The Segugio Maremmano

The Segugio Maremmano is a scenthound from the area of Maremma, in Tuscany Italy. Primarily used to track and hunt wild boar, they are also occasionally used to hunt other animals such as hare. An extremely rare breed in America, they are recognized by the Italian Kennel Club and are provisionally recognized by the FCI. In fact, despite their rareness in most of the world the breed is booming in their home country, in particular owned and appreciated by hunters. A large gene pool and many separate bloodlines means this breed should continue to remain healthy and genetically diverse for the foreseeable future. The average lifespan of this robust hound is 13-14 years, and there are no frequently-seen health issues as of yet.

Segugios are a medium-sized breed with a lot of energy. They need the type of owner that can get them out and exercise with them regularly. An ideal owner doesn’t necessarily need to do frequent grooming (the breed is low maintenance in that regard), but does need to be active and physically fit enough to keep up! The perfect home may or may not include kids and/or other dogs (this hound is friendly with both), and if either exists in the household, can also help in the exercising process – older kids and active dog playmates can make great exercise companions! In fact, another dog is highly recommended to keep this social hound company. When it comes to specific exercise – a game of ball is a fun way to work out in the backyard and a hike on the weekend is the perfect way to end a good week. Combine this with regular walks and doggie playtime with a canine companion and you’ll be set!

The intelligent Maremmano has a high capability to be trained and it is recommended to start young and to incorporate early socialization at the same time. This breed needs mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise and training is essential for healthy brain development. The Maremmano needs lots and lots of consistency, and an owner may need an extra bit of patience as the breed can also be extremely stubborn.

The Segugio Maremmano can come in one of two different coat types. Short haired is the most popular and commonly seen “variant”, although they also come in a rough haired variety. Either variety can appear in either fawn, black/tan or brindle coloration. The breed has triangular-shaped ears which hang to the side of the cheeks, a well-developed wide chest, and a tail that can be either long or docked about halfway down the tail (which is more frequently seen). They are smaller and less elegant in stature than their Italian cousin, the Italian Hound.

The Segugio is a very loyal dog that forms a strong bond with his owner. In Italy, it is more common for him to be owned by a hunter than strictly as a companion dog but he can make a fine companion when matched with the right household. He is not a dog for an apartment-dweller, both because of his loud hound voice which can bother close neighbors as well as his high exercise requirement. A home with a large yard is a much better situation for him! He also requires an owner who isn’t gone for long periods of time as he can become lonely without human interaction. Hunting dogs are used to working and engaging with their human counterparts as well as their fellow dog pack mates. They are social and not meant to be alone for long stretches of time.

Segugio Maremmano

Photo By Canarian

 

The Leonese Sheepdog

The Leonese Sheepdog is a herding breed from Spain, and a likely ancestor of the Australian Shepherd. An extremely rare breed with only around 500 specimens, they are recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but are otherwise relatively unknown. In fact, fanciers of the breed are working towards getting them more well known as they fear the breed will go extinct without careful intervention. This breed is known for being very alert and agile while working, and they are talented at their herding jobs – being able to work in any weather condition but especially the harsh cold. Like most herding breeds they are very active and intelligent. Not only do they possess natural herding abilities, but are quick to learn the more intricate details that are taught to them in training sessions. Traditionally they work with Spanish Mastiffs out in the field – the larger breed taking care of protection duty while the Leonese manages the movement of the flock.

The Leonese Sheepdog is a brave and courageous dog. Although their original task was that of a herding breed rather than a guard, they still needed enough courage and tenacity to take on an unruly flock. Able to work sheep, goats, horses or cattle, sometimes the flocks could be difficult to manage and so it was important that they had a “spitfire” temperament that would bite back if needed! It is this temperament that allowed them to do their job, but also means that they don’t always get along with other dogs. Neither are they the best choice in a home with children as they were built to be working dogs and not family dogs.

