The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog

The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog (also known as the Azores Cattle Dog or as the Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel) is a molosser-type breed from Portugal. They were used as catch dogs and herding dogs since the time they were created in the late 1800’s, and were built sturdily enough to live outdoors while doing these important jobs. Although they’ve been around for a long time, it wasn’t until 1984 that the first standard was actually drawn up. Later, they were recognized by the FCI internationally although to this day are a fairly rare breed. Nowadays, they are frequently used in personal protection and other guard duties. Temperament can vary from one individual to the next – with some fairly docile and gentle, and others tending to be quite dominant. Most tend to form strong bonds with their owners and they make great pets for those who can meet their requirements.

Intelligent and obedient when training is started young, members of the Miguel breed can participate successfully in many dog sports! Formal obedience, tracking, agility, flyball and herding are some of the activities that they can excel in. That said, because many can be dominant, they should only be owned by experienced dog people that are ready to provide strict rules and management! Training should incorporate “basic house rules” but can also branch out into more specialized areas as well. This assertive breed needs a job to do and specialized training can fulfill that need. Not only can herding (for example) be fun, but it will also give this dog a purpose and a mental outlet!

The Saint Miguel is a medium sized breed with a robust build and a distinctive rolling movement in the rear. The tail is traditionally docked short and the ears are often cropped into a unique rounded shape. The head is square and broad. The color pattern is always brindle, with the base color ranging from shades of fawn to gray. The coat is smooth yet dense with a harsh texture, and only sheds moderately as long as the coat is brushed weekly. The short yet functional coat allows this hardy molosser breed to thrive in any climate.

Miguel Cattle Dogs are quite territorial and can be sharp towards strangers who encroach upon their property. It is vital that they be socialized while young so that they don’t become a liability! Well-socialized dogs still make excellent watch and guard dogs, but will be more predictable in general. With friends and family, however, the breed is friendly. Apartment-dwellers should steer clear of this breed as the frequent comings and goings of neighbors is likely to make them agitated.

The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog is fairly energetic and needs at least one long walk every day to stay healthy and happy. As this breed’s lifespan averages 12-15 years, this is a commitment not to take lightly! Miguels that are well cared for are not known for any particular health problems, and they tend to stay strong and hardy well into old age. They are also not prone to getting sick easily as long as the dog is given regular vet care.

Miguels are generally good with children and enjoy extended play sessions! This said, their exuberance and “zest for life” shows in their play style and may be a bit too much for younger kids. Older children are a better match! This happy attitude doesn’t always extend to other animals however, and they are particularly likely to chase after small pets such as cats. Other dogs may be equally off-limits as well, as many members of this breed don’t get along with other canines.

The ideal home for a Saint Miguel is one with an experienced and fit adult, or a family with older children. Elderly people may have a harder time handling this breed, as will the meek or inexperienced. With a single individual, a work-at-home owner is best, as this breed doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. However accommodations can be made for other situations as long as he isn’t left alone for extended periods on a regular basis. When matched to someone with an ideal lifestyle to him, he will likely become an extremely devoted dog, relishing in any attention given to him and returning it tenfold.

The Spanish Hound

The Spanish Hound (AKA the Sabueso Espanol) is very capable of hunting both large and small game and can also be used for blood tracking as well. This is an old breed – the first written record comes from a book published in the 1300’s! Used successfully for years on bear and wild boar, eventually firearms became more commonly used on those giant beasts which quickly reduced the populations of these game. In response, hunters with Spanish Hounds became more focused on smaller game such as fox and hare. Although very old, these hounds weren’t formally recognized until the 1900’s, at which point a standard was written. Interestingly there was once both a large and a small version of this breed although at this time, only the larger size still exists. Today, the breed is recognized by the UKC in the United States but is fairly rare.

