The Schiller Hound

The Schiller Hound (AKA the Schillerstovare) was developed by mixing Swiss Hounds with various British hounds (namely the Harrier), in order to create a fox and hare hunter. The breed is Swedish and was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in the early 1900’s – even declared as Sweden’s first native breed. They are rare in the United States although are recognized by the UKC. Unlike many scenthounds, this is not a pack hound and instead was used to hunt independently.

Schillers can make fantastic family dogs although they are more often seen as hunter’s dogs because of their reputation of being “the best fox hunting hounds”. They are good with kids but do best with older children as they can be too energetic and rowdy for toddlers. They have a strong, loud voice that is helpful during the hunt (although less so in city living. they do best in rural or country homes). Schillers can make good watch dogs as they will bark when something is amiss, although they are not really “guard dog material”. They are calm and polite in the home and have stable temperaments – being attentive and affectionate, and form strong bonds with those whom they love. They center the majority of their affection on one person in the family, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t still be enamored with other family members as well.

The Schiller Hound is an active breed that requires owners who are just as active and ready to give this life-loving dog all the exercise he needs. He requires daily exercise – and more than just a walk around the block. He needs extensive, varied workouts! Without such he can become destructive, loud and extra bossy. Keep in mind that all exercise should be done on-lead or in a fenced area as he has an above-average propensity for wandering.

Another plus for the Schiller is that he can be easy to train by an experienced dog owner or trainer. Because he may push limits, he is more difficult for novice owners. A good base of obedience is important to establish early on so that he won’t be too pushy with household rules. After a foundation for learning has been laid down, he can then be taught other skills such as nosework. Keep in mind that this scenthound has an independent nature when it comes to learning and traditional methods may need to be modified to keep his attention.  This intelligent dog doesn’t need any training when it comes to hunting, as those skills are built-in.

Schiller Hounds are medium to large in size, and are always tan with a black mantle (saddle) on the back. The coat is smooth and close-lying, yet harsh in texture. It requires only a brief brushing once a week in order to stay healthy, and only sheds moderately. The ears are high set, although hang close to the cheeks of the fairly long, triangular face. Legs are long and the overall picture of this hound is of an athletic, elegant dog. The Schiller is actually said to be the fastest Scandinavian hound!

Schillers require plenty of time and attention and won’t function well in homes where owners work all day. They can live well in homes with other dogs and enjoy having playmate, although this will not take the place of regular human companionship. Like most scenthounds they aren’t the best companions for small pets which can be mistaken for prey. They are very playful and enjoy having fun and playing games with their owners. When it comes to health, the Schiller is generally known to be a very healthy breed on the whole. Average life expectancy is 13-15 years. The issues that occasionally crop up include hip and elbow dysplasia. A reputable breeder should hopefully be screening for these conditions, so make sure to ask!

Schiller Hound

Photo By Canarian

 

The Black Norwegian Elkhound

The Black Norwegian Elkhound was developed from several spitz breeds along the Norwegian-Swedish border. This is not a new or “fad” variation of the more-commonly known Norwegian Elkhound, but is actually an old breed that has existed since the mid 1800’s – at one point even becoming fairly popular in Norway. Today, the popularity of the gray Elkhound has dwarfed the Black, and the darker breed isn’t known in most parts of the world. At one point facing extinction, luckily the breed was saved by fanciers and now between 90 and 150 puppies are registered each year in Norway. This is the smallest of the elkhound breeds in terms of size, the largest males topping out at 19 inches. He is an adept hunter of game including moose and bear, capable of tracking scents on lead, and has also been used to pull sleds as well!

Black Elkhounds are intelligent although can be headstrong and independent. This said, they are very trainable as long as the owner has patience and starts the training early. Many can be trained to stay nearby when not on a leash – although this does require plenty of distraction “proofing”. As with many working spitz breeds, he does need a job to do and should be given both mental and physical exercise on a daily basis. Black Elkhounds are often more interested in work than their gray counterparts, but also have more energy to be drained and are more likely to suffer behavior problems if not given regular tasks and exercise. Some possible outlets include tracking and agility – dog sports that allow them to use their natural abilities!