The Leonese isn’t a big fan of strangers and would much rather be with his owner, whom he tends to form a deep attachment to. Although he isn’t known for being overly demonstrative with his affection, he is eager to please his owner and is a quick-study. He loves to learn as long as it means spending time with his favorite person! He is not known to be overly bossy or stubborn to his owner although can be territorial towards strangers who encroach upon his turf. It is important to socialize this breed early, for he can become somewhat aggressive towards those he doesn’t know without this important early socialization. Even with socialization he is aloof at best – shy and nervous at worst.

The Leonese Sheepdog is a breed that needs lots of daily exercise and room to run, and as such has been traditionally used as a working dog rather than a pet. The breed does best living in the countryside or in a home with a large fenced yard. He would be a bad match for someone living in the city and an even worse match for someone living in an apartment! He also needs plenty of mental stimulation as well, in the form of training, puzzles and other stimulating activities. The average dog owner would not be a good match for active breed as it takes someone with enough energy and the right location to keep up! Ideally, an owner would have a flock for the dog to work but if not, dog sports can be a substitute. This breed can compete successfully in sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, conformation, and tracking. He is recommended only for experienced owners.

The Leonese is a medium sized dog with a pointed muzzle and ears that are either hanging or rose (and can be semi-erect when alert). The tail is long and carried low in a sabre fashion. The double coat can be either short or medium in length, can be slightly curly, and can come in either black or harlequin. Either of these colors can include tan points, but don’t need to. The breed as a whole is incredibly healthy, with no major health issues associated with it. Overall the average lifespan is 12-13 years.

The Leonese does require some grooming, particularly the medium coated variety. He needs to be brushed a couple times a week (especially during shedding season) and given a bath every 6 weeks. Working dogs that are frequently outside need regular checks of their skin and coat to be sure brambles and other spiky plant life isn’t embedding itself in the skin. Otherwise, making sure that the dog is being fed a good food, getting regular exercise and routine vet care will all help to ensure a healthy dog inside and out!

Leonese Sheepdog

Photo By Jose Miguel Pintor Ortego

 

The Brazilian Tracker

The Brazilian Tracker was originally recognized by the FCI in 1967 and was bred to hunt wild pigs and jaguars. Unfortunately, not long after they were created, almost all members of the breed died from an outbreak of disease. Those that weren’t killed by disease instead tragically succumbed to death via excess insecticide from a negligent farm worker. How did these two events wipe out almost the entire bloodline? The Tracker was only being bred by one man at the time, meaning most dogs were on his property when these happenings occurred. Not willing to give up, fanciers of this large scenthound formed the Rastreador Brasileiro Breed Improvement Group in an effort to recreate them, and successfully did so! The breed was re-recognized by the Brazilian Kennel Club in 2013.

Like many hounds, the Tracker can be obstinate and independent (meaning difficult to train) but ultimately is good-natured and docile. Although not overly-affectionate, he forms a strong bond with his human family despite the fact that he has always been bred as a hunting dog rather than as a pet. While he can make a fine companion for the right person, prospective owners should be prepared for his extremely high prey drive, stubborn nature and high energy. He needs to be able to run and exercise excessively every day or he’ll become bored and develop problematic behaviors. Furthermore he needs a job to do. If he’s not used as a hunting dog, a similar activity must be substituted.

Brazilian Trackers are big into digging and even bigger into chasing small animals! This holds true with both wild animals such as squirrels, as well as domesticated pets. He would make a horrible companion for a cat! His high energy level also means he’s likely to bowl over toddlers and younger kids. He would be better in a home with older children or no children at all. He is friendly but has a hard time controlling his energy, which means he also isn’t a good match for senior citizens. He does get along very well with other dogs, however, and can work/hunt easily in a large pack without showing aggression.

The Tracker tends to live 11-13 years. Because the recreation of the breed is relatively new, there is not a lot of health information at this time.

