The Saint-Usuge Spaniel

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is an ancient French breed created to hunt feathered game such as woodcock and waterfowl in all sorts of different terrain. Originating in the 16th century, he almost (but not quite) went extinct by the end of World War 2. Thankfully he was single-handedly brought back from the brink by a young priest – Father Robert Billardin, in the mid-1900’s. While still very rare and recognized only by the Societe Centrale Canine, there are fanciers of the breed in various parts of the world working on the breed’s continued revival and a parent club was created for the breed in 1990. Those “in the know” state that this is a very loving and affectionate breed with a wonderful balanced temperament.

The Usuge is easy to train and quite intelligent, often taking very well to obedience. Unlike many breeds created to hunt, they aren’t nearly as distractable when confronted with prey animals and are easier to be train to a strong recall. Most have a strong desire to please although can be on the sensitive side so it’s up to the owner to make sure not to push them harder than they can handle. With only a little bit of work, this spaniel learns manners very easily!

The standard of the Saint-Usuge states that he should have a balanced, elegant appearance. The breed can be recognized by his slightly domed skull, round eyes, hanging ears covered in flowing hair and his always-brown and white coloration. He has a long feathered tail, a medium-sized muscular body and his coat is medium-length, silky and slightly wavy with shorter hair on the head and front of legs. All puppies are said to be born with a white star on their foreheads which may or may not disappear in adulthood.

Usuge Spaniels do best in homes with at least a moderate sized yard so that they can run around and stretch their legs, but can live in a smaller home or even an apartment as long as they are given regular exercise. They are always game for hiking or jogging excursions with their owners, but will also do well with just a good daily walk. They love being taken on hunting trips and make excellent dual-purpose (hunting and companion) dogs! Natural companions, they are gentle and fit in well in households with children and other pets alike – with the exception of pet birds for obvious reasons! This people-loving and docile breed often wants nothing more than to follow “their people” around from room to room, and as such this velcro dog isn’t prone to wandering off.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is always up for playing games and being silly and, being a water-lover, especially loves any games involving H2O! He won’t mind making a fool of himself whether romping in the yard with kids or relaxing on the couch in his favorite position. He’s a happy-go-lucky spaniel that enjoys getting all out of life that he can! When it comes time to hunt he’ll put on his courageous face and will rush head-first into that as well. While he can be hard to find in the United States, this is a top-notch breed for a novice owner or experienced hunter alike.

Photo By Canarian

The Dogo Guatemalteco

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a molosser recognized only by the Asociación Canofila Guatemalteca – the first standard being published in 1972. It is known only in a few parts of the world – primarily in its home country of Guatemala where it is the only native breed, and has therefore been granted the title of the country’s national breed. This dog is the result of crossing the Bull Terrier, Boxer and Dalmatian in the late 1800’s and for a while was known as the Guatemalan Bull Terrier until the name was later changed. Despite a similar appearance to the Dogo Argentino, the two breeds are themselves not related although they do share a couple of ancestor breeds (Bull Terriers and Boxers). Of the two, the Guatemalan is actually an older breed. Like the Argentino, Guatemalans are usually primarily white although it is preferred for them to have markings of other colors on their face. Another physical difference is the tail, which is often (although not always) docked.

Guatemaltecos are known for being physically strong and agile. In terms of temperament, when raised correctly they should be sound-minded and stable although courageous when necessary. They are alert to, and cautious around, strangers and don’t tend to be overly friendly unless the person is a friend of the family/owner. This is a guard dog and a territorial one at that. They don’t generally tend to like strangers coming onto their properties. When it comes to their owners they are calm and affectionate – gladly obeying orders and tending to become very loyal dogs. Many are one-person dogs, becoming most bonded to the person they spend the most time with. In fact, they can be difficult to re-home if something ends up happening and they can no longer stay with their original owner/s.

Dogo Guatemaltecos are medium in height but have a sturdy, muscular build making them powerful dogs. This, combined with their serious temperament means that they are not a breed for the novice owner! With poor management they can become aggressive, which means they need an experienced owner who is prepared to “run a tight ship” at home. The breed must receive obedience training from a young age and live in a household where everyday rules are enforced. Without this structure they can be prone to putting themselves in the head position of the house, which can be a dangerous situation. Take note that training may be a slow process as they are a stubborn breed.