The Spanish Hound thrives when given lots of acreage to run and hunt in. He would be miserable living in an apartment. A high energy scenthound, he is not for the average pet owner and can be destructive when his exercise needs are not met! This high-stamina hound was bred strictly for hunting rather than companionship and therefore requires the right home and owner in order to be happy – namely a home in a rural area, with active owners. His sniff-first, think later attitude means he’s safer when kept in a fenced area or on-leash while in any area with cars nearby! He is capable of being calm in the home, however will likely do so only after he’s had a fulfilling day of both physical and mental work. Mentally rewarding activities include hunting and/or scentwork – sports which will keep this breed healthy and happy!

When it comes to training (and his temperament in general), the Spanish Hound can be very willful. He knows what his main job is (hunting) and he puts every effort into that endeavor while “lesser concerns” such as obedience training may not interest him as much. This said, he is intelligent and can learn quickly with a skilled trainer and the right motivation. Convincing this independent hound that he is not in charge will take effort and knowledge – after all, he was bred to take on wild boar and not back down! An owner/trainer will need to be very consistent with commands, while remaining steadfast and firm. He does best with short sessions rather than lessons that drag on all day. He usually prefers scent-related training to “boring old obedience”, and can be even be used successfully in drug and bomb detection, as well as in search-and-rescue efforts.

Spanish Hounds, like other scenthounds, have distinctive and loud voices which they can be prone to using frequently. The “song” of the Spanish Hound was useful in the hunt, as it would change once the dog found its prey. A hunter would be able to tell, at a distance, what was going on despite not being able to always see the hound! The “song” is less of a bark, and more of a howl or a bay. Nowadays, leaving one home alone all day is likely to increase that amount of baying! The upside to this is that they can be great watchdogs, sounding a very loud and noticeable alarm if someone steps onto the property. They also tend to be naturally territorial and do not like strangers entering their home or yard.

The Spanish Hound, unsurprisingly, has a very high prey drive and doesn’t always mix with small animals. In addition, unlike hounds used to hunt in packs, he was often a solo hunter who doesn’t think much about other dogs. It’s not so much that he is aggressive (in fact, this trait is rarely seen), rather he is a self-sufficient and independent fellow who doesn’t tend to rank play as a high priority. Most will much prefer to spend their time with an owner instead, and this is where their social side will shine through! With those that he loves, he is affectionate, gentle and devoted. He can even do well in a family with children, although does not tolerate rough treatment and as such does better with slightly older kids.

Spanish Hounds are medium sized dogs with a rectangular shape. The body should be noticeably longer than tall and built very solidly, similarly to his Bloodhound ancestor. The ears are another distinctive feature, being extremely long and hanging down in a corkscrew shape. They do need to be cleaned and inspected regularly to keep from getting infections from trapped dirt. The tail is thick at the root and carried in a curve between the hocks while at rest. The hair at the end of the tail should form a short “paint brush”. The coat is short, dense and flat – always orange and white in color (either light lemon or a darker russet brown). The color is splashed in irregular patterns across the body. This coat is low maintenance and sheds moderately.

Photo By Canarian

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a working breed, recognized by the UKC in the United States and by the FCI abroad. One of the “big white dog” breeds, this is a rare livestock guardian that is also able to double as a herder of livestock. Their guarding duty is their primary purpose however, and although they don’t outright attack predators under most circumstances, they will stand their ground against any threats to their charges. As they will also do the same for their human owners, they have been praised for their abilities as companion animals which provide an additional sense of protection. It comes as no surprise that they get along naturally with livestock and other animals, however they also tend to do well with other dogs as well.

Tatras have independent and strong-willed personalities although are very intelligent. They do their guarding job without much training. This is a natural instinct and their temperaments reflects the qualities needed to do this specific job. Independence and decision-making skills are necessary in order to watch over a flock, although can also make them more difficult to train in obedience. Even still, because of their large size and territorial natures they absolutely need to be given obedience training so that an owner can maintain control! Once trained, they can be hard workers – with members of the breed even fulfilling such duties as military and police work, guide dogs, and as carting dogs.