The Brazilian Tracker is a beautiful dog! One of the most striking of his physical features is the wonderful array of color patterns he is allowed to come in. Patterns include blue mottled, tricolor, or bicolor (which can include white/fawn, white/black or black/fawn) – and any of these patterns can appear with additional fawn markings on the head or body. The coat itself is smooth and dense, is low-shedding, and requires very little grooming. His general appearance shows similarities to the various coonhound breeds in his ancestry, including a long muzzle and long hanging ears.

The Brazilian Tracker

Photo By Gilson MACEDO

 

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog’s history begins the same way as the German Shepherd Dog, as the two were once the same breed. Although the color white has been in the GSD breed since the beginning, it eventually became a disqualifying fault – one which not everyone agreed upon. Fanciers of the white variety wanted to keep the color alive and subsequently certain breeders focused on that particular color, which began to spawn a divergent bloodline. Several countries were focused on this project, but it was in Switzerland that the White Swiss was finally recognized by its kennel club in 1991 (under the name Berger Blanc Suisse) and eventually the FCI in 2011. Aside from color, fanciers focused on a specific type. Compared to the GSD, the White Swiss standard features a higher held head, a non-sloping topline, a difference in the front and rear assemblies, and a different gait. A long coat is also fully accepted in the standard.

Aside from his elegant appearance, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed which is better suited to experienced owners. He can be somewhat protective of his owners and requires an person that understands how to manage this. He also may or may not be super excited about meeting strange dogs. Furthermore, he requires a house with a fenced yard and a medium amount of grooming – particularly the long coated variety, as he does shed. These are all aspects which novice owners may not be prepared to deal with.

The White Swiss is a versatile breed able to compete in a number of different sports and activities including herding (its original purpose), tracking, conformation, obedience, agility, dock diving, coursing, weight pull, drag racing, barn hunt and flyball. Some work as search and rescue dogs, others as therapy dogs, and a select few as service dogs. They are a breed that has a strong drive to work and enough energy to do that work all day! Athletic and capable, this talented breed also boasts high intelligence and easiness to train. It’s important to note that they are fairly sensitive and don’t learn well when trained overly harshly. They also can take a bit longer to mature psychologically than some other breeds of dog. Make sure that early and frequent socialization is part of the training plan. White Swiss Shepherd Dog

One might wonder if the Berger Blanc Suisse/White Swiss Shepherd (BBS/WSSD) is the same thing as a white colored German Shepherd Dog (GSD) or a UKC White Shepherd (WS). Here’s where things get confusing… yes and no. If one were to import a BBS/WSSD puppy and register it in AKC – they would be able to, except that the AKC would register it as a GSD. One could also import a BBS/WSSD puppy and register with the UKC, and the UKC would register it as a WS. But any potential offspring would not be able to be registered as a BBS/WSSD. It helps to think of each as a separate breed OR a separate bloodline, depending upon which organization is doing the classification. Most of the world does consider the BBS/WSSD to be a separate breed entirely but it is left to be seen whether or not the AKC eventually follows suit. It could be said that the breeds are genetically the same although the BBS/WSSD has a distinctly different standard. Clear as mud? Good.

The Swiss Shepherd is known for his kind and gentle temperament. He is excellent with children and makes a fantastic companion for both singles and families alike, although his large size and energy level may make him unsuitable for those with small toddlers. He is attentive, loyal and develops a strong bond – so much so that he will not thrive if not able to spend time with his owner/s. He should not be an outdoor-only dog, nor should live in a home where nobody is home for most of the day. He deeply needs his people and wants to be near them as much as possible.

White Swiss Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise – in some cases up to two hours – so that they don’t get bored. Otherwise they can become destructive and loud. The breed thrives when given tasks to do and truly need a job (or three) to occupy their time! This canine athlete is generally healthy and up for anything, although a few health issues do run in the lines. Prospective owners should make sure that breeders do their due diligence when it comes to hip and elbow dysplasia and joint issues, and owners should also make sure not to over-exercise young puppies in ways which can stress growing joints.  When healthy, members of the breed tend to live for 11-13 years and will stay active and capable of greatness for a long time.

