The German Rough Haired Pointer

The German Rough Haired Pointer, also known as the Stichelhaar in certain circles, is a versatile gun dog developed in the early 1900’s. He was used for pointing, tracking and retrieving both on land and in water. This is a hardy breed with a composed nature. When all is calm, he is easy-going and relaxed. When hunting he takes on a more daring and adventurous spirit! His stable temperament is one of his best assets, making him easy to live with in the home and out in the field alike. This said, as with many gun dogs he does require plenty of exercise and work – this is not a couch potato that will fit into a sedentary lifestyle.

Roughs are intelligent dogs although slightly sensitive and stubborn, so take note of these traits when training. A good foundation in obedience is highly advised, as well as working on any mouthiness issues while the dog is still a puppy. Furthermore, make sure to train a great recall as this breed has a high propensity for wandering as well as chasing small prey-like animals. Keeping the dog in a fence when not being supervised is definitely recommended, even with training. Because they require plenty of mental stimulation it is recommended to get them involved in a dog sport such as hunt tests/trials, competitive obedience, agility or rally. Doing so will give the dog a purpose and fulfill his willing-to-please attitude. This loyal pointer loves hard work, particularly when he gets to perform it with his owner!

The German Rough is a social breed who is friendly with people, children and other dogs. He tends to be gentle while still affectionate with family and friends, often exhibiting empathetic behavior when a human is having a hard time. He can be a great Emotional Support Dog in the right home, as well as excel in therapy work. This sympathetic soul can be a little sensitive to chronically overwhelming households (such as a household that is frequently loud) so party-people and other loud individuals might want to look elsewhere.  He also has a hard time being left home alone for long periods of time, due to his social nature.

The Rough Hair is a rare breed in America which means that prospective owners from the United States will most likely need to import a puppy. Keep in mind that this process is a big commitment, as this active large dog will require lots of time and care for 12-14 years! If you are looking for a similar breed (with a comparable coat), look into the related German Wirehaired Pointer. Still a lot of commitment… but a little easier to find and talk to breeders. Both breeds have a wiry (although non-hypoallergenic) coat that comes in either solid liver or liver/white.

German Rough Hairs are fairly quiet dogs, tending not to bark without good reason. He will bark to alert to someone entering the property (although not likely to bite or attack). If the dog is barking frequently for seemingly no reason, it is a good time to ask oneself if the dog is getting enough stimulation – a bored or under stimulated dog (including both mental as well as physical exercise) can develop problem barking.

Rough Hair Pointers do best when kept in properties with a yard or, better yet – acreage. They don’t do well living in apartments. Other than this they are fairly adaptable as long as their needs are met. Unlike some other gun dog breeds, many even do well when living with elderly humans (again, as long as their needs are met)! A bit of “dog know-how” can definitely help in having a successful life with a Rough Hair. While the breed isn’t necessarily difficult, they have a few small quirks in which experienced dog owners will have an easier time managing than a first-time dog owner.

Photo By Alephalpha

 

The French Tricolour Hound

The French Tricolour Hound is one of the breeds in a small subset group of scenthounds called the Anglo-French hounds. There are seven breeds altogether that share a similar ancestry, with slight differences between them. The French Tricolour in particular is (not surprisingly) always tricolored. This breed was bred to hunt in packs which means they get along with other dogs exceptionally well, although may be more difficult to live in a non-hunting home. This is not to say that they can’t be kept as pets, however an owner will need to recognize their special needs and challenges.

French Tricolours are large dogs with plenty of strength and endurance. Originally used to hunt both deer as well as wild boar, they needed to be athletic and tough in order to do their job. As such, they are very active and require lots of exercise when living in a pet home! Prospective owners should be physically capable of handling these dogs and athletic enough to exercise them frequently. Without enough physical stimulation they can become obnoxious both to their owners as well as nearby neighbors (yes – they are capable of being quite loud, and have voices that carry far)! Furthermore they don’t adapt well to city or apartment life and do much better in more rural areas where their athletic abilities can shine.

