The Pont-Audemer Spaniel

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is, and always has been, a rare breed. Being so low in numbers, the national breed club in France merged with the club for Picardy Spaniels (as well as the Blue Picardy), in hopes of keeping the breed afloat. Related to the aforementioned Picardy as well as the Barbet, Poodle, and Irish Water Spaniel, this water-loving breed is a gun dog that can point and flush game. It is more of a pointing/setting breed than a spaniel, with a medium-sized, yet hardy frame.

Pont-Audemers have good work ethics and can be fantastic in the field as hunting dogs, as well as smart and capable in the home. Mild tempered, loyal and loving, they get along well with people (including kids) and even have senses of humor! They love to play and to make their humans laugh, so much so that the have been dubbed “the little clown(s) of the marshes” in their native France. This said, the vast majority of them are kept as hunting dogs rather than as pets – or at very least are hunters first and companions second.

The “Ponty”, as he is affectionately known, tends to be easy to train when it comes to the “basics”. Make sure to keep training sessions short and fun as longer sessions can become tedious and boring after awhile. While he enjoys pleasing his master, he does have an independent streak and will occasionally defer to his own judgement if he finds something else he’d rather be doing! It is for this reason that more advanced obedience, while definitely do-able, will take time. A skilled trainer will utilize short bursts of training throughout the day in order to keep the dog engaged, in between rest or off-time.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is easy to groom although does require a lot of exercise, meaning that you’ll spend less time brushing but more time outside jogging! While they do best in homes with large backyards, this is no substitute for daily walks/jogs or similar excursions. They have high exercise needs and may need hours of structured exercise with their people – ideally hunting but a similar activity can suffice as long as it engages the body and mind. Dogs who haven’t been given enough physical stimulation may become loud and hyperactive.

Pont-Audemers don’t make good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are too laid-back and friendly toward people. They love people so much, in fact, that a lack of regular attention from their owners can cause chronic anxiety! This means that not only does this breed benefit from stay-at-home owners, but also owners who understand dog psychology enough not to encourage the anxiety through excessive affection. There is a thin line between “being there” for the dog and inadvertently feeding into an anxious state by being a “helicopter parent/owner”. An anxious Ponty should have his mind and body redirected into obedience or healthy work.

The Ponty does have some health issues to be aware of, possibly due to the smaller gene pool of the breed as a whole. Alopecia has been found more frequently than in other breeds, along with issues such as hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and Von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood clotting condition). Prospective owners should definitely do their research when looking for a puppy and only buy from a responsible breeder who health test their dogs. This is good advice for getting a dog of any breed, but even more important when dealing with a breed with so many known issues.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel gets along well with dogs in his own pack – dogs with whom he was raised with and live with every day. He may have a bit more trouble getting along with strange dogs whom he doesn’t know. He also might have issues with the pet cat or other small animals in his home – being as he is a hunting dog. If you are considering this breed, take note of these incompatible circumstances and ask yourself if you are willing to deal with this for the next 12-14 years! A dog is for life and the Ponty is certainly no exception! Overall, although he has a few quirks which may make him harder to live with, when matched with the right owner he can become a loyal and trusted partner.

Photo By Alephalpha

 

The Austrian Pinscher

The Austrian Pinscher was formally recognized in 1928, however the ancestors of this utilitarian breed go back much further and were likely were the base of all pinscher and schnauzer breeds. Although still not recognized by the AKC in this country, they are recognized by the UKC, however are fairly rare in the world and unfortunately threatened with extinction. This small-medium sized breed had been used as an all-purpose farm dog (watchdog, guardian of the property, drover, ratter and livestock guarding) and a loyal companion. A general homebody, they aren’t prone to wandering or hunting.

Austrian Pinschers are intelligent and willing to please, although can be occasionally stubborn and often want to be the boss. They are definitely not for novice owners or for those who prefer a submissive breed. Obedience training is highly recommended to give these lively dogs a job to do in their daily life! Working is in this breed’s blood and they appreciate being given tasks that allow them to use both their body and mind. This means they are also excellent candidates for dog sports such as agility and competition obedience! They tend to pick up new commands fairly quickly.