The Black Norwegian is a loyal spitz that makes a lovely family companion for those who can meet his needs. He also makes a fantastic working dog as well. Courageous, agile and hardy – he is a fantastic choice for an experienced hunter. When raised correctly he should have a level temperament, and even gets along with well-behaved children. The biggest downfall for most owners is his penchant for barking – a pastime that he enjoys a little too well! The breed is always alert to happenings around the property and will announce any changes or events, making him a good watch dog although may get a little carried away with this role. When friends come to visit, he can often be found excitedly greeting them at the door.

Black Norwegian Elkhounds are squarely built dogs with pricked ears and a high-set tail carried over the back. The coat is medium in length and dense with a rough texture. Coat texture and quality is very important as these are outdoor all-weather dogs that need a protective and warm pelt! The color (as obvious by the breed’s name) is always a shiny black. This coat does need to be brushed somewhat extensively, especially during shedding seasons. Luckily, these dogs keep themselves fairly clean and don’t tend to have a doggy odor, which means bathing can be kept to a minimum.

Black Norwegians can be standoffish around people they don’t know well. At worst, some are prone to anxiety or even aggressive behaviors around people or animals that they don’t know. It is for this reason that puppies must be socialized from an early age. Furthermore, not all get along great with other pets in general, especially those that are smaller than them. This is due to their high prey drive. Dog aggression and particularly same-sex dog aggression also seems to be in many lines.

The Black Elkhound is usually a fairly healthy breed that lives 12-15 years and has plenty of stamina and strength throughout his life. There are instances of hip dysplasia in some lines, which means that prospective buyers should check to make sure that any potential breeders tests hips in their dogs. Elbow dysplasia is a less common issue, as well as the occasional kidney or eye issue. These aren’t often seen although it’s always good to discuss all concerns with a responsible breeder who knows their lines. For the most part, this is an exceptionally healthy and hardy dog that is always ready for outdoor activities and work!

Black Norwegian Elkhound

Photo By Rvenes

 

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback hails from Vietnam and is sometimes also known as the Vietnamese Ridgeback or the Phu Quoc Dog. It is one of three breeds to carry a distinctive ridge of hair down the center of its back that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the hair, and is by far the rarest of the three – even considered rare in Vietnam. This athletic breed was discovered in the 19th century as a somewhat feral dog – sometimes living with people and other times fending for itself by relying on excellent hunting and scavenging skills to survive. Those that lived with people hunted with them in the day and guarded the home at night. When kept as a pet, this is a loyal and sweet companion.

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is alert and suspicious of strangers at first. When shown kindness, however, he will accept them as friends. The breed is fearless and if needed, he will defend his owner from any perceived threat – be it person or animal. That said, unlike many breeds with a guarding background he is fairly friendly with the majority of people (including kids) and has a laid-back, even temperament when raised correctly. He tends to get along well with other dogs as well and generally enjoy playing with them. Historically, the breed would occasionally hunt in packs as well as independently so they are generally “wired” to get along.

Phu Quocs need regular daily exercise – and plenty of it! This is not a sedentary breed and will stay fairly active throughout the majority of their lives, which averages about 15-16 years. Because of the Pho Quoc’s semi-feral roots, only the strong survived and thus most are resilient, hardy and active! This primitive dog is known for his speed and his propensity for swimming, jumping and climbing (including trees). He is also very playful and enjoys running and cavorting in a fenced area. Fenced is best… because he is exceptionally fast and could easily get away if he decides to run after a small animal or other distraction. He is a natural hunter and will go after anything from small rodents to huge mammals to fish in a pond!