The Polish Tatra was bred to work outdoors, and as such is one of the few breeds which can be kept outside if his needs are otherwise met. As a highly territorial dog, expect him to regularly patrol the backyard and stay alert to the comings and goings of people onto the property day or night! This may include plenty of barking depending upon the number of activities happening around the property. His thick coat makes him particularly suited to colder temperatures, although he should always have a structure to get out of rain or snow. He can also fare well in hot climates although does better overall in places that are cooler. This all said, it is absolutely ok for him to live indoors as well – and he tends to adapt very well to family life!

Tatra Sheepdogs are gentle with children of the family although do need to be treated with respect. They form very strong bonds with the whole family and tend to look at them as “their flock” to watch over. Although they don’t tend to like strangers as a rule, they must be taught to be respectful towards them – and this is where socialization comes in. They need to be socialized with people of all ages starting from puppyhood and continuing throughout their lives! The proper temperament of a well-bred, well-socialized Tatra is a dog who will bark at strangers but otherwise keep his teeth to himself… unless his family (or other charge) is threatened. A dog which has not been socialized is more likely to bite first and ask questions later – a liability that nobody wants!

The Tatra needs a decent size property to roam in and is not a good choice for those who live in apartments. Although he is fairly inactive inside the house, he does require regular exercise outdoors and this has historically been in the form of patrolling a large property. As he is prone to wandering, the yard absolutely needs to include a fence! It is worth noting that puppies and adolescents are more active in the home, so people that plan to keep this breed indoors shouldn’t expect a laid-back animal for a couple of years. Along with plenty of backyard roaming, he should also be given a long walk every day.

Polish Tatras live an average of 10-12 years which is not unusual for dogs of this size. The breed has an open stud book which means breeding isn’t as strict as with other breeds and any dog which is “typical” of a Tatra can be allowed to be added to the gene pool. This is important for health as it prevents the already small gene pool from becoming even smaller. Health is important in any breed, but especially important in a working dog that was expected to guard large mountainous plots of land, and do so on a minimal diet. This hard worker has a naturally strong and powerful frame, and is known for his stamina and work ethic.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound was developed in the Republic of Montenegro (in the Balkan Peninsula) in the early 20th century. He is undoubtedly related to other scenthounds in the region such as the Slovakian Hound. This rare breed was bred to hunt in packs – primarily going after fox and other small game, although would occasionally also pursue larger game such as deer or wild boar. As the name implies, he specializes in mountainous regions when it comes to hunting. He is known for his amazing tracking abilities, robust and healthy body, and strong determination. This is a breed with a great endurance in the field that can run and hunt for hours on end. Unfortunately this scenthound is currently endangered and hardly ever seen outside his area of development.

The Montenegrin is a medium sized breed with a short yet dense double coat, always black and tan in color. The ears are high set and hang to the sides of the head, which is broad and without a pronounced occiput. The breed appears solidly built, yet gives the appearance of being agile. The chest is deep, the withers are very pronounced, and the back is broad and muscular. This is a low maintenance breed in terms of grooming; mainly just needing a once-weekly brushing to keep his coat kept up, and a regular once-over to check him when he comes in from a hunting expedition.

Montenegrin Mountain Hounds are affectionate and loyal to their owners and tend to form strong bonds. This bond is especially solid when the owner takes the time to train. The breed is known for a steady, good-nature – a trait which has helped them move from hunting dog to companion in their home country. As more and more people have discovered their easygoing and relaxed attitudes, they have adopted them into their homes! The breed gets along well with other dogs (being pack hunters) and kids alike. They run the gamut from being mildly aloof to outright social with strangers. This said, this is still a hunting dog and does have traits which make them unsuitable as pets to some – people who own small pets or who can’t deal with heavy barking probably won’t be fans. They make good watchdogs with their “talented” voices, although do tend to get carried away in their excitement to announce visitors.

