The Akbash Dog

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akbash Dog

Photo By OrysiaD

 

 

 

The Mudhol Hound

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mudhol Hound

Photo By Tharun Gowda

 

The Maremma Sheepdog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maremma Sheepdog

Photo By ACiiDMaN

 

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Treeing Feist

Treeing Feists are small terrier-type dogs bred for hunting squirrel, vermin and other small game (and barking repetitively once the game has been treed). Feists in general were created in the southern regions of America by crossing hunting hounds with terriers, and are similar to the various cur breeds in that both curs and feists are bred with working qualities first and foremost. It was (and still is) vital that these dogs be low-maintenance, high stamina and high-drive – virtual hunting machines! In fact, they have been nicknames the “ultimate squirrel dog” by fanciers of the breed.

Along with their hunting prowess, Treeing Feists actually make very good little guard dogs as well! Possessing great bravery and plenty of tenacity, they will fight to the death if need be. Keep in mind that they get no bigger than 30 pounds max, and 18 inches at the withers (with individuals on the low range at 12 pounds and 12 inches tall), and one can see just how brave these dogs are! These are very loyal little dogs who form strong bonds with their owners and will protect them if necessary. They get along great with children as well, although may be a bit much for extremely young kids due to their rambunctious nature.

Treeing Feists are active and agile although can live in smaller homes as long as their exercise needs are met. These needs include giving them a daily walk, as well as providing mental stimulation in the form of games or other similar activities (about an hour a day combined). Their smaller size makes them more adaptable to various homes than other hunting breeds. Apartments may be a bit iffy, however, because they are quite territorial and tend to bark suspiciously when people walk by the door or pass by a window – which may make them difficult to live with in areas of high “traffic”. Whether one lives in a small condo or a large house, just make sure to keep up with the daily exercise as this breed can get bored and destructive without a physical routine!

When it comes to appearance, Treeing Feists come in a wide variety of looks. Their standard is purposefully kept very loose as hunting ability is considered the most important point, much more so than looks. All colors and patterns are allowable (with the exception of albinos) although the coat is always short, dense and smooth. Ears can be either dropped, erect or button. Tails can be either long or naturally bobbed.

Treeing Feists are most active outdoors, and in a fenced yard will often be seen running, hunting or finding things to chase. Indoors, they are much more laid-back and content to lay around. They enjoy the comfort of a soft couch and/or a lap and some even become “champion” lap-dogs! In addition to their top roles of squirrel hunting, rodent eradication and watch/guard dog duties, they were also bred to be loving companions.

Training a Treeing Feist is best accomplished with a firm, yet fair attitude. These terrier-like dogs will often try to go for top-dog status if they are given zero guidance or rules which means that obedience training needs to be started young! Luckily they are easy to train, particularly if the owner has set the dog up for success from the beginning and follows a consistent training plan. Once a Treeing Feists respects you, half the “battle” is already won. Remember that they are loyal and are very willing to please a person whom they love and respect. Because they have a high prey drive, extra attention should be given to proofing a dog around animal distractions.

Photo By Atomic Feist

 

The Podenco Maneto

The Podenco Maneto is a Spanish hound, a rare breed derived from the (also rare) Andalusian Hound. They are not recognized by the FCI although they are recognized in their home country of Spain. One of the many breeds in the podenco family – these dogs are classified as sighthounds by some and by primitive hunting hounds by others. If one were to call them sighthounds, they would immediately note one huge difference between them and other breeds in that group – namely the short, somewhat stubby legs! This mutation doesn’t stop them from hunting various types of bird as well as rabbit, as they are unusually adapted to hunting small game in their particular terrain. In fact, their short legs allow them access through dense vegetation where other long-legged hounds are unable to pass! This breed is also skilled at retrieving ducks from the water.

Manetos have a loyal character and tend to stay close to their owners while hunting. These are pack hunting hounds which generally get along well with other dogs, assuming they were socialized as puppies (although they can be very territorial to strange dogs). Hunting isn’t their only talent, however. They easily transition to family life and can make gentle, affectionate companions in the home. While many are one-person dogs, they can be very cuddly and enjoy snuggling up to the people they love. This said, they are not overly clingy and will definitely wander away when they’ve had their fill of attention. With strangers, they may take a little while to warm up but can easily accept new friends with a bit of time.

Podenco Manetos are always red and white in color, with a pink nose. Their head should be cone-shaped, with only moderate stop. They possess large, naturally upright ears which may look extra big when compared to their stubby, Dachshund-like legs. As might be assumed, they are not particularly fast although they are determined, strong workers. They are vastly smaller than almost all other podencos, although they are compact and muscular.

Manetos can be trained with plenty of positive reinforcement as they enjoy working as long as they see a benefit to it. Furthermore, they also possess a great memory. This intelligent breed needs to see understand “what’s in it for them” in order to work, however. Although they have balanced, even temperaments overall, they are independent-minded like most other sighthounds. Some can be overly-confident and try to see how far they can push their limits. Obedience training is definitely recommended to develop a healthy relationship with a Maneto.