The Small Swiss Hound

The Small Swiss Hound was created in order to have a smaller hound that could hunt more easily in a diminished area. In Switzerland at the turn of the century, enclosed hunting grounds were introduced to the country. These areas of land were too small for the popular Swiss Hounds to easily hunt as they simply ran too quickly, which necessitated a breed with shorter legs that wouldn’t cross the predetermined borders so easily and speedily! The Swiss Hounds were crossed with Bassets, and these smaller hounds fit the bill as they were just as skilled at trailing game and had just as much exuberance to hunt, but would do so at a slower pace. The first breed club was formed in 1905, and roughly a hundred years later they were also recognized by the UKC.

Energetic and friendly, the Small Swiss makes a great companion to those who can keep up with their exercise requirements, and who are able to put time and effort into training. These hounds possess big personalities and will let their owner know when they’re happy or when they’re unhappy – and will do so with lots of pizzazz! If not given enough attention they’ll think nothing of making a big destructive mess, and/or telling the neighbors all about their grievances. Like other scenthounds, they possess loud and melodic abilities to howl and bay! This said, if their mental and physical needs for exercise are met they can be calm and easygoing in the home, albeit possibly a little on the loud side.

The Small Swiss comes in the same four distinct color patterns as the original Swiss Hound. These include the bernese (tricolor), jura (black/tan), lucerne (blue speckled/tan), and schwyz (white/orange). Interestingly while the breed is usually smooth coated, the bernese color alone can also appear in a rough coated variety. This coat distinction is not found in the larger Swiss Hound. Aside from this occasional difference, the biggest variance between the two breeds include the size of the dog (which is small as compared to the original Swiss’ medium size), a more rectangular body and shorter legs.

Small Swiss Hounds are friendly with people and love to play! Quite affectionate, they love spending active time with their human families, whether it be playing in the yard or having a hiking adventure. Although they get along just fine with strangers, they develop very deep bonds with those in their households to the point that it can be difficult to re-home them if such a situation arises. These hounds also tend to get along well with both children and other dogs alike. Their good nature doesn’t often extend to small animals however as they often see them as prey, meaning families with small pets may want to look for a different breed. This is also not a good fit for those living in apartment settings because they do need lots of activity and a large yard to run in.

The Small Swiss needs daily mental stimulation as well. For owners that cannot take their dog out hunting, this can take the form of various “nose games” such as scentwork or tracking, or can also take the form of obedience training. All dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Small Swiss is no exception! This intelligent breed can take very well to training, especially when started early, but do be aware that they have a stubborn streak and are known to “put their foot down” when they don’t feel like following a command. An owner must be even more patient and determined than the hound! Because of this trait, they do best with owners who aren’t easily swayed by manipulation.

The Small Swiss Hound is easy to maintain as far as grooming, including the rare rough coated individual. Owners only need to brush the coat once a week or so and bathe infrequently (every 6-8 weeks or so). The breed isn’t known for having a very strong doggy odor unless they roll in something gross. It is important to check and clean the long ears weekly however, as dogs with hanging ears are more prone to ear infection. Finish with a nail trim, a chore that is easiest to do weekly. After grooming is finished, wiping the coat down with a soft cloth or chamois will make it extra shiny!

Small Swiss Hound

Photo By Canarian

 

The Landseer

The Landseer is not just a color variety of the Newfoundland breed – overseas it is a breed in itself. Also sometimes called the Landseer ECT (which stands for Eastern Continental Type), the breed originated in Germany and Switzerland as a guard dog and companion. Landseers are excellent water dogs and historically would tow nets to the shores to help their fishermen owners. Their natural swimming abilities also meant they were used in water rescue situations. This is an old breed that’s been around for hundreds of years and has been depicted in many different forms of art. The most famous painting of one was depicted by Sir Edwin Landseer in a portrait entitled “A Distinguished Member of Humane Society”. The breed was ultimately named after him.