Montenegrins are medium in difficulty when it comes to training. One probably shouldn’t expect a super responsive training partner akin to a Border Collie, however they have been said to be easier to teach than some other hounds. A person with some experience training (and living with) a scenthound would make the best owner match, as they would understand how to work with the high prey drive encoded into this hound and the ensuing distractible nature therein. It’s best to start training while still young, for this breed can be quite stubborn and it’s easier to get a leg-up on lessons while still in puppyhood! Also take note that the breed can be somewhat sensitive. They need an owner that can be firm while always remaining fair in training.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound has a ton of energy and needs lots of regular exercise. Prepare to give him at least 90 minutes of solid activity every single day. It is easy to see that this hound was bred for endurance once he is taken on a walk, hike, or on a hunting expedition, as he can go and go! This said, if given the proper amount, he is calm and unassuming once back at home. An easy keeper with a laid-back attitude…. as long as this particular need is met! Apartment-dwellers should look elsewhere for a compatible canine as this breed needs a fenced backyard to romp in.

Photo By Canarian

The Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd was officially recognized in the rare breed registries (not AKC) as an American breed in 1990. This fairly new breed was built in an effort to preserve “the German Shepherd of the past” in terms of character. Breeders sought to retain a protective dog that could be trustworthy with the family while possessing immense intelligence and supreme loyalty. A giant size was also important as these dogs needed to be just as stunning physically as they were mentally sound. The breed was to be gentle and calm while still possessing an ability to do all kinds of work – everything from competition obedience to therapy work to protection duties. Some members of the breed compete in agility, schutzhund, tracking, conformation, flyball, water rescue and herding competitions while others are employed as search and rescue dogs, detection dogs, livestock guardians or service dogs.

Training a Shiloh Shepherd is usually easy as he enjoys learning and having a sense of purpose. This talented dog needs a job to do and obedience training can function as a job in itself, or can be the first step to teaching the dog other jobs! Experienced dog owners are usually better able to provide the right types of mental stimulation needed, and are better able to navigate the sensitive side of this gentle giant.

Shilohs need exercise daily, and although they do best living inside the home with their family, they should also have a backyard to play in regularly. They need both physical as well as mental stimulation to keep their bodies and minds sharp! Running alongside a bike, trekking along on a hike, or chasing a Frisbee are all activities which the Shiloh enjoys. Although they are fairly calm indoors with proper exercise, it is a bad idea to keep one in an apartment. As the breed also lives to be around people, they don’t do well when left home by themselves all day and may turn into problem barkers in such a situation.

The Shiloh has been bred with a high focus on health. There are several registries for the breed, but all require any breeding animals to have been tested for heart defects and hip abnormalities. Further health testing is highly recommended as well including more advanced heart tests, testing for Degenerative Myelopathy, elbows, eyes, thyroid and screening for EPI. No dogs are allowed to be bred before the age of a year (or two years in a couple of the registries) so that some age-related conditions might possibly be observed beforehand. Both breeders and owners are also encouraged to participate in an ongoing diversity study as well, which seeks to determine the COI (co-efficiency of inbreeding) of various lines and the breed overall so that good choices can be made for the future. Overall the breed tends to live from 11-14, which is not horrible considering the size of these dogs.

Beyond health, the various Shiloh Shepherd registries also require all breeding dogs to have their DNA on file, be a minimum height (26 and 28 inches minimum for bitches and dogs, respectively), and pass a temperament test. Puppies themselves are also normally rated via temperament tests so that they can be best matched to prospective owners. Because temperament is a prime consideration of most breedings, it comes as no surprise that many easily pass CGC and other temperament tests when older. This breed is generally outgoing and friendly. They usually have a more gentle and laid-back demeanor than their GSD relatives.

When it comes to appearance, the Shiloh comes in one of two possible coat types – smooth (short) and plush (long). Neither variety should be shaved or otherwise trimmed, but naturally longer areas of the coat will appear along the neck and shoulders and behind the breeches and tail. Both varieties are double-coated and should be somewhat harsh, although the plush coats will have soft undercoat underneath the outer guard coat. Colors include a black saddle or blanket combined with tan, red, beige, gold, silver or cream. Bi-colors can appear in these same color combinations. Sables, solid blacks and solid whites are also seen. Although closely related to the German Shepherd, they have a more level topline and are drastically bigger.