The Austrian Pinscher can vary considerably in appearance. Many specimens have a smooth, slick coat although the standard allows for the coat to be “short to medium-long”, which means that some dogs are quite fluffy! Colors range from gold, red, yellow to black/tan. White markings are allowed but not necessary. Because these dogs are used primarily for working and not usually bred for the show ring there can be a substantial difference in looks between one dog and the next. The average lifespan of the Austrian Pinscher is 12-14 years and the breed is fairly healthy for the most part. General care and upkeep is simple, although it’s important to realize that the breed can shed heavily.

With strangers, the Austrian Pinscher can be quite suspicious and may take awhile to warm up. The FCI breed standard actually states that an Austrian with the correct temperament should be “an incorruptible guard”. While he is not a large or otherwise intimidating-looking dog, he does have the power and the will to protect the house in times of danger. This said, to his family he is extremely affectionate and dedicated, with a playful demeanor, when raised correctly. It is very important to socialize young and implement a regular training schedule, as well as firm household rules. As with certain other guarding breeds, he can become a liability in the wrong hands!

Austrian Pinschers have a lot of energy and need daily exercise. Tending to be excitable and active, they don’t make good pets for apartment dwellers – and this goes double because they can be somewhat loud as well. They can live in a home with a large yard although really thrive in country homes with lots of property. Although they need to stretch their legs regularly by free-running in a yard or property, they should also be given walks (or more preferably, jogs) on a daily basis as well.

The Austrian Pinscher doesn’t always get along with other dogs. Having multiple dogs living together will require the right combination of personalities, as well as an owner who understands dog behavior. They can get along with children, however although once again it is recommended that owners be dog-savvy. They can develop possessive behaviors if allowed to get away with it, which can be disastrous in situations with young children! This is a fantastic breed in the right hands, but does require the right owner in order for the fit to work.

Photo By Przykuta

 

The Blue Picardy Spaniel

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is descended from French Spaniels crossed with blue belton English Setters and Gordon Setters. In his home country of France, a club was formed in 1921 which also included his cousin the Picardy Spaniel. While heavily related, they are regarded as separate breeds. While the word “spaniel” is in his name, many of the large French “spaniel” breeds are actually pointing dogs – often versatile breeds also used for retrieving and tracking both on land and water. The Blue Picardy is no exception. Blues make fantastic companions to people of all ages, as long as they are given plenty of exercise.

Blues are generally quiet in the home and have an unassuming medium-sized frame that can be easy to keep in a house. That said, this is a versatile hunting dog who needs a good deal of both mental and physical exercise – at least an hour a day! Without being worn out each day with physically/mentally stimulating activities, they can develop bad behaviors and be much harder to keep as a housepet. Ideally, one would be owned by a hunter and/or someone who regularly trains for field trials.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is easy to train and is usually quick to respond to commands, once taught. Many of this has to do with his highly social nature – he enjoys being in the presence of people, especially when they interact with him! This can either be through a game of fetch, a run on the beach, a cooperative hunting expedition, or by working on obedience commands. This breed has a great work ethic, stable temperament and possesses an agile physical prowess – the perfect combination of traits to compete in high level dog sports if one were so inclined! One might think about competing in flyball, tracking, agility or nose work to work both the body as well as the mind.

Blues do best when living in homes with large yards, as they do have boundless energy and stamina. While gentle-tempered, one cannot be expected to live in cramped quarters without eventually “bouncing off the walls”! They can also live with other dogs (or even cats) if desired, as they generally aren’t dog-aggressive, but it isn’t necessary. Primarily they require plenty of social time with their people, exercise and regular activities/work.

With their striking coats and beautiful appearance, one might think the Blue Picardy would be a popular breed but they are relatively unknown in most of the world. Their numbers are obviously higher in France, with some populations in Canada and even small numbers in the United States. As such they are considered a “well kept secret”, as they are exceptionally loyal and devoted companions and hunting dogs.

The Blue Picardy can make a good watchdog, for while he is usually quiet he will bark when people come to the door. Some also have a bit of a protective streak as well, but it will probably only come out in an actual dangerous situation. Overall this is a loving and friendly dog who often adores people regardless of size or age (assuming he’s had sufficient early socialization). The only thing an owner might want to be wary about is introducing him to the pet bird (or other small pocket pet) – as his hunting instincts might take over!