The French Tricoloured Hound is a rare breed, both in the United States as well as abroad – even in their home country of France. This is probably partly due to the fact that they are more of a hunting dog than a companion dog, developed primarily for their instincts. For example, pet owners must have a secure fence because these determined hounds want to sniff, run and hunt as much as possible! They will decimate small critters unfortunate to make their way into the backyard. Furthermore, families with young children will find that this hound may be too exuberant and rowdy around their kids. Add in their high energy level and the fact that they really should be kept in a multiple-dog household without small pets, and it is clear that not many people are set up to care for this dog properly.

The French Tricolour is an intelligent dog although he is also quite stubborn and more prone to following his nose than following commands if he hasn’t had a strong foundation in obedience. Make sure to start training young – frequent mental activity is essential to the happiness of this dog. Furthermore he really needs a job to do in addition to training, whether it be hunting (vastly preferred), dog sports or regular access to stimulating mental games. Exercise for both mind and body will go a long way toward a successful life with this breed! Keep in mind that they aren’t known for spectacular performances when it comes to obedience or similar sports, however they can excel in scent sports such as tracking and nose work.

The French Tricolour Hound is easy and low-maintenance to groom, requiring very infrequent brushing sessions. Like all breeds, he does need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. While grooming may be a low-priority on the general scale when it comes to care of this breed, he has other needs that are more important. For example, he can be aloof towards people although prone towards separation anxiety when left alone. Although very independent in nature, living in a pack is in his blood so he doesn’t deal well with being alone. If keeping as a pet, it is highly recommended that he lives with at least one other dog, if not several.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The West Siberian Laika

The West Siberian Laika is a hunting spitz breed developed in the early 19oo’s. Laika, as a word, means to bark – and this is how the breed would alert the hunter to prey. As such they do tend to use their voices freely, and will bark if they see people/animals/strange objects/anything of interest from out the window! This is also a more primitive breed in terms of behavior and physiology, which means they are slightly different to live with than many other breeds of dog. For example, primitive breeds often only come into season once per year and are exceptionally well-suited to hunt. This particular breed is more likely to bark at/alert to prey then kill it, but in the right circumstance they will. This medium-sized canine sports a thick double coat, a curled tail, and prick ears like other spitz breeds.

The WSL is a loyal breed and can be affectionate to his owner. It can be hard for him to be re-homed if a situation ever necessitates it. This is partially due to his suspicious nature of new people. Many are quite aloof with strangers, although temperament does vary based on the individual dog with some WSLs acting more forward. Outright aggressiveness towards people (without reason) is not favored, so is a rarer trait unless the dog has been poorly bred or socialized. While he shouldn’t be needlessly aggressive towards people, he will guard his owner if he encounters a stranger acting odd, and this highly alert and in-tune spitz will often spot odd behavior even before his owner does. This dog is also protective against predatory animals and has been known to shield his owner from bears and other dangerous wildlife!

The West Siberian is a very empathic breed, often quite in-tune with the emotions of his master. This trait means that he can make a very good emotional support dog. He needs to live in the home with “his people” or this sensitive and emotional dog will become unhappy – likely given to fits of uncontrolled barking! Not only is this a bad situation in terms of his emotions and your neighbor’s ears, but he is a master escape artist and may very well just dig, jump or climb out of the yard – a bad situation for a hunting breed who may then become a nuisance in the community. He instead needs plenty of attention, exercise, dedicated time for mental/physical stimulation (i.e. a job), and a cozy space of his own inside the home.

WSLs are an active breed and do need regular daily exercise. They should only be owned by active people who plan on taking the dog on frequent walks, hikes and/or hunting expeditions. Carrying a backpack while hiking or walking will give a bit more “oomph” to the workout. Some members of the breed can also be used for herding, which is another great form of exercise! This is an athletic and fast-moving dog that wouldn’t be a good match for someone frail or out of shape. Furthermore, it should go without saying but this is not a dog to keep in an apartment. He needs a large fenced yard – the larger, the better!

With strange dogs, the West Siberian Laika can be downright territorial and even aggressive towards dogs coming onto his property – particularly if the dog is the same sex. This breed definitely distinguishes “known” from “unknown”, a trait that even applies to the animals and pets in the family. Cats, livestock and other pets that he knows are treated as family while strange or wild animals will be chased or hunted. Some do ok with a dog housemate or two while others do not. For best results, keep an opposite-sex pair and raise them together when both young. Even then, there is unfortunately a lot of dog aggression in many lines so some WSLs must live as only-dogs. Keep in mind that this breed has a strong prey drive and will try to chase and/or tree most animals – keeping him on leash when out in public is a very good idea!

