The Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun is a Dutch breed whose name roughly translates to “stand by me”. The phrase alludes to the fact that the breed was (and still is) multi-faceted and used to work with man in a number of different ways – albeit in an independent fashion. Dutch farmers wanted a dog that didn’t have to rely on his owners 24/7 while he did his job. Originally the dogs were used for hunting moles, rats and hare, killing pests around the home, retrieving birds, and serving as watchdogs.  Today, this alert worker has a curious nature and go-get-it attitude! He may end up getting himself in trouble if not provided with training and a job.

Because of his independent nature, the Staby needs consistent training and an experienced upbringing. In the hands of a novice, this dog may end up being quite difficult to own. Under experienced leadership, however, he can become a great dog very capable of learning and working! He is intelligent and learns quickly as long as the owner puts the work in and understands that this is not a push-button obedience breed. Furthermore, harsh training will get a trainer/owner nowhere – the breed will not work unless the trainer is being fair. There is a fine line between being a pushover and being too harsh – it is vital that a Staby owner understand that “sweet spot”.

The Staby can be a sensitive breed who doesn’t do well in loud or rowdy households. A home where couples have frequent screaming fights or even weekly football parties might be too much for this breed. If you can’t provide a generally calm household, it’s best to look elsewhere. In addition, neat freaks may want to pass on this breed as well. Although the coat will shed dirt and mud when dry, it will also shed fur on a moderately frequent basis (moreso twice a year during shedding season). An owner should either not mind dog hair, or be ready for frequent vacuuming!

Stabyhouns are gentle dogs who make affectionate companions. A “velcro” breed, he wants to be wherever his owner is… and usually as close as possible. While he might not necessarily love everyone he meets (in terms of strangers) he is usually friendly to all. He is also patient with children, whether they be family or acquaintances, although he will most likely let the child know when a boundary has been crossed! This can be a quiet breed, although one which will bark when someone comes to the door. Some members are more vocal than others, and those who aren’t given enough things to do are almost always extra loud.

The active Staby needs regular exercise, both physically as well as mentally, for at least an hour a day. Ideally, along with walks/hiking/swimming (or a combination of all!) the dog is also given a job which makes him use his mind just as much as his body. Taking him hunting, introducing him to lure coursing, running in agility and/or teaching him scent games are all great choices for this gundog breed. Without these outlets he may become destructive, loud, and exceptionally frustrating to live with. Furthermore, like many breeds the Stabyhoun is social and needs to be around people. He doesn’t do well in homes where he is left alone for most of the day.

As he was originally used as a hunting breed, the Stabyhoun has a hunting instinct that most likely will show up whether or not he is used for this task! Digging up the garden looking for critters and/or chasing after squirrels and other small animals should be expected. As long as he has been socialized to cats, he can live uneventfully with them in the house although may chase that same cat if outside. While he can be “busy” outdoors, he tends to be an easygoing companion in the house – provided he is given physical and mental exercise, that is.  The Stabyhoun is not as headstrong as some hunting breeds and tends to think before he acts. This cautious temperament is normal, although he should be completely socialized as a young puppy so that he doesn’t become too shy.

The Staby is a rare breed and a prospective owner will likely have to wait a while in order to get one. Currently, breeders are trying hard to increase the diversity in the gene pool and generally improve the health while retaining good temperaments. This means that owners interested in breeding are a high priority – assuming they are willing to learn and breed responsibly for the betterment of the Staby, and do so under strict guidelines. The preservation of the Staby as a breed is just as important to matching the right dogs to the right owners.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a happy-go-lucky personality but can be strong-willed when he wants to be. This small French scenthound has a determined mindset and courageous attitude when it comes to hunting, and will choose to hunt above any other option. This means that although he can be clever, training might take a backseat when a rabbit or squirrel pops up in the yard! When not distracted by the smell or sight of game, he is willing to please and quite a cheerful companion. Fauves are gentle and loyal toward their owners, possessing a soft temperament without being shy. They can be very affectionate. Aggression is not seen in the breed.

Take note – The Basset Fauve is an energetic fellow who can be surprisingly strong and quick for his size! Although he tends to be calm in the house (he’ll lay down and watch tv with the family for hours), he has much more energy outside. Some require only a medium amount of physical exhertion while others need a much higher level of exercise. Exercise can come in many different forms, including a game of fetch in the backyard as this breed loves to play and romp, or even a hike through the woods! It is necessary that, when off-leash, the dog be kept in a fenced yard because of his high prey drive and tendency to wander.

