The Lithuanian Hound

The Lithuanian Hound is a rare scenthound breed recognized only by the Lithuanian Kennel Club. They are, in fact, the only native breed to Lithuania! Bred to hunt hare, wild boar and fox they are thought to be the result of mixing Bloodhounds with Polish Hounds, Beagles and Russian Hounds hundreds of years ago. While at one time very popular in their home country, unfortunately numbers dropped drastically after World War 2 and only 78 individuals were said to be recorded at that time. Thankfully there was enough interest in the breed for fanciers and breeders to keep them alive and in 1966 the first official standard was written. Despite best efforts however, numbers are still low enough that inbreeding is a concern among fanciers.

Lithuanians are always black and tan in color, with a smooth coat. They are large, muscular and robust with “solid and massive bone structure”. The hanging ears are triangular in shape with rounded ends. The neck is muscular and without folds or wrinkles, and holds the wedge-shaped head upright. The muzzle is slightly short. The eyes are dark, oval and set deep in the skull. Teeth are large and meet in a scissor bite. It is very important in the standard that all teeth be present. The long tail is thick at the base and slowly thins as it reaches the end, like a sword. Normally held low, when the hound’s mood rises so does the tail!

The Lithuanian Hound is a determined hunter and when he sees his prey he’ll race after it with much enthusiasm – likely baying the entire time! After the hunt is over however, and he is safely back at home, he is easygoing and pleasant to live with as long as his needs are met. Like many scenthounds he needs plenty of vigorous exercise every day such as running alongside a bike, in combination with regular opportunities to run in a fenced area. A short walk is definitely not enough! If he isn’t exercised adequately he can become destructive and frustrating to live with. Keep in mind this active breed lives an average of 12-14 years and will need regular exercise throughout the majority of his life. It goes without saying but this is not an apartment-friendly breed, and a small house without a yard would not be a great fit either. The Lithuanian Hound

While Lithuanians are aloof and occasionally even aggressive around strangers, they form close attachments with their owners and develop deep social bonds. They get along well with older children and other dogs. Small kids may be too easily knocked over so they aren’t the best match. Household cats are also a no-go, as this breed is too hardwired to give chase to small, furry animals. Many of these hounds can become great watchdogs, alerting their people to the presence of unfamiliar visitors on the property.

Lithuanians Hounds like to please their owners and tend to learn quickly but are too prey-driven to be completely trusted off-leash unless given extensive training. For the average household it is best to keep them in a fenced area or safely on lead so that they don’t go running after the first small animal they see or sniff. It is recommended while training that the owner be firm, yet fair and utilize lots of short sessions throughout the day rather than one long “boring” lesson. Make training fun and you’ll both have a great time!

Although very social and people-driven, the Lithuanian isn’t prone to separation anxiety. He is also easy to care for as far as grooming, with a weekly brush being sufficient to keep his coat shiny. He does shed twice a year but his coat is so short it is barely noticeable, especially if he is getting brushed regularly. He only needs a bath every 6-8 weeks as long as he hasn’t dived into a mud puddle while hunting in the yard. General upkeep would be easy if it weren’t for the substantial exercise requirements, which means that a prospective owner must be ready to face that challenge head-on.

The Majorero

The Majorero is an old Spanish working breed that has been around for centuries. He was used as a sheep and cattle herder, protector of the home and flock, and as a farm companion. Recognized as a native breed by the Real Socieded Canina de España (Spanish Kennel Club) in 1994, the breed is actually thought to be 500-600 years old. This very old breed is also low in numbers and as it started to reach almost-extinction levels, the Association for the Conservation of the Perro Majorero was organized in 2008 in order to save it. Slowly the public in Spain is re-discovering this ancient breed and numbers are beginning to climb slowly upward. That said, this still remains a very rare breed and is virtually unknown in most of the world.