The Guatemalteco has a smooth, harsh coat that does require some regular grooming. They shed heavily which means they will need to be brushed a minimum of once a week, if not even several times a week. While some breeds shed more frequently at only certain seasons, the Guatemalan tends to shed heavily year-round. Nails should be groomed weekly and baths given occasionally (too much bathing or the use of cheap shampoo can exacerbate skin allergy issues). This is also a drooling breed which means keeping towels handy around the house will help an owner clean up drool before it ends up on furniture and floors! In terms of physical care, the Guatemalan Dogo has a medium activity level and requires regular exercise on-lead – 45 minutes to an hour each day should be sufficient. When at home he needs a securely fenced yard to keep him on the property while he roams and patrols.

While the primary purpose of the Dogo Guatemalteco was that of guard dog, he was unfortunately also used in dog fighting. This means that many cannot be trusted with other dogs regardless of how long they have known each other. It goes without saying this breed will probably not do well in a dog park situation! On the other hand, Guatemalans can live in families with children if they are raised with them and as long as the parents are experienced with guarding breeds. While not a dog for a novice, they can be loyal guardians for the right knowledgeable owner.

Photo By Blabriel

The Polish Hunting Dog

The Polish Hunting Dog is an ancient scenthound mainly used for hunting deer and wild boar, and is also used for tracking purposes. Like his cousin the Polish Hound, his ancestors are said to go back to the 13th century. This is a rare breed that is not recognized in the United States although is recognized by the FCI overseas. In terms of hunting abilities and temperament – unlike some scenthounds which were bred to face off against (sometimes very tough) prey, this breed is less likely to jump into a fight that he may lose. He’s generally more of a good-natured and noble fellow than he is a scrappy fighter.

The Hunting Dog isn’t overly stubborn in the way that many scenthounds can be, but can still get caught up and distracted if he sniffs something interesting. Every backyard excursion is likely to include a large amount of time sniffing and investigating the grounds for signs of wildlife. This means that he is amiable and ready to listen in the home when there aren’t distractions to deal with, but that will likely go out the window once he goes outside! With a high prey drive, households with small pets will want to keep those pets safely away from this hunter, and those with cats may want to consider a different breed altogether. On the plus side, the Hunting Dog tends to get along great with other dogs (and also children for that matter). With families, he is not usually recommended for those with very small kids or children who don’t know how to be gentle – he is far too sensitive for harsh handling and may react badly.

The Hunting Dog is intelligent and requires an outlet for his mind. In other words, he needs a job to do! Luckily, he can be quite successful when trained in dog sports including agility, obedience and canine freestyle. An owner must always keep in mind his high exercise requirement when it comes to training, however. If he has spent too much time cooped up in the house he’s going to be harder to train than if that excitable energy has had a proper outlet to be expelled. With enough exercise to get him into the right frame of mind, he can be pleasant and easy to train. It bears repeating again that this breed is sensitive and doesn’t do well when training is overly harsh! Loyal and eager to please, he enjoys learning when it comes from a trusted owner.

Polish Hunting Dogs are quite loving and affectionate towards their owners but may be aloof and suspicious of strangers at first. Once they get to know a new person, however, they become friendly and are always level-headed. They will befriend neighbors as well, and may either bewitch them with their beautiful voices (which can be heard loud and far) or annoy them, depending on the proximity of the neighbor’s property! This unique voice was bred into them in order to signal the hunter as to their whereabouts and hunting status.

Hunting Dogs need owners that are active and able to exercise their hounds daily. They require daily jogs that span at least a couple miles for each excursion, and/or have at least 90 minutes a day being exercised A home with a big backyard isn’t enough! The gold standard of exercise would include regular hunting trips combined with running (both free running in a fenced yard and running on lead with the owner) and games at home. Those without enough exercise will quickly become bored and prone to behavior issues such as excessive barking, digging in the yard, or chewing up your stuff! It would be hard to imagine a member of this breed thriving in an apartment or even a home with a small backyard unless they were constantly being taken out to run and hunt.