Blue Picardy Spaniels enjoy attention and hanging out with their people, and many want to get up close even if it means crawling up beside their owner on the couch! Many will carry around a ball just in case one is willing to play an impromptu game of fetch. Younger dogs have more energy and will often require more supervision until they reach the age of two or three, as they can be very curious and will look for adventure wherever they can get it – this may include counter surfing escapades. Make sure to set down house rules and be firm yet fair while enforcing them, being aware that this is a “soft” breed that can get intimidated by extra harsh reprimands. Once mature and over the puppy stage, this is a faithful companion who will undoubtedly bring joy and love (and lots of active adventures!) throughout his life.

Photo By Pleple2000

 

The Hungarian Greyhound

The Hungarian Greyhound is also known as the Magyar Agar. This large sighthound has been used for coursing game as well as racing and he excels at long distance running over uneven terrain. Don’t let his delicate appearance fool you – this is a rugged and tough breed. Although similar in looks to his relative the (English) Greyhound, he is heavier boned, thicker-skinned and should be longer than he is tall as compared to the Greyhound’s more square outline. The muzzle is shorter and the head more wedge-shaped. Ancient as well as rare, he is recognized by the UKC but numbers are low in the United States.

Although smooth-coated, the Hungarian Greyhound will grow slightly longer hair during cooler weather. As it is also dense and covers a thick skin, he is more resilient than other sighthounds to cold weather. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to provide the hound a coat on particularly cold days, as one should always make sure that dogs are comfortable in regards to temperature, but overall he minds the cold much less than similar breeds. Fairly adaptable, he could even be kept in an outdoor kennel however only under the circumstances that he be given a huge amount of exercise and interaction with people on a daily basis!

Hungarian Greyhounds do need daily exercise despite their otherwise couch-potato ways. While they love to sleep most of the day away, when not resting they need plenty of time to run and stretch their legs. The best homes have a securely fenced yard in which the hound can free-run, in addition to a daily walk of at least an hour! This is more than many other sighthound breeds need, so prospective owners must take note of their higher-than-average demands in this regard. Some owners have successfully kept them in apartments, which is definitely do-able because they are so unobtrusive and calm, however this means an even higher exercise requirement must be fulfilled.

Hungarian Greyhounds make fantastic companions for those who live an active lifestyle, and who are able to provide the hound with plenty of socialization throughout their lives. These hounds are generally passive/submissive and tend to do well in homes with multiple dogs, children and other pets (although outdoor cats might be problematic). They are loyal to those whom they know and trust, and will show quiet affection towards their family. They also can make good watch dogs and, while they are not generally great guard dog material, they do have some guarding instinct.

The Hungarian Greyhound can be easy to train as he is very smart, although he cannot be trained in the “normal” way that might benefit a Lab or similar people-pleasing breed. Independent and not usually keen on following commands just for the sake of following commands, he needs to know what’s in it for him! Furthermore, you probably won’t get very far teaching him to retrieve a stick or ball without extensive work. It is recommended to start training while young in order to introduce him to the concept. While most are used in the “running sports” such as lure coursing, field coursing or racing, it is entirely possible to train and even compete with a Hungarian Greyhound in obedience as long as you put in the work.

The average life span of a Hungarian Greyhound is 12-14 years and they are usually fairly healthy dogs. This said, all breeds and mixed breeds can develop health issues and the Hungarian Greyhound is no exception. Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye condition) and thyroid disease have all been reported. Make sure to obtain from a breeder who screens for these diseases to minimize the risk. All in all, most are remarkably healthy and easy to care for in terms of veterinary care and grooming.

Photo By Kacer (vitalap / szerkesztései)

 

The Burgos Pointing Dog

The Burgos Pointer, while relatively unknown himself, is in the background of countless other pointing breeds – including several popular ones. Also known as the Spanish Pointer (not to be confused with the Old Spanish Pointer), today he is primarily used to hunt small game although in his heyday he was well known for hunting deer. This is an ancient breed that has been around since the 1500’s, although today is quite rare in all places except for Spain, and on the verge of extinction. Fanciers of the breed are working hard to keep the breed alive and to preserve the health, temperament and function of these ancient pointers.