One can tell just by looking that the Landseer is a powerful dog. Not only is he imposing in appearance, but he can be protective of his owner if he feels there is danger present. Thankfully, (when properly bred and raised correctly) he shouldn’t be outright aggressive and in fact will only use teeth as a last resort. This said he will definitely make his suspicions known to an imposing stranger! This is a reliable and confident breed that should have a stable temperament, even if slightly suspicious towards those he doesn’t know. Prospective owners should be aware that in order for the correct temperament to come to fruition, the dog must be thoroughly socialized from puppyhood onward, and that the dog must be given obedience training. Teenage dogs will likely try to “pull rank” at certain points, and an owner must keep steadfast to the household rules.

When it comes to training, the Landseer is independent-minded and may be slower to respond than other breeds, but is otherwise very smart and can be trainable. Members of the breed have been known to compete in many different dog sports including rally, draft work, obedience, agility, scentwork, coursing, barn hunt, fastcat, dock diving and water trials. They require daily mental stimulation and training for various sports is an excellent way to engage their brains. Luckily many are very motivated by food and attention! A bit of patience will still be required however, and the ability to change up the training plan on the fly. The breed can be stubborn and prone to putting their own spin on obedience commands so the trainer must be quick-thinking and good at problem solving.

The Landseer doesn’t always realize just how big he is and can accidentally knock over small children and the elderly. Although he usually loves kids, he needs to be taught rules to follow so that he doesn’t hurt them by accident. Combined with the fact that he has a medium-high energy level, it’s clear that he would do best in a home where the people are active and strong (generally speaking) and/or are able to train him to be gentle. He should also have regular exercise including long walks of at least an hour a day, and a round or two of ball chasing. Bonus points for owners who can regularly take him swimming as this is a favorite activity!

Landseers need to live in the house with their humans as they are very faithful and need to be near “their people” to be happy. They also need plenty of enriching activities to keep from becoming destructive, particularly puppies and younger adolescent dogs. While a mature Landseer is easy to live with in the home, a younger animal can be prone to chewing and a dog of this size (even a puppy) can do quite a lot of damage if not properly managed! The breed grows physically very quickly, but mentally can take much longer. This is why training is so important!

As with all breeds, there are certain factors which can make Landseer ownership difficult or a bad match for certain types of people. Namely, as a guard dog this breed likes to bark and is likely to do so when he catches sight of a person out the window. Furthermore, some Landseers have a prey drive and can be prone to chasing cats or other small animals. Finally, as mentioned before this is a giant powerful breed that requires a strong and capable handler. For those who can provide what the breed needs to thrive, however, this is a wonderful and loyal breed with a steadfast temperament.

Landseer

Photo By Katja Gleisberg

 

The Welsh Hound

The Welsh Hound, also known as the Welsh Foxhound, is a pack hunting dog that has been around for at least 200 years. Known for hunting hare in mountainous terrain, the breed has rarely been kept as a pet and instead has functioned mostly as a working animal. This said, in the right household they can function nicely as companions, assuming that the owner is prepared to handle their needs. As one might assume from this working hound breed, they are very active and without plenty of exercise (both physical and mental) they can quickly become bored and destructive! They also must be raised with other dogs, or at least socialize with other dogs regularly as they are somewhat hardwired to be in a pack. These are features that a prospective owner must be able to provide.

Welsh Hounds are smart and can be playfully devious. They require an owner who knows how to be firm and maintain house rules, as without this structure they are prone to taking over! Like many scenthounds they also possess a stubborn streak which means training may be more difficult, although they are capable of learning quickly when the trainer is skilled. It is recommended that all training be consistent yet interesting enough to hold their attention spans. Specifically, make sure to work on the recall from the time the dog is a puppy, as this is a skill which is harder for them to master when distractions are present. Aside from basic training, the breed also benefits from active mental games. Dog sports which would be a good match for this hound include canicross and agility.