The Billy

The Billy is a French breed, originating in the 19th century. This is a pack-hunting scenthound which was used on deer and wild boar – a job which they still do today. All of the breeds originally used to create the Billy are now extinct but these particular hounds are still in existence, albeit in small numbers and mostly in France. They are recognized by the UKC here in the United States although are a rare breed. This is a large, active hound that does best in a space where he can really stretch his legs. Apartment-dwelling prospective owners need not apply.

Billys are not the best choice for those who live in high-traffic areas and want an off-leash dog. With their high prey drive and surprising speed, they can easily run into the street and get injured or killed within seconds. This is one reason why they tend to do best in country settings versus a city. While one can live in an urban environment with a Billy, one must spend even more time exercising (on-leash!) and should ideally also find a fenced in area for the dog to visit frequently for romping/playing. Combining this with the fact that the breed much prefers being outside in wide open spaces, it becomes even harder to find a compatible home/owner living in the city.

The Billy does best with a medium to high amount of exercise daily. Having a fenced yard for him to run in is ideal, but must also be supplemented by a long daily walk or similar activity. Of course, the most ideal form of exercise is letting him go hunting! Activities which stimulate his brain as well as his body are also helpful – which can be accomplished by hunting, training or participating in dog sports. He can be a versatile dog capable of learning and competing in a number of different venues…assuming that his human puts in the time. He was built and bred to spend a lot of time engaging in active outdoor pursuits!

The coat of the Billy is short, yet harsh to the touch. Shedding is often minimal, especially if brushed on a regular basis. If one were to put off the chore of brushing for weeks at a time they would notice the dog shedding more frequently. Overall, however, this is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Don’t forget about trimming nails or cleaning ears, but otherwise brushing and baths are simple and quick tasks compared to many other dogs! The breed is normally white or off-white in color, with patches of orange or lemon markings. Because the fur is fairly short he may require a dog coat when outside in very cold temperatures, otherwise this is a fairly hardy breed.

Billys are loyal to their owners and social with other people – even strangers (which makes them poor guard dogs). They are usually very good with children and exceptional with other dogs… provided they have been raised with them. There can be some same-sex fighting in a household pack as they do rely quite heavily on pack dynamics and pecking order. This will often sort itself out but not always. Opposite-sex pairings may be a smarter way to go for owners that don’t want to risk fights. As hunting dogs they are brave and courageous when facing adversaries such as wild boar – they won’t back down easily during a hunt. Their prey drive does mean that they may not get along well with small pets or scurrying wildlife!

The Billy is trainable when an owner puts in the effort and starts young. He is intelligent although he may also be willful and stubborn when it comes to obedience training so patience is important! Also, he is easily distracted by interesting scents. Because independent-minded hounds such as the Billy are a bit more challenging to train than the average dog, he may not make the best pet for a first-time dog owner. This said, when given “the basics” this is a fairly easy dog to have around the house, with a gentle and easy-going personality.

 

The Stepnaya Borzaya

The Stepnaya Borzaya (AKA the South Russian Steppe Hound) is a sighthound that first appeared in the steppe regions of Russia. Related to the Hortaya Borzaya as well as the Tazi, this old breed is not well known in most of the world outside of Russia. This breed was often credited with helping countless families survive during war, as their keen hunting instincts helped them to “bring food to the table”. This is a true hunting dog that is able to catch prey on its own without the need for hunters towing guns. With his keen eyesight, hardy constitution and enviable running ability – he is the definition of a purpose-bred hound. Most are bred purely for function rather than show.

Appearance-wise, Stepnaya Borzayas come in an array of colors including black, fawn, white, red or brindle – all either solid or piebald marked. Tan markings may or may not appear. Despite their hanging ears and feathering, they are not related to the similar-looking Saluki. The standard for the breed was written up in 1951 although their rare status, lack of formal recognition and tendency to be bred for work rather than show means that there may be considerable variation from one dog to the next.

Stepnayas are active and endowed with lots of endurance. If they see something they want to chase, many will stop at nothing to do so! As a large hound, a prospective owner must be able to exercise this dog without letting it run off into a dangerous road. This means a large fenced area is an ideal exercising venue, supplemented by long walks on leash. Although they were bred to hunt fox and hare, they’ll chase after anything that moves! This breed does best in a country setting (fenced, of course) with room to run.

Stepnayas are softly affectionate to their owners but fairly independent. They don’t tend to have any aggression when raised correctly. A “typical” sighthound temperament should be expected from a well-socialized Stepnaya. While rare in numbers, this hound can make a great companion dog in the right home.

The Karst Shepherd Dog

The Karst Shepherd Dog is an ancient molosser-type breed – at one time the same breed as the Sarplaninac until the two were separated in 1968. Hailing from Slovenia, they were originally used as Livestock Guardians. Today they are recognized by the FCI, and in the United States by the UKC. This is a dog with an independent personality which is usually stable but can lean towards being sharp. Extremely brave, they make great guard dogs but only in the right households – this is not a dog for a first-time owner!