The Phu Quoc is an intelligent dog although needs mental outlets in the form of training, puzzles and play sessions. Because of his exceptional athleticism and strong need for mental stimulation, he is actually a fairly versatile dog that is able to compete in many dog sports if desired! He learns quickly and tends to pick up obedience commands and general house rules with ease, in addition to being easily housebroken.

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback’s smooth coat comes in a variety of colors – namely fawn, black/tan, black or brindle. Countershading and/or a black mask is accepted on fawns and brindles. The head is wedge-shaped and exotic. Interestingly, the tongue may have black spots or be entirely black (which is actually preferred in the standard). The tail should look not unlike a saber, tapering at the tip and carried high while never arching over the back. As the smallest of all the ridgebacks, they never grow above a medium height/weight. Though their frame is muscular, they have a refined and graceful appearance overall.

Phu Quocs are easy keepers and don’t require much in terms of grooming. They keep themselves fairly clean and shed very little. They are overall quite healthy (despite their small numbers, as a breed they are surprisingly genetically diverse) and don’t require mountains of food. Finally, they are generally polite and easygoing in the home as long as they are given basic training and taught good manners. Separation anxiety isn’t common, nor are other neurotic behaviors – although digging may become an exciting pastime. This is all assuming that the dog lives in a suitable environment (no apartments please) and is given plenty of exercise.

Phu Quoc Ridgeback

Photo By Stefan from Dresden, Germany

 

The Pachon Navarro

The Pachon Navarro is a Spanish pointing breed, and is believed to be one of the oldest pointers of the Iberian peninsula. It’s possible this breed has been around since the Middle Ages! Since then, they are reported to have been shown in early Spanish dog shows – recorded to have participated in the 1890’s. They have been recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina (Spain’s major kennel club) since the inception of the club itself, although by the 1970’s were assumed to be extinct due to lack of numbers. An effort to revive the breed was quickly launched and the breed was barely brought back from the verge of extinction by using the few remaining dogs that could be found. Because they are still very rare, the FCI still does not recognize the breed and they are unknown outside of Spain.

The most unique physical feature of the Pachon is it’s double nose. The split that goes down the middle of every dog’s nose is heavily pronounced in this breed, giving it the appearance of having two separate noses! This is, of course, not actually the case although it does look very unusual and initially startling. While not every Pachon has this feature, it is certainly allowed in the standard and seen regularly. Other characteristics include a medium size with a robust and sturdy build, hanging ears that are flat and wide and a square muzzle. The coat is smooth yet thick, and a variety of colors can be seen. The thick tail is traditionally docked to about two-thirds of it’s original length.

The Navarro is a friendly and loyal beast although takes his hunting job very seriously. This is a dog that needs to have a job to do and will not be content as “just a pet”. This is not to say that he cannot fulfill the function of being a companion, however he must be given work to do – ideally hunting. As the breed would perform their original function in a pack setting, they do best when living with another canine buddy or two, especially if it’s another hunting breed! For obvious reasons, they don’t do as well with pet birds or pocket pets unless the smaller pets are kept safely and securely away.

The Pachon Navarro is intelligent and obedient when his owner takes the time to train him. Like many gun dogs, he needs to be kept on a leash when outside the property unless/until he has been trained. His high prey drive makes it likely for him to run after prey if he sees or smells a loose animal or bird. Not surprisingly, he takes naturally to any sort of gun dog work, and will instinctively retrieve. With obedience, he tends to learn fast although may benefit from extra lessons of attention training in the beginning. Stay consistent in your training and you’ll likely find him an eager and talented student!

The Pachon gets along well with kids, playing gently with them. He particularly enjoys doing so in a home with a large yard if at all possible! No apartments, please. This social pointer thrives on human companionship and should never be relegated to living outside or in a kennel. He will get upset if he is kept away from his humans for too long, meaning he also doesn’t do well in households in which his owner works all day. If put in that situation, he can become destructive and a problem chewer.