The large height and somewhat heavy frame of the Burgos set it apart from many other pointing breeds, most of whom are much more lithe and athletic than this powerhouse. A draping of loose skin across his body makes him look even larger still. He sports a docked tail (a long dock, about two/thirds of the tail remain), pendulous lips and very long, pendulous ears. The color of the smooth coat is always liver and white – either patched or roan, and it is easy to groom. Rubbing the coat down with a chamois after a good vigorous brushing will help the coat stay shiny and tight.

Burgos Pointers need plenty of exercise and do best in homes with large amounts of land, or at very least a decent-sized backyard. They have a lot of energy and need to be allowed to run for long time periods, which means that a backyard by itself might not be enough. Many hunting dogs need to be taken out on walks or jogs every day in addition to having a yard to roam. As might be imagined, most would be fairly miserable in an apartment setting.

The Burgos is a quiet breed with an easygoing temperament and tends to be an easy-keeper to boot. He can make a good swimming companion, friend to children, and/or happy pack member when housed with other dogs. Living on average of 12-14 years also means that this is a fairly long-lived dog for his size. Finally, he excels as a hunting dog – able to point, retrieve and track with ease.

Burgos Pointers are intelligent dogs although hunting will always be a more preferred pastime than obedience training. Make sure to train a strong recall as he may be tempted to follow his nose when training outside (despite his appearance, he is not a scenthound however these pointers were used for tracking). When not distracted by strong scents, this is an obedient dog who takes well to training that is firm (yet fair) and consistent.

Photo By Vanda Hornyai

 

The Spanish Greyhound

The Spanish Greyhound, also known as the Galgo Espanol, is actually an ancestor of the English Greyhound (AKA the Greyhound that we all know and love). This explains the close similarity in appearance. Spanish Greyhounds were developed back in the Middle Ages and used primarily to hunt rabbit but would occasionally hunt other game as well. They are a typical sighthound, being very quiet and calm in the house and possessing gentle, easy-going temperaments. They are affectionate but in a soft and unassuming way, this isn’t a boisterous dog that will knock you over when excited.

The Spanish Greyhound usually gets along well with other dogs – even small ones, as well as cats. They also do well in homes with children although interactions with small kids should be supervised to make sure the dog doesn’t get hurt as they will not retaliate at rude behavior. Make sure to socialize this breed early on as they can be shy and easily frightened without early socialization. Their typical demeanor is calm and reserved but outright scared behavior is not normally seen unless they were not taken out into the world when young. Either way, this isn’t a watch dog or a guard dog as they rarely bark and aren’t territorial or protective.

Spanish Greyhounds actually come in two coat varieties – the smooth and the wire. This is one of the main differences between them and their English counterparts. Other distinctions include having flatter muscles (unlike the bulging leg muscles seen in their cousin), being generally lighter and smaller (although still a large dog) and the fact that they should be higher in the rear than in the front. Furthermore the chests are more shallow, their muzzles longer and their tails are often lengthier as well.

The low body weight of the Spanish Greyhound necessitates a coat in cold weather, particularly for the short-haired variety. Other than this, it is a hardy and healthy breed without very many inherited health conditions. Average lifespan is 10-13 years. These hounds are very adaptable to a number of different lifestyles including apartment living when given regular exercise. With a daily walk and/or a jaunt in a fenced area, they turn into lazy couch potatoes for the rest of the day. Another plus is their minimal grooming needs, which makes them very easy to care for overall!

While Spanish Greyhounds make fantastic pets, they can also participate successfully in plenty of dog sports. Racing, lure coursing and the conformation ring all offer opportunities for these sighthounds to compete; although in the United States they are still considered a rare breed and numbers are low in all forms of competition. The breed has much more of a presence in their native Spain, particularly with hunting dogs. This said, in Spain sadly there are many instances of animal cruelty toward this breed when they outgrow their usefulness to hunt, resulting in the death of tens of thousand per year. Several associations exist in Spain to re-home ex-hunters but as of this writing, there are no laws in Spain against animal cruelty toward the Galgo (which are regarded as property rather than pets). Surely something must be done in order to rectify these horrible practices, and bring justice to the dogs!

When it comes to training, most Spanish Greyhounds will work for food! Some will also work well when training is made into a game, as they enjoy playing. They can be biddable when training is enthusiastic, with short sessions that are fair. They learn quickly when conditions are right, however it may take awhile for them to become consistent with commands. Sighthounds in general tend to be fairly independent and “softer” in temperament than other dogs, which means that they can’t be trained in the same way as the typical Lab.