Majoreros do best in homes with yards as not only do they need room to roam, but as ranch dogs they actually enjoy being outdoors more than being stuck inside. A moderate amount of daily exercise in addition to yard time is recommended to keep their muscles and minds healthy, although surprisingly they aren’t good candidates for strenuous exercise either. Historically they spent most of their time slowly wandering their domains while keeping watch, and aren’t as active as most other ranch-type breeds. They are recommended for experienced dog owners without small children as they are a territorial guarding breed which can be dominant as well as aggressive (to strangers) in the wrong hands. This is a dog that needs early and frequent socialization combined with proper training and strict household rules.

When it comes to training, the Majorero can be stubborn as he was bred to work fairly independently and to think for himself. Consistency is key, as well as an owner that understands how to be firm while training. It will take time to teach him, and even more time for the commands to become reliable. Take note that the breed doesn’t tend to get along well with other dogs, and while training will ideally allow him to tolerate their presence he likely won’t be a good candidate for a multi-dog household. On the plus side, however – his natural instincts for guarding and herding take little to no training at all in order for him to do those jobs! As a dog that thrives on having a job to do, it is actually recommended that he be given some sort of task to keep his mind stimulated.

The Majorero has a dignified and well-behaved temperament in the home, however he is protective and passionate about making sure his family is safe. When no danger is present, however, he is quietly affectionate and gentle with those whom he knows and loves. This is not a breed that will lick you to death or be otherwise overly demonstrative with his affections – instead opting for a more reserved display of his fondness. Except when danger arises, he is generally very calm.

There is a bit of variation between one Majorero and the next as this breed was developed solely for working purposes. Conformation wasn’t deemed important at all in the early years of the breed and it was only recently that a standard was actually drawn up. This said, according to the standard the dog should be medium in size with a compact square body and a croup that is higher than the withers. Weight varies considerably from about 55 pounds in a small female, to close to 100 pounds in a large male. Double dewclaws are an important featured trait. The color is always brindle and may actually have a greenish hue in the sunlight, despite there being no actual green in the coat. The coat is short, thick, and fairly soft. The standard also states that the tail is traditionally docked up to the hock joint only, which means only the last few vertebra are taken, giving him a slightly shorter tail.

Photo By Anja Griesand

The Tang Dog

The Tang Dog – named for the Tang Dynasty, is an ancient Chinese spitz breed said by some to be the oldest dog breed in existence! Like many spitz they were bred for a multitude of functions including use as companions, watchdogs, hunting as well as (unfortunately) meat dogs. To make things confusing – while Tang Dog, or Tang Gau and/or Tong Gau can also refer to an unspecified “local street dog”, a mixed-breed dog, or even as a catchall term for any spitz type of Chinese origin, it is also a real breed in itself. The Tang Dog Association was established in the 2000’s in order to promote the breed and serve as the governing body/parent club and in 2017, a Tang Dog won the World Dog Show held by the Chinese Kennel Union.

The Tang is a medium-sized dog with a coat that is normally cream, red or black. They are compact, short-bodied and square with thick coats that can be either short or long/full. The erect ears are small and triangular and they are set high on a flat, wide head. The eyes are slightly slanted and often dark in color unless the coat is light, in which case a lighter eye is allowed. Like other Chinese relatives a blue-black tongue is a distinctive feature. The Tang Dog

Tang dogs are loyal, playful and make excellent companions for families as they tend to have balanced temperaments. While they should never be either timid nor aggressive, they become courageous protectors if they need to be. They can adapt to many different household situations and are capable of living as only-dogs or with other pets when introduced from a young age. They do need daily exercise although as long as this is fulfilled they are generally calm and easygoing in the home. Tangs are intelligent and highly trainable as long as the owner stays consistent and patient. They do learn quickly although can sometimes be hard-headed. It’s best to start training and socializing at a young age.