The Navarro will bark to alert the household of incoming guests at the door although is otherwise quiet. This is assuming that his needs are met, of course, including him receiving adequate exercise every day. A fairly active hunting dog, he requires daily walks and regular playtime – ideally with his owner. This loyal dog bonds very closely and, while friendly with other people, wants to spend his time with his immediate family most of all. Overall this is a steady-tempered, trustworthy breed without aggression (providing he was raised correctly). He is not known as a guard dog however if he is threatened will rise to the occasion. This would have to take a serious threat in order to elicit such a reaction.

Unfortunately, because modern Pachon Navarros are descended from a small group of dogs, the gene pool is relatively small. As such, they tend to have more health problems than other breeds. Cleft palate can occasionally be seen (as the condition is closely related to double nose feature in the breed), as well as hypothyroidism and epilepsy. It’s important to talk to the breeder in order to determine how risky a certain litter may be in terms of health. Aside from these health concerns, the Pachon is relatively easy to care for in terms of grooming. A weekly brushing is all that the coat needs to stay shiny and glowing, with only the very occasional bath.

Pachon Navarro

Photo By 99bea

 

The Rajapalayam

The Rajapalayam hails from India, where he once was a dog of royalty before later being faced with extinction. Luckily, with the help of the Kennel Club of India’s “Save the Rajapalayam Project”, he has been slowly growing in numbers again – even making an appearance on local postage stamps! While he is recognized in India, he is still virtually unknown in most other parts of the world. This sighthound breed was created to hunt wild boar as well as to guard the estate. At one point he was also used a war dog. He primarily uses his eyes to spot prey although does also rely on a great sense of smell as well. The breed can hunt in packs, in pairs or by himself (with or without a human hunter in tow to dispatch the prey once he takes it down).

Rajapalayams are suspicious toward strangers – if not even outright aggressive, although are extremely loyal to their owners. This is due to their guard dog instincts which are very prized in the breed. Some owners find it hard to have guests over because this hound is so territorial, which means they should only be owned by experienced dog people! They need to be carefully introduced to family friends in order to accept them – and ideally done on neutral ground initially. This fearless breed will bite first and ask questions later – it is not for the faint of heart! With their own family they are friendly and loving – often bonding particularly strongly to one person. They also have naturally high prey drives which means that they do best in homes without cats or other small animals. Even small dogs may be regarded as prey.

The Rajapalayam is more muscular than many sighthounds, yet still possesses long thin legs, a long tapering tail and a lean frame. The muzzle is elongated and the forehead is domed, with soft pendant ears hanging on each side of the face. They have a smooth, yet dense coat that is milk-white in color. The nose and lips are pink and the eyes are often gold or green. They are large in size, measuring up to 29 inches at the withers.

The Rajapalayam is most at home in a house that has a yard for him to run in. A fence is necessary, or even better – a tall wall that will keep this jumping Houdini safely inside the property! Under normal circumstances he should be walked every day to expend his energy. While he is calm and well-behaved in the house, he was bred to run and therefore does have energy that must be burned. One should never skimp on exercise lest they be prepared to have a bored, destructive dog on their hands!

The Rajapalayam is intelligent although can be headstrong and difficult to train. He needs to value his trainer in order to work, so one must build a strong foundation from puppyhood based on mutual respect. He also needs extensive socialization from early puppyhood. As with other sighthounds, his strong prey drive will overrule an obedience command if a particularly distracting prey animal runs near him. Be prepared to spend lots of time training with distractions, and don’t put 100% of your trust in him if he’s off leash.

Rajapalayams shed very little and don’t require very much grooming – least of all professional grooming! Many keep themselves fairly clean and will lick themselves like cats. Only the most basic of care will be needed to keep one looking his best. The short white coat has adapted him to live in the hot climate of India although he doesn’t fare as well in colder temperatures. Be prepared to give him a coat when walking outside in the winter. In terms of health – while most members of the breed are healthy, deafness does run in some lines as it is unfortunately linked to white dogs. Aside from this, the average lifespan is about 10-11 years.