The Welsh Hound is a rare breed although is slowly becoming more popular around the world due to their gentle natures and ability to coexist peacefully with children. They are loving and devoted to their owners while also being friendly with strangers. Furthermore, most have exceptional natural skills with other dogs. In the hunt, it was expected that these hounds would respond not only to the hunter, but would learn from and work with the other hounds in the pack as a single unit. Because of this they are very adept at reading the body language of other dogs and responding appropriately. Despite all their good features it must be emphasized again that this breed would not thrive in most pet homes! The Welsh Hound Association even mentions that “its irrepressible hunting instincts make the Welsh Hound totally unsuitable as a pet”. The truth lies somewhere in the middle – for the average pet home, they would be a horrible choice. For a hunter or very active and knowledgeable dog owner, they could function just fine. Welsh Hound

Welsh Hounds are likely to exhibit boundless energy in the home and aren’t known for being lazy loungers. They need extensive daily exercise (in the form of jogging or similar intensity) in order to be happy and would be a horrible choice for an apartment! Not only are they too active for apartments, but they also would likely be too disruptive to close neighbors. The bark/bay of the Welsh Hound is a characteristic of the breed. It was important for it to be loud enough to carry long distances and alert the hunter of the pack’s position and status. However, what was beneficial for the hunt is not as easily appreciated when living in close proximity to other people! In addition to being loud in volume, they are known for using their voices excessively, particularly when bored or lonely. Along with needing to live with other dogs, they also don’t do well when left home alone for long periods of time.

The protective harsh coat of the Welsh Hound sets him apart from other foxhound breeds. It is medium in length and very rough and oily in texture. Occasionally a hound with a smoother coat can be seen but this isn’t nearly as common. The color can be fawn, tan, black, red, white and/or “mixed”. Aside from the coat, this dog is very foxhound-like in appearance and is medium to large in size with a straight, square muzzle. The hanging ears are long and low set. The tail is long, set on high and carried gaily. Although rare, they are recognized by the UKC in the United States and by other organizations overseas.

The Transmontano Mastiff

The Transmontano Mastiff is a livestock guardian dog that hails from Portugal. Also known as the Cao de Gado Transmontano, this very rare breed is seldom seen outside of its homeland but is invaluable for protecting flocks of sheep. The main foe of this molosser breed is the wolf, which is frequently seen in the area and is the main reason the flocks need protection. The vast majority of these dogs are still used as livestock guardians even today! As far as the breed’s lineage, some speculate that the Tibetan Mastiff played a part in its creation. There is no actual evidence of this however, although it is known that the Alentejo Mastiff is a definite ancestor. Although most Transmontanos reside overseas some members do live in the United States – in particular, Oregon. A select few were brought over in order to observe how well the dogs protect flocks from wolves and other predators in this country.

The Transmontano is a working breed through and through. He is completely dedicated and serious about his job and, as such, may or may not make a good pet. Prospective owners should have a thorough understanding of this breed’s temperament and needs before obtaining one, particularly in regards to the guarding nature. If a threat were to arise it would be dealt with calmly but matter-of-factly by the dog. These are not hot-headed dogs but they will react accordingly to any perceived dangers. The breed is very intelligent and will remain inquisitive and alert to all goings-on in their vicinity. For example, they won’t sleep through a package delivery. They’ll be there at the window or the door, ready and willing to act if they feel a threat has arisen!

The Transmontano Mastiff is very territorial and is likely to try and expand the territory which he feels must be guarded. This can result in the dog digging out under the fence frequently. A very, very secure fence is extremely important – it is not fair nor safe for a Transmontano to wander the neighborhood, potentially ready to defend the whole street from perceived dangers! These “dangers” could include people, pets or wild animals. Interestingly, in Portugal it is not unusual for a pack of Transmontanos to guard a large flock – including intact males and females. While strange dogs can be seen as instant foes, they are much more adaptable to living in a multi-dog household than other similar breeds. As well as digging under fences, Transmontano Mastiffs will also dig large craters just about anywhere. Making dens to escape the heat is a behavioral breed trait that most will due instinctively.