The West Siberian doesn’t need much training in order to hunt as these instincts are very ingrained, however he does need to be trained in general house manners and obedience. As this is a very independent-minded breed, it may take more effort to train him. He does have a good memory as well as exceptional problem solving skills, but he can be sensitive and will not put up with any training techniques that he considers too harsh. Treat him with respect but don’t let him push his boundaries too much either, and with time, patience and commitment he is definitely trainable.

The Braque de l’Ariege

The Braque de l’Ariege, also sometimes known as the Ariege Pointer, is one of the largest of the French pointing breeds. He was created in the 1800’s in southern France, primarily from other French pointing breeds such as the Braque Francais breeds and Braque Saint-Germaine. Unfortunately for a number of reasons, he almost became extinct by World War 2 but was luckily saved from the brink by fanciers of the breed. Even today this is a rare breed, and although is recognized by the UKC here in the United States, the numbers are still low and the majority of dogs are in France. Almost all breed individuals are recognized by the FCI, which is an international federation of kennel clubs throughout the world.

The l’Ariege has always been kept by hunters rather than as a pet, although he is capable of doing double-duty for both of these roles. In the home, he is an extremely affectionate dog who adores being close to his owner as much as possible, and possesses a gentle and loving demeanor. He does well in homes with children as well as other dogs, and forms strong bonds with all members of the family – with the exception of non-canine pets (because of a high prey drive). Some (read: not all) can do alright with a cat, but only if raised with them from puppy hood, and only when cats are kept indoors at all times.

The Braque l’Ariege needs firm leadership and should be started in obedience from an early age. He has been known to challenge his owner from time to time and thus requires an experienced dog owner. This an intelligent, albeit sensitive and somewhat independent breed. Without regular training or exercise he will undoubtedly find other ways to occupy his time, which is likely to be destructive in nature. Luckily he is known for being fairly easy to train, and his gun dog skills in particular are fairly natural and won’t need much work to get him into the field.

The l’Ariege has a lot of energy and does need a ton of regular exercise. While hunting is a beloved pastime for these versatile gun dogs (they are skilled at pointing, retrieving, flushing and tracking), it isn’t feasible for hunting to be a daily occurrence, so on those days they need plenty of walks/jogs or similar to keep them fit and happy when not out in the field. This quick and agile dog is hardy enough to go on hikes if desired, and loves all sorts of physical games. A large fenced yard is highly recommended, and apartment living would generally be a horrible idea.

The Braque de l’Ariege can take awhile to warm up to strangers, and he won’t accept just anyone as a friend until he has “vetted them”. This means he will be fairly aloof when meeting new people and his friendly attitude may take awhile to show itself. While not known as a guard dog, he can function quite well as a watch dog and will sound an alert in when someone enters the property.

The l’Ariege is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, requiring only a weekly rubdown with a brush or hound glove. They shed moderately, which means they are not a hypoallergenic dog. Make sure to check and clean ears regularly (weekly is usually fine), as long hanging ears are more likely to get infections and buildup. Baths can be given when needed although they don’t generally have a lot of odor. This is also a very healthy breed with most members living around 12-15 years. There aren’t any major health problems that are common in this pointing dog.

Photo By Canarian

 

The Swiss Hound

The Swiss Hound, also known as the Schweizer Laufhund, specializes in hunting hare although has been known to also hunt roe, rabbit, fox and even wild boar. This very old breed has four distinct varieties, separated by color: Bernese (tricolor), Jura (black/tan), Lucerne (blue) and Schwyz (white/orange) – but all are one breed with a single standard. Swiss Hounds are heavily influenced by French scenthounds that were brought to Switzerland at one point in time, although they are a distinct breed all to themselves.

Swiss Hounds are very active! They also have plenty of endurance ability and therefore need lots of exercise. This rare breed is kept mainly by hunters and isn’t as common as a pet, which means that most (if not all) bloodlines have a lot of energy! Because of their high hunting drives, they are also apt to follow interesting scents (with much passion) regardless of their owners wishes. They are also more likely to chase running animals and/or moving objects. This isn’t really the type of dog to take jogging off-leash in a city. They do much better with country living and plenty of wide-open spaces to run.