Rajapalayam

Photo By Anandhasakthi

 

The Maltese Hunting Dog

The Maltese Hunting Dog is a flushing/retrieving hunter extraordinaire despite the fact that most people have never heard of the breed. Known in his home country of Malta as Kelb tal-kaċċa ta’ Malta, he has been known since at least the late 1700’s and was mentioned by name in a legal notice by Grandmaster Ximenes allowing him to be used to hunt game. In the years since, he had been crossed with the Bracco Italiano and other European pointers and hound although has always kept a very uniform appearance. Despite his long history, he was officially recognized as a purebred dog by the Maltese National Canine Federation in 2016 after genetic testing showed that the breed is “genetically distinct and genetically coherent”. He still has a ways to go before he is internationally recognized – he is considered an extremely rare breed – but dedicated breeders are working to ensure the survival of this gun dog.

Hunting Dogs love to please their owners and are enthusiastic working dogs, primarily relying on their fantastic sense of smell as they are “heads-down hunters”. They are also intelligent and even easy to housebreak. This is generally a non-aggressive breed that thrives on working with and spending time with their people – almost to a fault as many do suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. They can also become problem barkers/howlers if not given enough stimulation or attention, which means training and giving them jobs to do are very important!

Maltese Hunting Dogs are very athletic and have plenty of energy. This is despite their stocky and somewhat stubby appearance. In fact, they are even built to withstand hot temperatures and can easily maintain plenty of stamina while working/running in hot summers. Their working style is that of calmness and determination, and like many gun dogs they have a “soft mouth” for retrieving. For these reasons they make fantastic choices for hunters, although can also live well with active, outdoors-y people who can fit a dog into their lives! This playful and energetic breed needs to be given lots of exercise. Without it they can be hyperactive and frustrating to live with.

Hunting Dogs are fairly clean animals, have a friendly demeanor, and are intensely loyal to their owners – which all mean they can be excellent companions in the right home. They even do well with children, whom they will take it upon themselves to protect if they feel the child is in danger. They are very gentle which means even young children are ok, as long as parents make sure to keep the kid from hurting the dog!

Appearance-wise, the Maltese Hunting Dog is a medium sized dog with a smooth coat. The color is white with red patches along the body, and dogs often have what is called a “Maltese cross” marking on the forehead. The nose and lips are always pink in color, and the ears are somewhat large and hang at the sides of their head. They have webbed feet and are talented swimmers, and are also said to be able to float on the water when needed!

Photo by wirestock – www.freepik.com

 

The Prague Ratter

The Prague Ratter (AKA the Pražský Krysarík) is a tiny rare breed with a delightfully friendly demeanor. His temperament has been referred to as noble – fitting for a breed often kept by royalty and even given as gifts by royalty. Originating around the year 1000, he was used both for killing rats as well as a companion dog – traits which he is still exceptional at even today. Nowadays he is still virtually unheard of in America although has been recognized by some of the rare breed registries. This is not a Chihuahua (a breed he is commonly misidentified as), nor is it a Miniature Pinscher or Russian Toy. This is a separate breed that is often even smaller than any of these other toy dogs.

Getting along with family and friends alike, the Ratter loves people of all ages including children. With strangers he is initially cautious but will make friends in time. In the home he is calm and fairly laid-back, but will come alive when presented with a toy or game of fetch! He is said to be a “large dog in a small dog’s body” and is thankfully not as “yappy” as many similarly sized breeds. Particularly loyal, a Ratter will bond with his owner and become very tuned-in to that person’s emotions.

Prague Ratters are known for being obedient and particularly intelligent. Many are even said to housebreak themselves! As they are easy to train, some owners work them in competitions such as obedience trials, tracking, freestyle or teaching them to free-stack for conformation dog shows. Other owners just teach a few tricks and call it a day. Either way, it is highly recommended that training of some sort be a part of the Ratter’s life! He enjoys interacting, learning and bonding with his owner through training sessions. Furthermore, like most tiny breeds he can be prone to “small dog syndrome” in which he can become obnoxious to live with if given zero rules, so training is a good way to bypass this. He learns best when trained with respect and with a gentle hand.