Transmontanos have a lot of energy due to their history of guarding flocks among many miles and over difficult terrain. In Portugal, they don’t really have “time off” and must be able to defend at any time whether day or night! Anyone keeping one as a companion must realize that they need a vast amount of space to roam in order to be happy. It can be very difficult to have one as a pet if it is not being used as a livestock guardian as this need (large amount of space plus a job) is hard to replicate otherwise. They will absolutely not work in an apartment setting, nor in any lifestyle that doesn’t allow plenty of free movement.

While it may seem otherwise, the Transmontano can actually make a good companion for those who are able to meet their extensive needs. It is said that females in particular can make better pets, and it is also said that they do better in households that only have one or two members rather than a large family. They can fit in very well for someone with a large property who would prefer an outside-only dog, as this breed doesn’t need to live indoors. They do still enjoy human company and attention, but can also bond to other dogs or livestock. They are generally calm and pleasant to be around, and are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Finally, as a breed they are rugged and healthy, not normally prone to extreme health issues, and able to live in any climate as long as common sense precautions are used.

As a breed that is naturally independent, the Transmontano Mastiff can (and should) be trained and socialized starting from an early age. This is a breed that tends toward being dominant, tends to be possessive of food, people and other items of value, and can hold a grudge when he feels he’s been treated unfairly. It is absolutely essential to gain and maintain control and to do it in a very firm, yet very fair way! He will not tolerate behavior which he feels is abusive, but likewise he will take advantage of an owner that doesn’t follow through with rules. For this reason the breed should only be owned by very experience owners that understand how to manage this type of temperament! For experienced owners that know what they are doing, they will find that this dog is in fact very trainable.

The Transmontano Mastiff

Photo By CARLOS

 

The Chien d’Artois

The Chien d’Artois is a French scenthound bred to hunt deer, hare and wild boar in small packs. Descended from Bloodhounds, they were valued for their tirelessly dedicated natures, brave characters, and abilities to work in all types of terrain. It was not uncommon for them to follow a trail for hours on end – so greatly do they enjoy the hunt! This very old breed existed as far back as the Renaissance and was, at times, owned by royalty! After World War two, however, numbers drastically dwindled and this hound was thought to be all but extinct. Thankfully, French fanciers were able to find a few remaining members and recreated the breed in the 1970’s.

The medium-sized Chien is a likely forebearer of the Beagle and one can see the physical similarities in the rounded head, square muzzle, and long hanging ears which are rounded at the tips. The coat is short and tricolored. The long tail also includes a brush at the end, like the Beagle, although is carried in more of a sickle fashion. In addition to their physical similarities, the two breeds also share the same laid back natures and friendly personalities. In France, Chien still hunt but have also been becoming more popular as companion animals as well! Although their numbers have been rising in their country of origin as more of the general public becomes aware of their wonderful temperaments, they are still fairly unknown in the rest of the world. Although recognized by the UKC in the United States, they are rarely seen.

Like most scenthounds, the d’Artois can have a stubborn and strong-willed personality which means owners must have plenty of patience when it comes to training. They also are more likely than other dogs to become easily distracted, and are known to become highly independent once they’ve found something they’d rather be doing. The breed is actually exceptionally smart, however following orders isn’t normally a huge interest. Owners must be prepared to be firm yet fair, and practice constant consistency. Those who have owned other scenthounds in the past will probably have an easier time managing this hound. Chien d'Artois

Chien d’Artois are extremely loving hounds which develop deep and loyal bonds with their human families. They love to play and will demonstrate lots of affection in their everyday lives. They do well with kids as well as other dogs, and may even get along with other pets if socialized to them from an early age. They can even make good watchdogs as they will bark when someone comes near the property.

The Chien is a high energy breed and needs an active owner that is able to give him plenty of exercise every day – at least an hour a day. If used regularly as a hunting dog he may not need quite as much exercise as he will tire himself out in a full day’s hunt… at least for a few days after the hunt. But for the majority of owners wanting this breed strictly as a companion, they should plan accordingly. Giving him stimulating mind games will also help to tire him out as well, and this should be in combination with physical exercise. Finally, make sure that all exercise is carried out on-leash – he will most certainly wander off otherwise!