Some Swiss Hounds can be escape artists, particularly if they live in an area where “temptations” exist (such as rabbits and other prey animals). A very secure fenced area for the dog is paramount for this breed to keep them from getting hit by a car! Even though they love spending time with their owners, the smell or sight of a wild animal will cause most to immediately revert to hunting mode. In order to let them reach their average age of 13-14 years, make sure they are always kept in a safely fenced yard or on leash when in a potentially dangerous setting.

The Swiss Hound is characterized by his very long ears and medium-sized build. He is also characterized by his loud, melodious voice! Prospective owners should be aware of this latter trait and make sure that will fit into their lifestyle! Other than the typical scenthound quirks (voice, independent nature and prey drive), this is a sweet breed that is gentle with children and patient with other dogs. A friendly and social nature means he makes friends wherever he goes. Do take care when introducing this dog to small pets such as birds or pet rodents… for obvious reasons.

Swiss Hounds are known for their independent natures, which means training may be more difficult – particularly for novice scenthound owners. Furthermore they can be prone to testing their owner and/or “forgetting” obedience commands when they don’t feel like doing something. Make sure to utilize a trainer who is used to working with similar breeds and who can guide you through what to do when this happens. When given mental stimulation through obedience training (as well as physical stimulation through exercise), the breed is calm and well-behaved in the home. Just make sure that you start obedience training while the dog is still young, and stay on a consistent training schedule!

Swiss Hounds don’t require a ton of regular upkeep. They tend to housebreak easily and aren’t known for having excessive healthy problems which would require frequent vet visits. They also only require minimal grooming – a daily brush-through of the coat is a quick chore for this smooth coated dog. Otherwise make sure to clean the ears and trim the nails weekly, and give a bath only when needed. When their needs are fulfilled, and when in the right home, this uncommon breed can make an excellent companion.

The Large Munsterlander

The Large Munsterlander is a versatile hunting dog able to point, track and retrieve game . Unlike some sporting breeds which have split into bench (show) and working lines, most breeders of the LM aim to produce dogs that can hunt, whether or not they also show. Both in the United States as well as abroad (particularly in their home country of Germany) it is considered very important to test the dog’s hunting abilities before breeding, thereby ensuring that future generations will retain these important hunting instincts and traits.

Large Munsterlanders are most prized for their hunting abilities – including being incredibly responsive to the hunter/owner, versatile in different terrain, and exceedingly cooperative. However they are also known for their calm temperaments and bright minds in the home. They can make great family dogs as they are gentle with children and rarely hyperactive (with enough exercise). That said, just because they aren’t hyperactive doesn’t mean they are lazy! These dogs will run, jump and play with the best of them once they are let outside. They love to race, explore and swim (when possible), oftentimes with no regard to how dirty they might become in the midst of their adventures. Taking on this breed means being prepared to have an active (and occasionally messy) lifestyle with your dog! They MUST be exercised every single day, regardless of the weather.

The LM is a large breed that generally lives between 12-13 years. They remain affectionate toward their owners all throughout their lives, and also tend to do very well around other dogs as well. This social dog needs to live inside the home and not kept outside as a kennel dog. Furthermore, kennel dogs rarely get enough exercise and this breed in particular can develop destructive and obnoxious behaviors such as non-stop barking when not given enough stimulation.

The LM is actually an off-shoot of the German Longhaired Pointer. Occasionally black and white puppies would be born in a litter, however in the early 1900’s the breed club decided to no longer allow this color. These black/white dogs eventually formed their own breed which was to become the Large Munsterlander. Like their close cousins they also have a medium-length coat, although color-wise they can range from almost all-white to almost all-black, with many dogs having both colors in either patched, roaned or ticked patterns. The coat serves as protection in the cold and in heavy brush although can be somewhat hindering in very hot temperatures – not only because of bulk/length but also because black dogs “soak up the sun” more than lighter colored breeds. Be mindful if hunting in humid summers.

Although very adaptable in the field, the Large Munsterlander is less adaptable when it comes to suitable living situations and doesn’t tend to do well in apartments. He is simply too big, too playful and requires too much exercise to be happy in a small space. When living in the opposite situation – a ranch, be aware that he may try to hunt birds and small animals. Farm animals may or may not be chased so be prepared to train him not to do so. With a bit of supervision and training, however – the larger the area and the more exposure to hunting, the happier the LM.