The Shiloh Shepherd does well with children although should be socialized with them from puppyhood for best results. The same can be said for the Shiloh with other household pets. Stability and adaptability are two key features that the breed is known for, so as long as the owner raises the dog correctly it is very likely that there will be good results! Both aggression and shyness are severely penalized in the breed standard. Overall he can do just as well living with a single owner as he can do with a large family, assuming the groundwork of training has been laid and the dogs’ needs are met. Although designed to be a multi-functional breed, the single most important purpose was to be a loyal companion and this is a job he does well!

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a very old scenthound from France. Created to hunt hare in packs, they are directly descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and are the forth and final Bleu breed as profiled here. The name Petit (meaning small) refers not to the size of the hound but to the size of the game. This is, in fact, a medium-sized breed! They are known for being easy to hunt with and generally level-headed in the field, taking it a little slower than other more exuberant hounds (although not lacking in enthusiasm). The word “methodical” comes to mind. Despite their comparative calmness while hunting, they may still be a difficult pet for those inexperienced with scenthounds and/or who can’t meet their particular needs.

The Petit Bleu, as a pack hound, gets along great with other dogs. With the human family he is equally enamored and just wants to be involved in whatever everyone else is doing! He is good with children as well, being both patient and affectionate, although should ideally be socialized around and raised with kids for best results. In fact this breed can be generally easier to keep as a pet than many other scenthounds due to his extraordinarily stable and good nature – although is still a better match for those who already understand scenthound quirks. Those who work a lot might have a harder time keeping this hound happy, as he can suffer from separation anxiety if he isn’t given enough company. Finally, he usually enjoys meeting strangers making him a Casanova of the neighborhood, while equally a dunce as a guard dog.

The unique blue-colored coat (actually black and white mottled resulting in a blue appearance) of the Petit Bleu is short and very dense, and is overall easy to care for. Baths only need be given occasionally when needed, and a weekly brushing will keep shedding down (the breed tends to shed a moderate amount). In addition, take care of the dark black nails by clipping or dremeling once a week or so. The long, low-set hanging ears will need regular cleaning and weekly inspection for evidence of infection. Brush the teeth regularly and make sure the loose drooping eyelids haven’t captured dirt and grime. Finally, make sure to admire this breed often – from the long and refined head to the oval-shaped feet! This is truly a handsome breed with a classic appearance!

Training the Petit Bleu de Gascogne can be difficult as he is strong-willed and prone to distraction. An owner must be firm and consistent with this intelligent yet highly independent hound. Once again, a person who is experienced with similar breeds will probably have an easier time navigating his particular training needs. Starting obedience training early will help to get a leg up on the process, as well as keeping training sessions short. Working out the brain can also help to work out the body, and both can serve to give him purpose and fulfillment. Scent-related games and sports are helpful to keep this hound busy – and a combination of obedience training, scent-games and (ideally) hunting expeditions can all combine to nurture both brain and body.

When it comes to hunting, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is known for stamina and endurance. He tends to howl melodically while in pursuit of game, a trait of many scenthound breeds and something to think about for prospective owners who value quiet time. Because of his high prey drive and tendency to chase down smaller animals (even if at a slightly slower pace), he doesn’t tend to do well with very small pets. Of equal importance is the existence of a tall fence to keep him in the yard and away from wildlife that might wander by.

The Petit Bleu is not a good choice for apartment dwellers as he needs lots of room to to move around. Exercise is very important, as he requires a daily walk or jog in addition to lots of backyard workouts. Without enough exercise he can become destructive and difficult to live with. This moderately active dog definitely needs someone who enjoys walks around the block just as much as he does! Do keep in mind that the Petit Bleu’s talented nose is able to pick up a scent and follow it with ease. In fact, he is so good at this talent that he is likely to “catch a whiff” of something interesting on every walk and may be inclined to follow. For this reason, walking on a leash is a necessity to keep this hound safe and out of the middle of the road. Although he can make a good pet in the right circumstance, he will always be a hunting dog in his heart!