Polish Hunting Dogs are medium in size with deep chests. The coat is smooth and harsh to the touch, with abundant undercoat. Surprisingly, it is water resistant! It requires only a weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep clean and healthy – the breed doesn’t tend to be overly stinky. The coat sheds a moderate amount and is not hypoallergenic. Color possibilities include black/tan, chocolate/tan, or red. The hanging ears are low set and broad at the base. The long tail, carried low at rest and high when moving, is adorned with a brush at the tip.

Photo By Grzegorz Weron

The Serrano Bulldog

Recognized only by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia, the Serrano Bulldog originated (quite obviously) in Brazil. The word serrano indicates “mountains” or “hills”, pointing to the type of region that the breed evolved in. Their ancestors were dogs brought to Brazil by European immigrants in the 1800’s, and they were originally used for herding cattle and pigs in slaughterhouses. They were said to have dragged the pigs by the ears and helped to control the animals. In the 1970’s this was eventually deemed unhygienic and the breed became more scarce for awhile until eventually being revived and then recognized fairly recently. They share a similar background to another Brazilian breed, the Campeiro Bulldog, which is a heavier cousin that developed in different regions of the country.

Temperament is very important in the Serrano, as they are supposed to be balanced and easy-going for the most part while still retaining the ability to attack if necessary (whether the owner tells them to or they make the decision that it’s required). This molosser breed is a guard dog through and through when the situation calls for it, however should never be unduly aggressive to people or other (known) dogs, and in fact should be fairly submissive to their owner. Keep in mind that although they shouldn’t be unduly aggressive, they will be suspicious of strangers and strange dogs. Serranos are loyal to their owners and carry themselves with dignity.

The Serrano Bulldog is intelligent and calm in the home. When working, he is spirited and has the energy needed to do the job that is asked of him – either as a guard dog or as a cattle herder. He also has the courage required to do both jobs. Even still, he is gentle enough to live with children. Quiet and only requiring a moderate amount of activity, he would be desirable in many households except for the fact that he can be difficult to train and he does have natural suspicions towards strangers that require an experienced owner. The Serrano lives on average 10-12 years and isn’t known for having any breed-specific health issues.

Serrano Bulldogs aren’t particularly tall, and would be considered a medium sized dog if it weren’t for their fairly substantial bulk which can put the biggest males close to 90 pounds! In particular, a large wide head with an undershot jaw are distinguishing features of the breed. The tail is either corkscrew, curled or occasionally long and straight. The coat is smooth and allowable in any color.

Photo By Ivanor Oliviecki

The Segugio Maremmano

The Segugio Maremmano is a scenthound from the area of Maremma, in Tuscany Italy. Primarily used to track and hunt wild boar, they are also occasionally used to hunt other animals such as hare. An extremely rare breed in America, they are recognized by the Italian Kennel Club and are provisionally recognized by the FCI. In fact, despite their rareness in most of the world the breed is booming in their home country, in particular owned and appreciated by hunters. A large gene pool and many separate bloodlines means this breed should continue to remain healthy and genetically diverse for the foreseeable future. The average lifespan of this robust hound is 13-14 years, and there are no frequently-seen health issues as of yet.

Segugios are a medium-sized breed with a lot of energy. They need the type of owner that can get them out and exercise with them regularly. An ideal owner doesn’t necessarily need to do frequent grooming (the breed is low maintenance in that regard), but does need to be active and physically fit enough to keep up! The perfect home may or may not include kids and/or other dogs (this hound is friendly with both), and if either exists in the household, can also help in the exercising process – older kids and active dog playmates can make great exercise companions! In fact, another dog is highly recommended to keep this social hound company. When it comes to specific exercise – a game of ball is a fun way to work out in the backyard and a hike on the weekend is the perfect way to end a good week. Combine this with regular walks and doggie playtime with a canine companion and you’ll be set!

The intelligent Maremmano has a high capability to be trained and it is recommended to start young and to incorporate early socialization at the same time. This breed needs mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise and training is essential for healthy brain development. The Maremmano needs lots and lots of consistency, and an owner may need an extra bit of patience as the breed can also be extremely stubborn.