The LM is easy to train and picks commands up quickly, which is good because he really needs a job to do in his daily life! If not being taken out hunting on a regular basis, he needs some other form of mental and physical exercise – and obedience training fits that bill. Even if he is going to be hunted with regularly, a solid recall and basic obedience are always recommended. Be aware that this breed can be a bit sensitive and doesn’t do well with harsh training methods. They are also slow to mature so be prepared to spend a little extra time when working with a young dog. Once they mature they become wonderful working dogs and loyal friends.

Photo By Pia C. Groening

 

The Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is a fairly new breed thought to be descended from the German Spitz, particularly from large white members of the German breed which were brought to Japan. These dogs were eventually bred into the small white dogs seen today. These companion dogs get along well with children and other pets (including cats and other dogs) and their huge personalities make them ideal house dogs. They love to make people laugh with their silly antics! They are also relatively inexpensive to maintain and easy to take care of.

The JS should be given regular exercise such as a daily walk or other enriching physical activity. When this is done, they will be generally calm and relaxed in the home. Exercise is one of the building blocks to a long and healthy life for a dog – when they are taken care of this breed generally lives 12-15 years. They are usually pretty healthy well into old age, although some members develop patella luxation which is where the kneecap slips out of place. Make sure to get a puppy from a breeder that tests patellas!

The JS is a smart little dog who adores pleasing his owners, which makes him fun and easy to train! This said, without any obedience training he will soon find things to occupy his mind and can end up being mischievous or occasionally destructive so make sure to train him from puppy-hood onward! Take note, this breed does need somewhat gentle handling – no kid gloves necessary, but do watch the harsh corrections.

Jap Spitz enjoy spending time with their owners and will go anywhere with them that they’re allowed – whether it be around the house or accompanying them on car rides to exciting places! The small size doesn’t make a difference, this is a loyal breed that wants to be with their family. They have an adaptable nature and can live in a small apartment or on a large property as long as they are given lots of time with the people in the house. If they are left to fend for themselves all day, every day, while everyone is at work they are prone to developing separation anxiety. They also prefer to live inside the house so don’t get one expecting it to be an outside dog! They need warm temperatures and soft bedding!

Like most spitz breeds, the Japanese Spitz has a huge double coat which does shed profusely twice a year. During these times they will need to be brushed daily, and owners should be prepared for hair to be everywhere in the house during this time! Bathing doesn’t need to be done very frequently as the coat naturally repels dirt (after it dries), but it can be bathed more often if the right products are used – for owners that want to keep the dogs’ coats bright white year-round. When not in shedding season the coat is easy to take care of and takes little time – at most 10 minutes a day. Make sure not to forget to trim nails and brush teeth!

The Jap Spitz is an exceptionally alert little dog that can become somewhat vocal if left unchecked. This makes him a very good watchdog although he can get carried away at times with his barking. If someone were to break in, he’d stand his ground and …continue to bark although obviously because of his size is not much of a guard dog. Although he demonstrates great courage, his lack of damage ability does make him easier for first-time dog owners, however.

Japanese Spitz are still a rare breed in this country and many others. As such they are considered a “well-kept secret” by admirers of the breed. Adored for their great personalities in particular, this breed gets along amazingly with other dogs and should never show aggression toward canine or human. They are generally submissive in nature, while still retaining a very playful personality. Inquisitive and clownish, with a friendly and outgoing personality and a love for games – he is tailor-made to be a family dog!

The Bohemian Shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd was originally created to patrol the borders of Bohemia and Bavaria back in the 1300’s. First used as a guard dog, and then as a herding dog, they were constant companions of the people who lived and worked in the area. The breed as we know it today may have some of the original lineage still intact, or it may be a complete recreation – depending upon who you ask. Either way, today this breed is lively and athletic, and up for almost any task that can be thrown at him! The versatile Bohemian is also loyal and outgoing, great with children and an all-around awesome companion in the right home. Good with other pets, outgoing and attentive… he gets high scores in a number of different arenas!