Photo By Katarzyna Bujko

The New Zealand Huntaway

The New Zealand Huntaway was created by mixing Border Collie with various other breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler. Farmers wanted a dog that would use his voice in combination with his body when it came to herding sheep in the vast fields of New Zealand. The first mention of this breed was in 1870, with a class specifically for Huntaway in a sheepdog trial. This herding breed was created solely to work, without much thought to a standardized appearance, which means that individual dogs can look drastically different from each other. Although recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club, the standard specifically states that the dogs shouldn’t be shown and should only be utilized to work. Breeders must only focus on working ability and general soundness when choosing dogs to breed, and only dogs that win at trials are allowed to be entered into the stud book.

The Huntaway is an athletic breed with a charming temperament and supreme intelligence – and above all an intense herding ability! When not given work to do, this highly active dog can become destructive and hyperactive. He should only be owned by very active individuals who are able to give him the mental and physical exercise he needs, and lots of it! This is an outdoorsy breed who prefers to spend most of his time in the fresh air, with livestock and other dogs if at all possible. The standard actually states that the breed should not be kept solely as a pet.

New Zealand Huntaways are motivated to learn and love (need) to work! They are exceptional in obedience when trained by those who can recognize their “quirks”, namely – that they can become easily bored with repetition and need lessons to be interesting and engaging. They are also fairly independent and might need a bit of “convincing” to follow commands how the trainer prefers rather than “putting their own spin on it”. As might be expected, they also do well in herding trials as they are good problem solvers while working with sheep. They learn very quickly and retain the commands for a long time. The breed can be successful in a number of dog sports including agility.

The Huntaway often forms a close bond with his owner, whom he respects deeply. He tends to like all people and even enjoys meeting strangers which means that while he is not a guard dog, he is a reliable and social breed. He also does well with other animals – whether it be other dogs or livestock, although may chase other creatures to herd them (especially if smaller than him). He likewise gets along with children.

Although the New Zealand Huntaway will bark a lot when working, he can be somewhat quiet otherwise if all his needs are provided for. The deep bark when working sheep is meant to alert the farmer as to his position, as the fields of New Zealand are covered in hills in which the dog and the flock can sometimes be lost. The bark is unique, in that there will be pauses in between the multiple barks, allowing his voice to echo and be heard from long distances.

As stated above, the Huntaway can have a highly varied appearance. The standard states that any size is acceptable although the mid-range is from 22 inches to 26, making this frequently a medium to large sized dog. Generally they are well-built and robust with a deep chest. The color is completely irrelevant although a vast majority of them are black and tan. The coat can be smooth, medium or long, and may also be “grizzly, bearded or rough, with or without undercoat”. The ears are placed on the top of the skull and are hanging in repose although may be lifted to a semi-erect position when listening. Again – first and foremost is the dogs’ working ability. Everything else must come second!

Photo By Cgoodwin

The Hellenic Hound

The Hellenic Hound is an ancient scenthound developed in Greece for tracking and hunting hare. This explains his other name – the Greek Harehound. He has remained relatively unchanged in appearance for most of his existence (thousands of years!) as he is built purely for function. This medium-sized breed should appear strong, vigorous and slightly longer than tall. The coat is smooth yet dense, and always black and tan in color. The medium-length ears hang to the side of the head. The tail is high set and carried in a sabre fashion. Hellenic Hounds are a rare breed and, although recognized by the UKC, are very seldom seen outside of Greece. Although he is a gentle and loyal breed, he is a bit of a secret in the dog world. A prospective owner will likely have to dedicate lots of time to finding a breeder overseas.