The Segugio Maremmano can come in one of two different coat types. Short haired is the most popular and commonly seen “variant”, although they also come in a rough haired variety. Either variety can appear in either fawn, black/tan or brindle coloration. The breed has triangular-shaped ears which hang to the side of the cheeks, a well-developed wide chest, and a tail that can be either long or docked about halfway down the tail (which is more frequently seen). They are smaller and less elegant in stature than their Italian cousin, the Italian Hound.

The Segugio is a very loyal dog that forms a strong bond with his owner. In Italy, it is more common for him to be owned by a hunter than strictly as a companion dog but he can make a fine companion when matched with the right household. He is not a dog for an apartment-dweller, both because of his loud hound voice which can bother close neighbors as well as his high exercise requirement. A home with a large yard is a much better situation for him! He also requires an owner who isn’t gone for long periods of time as he can become lonely without human interaction. Hunting dogs are used to working and engaging with their human counterparts as well as their fellow dog pack mates. They are social and not meant to be alone for long stretches of time.

Photo By Canarian

The Leonese Sheepdog

The Leonese Sheepdog is a herding breed from Spain, and a likely ancestor of the Australian Shepherd. An extremely rare breed with only around 500 specimens, they are recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but are otherwise relatively unknown. In fact, fanciers of the breed are working towards getting them more well known as they fear the breed will go extinct without careful intervention. This breed is known for being very alert and agile while working, and they are talented at their herding jobs – being able to work in any weather condition but especially the harsh cold. Like most herding breeds they are very active and intelligent. Not only do they possess natural herding abilities, but are quick to learn the more intricate details that are taught to them in training sessions. Traditionally they work with Spanish Mastiffs out in the field – the larger breed taking care of protection duty while the Leonese manages the movement of the flock.

The Leonese Sheepdog is a brave and courageous dog. Although their original task was that of a herding breed rather than a guard, they still needed enough courage and tenacity to take on an unruly flock. Able to work sheep, goats, horses or cattle, sometimes the flocks could be difficult to manage and so it was important that they had a “spitfire” temperament that would bite back if needed! It is this temperament that allowed them to do their job, but also means that they don’t always get along with other dogs. Neither are they the best choice in a home with children as they were built to be working dogs and not family dogs.

The Leonese isn’t a big fan of strangers and would much rather be with his owner, whom he tends to form a deep attachment to. Although he isn’t known for being overly demonstrative with his affection, he is eager to please his owner and is a quick-study. He loves to learn as long as it means spending time with his favorite person! He is not known to be overly bossy or stubborn to his owner although can be territorial towards strangers who encroach upon his turf. It is important to socialize this breed early, for he can become somewhat aggressive towards those he doesn’t know without this important early socialization. Even with socialization he is aloof at best – shy and nervous at worst.

The Leonese Sheepdog is a breed that needs lots of daily exercise and room to run, and as such has been traditionally used as a working dog rather than a pet. The breed does best living in the countryside or in a home with a large fenced yard. He would be a bad match for someone living in the city and an even worse match for someone living in an apartment! He also needs plenty of mental stimulation as well, in the form of training, puzzles and other stimulating activities. The average dog owner would not be a good match for active breed as it takes someone with enough energy and the right location to keep up! Ideally, an owner would have a flock for the dog to work but if not, dog sports can be a substitute. This breed can compete successfully in sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, conformation, and tracking. He is recommended only for experienced owners.

The Leonese is a medium sized dog with a pointed muzzle and ears that are either hanging or rose (and can be semi-erect when alert). The tail is long and carried low in a sabre fashion. The double coat can be either short or medium in length, can be slightly curly, and can come in either black or harlequin. Either of these colors can include tan points, but don’t need to. The breed as a whole is incredibly healthy, with no major health issues associated with it. Overall the average lifespan is 12-13 years.

The Leonese does require some grooming, particularly the medium coated variety. He needs to be brushed a couple times a week (especially during shedding season) and given a bath every 6 weeks. Working dogs that are frequently outside need regular checks of their skin and coat to be sure brambles and other spiky plant life isn’t embedding itself in the skin. Otherwise, making sure that the dog is being fed a good food, getting regular exercise and routine vet care will all help to ensure a healthy dog inside and out!