Although they do require exercise, Bohemians are definitely capable of chilling out at home. They do enjoy being given tasks but aren’t quite as obsessive or high energy as other similar breeds. They are considered a medium energy dog with a generally docile temperament. While they can be happy with “just” an enriching family life, they do need some sort of job to stay happy and fulfilled. Besides, it would be a shame not to get this brainy fellow into a sport or two (both for his enjoyment and yours!) What types of activities can this dog do? A better question would be what can’t he do? Agility, schutzhund, nose work, herding, therapy work, coursing, endurance tests, freestyle, search and rescue, tracking, obedience, service dog work, dock diving… the list goes on and on.

Bohemian Shepherds are a joy to train and tend to learn very quickly! They enjoy a challenge and are often up for learning advanced commands as well as getting involved in various jobs/tasks/sports. Some are slightly sensitive so make sure to keep heavy, unfair corrections at bay. They also tend to do better when the trainer “mixes it up” and keeps them on their toes as otherwise they might become bored – a trait of intelligent dogs. Another plus – unlike many other high performing breeds they definitely have an off switch and can easily go from intensive training to rest time fairly quickly.

While he looks similar to the German Shepherd Dog at first glance, the Bohemian Shepherd is older and possibly even one of the predecessors of the GSD. Smaller than the GSD, with a more level back and a longer coat, it only takes a second to tell the difference once you know what you are looking for. In addition, the small fluffy ears are a distinctive breed trait and they give a different overall appearance. Health-wise, he is also generally healthier with less inherited issues. Average lifespan is 12-15. Finally, this breed is generally easier for novice owners as he has a softer temperament and lower drive in general. Make no mistake, however – like all dogs he still needs plenty of attention, exercise, care and training!

While they may seem too good to be true, like all breeds Bohemian ownership does come with some caveats. First, while they aren’t known for being problem barkers they can become destructive if their needs are not met or they are left alone for too much of the day. Second, their herding instincts may mean they can nip at heels and try to herd people and/or kids. Finally, this is a rare breed that can be very difficult to find. Expect to wait awhile for a puppy, and be prepared to have to import your new friend!

Grooming is a simple chore for the Bohemian, only requiring a good brush-out once or twice a week (not counting nails, teeth, or other maintenance grooming). There is no special trimming or clipping required. The double coat (which is always black and tan) tends to shed dirt, so baths only need to be done occasionally. The coat is protective and helps the dog stay warm in cold weather.

The Bohemian can make a good watchdog as he will alert to people entering the property. He can be kept outside in a yard (if given enough attention by the family – he doesn’t like to be alone all day), and will definitely raise the alarm from inside the fence. This said, when out in public he is generally friendly toward strangers. This breed can also live in an apartment setting and can usually learn to tell the difference between strangers and neighbors. This is definitely a rare breed worth checking out!

The Wetterhoun

The Wetterhoun was originally developed in the Netherlands as an otter hunter, and later used as a gun dog and water retriever – which explains the distinctively curly, waterproof coat. With his cheerful attitude, high intelligence and faithful demeanor, he makes both a great companion animal as well as an enthusiastic performance dog. He enjoys spending time with his owner and tends to stick around as close as possible, as long as possible.

Wetterhouns don’t require a lot of grooming however they do require regular exercise. At least an hour a day is recommended. Because they stick so close to their owners they are easier to exercise off-leash in areas where this is allowed. They are also not prone to chasing animals and don’t have the high-prey drive of some other breeds. This said, they are in the retriever family and can be trained to retrieve on both land and water – which is also a great form of exercise!

The Wetterhoun can have a stubborn and hard-headed attitude when it comes to certain types of training. He can also be sensitive to overly harsh corrections. A bit of patience will go a long way! He is said to always finish a job… but in his own time. This said, when taught by someone who understands the breed he has the potential to become a great working dog who takes his job very seriously…. even if it takes him a while to get it done. Because of his independent and hard-headed nature, it is recommended to start obedience training early.

Because of the Wetterhoun’s small gene pool, the Netherlands parent club for the breed is temporarily allowing outcrosses with other breeds to take place. The hopes are that this will widen the genetic variety of this rare breed and make it healthier in general. While many individual dogs are healthy, the concern is an eventual genetic bottleneck. Occasional cryptochidism, entropian (eye issues), elbow deformities and heart problems are currently seen in the breed. Ideally many issues can eventually be bred out, or at least reduced even further. Currently, the average age for a Wetterhoun is 13 years.