Ratters certainly have a sense of humor and can be amusing to watch as they play, and when they tire themselves out make fantastic cuddlers! These affectionate toys are gentle with people although need a gentle touch themselves – this is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world and although are quite healthy, do require common-sense caution to keep from getting hurt. That said, this agile and energetic pup does enjoy running and playing, and can even participate in active sports like agility! Just make sure to account for the dogs’ size when introducing him to new activities or when letting him play with very young children or large hyper dogs. The average weight of this breed is about 5 pounds so broken bones can occur in preventable mishaps.

The Czech Federation’s Prague Ratters Club details a strict set of rules that must be followed before any dogs can be bred. Along with being over a certain age, parents-to-be must have been successfully shown a couple of times, in addition to being evaluated by an expert for conformation, temperament and health. Ratter puppies from the approved litters are then visited by a breed advisor at the age of 6-8 weeks who will immediately disqualify any subpar puppies from receiving a pedigree. Because of the strict breeding regimes overseas, the breed is fairly healthy and uniform in type.

The Ratter can live happily in an apartment but he does enjoy going on adventures and therefore should be taken out and socialized regularly! The tiny size makes it easy to bring him on trips and into dog-friendly accommodations. He also revels in being taken for long walks, although in cold weather should be given a sweater or coat as he has a harder time in lower temperatures. This is true for both coat types – the Ratter comes in a short coated variety as well as a long coated variety.

In appearance, the Prague Ratter is a square and compact breed, with either a smooth and glossy coat (which barely sheds) or a slightly longer coat with distinctive fringes on ears, quarters and tail. The most common color is black/tan, although also just as acceptable colors include blue/tan, brown/tan, solid yellow, solid red, or merles in either black or brown. The eyes are round and wide-set on the head, which is topped with triangular pricked ears. The tail is occasionally docked depending upon in which country the dog was born, or can be long and carried slightly upright.

The Kintamani-Bali Dog

The Kintamani-Bali Dog originated in Indonesia as a household pet, and is the national breed of the country. While his genealogical history remains unknown, some believe that the Chow Chow is in this spitz’ background, as well as Balinese feral “street” dogs. We do know that this breed has had a parent club and has been shown since 1985. It is also the first Indonesian breed to gain international recognition, and is a provisional member of the FCI. This said, they are still a rare breed in the United States and a prospective owner will very likely need to import a dog from overseas if a puppy is desired.

Kintamani are said to be extremely intelligent and easy to train, although they do have an independent streak like many spitz breeds. With dedication (and a pinch of patience) from their owner, the Kinta can be successful in many dog sports such as agility or obedience! They do best with trainers that utilize fair and balanced methods, as overly harsh training can cause the dog to shut down or even react aggressively. Furthermore they do best when training is made fun and interesting, as many get bored easily.

The Kinta makes an excellent watch dog, as he will bark if he hears an unexpected sound or sees a stranger out the window. He can also be extremely territorial towards those who enter his property – particularly other dogs – even becoming aggressive if the situation warrants it. As this is also a climbing breed (it isn’t unexpected to see them scaling walls or sitting atop fences in Bali), care must be taken to ensure the property is safely escape-proof so he doesn’t become a liability. His somewhat alarming guarding behavior is in sharp contrast to the gentle and affectionate nature that he shares with those whom he loves. He is very faithful and loyal to those he considers his family. One of his original purposes was to guard the property, so these traits are valued and a natural part of his temperament.