The Fauve needs early training and socialization which should be continued throughout his life. Without this stimulation he may find other ways to occupy his time which are… less likely to please his owner. It should be noted that the breed is not easy to train, so patience and calm persistence is necessary. Many are very food-motivated which can help entice the dog to learn – just make sure that you are using the food as a reward for a job well done rather than a bribe! As mentioned above, they will follow their noses when training outside and can be easily distracted by the presence of animals. This is not to say the dogs cannot be trained around animal distractions, but an owner or trainer must put in the work to get them to this point. Basset Fauve de Bretagne Austin

The BFDB is friendly both with other dogs as well as children and therefore makes for a good companion in many types of homes – even being amiable to apartment-living. He is also extremely outgoing and friendly even to guests and strangers. He tends to be quiet – at least as long as there aren’t any woodland creatures for him to chase and bark at. He is also easy to groom and care for as his wiry coat doesn’t tend to tangle or even collect dirt (although longer-haired individuals may need semi-regular coat stripping). The breed sheds only seasonally, and not too excessively.

The downsides to this breed? Besides their training difficulties, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne might have problems living with cats or other small “pocket pets”, depending upon the prey drive of the individual dog. They are also not hypo-allergenic like some other wirehaired breeds. Finally, they may be slower to housebreak than other dogs. These factors combined with their higher energy levels mean they may not make the best pets for novice dog owners.

The Basset Fauve tends to be fairly healthy although responsible breeders should screen for PRA (an eye disorder), heart issues, epilepsy and other potential issues. The breed is fairly rare here in the United States but more common overseas. For the most part, breeders both local and foreign are doing health tests and working towards keeping the BFDB as healthy as possible, but it is still up to the puppy buyer to ask questions and verify the health of the lines. Luckily, not only are most Fauves healthy but also quite long-lived, sometimes living up to (or beyond) 16 years of age!

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is the rarest member of the Bichon family. Like other Bichon-type breeds, the Tsvetnaya was bred solely to be a companion animal and tends to form strong bonds with “his people”. These little clowns enjoy making people laugh, and their hypoallergenic nature makes them easier to live with for allergy sufferers. Besides their affectionate, loyal natures and amusing senses of humor, they are also extremely smart.

Bolonki (the plural of Bolonka) have stable temperaments and tend to be very easygoing – not easily excitable. This makes them work well in homes with children or the elderly. Tending to form strong bonds, they are inherently loyal dogs with a playful streak. They will bark to alert to new people coming to the door but are, overall, very social creatures. A new person is usually greeted with a happy curiosity. The breed also gets along well with other dogs, cats and small pets. Although he is sturdy for his tiny size, make sure to supervise play with larger breeds to avoid him getting hurt! It is recommended to socialize puppies to people/places/things in order for them to become social butterflies – without early socialization, they may be more independent.

Russian Tsvetnaya were literally bred to be apartment dogs and therefore are easy to keep in small spaces. Their lack of aggression and generally quiet natures also make them neighbor-approved! A note – make sure to teach them the quiet command while young so they’ll understand when it is and is not appropriate to bark! While they appreciate regular walks, it isn’t as necessary as with larger or more active breeds. Just make sure to get them outside a couple times a week to let them stretch their legs and play.

A favorite pastime of the low-energy Bolonka is to sit with his owner on the couch, watching TV. He can do this for hours! As might be imagined, this tiny dog prefers to be with his people and hates to be left alone. Although adaptable to many situations, spending long hours alone is the the toughest for this little guy to master. Besides this trait and the slightly above-average grooming needs, on the whole this breed is normally ok for novice owners.

When it comes to training, the Tsvetnaya Bolonka is willing to please! Just make sure to keep the training firm, yet fair. A Bolonka that hasn’t had any training is in danger of exhibiting “small dog syndrome” (i.e. – the dog is a jerk), so make sure to train! Although rare, the breed is recognized in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service, which means trained individuals can compete in dog sports such as rally, agility, obedience and tracking – just another reason to teach and have fun with the dog!