Wetterhouns are affectionate with their families and tolerant/gentle with children. In fact, it’s important to make sure kids are being fair to the Wetterhoun because he is unlikely to react if teased. While he may not always be the most dignified of dogs, he will win over hearts with his clownish senses of humor! He enjoys it when everyone is happy and can become morose if the people around him are gloomy. Overall, he is a very stable and level-headed dog with a spark of good-natured mischief. While more aloof with strangers, he will warm up in time and he also gets along with other dogs/pets quite nicely.

Wetterhouns can make good watchdogs, although don’t tend to be needlessly loud and will usually only bark if there is a reason. If someone were to break in, they would take this quite seriously. This is not a breed that will go on the offensive if they can help it but they will react defensively if a threat arises. As such, this is not a typical guard dog although will protect the family if the situation warranted it.

The Wetterhoun is not the best choice for a first-time dog owner as it is a rough-and-tumble, exuberant breed. Although only medium-sized, he is solid, sturdy and plays in a haphazard way, easily knocking over small people in his excitement. He can be a lot of dog to handle for many, at least until trained! He is not recommended for apartments either as he needs plenty of space and exercise. Make sure to research before deciding that this is the breed for you! When placed in the right home, however, he excels and can become a loyal friend and companion.

Photo By Pleple2000

 

The American Bulldog

The American Bulldog developed as a farmer’s catch-dog (catching animals such as hogs and bulls) who doubled as a home protection dog. This is a true American breed, first developed in the Alabama/Georgia areas. Large and powerful, and with very strong-wills, they are not for the faint of heart. Prospective owners must be prepared to socialize early and train regularly in order to bring out the good citizen in each dog. When raised correctly they are exceptionally loyal, friendly to those they know, and almost eerily smart. The American Bulldog does have a clownish side which they will pull out when exceptionally happy.

When well-bred and raised, the American Bulldog should never be an aggressive dog. Any protective reactions should be purely based on an actual threat. This is not a skittish breed, nor is he known for snapping because someone accidentally stepped on his tail. The breed is powerful, brave and quite capable of doing damage if necessary but should have a good head on his shoulders to stop him from needlessly hurting someone. This makes him a great blend of reliable companion and take-charge protection dog – again, provided the dog has been raised the right way.

American Bulldogs are intelligent creatures but tend to have assertive personalities. They must be given obedience training and taught household rules from a young age. Firm boundaries are paramount! Even owners who want the dog as a guard dog should still train in obedience (actually, this makes obedience even more important!). Specialized protection training is not normally needed as they have such high protective instincts naturally. This said, someone wanting to get into one of the protection sports can do so but only provided they find a trainer who is very familiar working with the unique qualities of this breed.

The American Bulldogs does tend to be dog-aggressive and can be very difficult to live with multiple dogs – particularly two the of the same sex. This is an extremely fearless and driven dog (with a high pain tolerance, to boot) that can get in some very bad fights. It is therefore recommended to only have in single-dog households unless extremely experienced and possibly willing to keep the dogs apart from each other forever.

The American Bulldog, despite his bulky build, is actually a very athletic animal with plenty of endurance. An impressive jumping ability combined with brute strength and surprising agility, he is still as able to do many varied tasks today as he was in day’s past as a utility farm dog. This is in stark contrast to today’s (English) Bulldog of which he is descended from. Because of this, he does require extensive exercise to remain fit and happy. Hiking, jogging and games which are both mentally as well as physically stimulating are required. Without enough exercise, this high-energy dog will invariably develop behavior problems.

American Bulldogs are easily groomed with only minimal maintenance needed. While regular grooming is still important, the majority of their care should be more focused on training and exercise. Health-wise, make sure to limit intensive exercise in puppies until the growth plates close to minimize injury and long-term problems. The breed is prone to both Hip and Elbow Dysplasia so it is a good idea to take these precautions. They are also prone to allergies and a small handful of other afflictions such as Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, Hyperuricosuria and Ichthyosis. Make sure to research breeders and the dogs they use in order to find a healthy puppy, but remember that there is no guarantee that any puppy or dog will be free of all health issues (this goes for all purebreds and mixed breeds).