The KBD has plenty of energy and needs regular exercise, especially younger dogs. Hiking is a great activity, as well as swimming, jogging and even exercise that incorporates fun games! Many particularly enjoy swimming and have a natural talent for it, which means regular visits to a beach or pool are especially appreciated by the dog! They aren’t a great match for someone looking for a couch potato, for while they do calm down with age, they definitely require some sort of engaging activity throughout their lives.

Kintamani-Bali Dogs tend to get along well with children (when socialized to them) and can make very good family pets in the right setting. Take note that some don’t get along with other dogs (especially strange dogs approaching their territory) so this may not be the best choice for someone who wants a very dog-social dog. Many also are not cat-safe. Because of their higher energy level and propensity to bark frequently, they also aren’t the greatest idea as an apartment dog. While some members of the breed are easier than others, even being able to live with novice owners, their upbringing and the living situation makes all the difference!

The Kintamani is characterized by a broad, wedge-shaped head and rectangular erect ears. The overall body of the Kinta is slightly rectangular with a level topline. The coat is a medium length, double coat with a harsh texture. A bushy “frill” of longer hair should surround the neck and withers, as well as the tail. Colors allowed are white, fawn, black and brindle. While it may look difficult to care for, the coat is actually fairly easy as long as a grooming schedule is kept at home. The coat needs brushing only once or twice a week during most time of the year, except during shedding season which may require daily care.

The Russian Spaniel

The Russian Spaniel is a small gun dog which is popular in his own country of Russia but virtually unheard of everywhere else. The breed was mostly developed from English Cockers and English Springers, and the first standard was published in 1951. Aside from being recognized in Russia he is extremely rare in almost every other country. He is well-suited to hunting and tracking with a natural instinct that requires very little training to get him onto the field. His mainly specializes in hunting birds, rabbit and waterfowl, in which he’ll flush them out and retrieve them after the hunter gets the shot. His talented nose has also even been put to good use in search and rescue missions!

Russian Spaniels tend to be very healthy dogs, rarely suffering from health issues although allergies – particularly food allergies, do crop up from time to time. Their long ears are prone to infection without regular cleaning. They also can be predisposed to obesity but this isn’t as much a health problem as it is an owner-maintenance problem. Some dogs do better with measured-out meals rather than free feeding, and this breed more typically falls into the former category. Overall, the average lifespan of this spaniel is 13-15 years.

The Russian Spaniel does resemble an English Cocker Spaniel, although has a longer, stockier body and a shorter, tighter coat. The coat needed to keep the dog warm in the often frigid temperatures of their home country, so while the coat isn’t draping like his cousin it is tight and protective, albeit soft. Color is black, brown or tan – either as a solid color or combined with white. These spaniels can also be tricolor as well. Overall not a high maintenance breed, they don’t even require too much grooming, especially compared to their close spaniel relatives. There is no special trimming or stripping required.

Russian Spaniels are playful, gentle, and are very tolerant of children – making them perfect family pets. They get along with other dogs of all breeds and share their sociable nature even with dogs whom they have just met. With a devoted personality, they don’t like to be away from their owners for too long and are often to be found in the same room as their favorite person when at all possible. Some are said to be decent watch dogs as many will bark to announce a visitor at the door, however this is overall a very social animal that is never inclined to hurt anyone. Their love of everyone can even lead to a fulfilling career as a therapy dog.

The Russian Spaniel is easy to train and usually wants to “do the right thing”. This is a people-pleaser that enjoys being praised for a job well done! Many enjoy participating in dog sports such as rally or tracking – which are best undertaken after a brief stint in formal obedience training. As with all training, consistency is still necessary to help teach the dog what it is that you are asking of him. Also, some young dogs with energy to spare (read: hyperactive) can benefit from a firm (yet still fair) hand. Because this is a hunting breed, the Russian Spaniel isn’t always safe to keep around small pocket pets or birds. He may also be inclined to chase after prey, which means he does need extensive off-leash training before being allowed any supervised off-lead outings.