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka does need regular grooming and coat care. Although they shed very little, when they do shed the coat can get caught up in the rest of the body hair and tangle. Thankfully, the coat is easier to care for than other long-haired breeds as they were purposefully bred to have loose, rolling curls (easier to manage than stick-straight hair, this was a necessity in Russia when grooming shampoos and tools weren’t easy to come by). As long as the owner brushes on a halfway regular basis, the job won’t be difficult. It is recommended, however, to wash the face daily to keep food particles and dirt from clinging to the beard. This also serves to clean out the eyes, which can get goopy. Furthermore, as with all drop-eared breeds, the ears must be kept clean and dry to avoid infections.

Photo By Svenska Mässan on flickr.com

 

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is brave and fearless when faced with an adversary  – either human or animal – and is one of the most serious guarding breeds in existence. With his family however, he is gentle and loyal, even with children (although he may see kids as things to protect rather than take orders from). He will even protect other pets in the household if he feels they’re in danger (livestock guarding was one of the many duties assigned to this breed). This giant molosser is still rare in the United States.

The coat of the Caucasian is very dense and somewhat long, and it does shed quite a lot! These coats need substantial grooming – and brushing may need to be done daily. Coming from the Russian region, these dogs take better to the cold than the heat. Dogs living in hot temperatures will definitely need frequent brushing to get as much loose undercoat out as possible! Nail care, regular tooth care and ear cleaning should be another part of the grooming routine. Finally, the breed does drool so strategically-placed towels around the house wouldn’t be a horrible idea.

The Caucasian Shepherd benefits from regular exercise which can include daily walks. Doing so will help keep him from getting overweight and putting too much pressure on his joints. Although roaming around a large yard is preferable to not having access to a yard at all, it is in itself not enough. The breed does have a lot of endurance despite being a fairly low-energy animal. He should be kept on leash at all times when off the property, primarily because of his distaste of strangers but also because he is apt to wander. This does not mean he should be kept on a chain in the backyard, however. A fenced yard is a must!

Although intelligent, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be a challenge to train because of their high independence. This said, obedience must be taught and practiced regularly because this is a physically strong, highly protective breed. It is recommended to start the training while young for two reasons – first, a puppy will be easier to control and manage on a leash while obedience is first being introduced. Second, this breed will only work for a person whom he respects – so it is best to start the relationship off by showing that you will be making and enforcing the rules! This breed is not one to blindly follow orders, and is a “thinking” breed that will consider the situation before completing a command.

An untrained Caucasian can turn into a huge liability if not properly trained and managed. This is one of the most territorial and protective breeds in the world, and does not take kindly to people coming into the home – whether it be intruder, household guest or longtime friend of the family. Some owners find they must make sure their dog is crated in another room before having someone visit. This breed is not only a watchdog (his normally quiet self will turn into a barking frenzy when someone enters the property), but is an unquestionable guard dog with fast reflexes and a very strong defense drive. Such a dog needs an owner with lots of experience, particularly with guarding breeds. Furthermore, it is impossible to over-train or over-socialize this breed (provided they are done right) and both are non-negotiable!

Unlike many breeds used for Livestock Protection, the Caucasian Shepherd has a high prey drive and can also be dog-aggressive to other canines coming onto their properties. He was expected to get rid of predators in any way possible, even if it meant chasing after and killing them. While some bloodlines purposefully have tried to weed this trait out, other working lines seek to keep this in the gene pool. While the breed should never be needlessly uncontrollable, it is worth noting that a well-bred Caucasian is, to put it simply… too much dog with too much drive for most people! This is not the same thing as a Saint Bernard or other similarly-looking dog. Do you own a Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

Photo By Alexanmder Skoridanov

 

The Taiwan Dog

The Taiwan Dog is a resourceful pariah-type breed with a clever mind and keen senses. Originally bred as a guard dog and to hunt small game in the mountains of Taiwan with humans, he has a devoted nature toward his owner although is reserved with strangers. This medium-sized breed is rare in the United States (and purebred specimens are even rare in their home country – with many being mixed with other breeds). Taiwan Dogs are bold when they need to be, even protective in the face of danger, but otherwise intuitive and gentle.