The Hellenic is sociable and friendly with both people and other dogs, although his brave nature and slight tendency for being territorial means he won’t hesitate to bark at the arrival of strangers. This makes him a decent watch dog. With his owners, he is affectionate and loves to play. Overall this hound is level-headed and has an unmistakable zest for life and adventure, which he is apt to announce frequently with his beautiful (yet loud) voice! Those with close neighbors should take note…

Hellenic Hounds can be impulsive and stubborn – particularly when they catch the scent of an animal, so regular obedience training is recommended. They are intelligent yet independent and sometimes prone to dominance struggles. Adolescent males in particular can be frustrating for the novice handler to raise, which means they usually do best with experienced owners. This breed needs firm rules yet, at the same time, fair treatment as they don’t do well with harsh training techniques. Firm rules are important because if they don’t feel there is an obvious leader in the household they’ll try to fulfill that role themselves! Owners who are patient and knowledgeable in the art of raising scenthounds are best equipped to handle this slow-maturing hound.

Hellenics are not a good match for those living in apartments. They need plenty of room to stretch their legs and run outdoors! Regular daily exercise is also important, and those that do not get it can become destructive and/or problematic barkers. Hunting excursions are fantastic for exercise, as this is what they were bred to do! As this breed needs a job to do, those that aren’t used for hunting they will need a substitute job of some sort. It should be noted that they are an equally bad match for those with small pets because of their high prey drive.

The Hellenic Hound can get along with children although requires older, well-behaved kids. Make sure to supervise the two together to ensure this hound doesn’t get teased or treated unfairly. Even better, assign responsible children with grooming duties to help build a bond with the dog! A weekly brushing (more frequent during seasonal shedding times) will help keep a shiny coat and a loving connection at the same time! This is an easy “starter coat” for a young person to work with, as the breed requires only infrequent baths. Make sure that ears are kept clean every week, however, as hanging ears are more prone to infection.

Ear infections aside, Hellenics are generally a very healthy breed, with no known health issues that are seen frequently in the breed. They are equally tough in the field as well, being fairly hardy overall and able to work in any terrain. The average lifespan is around 11 years and it is said that they are rarely ill. This hound tends to stay fairly active for most of his life, so while he can be well-behaved in the house, will still require exercise for the entirety of his years.

The Atlas Mountain Dog

The Atlas Mountain Dog (also known as the Aidi) hails from North Africa and has existed there for centuries. Today, it is mostly found in the Moroccan Atlas mountains and is still used today for livestock guarding purposes – particularly for sheep and goats, as well as for guarding his owners from dangerous predators. The bravest members of the breed would be staked around the perimeters of tribal camps to keep watch and defend against human invaders or animal predators during the night. Known for a good nose and hunting abilities as well, the breed is also used on hunting expeditions together with the Sloughi. The Atlas will sniff out the prey and the Sloughi will chase it down! Some have even been used in police work, making this a truly versatile animal.

The Atlas can make a good companion to those who can provide enough mental and physical exercise, and indeed he is becoming a more popular pet in Morocco as well. He does possess a fair bit of energy and needs regular outdoor excursions – enough to satisfy his agile body and alert mind! This is a breed that needs a job to do – ideally one involving flock guarding although other jobs can be substituted. Because this is a dog used heavily for protection, experienced owners are recommended. If he feels like he needs to act in a dangerous situation, he will do so with a calm head however he must be raised correctly for this to be the case.

Atlas Mountains should start obedience lessons from a young age as they can become strong and powerful as adults, and need obedience to keep them under control. They are surprisingly sensitive for such a courageous breed, however can also tend to be dominant-minded, so lessons should always focus on providing the right balance of rules and rewards. Once they begin to learn what is being asked of them they can become very focused. This is an intelligent dog that definitely benefits from challenging tasks, and usually enjoys the extra attention that training gives.

The Atlas Mountain is very affectionate to his family although doesn’t care too much for strangers, tending to ignore new people. It is beneficial to start socialization with him early so that new people/situations don’t frighten him, although keep in mind that acting reserved around strangers is normal and expected. With his owners, he needs plenty of social interaction to remain happy. Some dogs do well in homes with children while others do not. This is dependent upon the individual dog as well as how he was raised.