Although in Russia they are praised for their ability to live comfortably in an apartment, Russian Spaniels do need regular exercise. While they may not have the same extreme energy level of some related breeds, they still have enough energy and stamina to benefit from one or two daily jogs or long solid walks. As lovers of water, a trip to the beach would be most appreciated! Although fairly active, with enough exercise they can live in most home settings regardless of size. Providing them with training and puzzles will also help to keep their minds active, which further leads to a fulfilled and calm(er) dog in the house.

The Greenland Dog

The Greenland Dog is said to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. Hailing from the Arctic regions, and the only (surviving) dog from Greenland, this spitz breed is lesser known than similar sled dogs but well favored by those who do. They were originally used by the Eskimos for hunting and pulling sleds and can be said to be a mid-range hauling dog – somewhere in between the sizes of the larger Alaskan Malamute and the smaller Siberian Husky. Although a pack animal, they need to live indoors with the family if they don’t have the company of other dogs. With other household canines, the breed can have issues with members of the same sex unless and until a pecking order is established. Around strange dogs, they can be territorial and defensive. While they might not always start a fight they most definitely will not back down if a scuffle starts.

It is said that one must have plenty of patience when training a Greenland, but because of his size and strength, training is a necessity! He is recommended for experienced dog owners only as he can tend toward dominant behaviors. He needs firm, consistent training throughout his life, but especially during his adolescent years up to the age of 3 when he is most likely to challenge his owner. This is an independent-minded spitz that is intelligent but very stubborn. Aside from the important fact that he needs rules and structure to keep him from taking advantage of his owners, he also needs the mental stimulation that training provides to keep from becoming bored. A dog that was born to do a job – along with obedience training he will be happiest when given activities such as tracking or agility – or even better, opportunities to pull a sled!

Greenlands can be escape artists, and not only do they need a fence but that fence must be equally secure. This means it should be have features that keeps a dog from jumping over as well as digging out. A fenced yard will provide a nice exercise area, however this working breed also needs extensive daily walks – as much as two hours a day for some individuals! Keep in mind this athletic breed would pull sleds for extended periods of time and this energy has not been bred out. He is still capable of this task and owners with the means to do so would do well to let him pull a sled to help release some of that energy! Those not in a snowy climate can substitute carting, or another physically tasking job such as hiking. Without enough physical exercise the dog can become destructive which may result in massive holes dug in the yard or other frustrating behaviors.

The Greenland Dog is a happy and affectionate, non-aggressive breed with a fairly extroverted nature although he has a reserved way of showing it. He loves all members of the family equally and is quick to make friends, yet doesn’t seem to suffer from separation anxiety as frequently as some other social breeds – probably due to his independent side. When playing, he does so boisterously and with much enthusiasm! He is not a guard dog, however is nonetheless intimidating in appearance and can be a deterrent to many would-be buglers who don’t know the difference! The breed is large in height, has a muscular build, and is likely to bark if someone comes to the door; giving many criminals second thoughts.

As might be surmised by his thick, medium length double coat, the Greenland Dog is a shedder and needs to be brushed several times a week. His thick, protective coat allows him to live outside in very cold weather if needed but also means he needs extra protection from the sun and the heat. The top coat is straight and coarse to the touch, providing a protective barrier between his body and the snow (or cold weather) while the plushy undercoat keeps him insulated. This double coat should never be clipped or shaved down, as doing so will ruin the natural ability to insulate him in increment weather. The coat of this colorful spitz can be seen in almost any color, save for albino.

The Greenland doesn’t bark as much as he sings, screams and howls. Groups of Greenlands are known for singing together which results in a beautiful serenade that may or may not impress the neighbors. The ancient roots of this spitz breed certainly show! DNA evidence places them more closely related to the extinct Taimyr Wolf than the Gray Wolf, which is relevant because this means they (and their relatives) are descended from an even older strain of wolf than most other breeds! The breed’s stoic nature, higher prey drive and quiet reserve are all traits often seen in wolves and very ancient dogs.

Photo By sannse