The affectionate Taiwan Dog does not make a good outside-only pet and instead needs to live indoors with his owner or owners. Although quite capable of living with a family unit, he is most likely to bond most strongly to one person. Once he’s lived in a home, he can be very difficult to re-home with new owners. The Taiwan Dog needs regular contact and attention, including socialization to the outside world with his owner so as to not become fearful or overly protective.

The Taiwan Dog can live in a home with children and do very well although is not always recommended for those with toddlers. Some can be less forgiving of the harsher treatment which sometimes accompanies younger kids, and will stand up for themselves! Furthermore they can have strong prey drives and may get overexcited around children that run and play, and can end up accidentally hurting them. When socialized with slightly older kids, however, they can be excellent family dogs. Take further note – this high prey drive can make some of them unfit to live with cats and other small animals (they are fearless hunters). Finally, many are very dog-aggressive, especially with strange dogs but sometimes to dogs in the same household as well.

Taiwan Dogs require a high amount of exercise as they are very active dogs with plenty of athleticism, agility and endurance. Even after a high-intensity exercise session, it isn’t surprising for a Taiwan to still have energy afterward – this really isn’t a couch potato breed in any sense of the word. The breed needs a minimum of one or two very long walks or hikes a day, in addition to a game or two which will engage both the body and mind. Furthermore, many also need a job to keep them busy. Without this stimulation, they are likely to become loud and destructive – and may possibly try their hand at escaping the yard to find their own stuff to do!

The Taiwan Dog doesn’t tend to have a doggy odor and likes to keep himself clean. He is also frequently easy to housebreak compared to other breeds. This said, because of his vast exercise requirements and primitive nature, he is not recommended for owners who live in apartments or urban settings. This wild-at-heart breed needs frequent exposure to nature in the form of structured walks and exercise. He also needs a home with a fully fenced, escape-proof yard – his endless curiosity means he may want to explore the neighborhood on his own and he is very good at getting out if he sets his mind to it!

Taiwan Dogs aren’t always easily trained. While some enjoy working with their owners “on their terms”, most have a hard-headed streak when it comes to doing things in any other way. Very willful and stubborn, if they don’t feel like doing something… they may “dig their heels in” and refuse. Besides being independent, they can be inflexible and occasionally even dominant. Although intelligent (once taught a command, they tend to remember it for a very long time), many don’t see the point of formal obedience training. An owner or trainer must have a lot of patience and make sure to see things through to the end, without resorting to cruelty which will cause the dog to shut down or fight back. Fun, positive, and very short sessions are recommended!

The Taiwan Dog can be a good choice for someone who wants a dog that will guard their property and alert them to anyone entering the yard or house. Ever alert and suspicious of strangers, the breed is also very territorial and will launch into a loud cacophony of barks if they see or hear something. Furthermore – this is not a dog that is more bark then bite… if he feels it necessary, he will go to town on an intruder! Owning this breed requires a lot of responsibility as the dog may or may not distinguish a real intruder from the mailman! The breed was bred first and foremost as a guard dog and is even sometimes used by the Taiwanese military and police. This is not the breed for someone who has frequently visiting guests, nor is it the breed for a first-time dog owner.

Photo By Aechris

 

The Croatian Sheepdog

The Croatian Sheepdog is an energetic, clever herding breed who loves to work. His bravery, agility and alertness make him ideal for herding although he also makes a great companion as he is ever attentive and faithful to his owner. In addition, he makes a great watchdog for the home. This rare medium sized breed lives from 13-14 years and tends to be very healthy. He is easy to groom and his always-black coat only needs occasional baths and brushing.

The coat is one of the distinguishing features of the Croatian. Either curly or wavy, but always solid black (aside from the occasional small patch of white on the chest), this protective coat allows him to exist in almost any weather or climate. It even keeps the dog somewhat water-proof! Bathing the dog can be done, however shampoo and water might take a while to be worked down to the skin. In order to keep the curly water-resistant features of the hair, he shouldn’t be bathed too frequently. Finally, the curly or wavy locks do shed, but it is quite minimal. The coat, combined with the fox-like face (reminiscent of a spitz breed) and stubby tail (either natural or closely docked), give the Croatian his unique appearance.