Like all breeds, Spanish Greyhounds are not without their faults, however. They can be counter surfers and are expert food-stealers. They will also chase small animals, both wild and domesticated, when outside (even if they get along with inside cats). This means that they must always be kept on leash or in a fenced area – a real 6 foot fence as invisible fences don’t work on them. Finally, some suffer from separation anxiety when away from their families for stretches of time. For many owners, their many virtues far outweigh their shortcomings and overall, this is a wonderful and beautiful pet.

The Cesky Fousek

The Cesky Fousek, hailing from the Czeck Republic, is a superb gun dog and equally exceptional companion. Becoming an owner of this rare breed will, however, require patience and commitment as puppies aren’t abundant. Most Ceskys are bought by serious hunters and gun dog enthusiasts, and litters are almost always bred with hunting ability being of upmost importance. In the North American club, all dogs are expected to complete a hunting test before 16 months of age so that breeders can continuously evaluate their breeding programs.

Fouseks are one of several types of “griffon” breeds, which refers to their tousled, triple-layered wire haired coat. Despite the similarity in looks, this is not the same dog as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon although the two breeds share a close genetic relationship. They are also closely related to the Stichelhaar (German Roughhaired Pointer), another similarly-coated breed. This wiry coat is easy to care for and allows them to live comfortably in most climates. Baths only need to be given when needed and the coat only needs a quick brushing once a week or so. After hunting or in rainy weather, a quick wipe-down with a towel will suffice in keeping the dog fairly clean. This dog does shed, but only moderately so. Do take note to keep the ears clean as hanging ears are more prone to collecting dirt and grime.

Cesky Fouseks love kids and other dogs alike, and tend to make great family dogs. They are not aggressive and instead are happy-go-lucky, friendly fellows who enjoy playing vigorously. Even when out and about, the Cesky is just as friendly to strangers as known friends. Possessing a lower prey drive than similar breeds, many are also able to live, and coexist, with smaller animals as long as they’ve been socialized to them. While most people who own Ceskys are hunters, they recognize that hunting seasons are short compared to the whole year and having a dog who is pleasant to live with is a necessity! This means that the dog should have a calm and collected demeanor while in the home.

While easy to live with, this does not mean that a Cesky Fousek is sluggish or lazy. Quite the opposite is true – they need regular daily excersize in order to thrive, and lots of it – no matter the weather! Furthermore they need room to stretch their legs and cannot be kept in an apartment or similarly small home. A home with a 6 foot fenced yard is recommended because of their Houdini-esque powers of escape. Prospective owners must be active and willing to include the dog in their everyday exercise routines! Fouseks are known to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone – a downside to many super-social, affectionate dog breeds. Although not normally a loud breed, they can become barkers when in the throes of separation anxiety.

Fouseks are eager to please and take well to training. Despite their easygoing temperaments, obedience is a necessity simply because of their large size and athletic, enthusiastic natures. They need mental and physical exercise to challenge them – without both, they will quickly become frustrating dogs to live with. This is an intelligent dog although is slow to mature, often retaining puppy characteristics well into the third year of life and beyond. Give them a job to do (ideally both hunting as well as obedience training) and you will be rewarded with a hard-working companion and partner.

Photo By Sabine (dogwiki)

 

The Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is an ancient breed, and certainly one of Canada’s oldest purebred dogs. This is a happy and enthusiastic breed which loves to work, play and explore – doing it all with plenty of vigor and hardiness. He particularly loves to be outside – and the colder, the better! Despite his robust frame and considerable strength he has the capabilities to be gentle and relaxed. With his human family he is a loyal, affectionate and courageous companion. He may be better in homes without small children because of his size, “zest for life”, and occasional resource guarding (an issue that should be addressed before it has a chance to begin).

The CED is an intelligent breed with a long memory. Once trained, he doesn’t tend to forget. Furthermore he is more submissive and also easier to train than many other spitz breeds of similar ancestry. However, don’t let these descriptions convince you that this is an “easy” dog. Being more primitive and more active than many breeds, this dog needs to be given lots of mental training tasks on a daily basis. He doesn’t just enjoy a job, but requires it! Furthermore this large and powerful dog may require someone just as physically fit as himself to work with him. Finally, in multi-dog households an owner should be experienced with managing pack dynamics and have exceptionally good leadership skills.