It is very important for Karsts to receive plenty of socialization when young in order for them to live with people in a “normal” way. This is important for all breeds, but the Karst especially as they are a large breed with an already-distrustful personality! If they are to be used to guard livestock, they should be socialized with the animals very early on as well. They can be kept as strictly pets although do require a fair bit of training and work to keep them happy. They enjoy having a job to do and it is a healthy outlet for their brains to be able to accomplish tasks on a regular basis.

Karst Shepherds enjoy having a purpose and are therefore good candidates for obedience training. Start young and establish the “rules of the game” early on for best results. It is also recommended to focus on teaching them good behaviors around the food bowl, as well as appropriate reactions to guests, as important early house rules. Some good lessons on boundary training (to stay out of certain rooms or off of furniture) are also helpful.

Karst Shepherds do have a high exercise requirement as they were bred to roam and trot around livestock fields all day. They were also used for herding as well. This means that they need physical exercise in order to be fulfilled, and unfortunately wandering around a small yard is not enough! Karsts that haven’t had enough exercise can become destructive and frustrating to live with. This breed is more of a strong powerhouse rather than a quick and agile animal, so he doesn’t necessarily need to be taken on jogs. Long walks are usually fine, even at a slow pace, provided that owner and dog are able to cover a good bit of distance.

The Karst Shepherd Dog does tend towards having a dominant temperament and is not a good match for a wishy-washy owner. While a well-socialized individual shouldn’t be needlessly aggressive, one will act defensively if he feels the situation warrants it (such as a home invasion). This said, a dog which has been raised to get away with whatever he wants is more likely to behave in aggressive ways. Owners should be ready to lay down rules of the household from the start. While the uninformed may think that setting down rules will hinder any guard dog traits, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A good Karst guard dog will naturally be protective of his owners and rules will help him be stable in the household.

The Karst tends to form strong bonds with his owner and has a loyal disposition. He can do well with children although is a better match for older kids that are well behaved. Supervision is recommended for all breeds to make sure that children are fair to the dog and the Karst is certainly no exception. The breed can spend a lot of time outside, particularly if he has been tasked with watching over livestock, although he does enjoy spending time with the family if possible.

Photo By Canarian

 

The Hortaya Borzaya

The Hortaya Borzaya is a very rare sighthound developed in Russia and the Ukraine and was at one point even owned by nobility. The breed is sometimes referred to as the Chortai. Extremely rare outside of Russia, although exhibited occasionally in the Russian Cynological Federation, the breed has even made at least one brief appearance at the World Dog Show when held in that country. They are still very low in numbers although fanciers are seeking to preserve the breed.

As with all sighthounds, the Hortaya has a keen prey drive! Originally hunted in pairs (and accompanied by a raptor), the hounds were released while hunters followed along on horseback. These were often “functional” hunts, using any prey caught for food rather than hunting for sport. This breed has great endurance and can run very long distances (and very quickly) so needless to say an owner must be prepared to keep the dog on a leash when not in a fenced area! They had been used to hunt a diverse assortment of prey and so even pet hounds not used for hunting are likely to give chase to cats, squirrels or even slightly larger animals. In the home however, many are able to live with other pets (including cats) as long as a bit of common sense is followed. For example, that same cat may become too tempting not to chase when out in the yard.

Borzayas are gentle and calm around people although they do need to be given plenty of opportunities to run and exercise daily! Most wouldn’t be happy if cramped into an apartment or small condo – for optimum success they should be given a large fenced yard to run in daily, supplemented with regular walks. While this isn’t a hyper dog by any means, it is a high-energy athlete that requires a compatible living situation!

Hortaya Borzayas tend to get along well with other dogs, and have a friendly-yet-aloof temperament towards most people. Aggression is not commonly seen in a well-socialized Hortaya and they wouldn’t be a good choice as a guard dog. They do have a slightly more independent personality in general, and while they enjoy being with their families, they don’t need to be standing next to them 24/7.

Most Hortayas are very healthy and strong dogs with few genetic disorders in the lines. Because of their general build, bloat may be one possible health concern although this is speculation because of limited information about these rare hounds. Otherwise, it is not unusual for one to live to the age of 14 or 15 years old. In fact, in their home country it isn’t unheard of for older hounds to still participate in hunting and/or breeding even later in life with no ill effects.

Borzayas are capable of competing and enjoying many dog sports such as lure coursing, agility or racing. They are also a little easier to train than some of their canine close-relatives. Clever and interested in learning, they would make a good match for a person interested in competing with an unusual breed! As with all dogs, starting the training and socializing process early on in life will give the best results for success in the future.

The smooth coat of the Hortaya Borzaya is thicker than it may at first appear – a necessity for living in colder climates! This large hound is also heftier than he may look. Although still blessed with the graceful outline of most sighthounds, he is surprisingly strong and athletic and has more muscle than one may originally realize! This is similar to the also-muscular Greyhound – an obvious cousin to the breed. Similarities to the Borzoi can also be seen, particularly in the head. That said, this is a breed unto themselves and one which will hopefully continue to grow and flourish!

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0