Croatians do have a naughty side (such as when they get frustrated) and can be destructive – particularly in the form of digging. They require plenty of attention and fun to keep them entertained! Because their activity level is very high, they require an owner that can give them all the exercise they need. When properly exercised (both body and mind), they are calm and collected in the home. Croatians also do not like to be left alone and prefer to be with their people. In fact, some can become nuisance barkers if they are left alone too long. They are very social toward humans, including children. They also get along well with other pets. This said, they may tend to be wary around strangers so extensive socialization is highly recommended while they are puppies.

Croatian Sheepdogs make great candidates for obedience training as they are extremely biddable and tend to learn quickly. Besides obedience, they love learning and competing in dog sports such as frisbee, flyball, herding, conformation, tracking, agility, rally and skijoring. They relish learning new things and being given opportunities for jobs. Some members of the breed tend to be quite enthusiastic and vocal when being trained – and should be taught a quiet command. Because they can have an independent streak, an owner or trainer should make sure to stay consistent and always follow through on commands.

The Croatian Sheepdog can live in an apartment, but only if the owner is prepared to put extensive time into both mental and physical exercise. The breed is adaptable as long as his needs are met – and those needs are higher than many other breeds. They also require more attention and plenty of leadership compared to other dogs. A prospective owner should be honest with themselves as to whether or not their lifestyle will be a good fit for this breed. Furthermore, these strong-willed dogs do best with owners who are already experienced in owning dogs. For all but the most committed people, they are normally happiest in a home with a large yard and a high, escape-proof fence.

The German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile gun dog able to work both in water and on land. They will retrieve both furred and feathered game, and are also skilled at blood-tracking. As this breed has been strictly bred with hunting in mind, most have the instincts to be valuable hunting dogs – they have even been called “the Ferrari of the gun dog world”. Although they are hard workers in the field, they have a calm and collected temperament in the home. They are social and loving with their families and can make wonderful pets in the right households.

The German Longhaired Pointer is a very social dog who strongly prefers to be around his people as much as possible. If left alone for long hours, he may become bored and destructive. He is in his element when he is around people – this is a friendly, outgoing, affectionate type who simply wants to be loved and give love in return. The breed also gets along well with other dogs as well as children. He may be less reliable toward cats and small pets. It should be noted that the GLP needs to be extensively socialized while still young to avoid timidity. While some can take a little while to warm up to new people, extreme shyness is often due to poor early socialization.

Longhaired Pointers are generally not noisy dogs, provided that they aren’t left home alone all day. Those who are left to fend for themselves in the house or backyard can become nuisance barkers. When this isn’t the case, they tend to only bark when something is amiss or someone is at the door – they make fine watchdogs. Depending upon the dog and the situation, the bark may either be a warning or a welcome.

The German Longhair doesn’t require a ton of grooming however his upkeep must be kept on a schedule and not forgotten about – especially if he hunts or plays outside frequently. Burrs, grass and other debris can get caught in the coat and encourage tangles. Nails and teeth need regular care. And the long ears need regular maintenance and cleaning. Outside of grooming, health care is normally very easy as these dogs have no known congenital problems. German Longhaired Pointer Hays county

Longhaired Pointers, like most sporting breeds, have vast amounts of energy combined with very high hunting drives. Unlike many sporting breeds, however, they have not branched off into show lines vs. working lines. Practically all members of the breed have great desires to hunt and won’t do well in homes that don’t allow them to… well, hunt! Even “occasional hunters” might be in over their heads unless they find a puppy with a lower hunting drive to match their infrequent outings! If hunting is out of the question, it is possible to keep one as a companion but it will involve a tremendous amount of time dedicated to higher-impact exercise and frequent mental stimulation.

The GLP is a highly intelligent dog that is very trainable. They are very eager to please their owners. Be aware that this is an intense breed with a lot more power than he may look to have – a young exuberant dog may be much harder to train for a frail or elderly owner. He needs lots of consistency and an owner who can be firm when needed. Some members of the breed can get pushy or even downright aggressive when placed with the wrong type of owner. As this German pointer needs a job to do in order to be happy, obedience training is non-negotiable. After learning the basics of obedience, the GLP becomes an excellent candidate for dog sport competitions such as field trials, agility, dock diving, rally and/or flyball.

It should be obvious, but German Longhairs are not good candidates for apartments – they need lots of room to run and exercise. The best home is a rural or semi-rural home with a fenced yard, owned by an active, experienced dog person (preferably a hunter). Since these web-footed dogs also love to swim, access to lakes or streams are a plus! Clearly, many American families/homes would not make the cut.