The Briquet de Provence

The Briquet de Provence is a scenthound from France, and this rare breed is recognized by the French Kennel Club and nowhere else. While its origins are unknown, some speculate that the breed came about by crossing the Italian Hound with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne. In the early 1900’s the breed was semi-popular however World War 2 caused a great drop in numbers that unfortunately has never recovered. It took until 2003 for a parent club to become organized yet even today the breed is extremely limited with only about one or two litter registered a year.

The Provence is a durable hound that can hunt and take down game as large as a wild boar. It’s no surprise that members of the breed are brave and courageous when they need to be, however when at home they are affectionate, gentle, and devoted to their owners including children. Like other scenthounds they have a loud and distinctive bay that they use primarily when hunting, and they also share the scenthound-trait of getting along with other dogs. A strong senses of smell and a high aptitude for hunting completes the hound profile. One note about the “distinctive bay” – while they are admittedly loud while hunting, they tend to be fairly quiet at home provided they don’t see a squirrel through the window!

The Briquet de Provence is naturally obedient as he tends to develop a strong bond with his owner and wants to please. He can even be taught to leave the family cat alone which is more than can be said for certain other scenthounds! He does require an owner to be somewhat firm with household rules but the owner must be equally fair. The best results come when an owner starts training off while the dog is still in puppyhood – this holds true for basic obedience as well as training for hunting. This breed can be a great match for someone looking for either a hunting companion or an active sport dog. The Briquet de Provence

The Provence is speedy and athletic, requiring lots and lots of exercise daily but can still be a great pet for those who can keep up with his exercise requirements! He does best on a large property (think: rural living) as without enough space and stimulation he can become destructive. No apartments for this very active hound! He tends to live between 11-13 years and will have higher-than-average energy level for a good portion of his life.

The Provence sheds very little and only requires a weekly brushing to keep his coat shiny and in healthy condition. As his long ears are more prone to ear infections, they must be regularly cleaned and checked for foreign bodies which could become lodged in them. Other than the occasional ear infection the breed is very healthy and not prone to any particular health problem. As they also don’t eat a large amount of food they can be very compatible for someone looking to maintain a dog on a lower budget. While all of these factors make the breed a potential match for many first-time dog owners… it is the energy level that a prospective owner must be able to handle.

“Briquet” means medium, and the Briquet de Provence is so named because of his medium-sized build. Despite an athletic figure he is solid and sturdy. He has dark oval-shaped eyes that exude a gentle expression. The long hanging ears are set at eye-level or slightly lower and have a soft roll in them. The tail is long and low set, and is strong at the base. The coat is smooth and soft, and comes in either red or fawn – the latter occasionally with a black overlay or mantle. A small amount of white is permitted on certain areas of the body. When moving, the gait is lithe and harmonious.

The Cursinu

The Cursinu (AKA the Corsican Dog) has been around since the 16th century. Originating on the island of Corsica, the Cursinu was used to herd and guard flocks, in addition to being used as a hunting dog and a guard dog for the home. This is a primitive-type breed that has faced extinction in the past due to the modernization of farming, however several clubs and interested parties are currently working to keep the breed from dying out. In the process, the breed managed to become recognized by the French Kennel Club in 2003 and currently as of today, there are over 2200 dogs recorded by the breed’s parent club in France. This relatively unknown, yet distinctively versatile breed is most often used in wild boar hunting today and is still able to handle a vast number of jobs given to it.

The Cursinu is described as a rustic country dog. The breed is active and very capable of adapting to a limitless number of jobs and tasks, particularly hunting. He is loyal and devoted to his owner and is as good of a companion as he is a reliable worker, but he does need lots of exercise – both physical as well as mental! Long walks or jogs every day would be a good start, in addition to more interesting and engaging forms of exercise. Unsurprisingly because of his background, he requires an owner who can give him jobs that provide plenty of physical and mental outlets. He would be most at home with an owner who can let him herd livestock or hunt, but could also benefit from dog sports such as tracking, rally or agility. The breed is said to be hyperactive until about the age of 1, after which point he tends to “settle” into… a fairly energetic dog!