Canadian Eskimos need plenty of exercise and do best with owners who love outdoor adventures just as much as they do! For those that live in snowy climates and have several dogs, this is a great dog for mushing (sled pulling). If not – hiking, skijoring, bikejorring, canicross and/or weight pull are all great alternatives. The breed has plenty of stamina and needs long exercise sessions – at minimum two long walks a day, as well as mental exercise such as the dog sports listed above. A team of CEDs can cover 70 miles a day pulling a sled, and do so pulling at least twice their weight! It’s no wonder that they need more exercise than the average dog!

Some Canadian Eskimo Dogs have a high prey drive. This is because (besides pulling sleds) they were also used for hunting ox and polar bears. Some were also expected to scavenge and hunt for their own food. This makes many of them likely to take note of small “prey” animals running around, and be ready to race after it at a moment’s notice. As this is a powerful large breed, it is important for owners to train their dogs and keep them under control. A strong dog such as this runs the risk of pulling away to chase a running animal, leaving their owner behind! This is why it’s so vital to start training while young. In addition, the breed can be quite adept at escaping the yard to chase prey or go on adventures. Make sure your fence is dig-proof and climb-proof.

The CED is a rare breed but is recognized in the United States by the UKC. Previously recognized by the AKC as well, they were dropped in the 50’s because of low numbers. Most individuals today reside in the Arctic regions and can be seen in sledding teams and in some “Arctic tourism” teams in which members of the public are offered sled rides. This said, sadly the breed is currently threatened with extinction. The low numbers are a partially a result of the invention of the snowmobile, which gave people another way to travel across the snow and essentially took away this dog’s primary job. Today, a number of people and organizations (such as the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation) are working toward increasing the numbers of this historical breed.

The coat of the Canadian Eskimo is very thick. This double coat does shed at least once a year (more in warmer temperatures) and needs to be brushed daily during shedding season. Otherwise he can be brushed/groomed once or twice a week. Without regular brushing, the coat can become very uncomfortable to the dog and can diminish his ability to regulate temperature, making him more prone to heatstroke. He comes in a rainbow of color possibilities, both solid colored as well as parti (with white), and can have a number of different markings on the body and face. This means that every member of this breed is an individual and can usually be picked out of a crowd of other CEDs fairly easily.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are ever-alert to their surroundings and can be quite vocal when they spot something interesting. They don’t tend to bark like other dogs, instead they howl or sing. This may make some neighbors second-guess that the dog in your backyard is actually a dog… and cause concern that you are instead housing a wolf! This said, despite their extremely wolf-y appearance and voice, there is no wolf blood in this dog breed.

The Braque Francais Gascogne

The Braque Francais Gascogne is the second type of Braque Francais (the first already discussed in a previous blog) – differentiated mostly by size and overall bulk from his cousin. This is the larger of the two breeds. An old pointing breed, he originated in southern France and is still popular there today, although less known in other parts of the world. This is an affectionate dog who can make a fantastic family companion, social and friendly partner, and also has a strong desire/drive to hunt. This is a versatile hunting dog who specializes in pointing but can also flush, retrieve and trail game.

The Francais Gascogne can be laid-back and relaxed in the home provided he is given enough exercise. Between the two types of Braque Francais, the Gascogne is slower and more methodical when hunting and sometimes has less energy in general. This does not mean that one can skate by with little exercise (this is still a gun dog, after all), however one long walk a day can usually suffice. Just make it a long walk and not a short one (45 mins minimum)! He is also capable of enjoying more exercise if desired and has the stamina for long-distance jogging or other physical endeavors. His ideal home is one which has a large yard for him to stretch his legs in addition to regular outings which will exercise both body and mind.

The Braque Francais Gascogne loves to please his owner and can be a delight to train, requiring little work for large results. Highly intelligent and with a tendency toward being more submissive, he can be easy to work with even for beginners. He usually has a soft temperament and does best with training that doesn’t incorporate overly harsh methods. Stay consistent and give plenty of motivation and this dog will learn very quickly!