The Bolognese

The Bolognese is a rare breed companion dog of the Bichon family. Owned by European nobility in their heyday, they then suffered a decline in popularity as the aristocracy began to wane. The breed had to be saved from extinction and now breeders are working hard to restore their numbers. These happy, healthy little dogs make great pets for those who are willing to wait for one!

The Bolo has an easygoing, yet affectionate temperament with a playful streak. They are extremely loyal to their families. Most Bolognese love people of all ages and are friendly to new humans once they get to know them (they may be aloof at first). They also get along well with children although shouldn’t be in homes with very young toddler-age kids as they can easily be hurt. As dogs originally bred to be companions, they also don’t do well in homes where they are left alone for long periods of time.

The Bolognese is intelligent, devoted and willing to learn when taught obedience. This said, if not trained he may show “small dog syndrome”, which basically means he will try to rule the roost in homes that don’t give him rules. So start early and work with him regularly! Many love to be the center of attention and will relish training time! While not particularly stubborn, many members of the breed aren’t very food or toy motivated, so an owner/trainer may need to use praise, movement and other reinforcement methods to keep his interest. Make sure not too use excessive force though… he can be sensitive.

Bolos tend to get along well with other dogs and pets, however they can get hurt by dogs much larger than themselves. Homes which already house large and giant breeds may want to think twice, as the size of a Bolo makes him a bit delicate! This is not saying it can’t be done – very gentle large breeds can be an exception, and enthusiastic large breeds can co-exist with a Bolo under careful supervision. Although fragile under certain circumstances, this does not mean these dogs need to be “bubble wrapped”. They are able to participate in many different aspects of life (even being camping or traveling companions), but common sense must be adhered to.

The Bolognese can live easily in an apartment but should be given walks so he can stretch his legs and see the sights. Despite his fairly large coat, he can get cold while outside in chilly weather and may appreciate a doggie sweater during that first early morning walk! Another apartment perk – most don’t tend to bark needlessly (making them better neighbors than other tiny breeds), however they will bark when things are “amiss”. Keep in mind that the Bolognese can be more difficult to housebreak than other breeds which may be a problem for some apartment-dwellers with a pet deposit!

Bolo coats are always solid white in color, and fairly profuse despite being single-coated. It should possess a cotton-like texture that forms small ringlets over the body, and is not trimmed. As such, it does require a fair amount of upkeep including very regular brushing/combing and bathing! When the dog is cared for properly, the coat should be odorless. The coat is considered hypoallergenic as it does not shed, but as is always the case with all hypoallergenic breeds, mileage may vary based on the allergy sufferer. As with all dogs, keeping nails trimmed, teeth brushed and ears cleaned are all part of the grooming routine. An owner will also have to contend with eye staining – a condition that affects many small white dogs.

Photo By Pleple2000

 

The Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog, like most spitz breeds, has an independent temperament. This said, he is very faithful to his owner and brave in the face of danger. Originally bred to eagerly hunt bear and other large game (as obvious by his name), he is generally silent in the hunt until he finds and stops an animal. This is a persistent hunter who is said to have a high drive and a good sense of direction when out in the wilderness. He is tough and burly – medium sized and with a very thick black and white coat.

The Bear Dog doesn’t require very much grooming but his thick coat does need to be brushed out regularly. This goes double for any dog living in a hot climate (like here in Texas). While the breed prefers cold weather, he can live just fine in a hot environment as long as that thick undercoat is kept combed out so the skin can breathe. His mostly black coats also make him more prone to feeling the heat, so make sure he has plenty of shade and water. As long as he is kept from overheating, this is actually a very healthy breed with no huge health issues. Average lifespan is from 11-12 years.

Karelian males don’t always play well with other males – they can be territorial of their homes/possessions and prone to fighting. Furthermore, even some opposite-sex pairs will fight as well. Many owners find it hard to keep two dogs in the same household, or even one Karelian along with another pet! Sometimes harmony can be accomplished with massive socialization while the puppy is still young but it’s still a case-by-case basis. If the Karelian is the only dog in the household, he is generally calm in the house. When it comes to human strangers, he is aloof although generally not aggressive as long as he has been socialized, however some poorly bred or poorly raised members of the breed have been known to show aggression to people.