The Cursinu is wary around strangers but generally docile and affectionate with those whom he knows. His alert nature, territorial disposition, and tendency to bark when he feels something is wrong makes the Cursinu a good watchdog and even guard dog. He can be protective of his owners if he feels they are in danger. He is gentle with children and can get along with cats when socialized to them early. With other dogs he is usually polite yet reserved. Although he’s great with most animals, small pocket pets may be in danger if they are left to wander the home un-caged because of this breed’s high prey drive. This prey drive also makes him more likely to wander so a fenced yard is definitely recommended!

The Cursinu is a very healthy breed in general with no health issues regularly seen, and an average lifespan of 12-15 years. He can adapt to any type of weather and is able to live either inside or outside. Many owners find that the breed requires only very infrequent visits to the vet and is quite low-maintenance in terms of health care. Grooming is also considered low-maintenance as he requires only an easy weekly brushing and the occasional bath. Nail trimming, dental care, and ear cleaning should also be added to the schedule but is easy enough to complete. Shedding is fairly low all year round, with slightly more hair loss twice a year.

The Cursinu is intelligent yet independent, and often requires more training than other breeds because of this independence. He also has a stubborn nature combined with a strong prey drive meaning that an owner/trainer must be patient when working him around highly distractible situations. With a strong personality and an often willful nature, an owner needs to be firm with this breed while remaining fair. Furthermore, without enough physical and mental stimulation (AKA training) the Cursinu can be destructive. Just one more reason that training is a necessity!

The Cursinu is a medium-sized dog with either a short or mid-length coat – the latter which often comes with fringes. The color is most often brindle in a variety of different shades. The ears are either hanging or rose shaped, but always triangular. The muzzle is shaped like a truncated pyramid and relatively thin. The tail is long, thick and well supplied with hair. At rest the tail can either hang low or be curled up onto the back.

Photo By Küchenkraut

The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog

The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a devoted livestock guardian breed and household watchdog with an even temperament and generally calm demeanor. He loves his human family with all of his heart and is a dependable companion and alert protector. With a dignified personality that matches his grandiose appearance, this is not the type of dog that will demand attention frequently or otherwise act like an obnoxious pest, nor will he cower in the corner anxiously. This is a confident but laid-back breed that will step up to any challenge if he feels his owner or other charges are in danger, and the breed is well-known for even confronting bears when necessary – usually while protecting cattle. The breed gets its name from the raven-black color of the coat, and has been recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club since 2008.

The Romanian Raven Shepherd has an abundant, medium-long coat which is straight and rough. The head and parts of the legs are covered with short hair. As mentioned above, the color is always black, or black with white markings on the chest and forequarters although black must cover at least 80% of the dog. When two dogs of otherwise equal merit are being judged, the dog with the most black should be prioritized. Other key traits of the breed include a deep chest, a powerful and massive head, small almond-shaped eyes, v-shaped hanging ears, and a high-set pendant tail.

Ravens are active dogs that can get silly and joyous in play with their owners, and especially love playing with children. They tend to be gentle even with the smallest of kids. They do need owners that are able to exercise them regularly not only with games in the backyard but also with long daily walks of at least an hour a day. For this reason the breed isn’t for everyone as they require not only active owners, but those who live in homes with enough space to accommodate them. Like many livestock guardians, Ravens are often good with all sorts of animals as long as they are introduced to them while young. This includes cats and even smaller pets. This tolerance doesn’t hold true for animals that wander into their territory however, as they are not very forgiving towards strange dogs (or other animals) that suddenly appear on their property.

The Romanian Raven has a loud, thunderous voice which he will use when a stranger enters the property. He may tend to bark frequently, as anything out of place may cause his suspicions to rise so he is best living in a home without close neighbors! Like most livestock guardian dogs he is suspicious of people whom he doesn’t know. Standing up to 31 inches at the withers and reaching up to 130 pounds, this dog can easily take down a threat if he needs to! For this reason it’s doubly important to socialize him extensively while young to ensure the proper temperament develops. Even with socialization, know that this isn’t the best dog for people who enjoy throwing weekly parties at the house as he doesn’t love having house guests over.