Atlas Mountain Dogs, being a medium-sized breed, are noticeably smaller than most other livestock guardian dogs however should still be solid in build. The coat is moderate in length but thick, harsh and protective against both hot and cold weather. It requires surprisingly little care. It can be one of three main colors – either black, fawn or brown. Fawns and browns both range from light to dark, with fawns possibly including sable or brindle markings. Any of the three colors can include white. The nose will be either black or brown to match the coat. Ears are always semi-prick, although can be thrown back into the ruff when in repose. The low-set tail has a plume which is said to “denote pure breeding”.

The Atlas does not do well in apartment settings although is well behaved and quiet in a small or large home – even being fairly inactive. He should have at minimum a small backyard with a fence to run around in as well as regular daily walks to satisfy his energy level. Furthermore, providing him with regular activities will keep both his mind and body in shape. Agility is one such sport to which he is well-suited. The breed lives for 11-12 years on average and will need regular activity for the majority of his life. Remember, this is first and foremost a versatile working breed!

Photo By Desaix83

The Tyrolean Hound

The Tyrolean Hound has been used for hunting hare and fox, as well as for tracking injured game even in snow. Created in Tyrol, Austria in the mid 1800’s, this is an enthusiastic hunter known for their hardworking efforts in varied terrain. They are more likely to hunt alone rather than in packs, and will work in both hot and color weather with ease. Intelligent yet independent, this is a typical scenthound descended in part from the German Hound and various Celtic hound breeds. Even the Emperor of Rome, Emperor Maximilian the first, was said to have hunted with this breed of hound! Although rare in the United States, they are recognized by the UKC.

Tyroleans are an active breed and need a home with a yard, or at least somewhere with access to a fenced area every day. Probably not a great match for apartments or even small homes. Very lively and excitable, they were bred to have lots of stamina and therefore need plenty of exercise. If they are granted this exercise they can be calm and easy to keep in the home. They enjoy social outings with their owners, and although they may be cautious and reserved around strangers, appreciate all chances to stretch their legs! They do best living on acreage in the country (when possible), and especially thrive when matched with owners that hunt.

The Tyrolean Hound is affectionate and can make a wonderful pet in the right situation, even doing well in households with children. He loves spending time with his human family and often revels in showing off his silly personalty when offered a game or a toy. Prospective owners must realize that this hound can be mischievous and prone to getting himself into trouble, particularly if he isn’t kept mentally engaged. He needs training, games and other enriching mental activities to keep him busy and happy. Without these mental outlets he can become a serious digger, destructive chewer, and continuous howler!

The Tyrolean can be trained in obedience although can be stubborn and therefore requires patience on the part of the owner! This independent hound may question the commands given to him if he feels there is a better way to accomplish a task, and his intelligence sometimes makes him difficult to work with. This is not to say that he can’t become a wonderful worker, but it will likely require some firmness on the part of the owner/trainer. Making sure to engage the dog with positive reinforcement will definitely help, and it is always recommended to start lessons early in puppyhood! When trained by an experienced owner, this can be a wonderfully working dog.

Tyrolean Hounds do not make good guard dogs as they are far too docile for such a task, however their loud bark can serve as an excellent deterrent to would-be intruders. Their courage is saved for the quarry which they hunt, rather than humans. While they are inclined to ignore strangers until they get to know them, they are affectionate and loyal to those whom they know and consider their family.

The Tyrolean is a rather small breed, standing at 16 and a half inches (for small females) up to 19 and a half for a taller male. They are muscular, yet lean and sinewy. Their body is rectangular, with a deep chest and pronounced withers. The high-set tail is long and should reach to the hock joint, carried high in a sabre fashion when moving or excited. On the head, the hanging ears are wide and rounded at the ends. The double coat is short yet coarse all over (requiring a good brushing once a week) and three colors are acceptable for the breed, including red, black/tan or tricolor.

The average lifespan of the Tyrolean Hound is 13-14 and most individuals are very healthy. Like all purebreds (and mixed breeds) however, there is always the possibility for health issues to occur. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are two of the more commonly-seen problems in this scenthound. Choosing a reputable breeder that health tests can help lower the chances of the former health issue, and cleaning ears on a weekly basis will help with the latter issue.

Photo By Fotting