Because of their social nature, some Karelian Bear Dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Although these dogs love to be outside (and do well in homes that have large fenced yards), they shouldn’t be left in the backyard all day with no human contact. They need regular exercise with their owners and enough stimulation to keep them happy and entertained. This energetic working breed also needs a job to do, and without this can become difficult to own. Problem-barking, chewing stuff up, and otherwise destroying property both inside and outside are such examples… This is not an apartment breed, nor is it a good match for someone with no dog owning experience.

Karelians tend to be affectionate to members of their own family although aren’t known for being easy to train. This has nothing to do with intelligence – as they are quite smart – but has more to do with their high prey drives and independent natures. Be aware of their quirky senses of humor during training… and it might be good for you to develop one of your own if you are to train one! Along with patience, an owner/trainer must also be prepared to set out rules and enforce them – the dog can become rather dominant without it.

Bear Dogs are alert watchdogs who tend to be quiet in the home unless an intruder comes by, at which point they can be protective if necessary. A fenced yard is a necessity for owners of this breed – their territorial nature and aptitude for wandering can be a bad combination. Although the breed can do well with older kids… they may need to be carefully introduced to any new kids that come into the home. It is important to practice responsibility when owning this breed!

Karelian Bear Dog

Photo By Fraczek.marcin

 

The Kromfohrlander

The Kromfohrlander is a rare breed, originally bred to be a loyal companion and nothing else. In Germany, breed experts evaluate all potential breeding dogs in order to give the “ok” that the dog can be bred. Because there are few breeders even in its home country, the Kromfohrlander remains rare and with a limited gene pool. There is often a wait list to get a puppy. There are two coat varieties in the breed – rough coated and smooth coated (a deceiving name, as most smooths have longer plumes of hair on their ears and tail), and the smooths are far harder to come across. As of this moment, there are only roughs being bred in America (and only 4 American breeders total).

Kromfohrlanders are easy to train for most owners because these dogs tend to develop very deep bonds – they enjoy being with and training with “their people”. They are intelligent and have long attention spans, as well as possessing strong abilities to work around distractions. They make good candidates for trick training. This said, unlike breeds developed to work, they don’t always have the highest work drives. An owner may need to put in extra effort if they want their Kromi to do more difficult jobs – especially considering that many are not particularly food-driven either.

The Kromi’s coat is easy to care for, although rough coated dogs will need regular hand stripping. The breed doesn’t tend to smell even when wet, and dirt often falls off the coat when it dries meaning that the breed doesn’t need to be washed often. A good thing, considering all members of the breed have copious amounts of white fur! The breed does shed… but does so minimally. Finally, the small size of the dog means that he is quick to brush and bathe when he needs a grooming session. Don’t forget to regularly trim the nails!

Kromfohrlanders adore being with their owners as much as possible and wouldn’t be good candidates for being outside or in kennels all day. As companion dogs, they tend to follow their owners like shadows. If there is more than one owner, the dog will choose his favorite and spend the most time with them! The breed is docile and even-tempered at all times, reserved with strangers but loving and perceptive toward his owner. Fairly adaptable, he can live in any number of different situations as long as he can spend it with his person. He is lively, but not excessively so. The breed also gets along well with children and other pets, even small ones as he doesn’t have much of a prey drive.

Kromis have a clownish nature and are experts at brightening their owner’s day! Often greeting their loved ones with a smile and a characteristic sneeze, they think nothing of scaling the couch to give a better greeting or jumping into one’s arms for an enthusiastic hello. Many members of the breed are extremely long-lived (17-18 is not uncommon), so expect this greeting for years to come if you decide to own one! Do keep in mind however… a small gene pool means that Kromis are more likely than other dogs to get certain health conditions – namely epilepsy, keratosis (AKA “corny feet”), and cystinuria (too much amino acids in urine).

Kromfohrlanders tend to stick close to their owners and aren’t prone to running away. In fact, many would be content just to lay on a lap for most of the day, however exercise is still important and owners must make sure to provide them with it regularly. Walks and ball playing are two good options for activities. It should be noted that dog parks are not generally recommended as it can take Kromis awhile to warm up to new dogs.

Kromfohrlander

Photo By Ellarie