Raven Shepherds are intelligent and generally submissive to their owners, making them easy to train in general. This said, they are independent-minded and are not push-button obedience dogs either. With consistency and plenty of guidance, however, they can become wonderfully trained members of the family! As the breed tends to live an average of 12 years it is important to start young and introduce training while they are still at an easier size to manage. It is also interesting to note that although they usually love everyone in the family, they will generally choose one person who they are more likely to “listen to”. This said, the whole family can (and should) take part in training as this will benefit everyone and promote an even stronger bond!

Photo By Canarian

The Medji

The Medji (AKA the Small Medimurje Dog) is a hundred-year-old Croatian rat hunting breed with a huge heart inside his tiny frame! He enjoys living life to the fullest, and his happy nature can be contagious to those around him! Although rodent duty was the first and primary job for this little dog, he was also used as a general farm dog and is currently classified in the herding category for the Croatian Kennel Club. Described in the standard as having features of a good guard dog without being aggressive (he will bark at new people but is otherwise friendly), he is loyal to his family (including kids) but reserved towards strangers. This is a very active breed that gets along well with other dogs but may not be a good match with free-roaming pocket pets such as mice or hamsters. This wonderful temperament combined with a compact size (and ability to live in an apartment) means that the breed is slowly gaining popularity in Croatia.

The Medji is easy to keep and fairly undemanding as long as his basic needs are met. He has a very level head and an exceptionally stable temperament. He loves to play and to shower his loved ones with affection. The breed is obedient, highly intelligent and easily trained. He can be successful in dog sports such as rally and agility, and is equally skilled at catching rodents. This has always been an adaptable breed and he can do almost any job asked of him, and tends to do so with a curious and excited nature. He has a working aptitude and enjoys being given a job to do!

The Medji comes in a variety of colors – including single-color, two-color or tri-color selections. Single colors include various shades of brown, as well as black, gray or yellow. Two-colors either combine two of the aforementioned colors or instead combine one of those colors with white. White should never account for more than one third of the body. Tri-color follows the same rules as the two-color patterns, although (obviously) with three colors. The high set tail is usually long and profusely feathered, although occasionally short-tailed dogs are born which are also permitted in the standard. Ears are erect, triangular and of a medium size. The body is rectangular with short legs. The coat is short, coarse and thick, and does shed regularly.

Photo By Canarian

The Colombian Fino Hound

The Colombian Fino Hound, AKA the Sabueso Fino Colombiano, is an active and energetic scenthound developed to track and hunt large rodents such as the Capybara and Lowland Paca. His background is shrouded in mystery but might include the Bloodhound, the Spanish Hound, foxhound breeds, and possibly some pointing breeds as well. This very rare hound was developed over 200 years ago in Colombia and has been owned by all classes of people but more commonly kept in rural areas. As of today, he is only recognized by the Colombian Kennel Club however despite his rarity in most of the world, there were about 10,000 members of the breed in Colombia as if 2015. Super social – he is a great choice for a hunter as well as a family companion as he gets along well with both humans of all ages and other dogs. This affectionate hound also tends to love strangers so guard dog duties are probably a no-go.

Colombians are intelligent and can be trained (especially when there are no distractions around), but can be stubborn and willful if they catch the scent of prey. Owners need to be patient when it comes to obedience training! Because of their prey drive it can be hard to keep this hound in a home with cats or other small animals. Training can help mitigate some risk but an owner is taking a gamble dealing with this strong inborn trait to hunt. It is also wise to realize this breed is vocal by nature and while training may curtail it somewhat… this is unlikely to go away completely. Rather than trying to fit this hound into a home which is unsuitable, it makes sense instead to match him only with owners which fit his needs and quirks. And when it comes to training – all dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Colombian is no exception, but many would also excel in specialized training which works to their strengths: such as scentwork or flyball!