Francais Gascogne enjoy being with people – almost to a fault. They love it so much that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Unlike some related breeds, they don’t necessarily need to hunt in order to be happy, but if they aren’t taken hunting they definitely need a fulfilling family companion role to fill. They are able to fit into many types of families, doing great with kids and also other dogs. Some may be iffy with small pets because of their prey drive so it might not be the best idea to let your pet rabbit hop all over this breed! This said, many are ok with cats under supervision. As might be expected by this pointer’s social nature, he probably won’t make an ideal guard dog.

The Braque Francais Gascogne has a short coat which, while somewhat thick, is still easy to care for. He does shed moderately, but keeping the coat brushed will help to limit it, as will regular rundowns with a chamois. As with all dogs, trim nails regularly. Overall, this is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to coat care. The time saved on grooming can instead be directed toward mental engagement – as he definitely needs things to do so as to not become bored, destructive and loud! When it comes to health care, the breed is similarly easy. Often living between 12-14 years, the Gascogne is normally a very healthy breed with very few genetic issues attached to it. Particularly in France, breeding is very regulated and good health is prized. Make sure to provide regular veterinary care but rest assured that most members of the breed are easy-keepers when it comes to health.

Photo By Kasiablanka

 

The Podenco Canario

The Podenco Canario is a dog with an Egyptian background, developed in the Canary Islands. Classified by many as a sighthound, technically this breed hunts by sight, sound and scent. FCI instead classifies the breed as a primitive hunting dog. It was primarily used to hunt rabbit and ferrets in packs of several hounds, and still is used for this purpose today. In the right home, this breed can form a close bond with his owner and become an affectionate family pet. Except when hunting or alerting to a visitor, the Podenco Canario is generally a quiet breed.

Podenco Canarios are supposed to be skinny, and are built for speed. This does not meant the dog is starving! A healthy hound will look naturally thin despite eating a normal amount. Don’t let his appearance trick you into thinking he is delicate, however, for he was built to be sturdy during the hunt. Besides being very quick, he is also unmistakably agile and able to leap great distances/heights. All of these features come together to form this successful hunter. In the Canary Islands there are two sizes, although only the larger size is recognized here in America (via the UKC) and in most other countries. Generally speaking, this is a slim yet large breed.

Despite his similar appearance to other breeds (primarily the Ibizan Hound and other Podenco breeds both recognized and unrecognized in America), the Podenco Canario is a distinct breed with specific features. The always-smooth coat comes in either red, white or a combination of the two colors. The red can come in many different shades. The head of this dog should be longer than it is wide, set atop a long graceful neck and sporting two large naturally erect ears.

Podenco Canarios do best with active people who are willing to give these energetic dogs the exercise that they need. They do need daily activity so that they don’t become bored or even destructive. Activities that also incorporate mental challenges as well are particularly well-suited to this breed. Podenco Canarios are extremely enthusiastic hunters and will take off in an instant if they see something to chase, often barking in a repetitive yet excited fashion throughout the whole run! This means they really need to be kept in fenced areas or on leash. While training a good recall can help, depending upon the dog and the situation it isn’t realistic to rely on a recall if a distraction is very high. Take note that some members of the breed can’t even live with small animals such as cats without wanting to chase.

When it comes to training, the Podenco Canario can be stubborn and independent. Although intelligent, this breed was utilized more for independent hunting than working with people. Furthermore he tends to be sensitive so an owner must make sure to keep the training upbeat without letting go of the general house rules. He is not recommended for novice dog owners. Make sure, as well, to socialize him early on to prevent overly shy behavior.

The Podenco Canario does enjoy playing and can delight in romping with children, although he should only be kept in households with older and more mature kids. He doesn’t respond well to rough treatment and although is ordinarily gentle, he may take offense to kids that he deems as frightening. With strangers, he tends toward being aloof (although outright aggression isn’t normally seen). This generally isn’t a super-social extrovert of a dog – he may be a better companion for a similarly introverted owner.

Unfortunately, every year a number of Podenco Canarios are abandoned in Spain after the hunting season has ended. As such there are a few rescue organizations seeking to place these displaced hunters in homes around the world. A prospective owner can end up with a great dog from one of these organizations, however it is vital to do your homework – both on the organization as well as the breed itself! Getting any dog is a big commitment, but obtaining a hunting dog of this breed requires the right person to ensure a good match!

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