The d’Artois possesses many aspects that make him appreciated as a hunting dog – most notably his amazing sense of smell. It can’t be stressed enough that he lives to hunt and would gladly do so every day of his life! Nothing makes him happier. If one is being kept strictly as a pet, that hound will almost definitely find ways to hunt if he can. This might take the form of chasing squirrels or tracking the trail of a possum on a walk. It’s highly recommended that owners give this hound scent-related games and activities to keep him satisfied and give him a job to do.

The Continental Bulldog

The Continental Bulldog is a new breed created in 2004 Switzerland by crossing the (English) Bulldog with the Olde English Bulldogge. The creation came about because of The European Convention on the Breeding and Keeping of Pets, as well as the Swiss Animal Welfare Act, as it was determined that the (English) Bulldog was not healthy enough to be ethically bred. This is a very controversial topic, and one that is debated heavily as many Bulldog fanciers purport that their breed can be very healthy when well-bred! Wherever one stands on the issue, this new breed is unique to itself while still retaining many of the characteristics of the aforementioned breed. Recognized in a few countries including Germany (and of course Switzerland), the breed is provisionally recognized by the FCI as well. In this process, the breed will sit at provisional status for 10 years while the the population of dogs is monitored and developed.

The Continental is praised for being calm in the home and not overly demanding of physical exercise, while still being athletic enough to participate in dog sports. This molosser breed has a similar temperament to other bulldog types, being easy to live with. He is friendly to both family and strangers but does so with a laid-back attitude. His grumpy-looking face may make him seem fierce, but he is actually comical and loving. The Continental Bulldog needs to spend lots of time with his human family in order to thrive. In fact, the sole purpose of the breed was to create a companion animal.

Continental Bulldogs are basically couch potatoes that are willing and able to participate in activities with their owners when desired. This means they can work equally well for active owners as well as the less active, or even apartment-dwellers as long as they are given at least a moderate amount of exercise. They are confident enough to take in new situations with ease (when socialized) and interested in new surroundings. They should be neither aggressive nor shy towards people or other dogs, so they are easy to bring into public. A medium sized dog, they are small enough to fit in most cars while being large enough to keep up with their owners when leashed. They have the same massive frame as most other molosser breeds which often garners attention from strangers who admire this type of dog. Continental Bulldog

Continentals can come in any color, save for brown or blue. White with patches of color is discouraged, however, and their nose should always be black. The smooth, flat coat sheds a moderate amount and so needs to be brushed at least once a week. Grooming needs will also include cleaning the wrinkles and folds of the dog’s face regularly and keeping it dry. Doing so will help to prevent trapped moisture from causing infections. The ears, which can appear either as rose ears or folded ears, should be inspected and cleaned on a somewhat regular basis. Overall this is a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming.

Contis (as they are affectionately known) can be stubborn and, as such, need owners with a bit of patience! They are ranked medium in difficulty to train and require someone that can be firm in laying down the rules while always practicing consistency. For best results, start training while the dog is young and before they develop into their full strength! Contis generally live between 11-13 years, so starting off right with obedience training will likely make for an easier and more enjoyable experience for the lives of both dog and human. Overall, for those who are prepared to deal with a bit of stubbornness, this can be a good dog for a novice dog owner.

Contis can make wonderful watchdogs as they will bark to alert when someone comes to the door but are otherwise usually quiet. They also fulfill the role of family dog just as well, as they tend to get along with children. It is highly recommended to supervise interactions with young kids, however, as should be the case with all dogs! They love to play and can be somewhat exuberant, hence the supervision. One also must always make sure kids are treating the dog fairly. Along with a good attitude toward children, Contis also get along with other household pets including other dogs! Some people have problems keeping two males together, however, so opposite sex pairs are usually best. Overall this new breed shows a lot of promise as a companion animal, and fanciers hope that in time they will develop further and spread across the globe so that others can experience their wonderful temperaments!