As the Fino is quite energetic he does need regular daily exercise to keep him happy and healthy. He has a very strong sense of smell and a high aptitude for hunting which means that daily walks or jogging sessions will most likely be mixed with plenty of sniff-fests along the way! Even better – take him out hunting and you’ll see a hardworking hound emerge which is an even better form of exercise! This is not a couch potato breed by any means and does best with active owners as he needs daily outings regardless of weather. This hound won’t fare well in an apartment and needs a place with room to stretch out in addition to regular walks or hikes.

Colombian Finos come in two sizes – the standard size which reaches a top height at the withers of about 20″, and a large which reaches up to about 24″ and may be more robust. So in general the standard is a small to medium sized hound while the large is a medium to large size. The body is rectangular in proportion, with distinctively long hanging ears and a long tail which reaches beyond the hock. The muzzle is slightly short yet rectangular. The coat is smooth, shiny, and sheds only moderately. When it comes to color, the breed is allowed in black, brown, red, white and brindle, and that “different shades, tones, patterns and combinations of these colors are acceptable”.

The Fino Hound can work for a first-time dog owner (in the right situation) as he is particularly loyal and has an easy-going temperament. There are a few health issues in the breed to be aware of – primarily hip dysplasia, but most individuals are healthy and hardy. When it comes to grooming this breed is easy and only requires the occasional brushing and bath to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Otherwise he benefits from regular eye and ear cleaning – particularly ears as breeds with long hanging ears are more prone to infection. Finally, while he can be prone to become overweight through overeating, keeping him on a regular ration of food isn’t difficult for a new owner to learn to do. His friendly nature with people and other dogs is also a big plus for novice owners! As long as the prospective owner is active and ready to dedicate plenty of time to exercise this hound, it can be a wonderful pairing!

Photo By D1090

The Georgian Mountain Dog

The Georgian Mountain Dog is not from the American state of Georgia, but rather he originates from the country of Georgia- where he is the national animal of the country. This is an old guarding (property protection) and livestock guardian (livestock protection) breed that descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, and is highly related to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. At one point threatened with extinction, a group of dedicated breeders with the purpose of preserving this powerful dog has been working diligently to ensure the breed’s survival. The Cynological Federation of Georgia recognized the breed standard in the year 2000 and hosts shows so that breeders can continue their work. This molosser can be identified by a massive head, high-set ears traditionally cropped extra short, a short yet thick double coat which can appear in any color, and a heavy distrust of strangers.

Georgians are courageous yet calm, and are well known to have a very high suspicion of strangers. They are extremely protective of their families (including livestock and other pets) and won’t hesitate to defend if they feel they need to. This dog is not for the novice, for if they suspect danger they won’t wait around, choosing to act quickly whether or not actual danger exists! An owner must be very knowledgeable and experienced with handling the unique personality of a livestock guardian dog, including early and frequent training and socialization. This said, when raised correctly the breed should not be aggressive towards his owners, and in fact will form a very tight bond with them.

Georgians can be gentle with children and will often play more carefully with them than they might an older person. They also share a gentle nature with family livestock and household pets including cats, as long as they consider those animals to be part of their family. When it comes to strange animals or wild animals however, they are not so kind. This trait makes sense when one remembers their original purpose was to protect their herd or family group from predators and/or outside danger. With other dogs, they usually only get along with those in their household, although there may be some initial scuffles with housemates as the dogs decide where they stand with each other. Not a breed generally known for its dog-sociability skills, they have historically (and unfortunately) been used in dog fighting pits. The Georgian Mountain Dog

The standard of the Georgian Mountain calls him a dog of “robust constitution” but he is definitely not a huge couch potato! Rather, he is an athletic dog fully capable of long exercise routines in even the worst of weather. He does need regular daily exercise in order to thrive. He will not do well in an apartment or even a small house as he needs room to stretch out. Traditionally the breed is kept outside to guard the flock or home, and while he can be an indoor dog he prefers to be outside as much as possible so that he can patrol a large yard. When given regular exercise and correct care, the typical lifespan is 11-12 years and the breed as a whole is not prone to any particular health issues (although any dog of any breed or mix can always develop an issue).

