly aggressive, they will be suspicious of strangers and strange dogs. Serranos are loyal to their owners and carry themselves with dignity.

The Serrano Bulldog is intelligent and calm in the home. When working, he is spirited and has the energy needed to do the job that is asked of him – either as a guard dog or as a cattle herder. He also has the courage required to do both jobs. Even still, he is gentle enough to live with children. Quiet and only requiring a moderate amount of activity, he would be desirable in many households except for the fact that he can be difficult to train and he does have natural suspicions towards strangers that require an experienced owner. The Serrano lives on average 10-12 years and isn’t known for having any breed-specific health issues.

Serrano Bulldogs aren’t particularly tall, and would be considered a medium sized dog if it weren’t for their fairly substantial bulk which can put the biggest males close to 90 pounds! In particular, a large wide head with an undershot jaw are distinguishing features of the breed. The tail is either corkscrew, curled or occasionally long and straight. The coat is smooth and allowable in any color.

Serrano Bulldog

Photo By Ivanor Oliviecki