Georgian Mountain Dogs require patient owners when it comes to training, and furthermore they tend to be dominant which means household rules must be in place and upheld at all times. A wishy-washy owner will not be a good fit for this strong assertive breed, as they require someone firm and experienced. Add in the fact that this giant breed can reach 30″ or so, and can weigh anywhere from 100-200 pounds, and it becomes obvious that an out-of-control Georgian is a disaster in the making! With the right owner, however, this strong breed is known for being clever and is capable of being taught obedience. This said, the primary goal of this dog is that of serious protector.

The Basque Shepherd Dog

The Basque Shepherd Dog (AKA the Perro de Pastor Vasco) hails from Spain where he has been traditionally utilized as a herding dog and a protector of sheep and other herd animals. He was also used to guard farmhouses. Originally developed on its own without much human intervention, the breed was eventually standardized and then recognized in 1995 by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but is probably much, much older. It is suspected that this breed is in the background of a more well-known breed here in the United States, the Australian Shepherd. Unfortunately, this rare breed is currently endangered with only 700-1000 individuals remaining today.

The Basque is sweet and loyal to his owners but territorial when around strangers until he gets to know them. Naturally protective, he can make a decent guard dog when danger is afoot although for the most part he is demonstratively affectionate and happy. In other words, he is not as serious as dogs whose primary purpose was to guard, and probably shouldn’t be counted on as a personal protection dog, but he can definitely do light-duty guarding duties. Naturally gentle, he can get along well with children, the elderly and other pets despite having extremely high energy and boundless enthusiasm! Note for prospective owners – your mileage may vary and always take your particular circumstances into account. Also take into account that younger dogs are less likely to be able to control their energy and a bit of maturity may be necessary before setting them loose around very small children.

The Basque Shepherd is a dog that needs active owners which can give him lots of outdoor exercise every day (for it can be quite the task to wear him out) but that doesn’t mean he can’t make a good pet! In Spain, he is already known to be a wonderful companion for those who have the room and the energy to meet his needs. It is common to see him on farms, and it is in this setting that he does best as it allows him room to exercise. Be prepared that in addition to a big yard, he needs daily outings which can include walks or even swimming sessions. He’s a high energy, high-exercise-needing dog and without enough physical stimulation he can develop frustrating behavior problems. Obviously, apartments are a no-go for this breed!

Basque Shepherd Dogs come in two separate varieties – Iletsua (rough coated) and Gorbeiakoa (soft coated, medium-length hair). Both can appear in blonde or fawn, while the Gorbeiakoa can also appear in a fire-red and the Iletsua can come in a cinnamon color. Both coat types require a medium amount of care and while it isn’t recommended to bathe super frequently, they do benefit from a good brush a few times a week. When it comes to size, Basques are generally medium in size although the Iletsuas are sometimes a little bigger. The average lifespan of both varieties is 12-15 years, particularly when vet care and routine grooming is taken care of including attention to dental hygiene. For the most part this is a healthy breed, although hip dysplasia, eye problems and cancer are things to watch out for.

Basques are highly intelligent and quick-learning but do require owners who will set and enforce household rules, for they will test boundaries. This is not a breed for the novice owner as they require lots of mental stimulation and ongoing training to keep them happy! When matched with the right owners, however, their talents know no bounds and they can become skillful competition dogs if so desired. They have been known to be very successful in dog sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, tracking, freestyle and parkour! Whether the plan is to raise a competitive teammate or simply to have a well-behaved companion, it is always recommended to start early with training and socialization. Most love to please their owners but also have a naughty, impish side that can emerge when they are bored or they become tired of repetition. They will keep you on your toes!

Photo By Inigoruiz