Photo By Jose Miguel Pintor Ortego

The Brazilian Tracker

The Brazilian Tracker was originally recognized by the FCI in 1967 and was bred to hunt wild pigs and jaguars. Unfortunately, not long after they were created, almost all members of the breed died from an outbreak of disease. Those that weren’t killed by disease instead tragically succumbed to death via excess insecticide from a negligent farm worker. How did these two events wipe out almost the entire bloodline? The Tracker was only being bred by one man at the time, meaning most dogs were on his property when these happenings occurred. Not willing to give up, fanciers of this large scenthound formed the Rastreador Brasileiro Breed Improvement Group in an effort to recreate them, and successfully did so! The breed was re-recognized by the Brazilian Kennel Club in 2013.

Like many hounds, the Tracker can be obstinate and independent (meaning difficult to train) but ultimately is good-natured and docile. Although not overly-affectionate, he forms a strong bond with his human family despite the fact that he has always been bred as a hunting dog rather than as a pet. While he can make a fine companion for the right person, prospective owners should be prepared for his extremely high prey drive, stubborn nature and high energy. He needs to be able to run and exercise excessively every day or he’ll become bored and develop problematic behaviors. Furthermore he needs a job to do. If he’s not used as a hunting dog, a similar activity must be substituted.

Brazilian Trackers are big into digging and even bigger into chasing small animals! This holds true with both wild animals such as squirrels, as well as domesticated pets. He would make a horrible companion for a cat! His high energy level also means he’s likely to bowl over toddlers and younger kids. He would be better in a home with older children or no children at all. He is friendly but has a hard time controlling his energy, which means he also isn’t a good match for senior citizens. He does get along very well with other dogs, however, and can work/hunt easily in a large pack without showing aggression.

The Tracker tends to live 11-13 years. Because the recreation of the breed is relatively new, there is not a lot of health information at this time.

The Brazilian Tracker is a beautiful dog! One of the most striking of his physical features is the wonderful array of color patterns he is allowed to come in. Patterns include blue mottled, tricolor, or bicolor (which can include white/fawn, white/black or black/fawn) – and any of these patterns can appear with additional fawn markings on the head or body. The coat itself is smooth and dense, is low-shedding, and requires very little grooming. His general appearance shows similarities to the various coonhound breeds in his ancestry, including a long muzzle and long hanging ears.

Photo By Gilson MACEDO

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog’s history begins the same way as the German Shepherd Dog, as the two were once the same breed. Although the color white has been in the GSD breed since the beginning, it eventually became a disqualifying fault – one which not everyone agreed upon. Fanciers of the white variety wanted to keep the color alive and subsequently certain breeders focused on that particular color, which began to spawn a divergent bloodline. Several countries were focused on this project, but it was in Switzerland that the White Swiss was finally recognized by its kennel club in 1991 (under the name Berger Blanc Suisse) and eventually the FCI in 2011. Aside from color, fanciers focused on a specific type. Compared to the GSD, the White Swiss standard features a higher held head, a non-sloping topline, a difference in the front and rear assemblies, and a different gait. A long coat is also fully accepted in the standard.

Aside from his elegant appearance, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed which is better suited to experienced owners. He can be somewhat protective of his owners and requires an person that understands how to manage this. He also may or may not be super excited about meeting strange dogs. Furthermore, he requires a house with a fenced yard and a medium amount of grooming – particularly the long coated variety, as he does shed. These are all aspects which novice owners may not be prepared to deal with.

The White Swiss is a versatile breed able to compete in a number of different sports and activities including herding (its original purpose), tracking, conformation, obedience, agility, dock diving, coursing, weight pull, drag racing, barn hunt and flyball. Some work as search and rescue dogs, others as therapy dogs, and a select few as service dogs. They are a breed that has a strong drive to work and enough energy to do that work all day! Athletic and capable, this talented breed also boasts high intelligence and easiness to train. It’s important to note that they are fairly sensitive and don’t learn well when trained overly harshly. They also can take a bit longer to mature psychologically than some other breeds of dog. Make sure that early and frequent socialization is part of the training plan. White Swiss Shepherd Dog

One might wonder if the Berger Blanc Suisse/White Swiss Shepherd (BBS/WSSD) is the same thing as a white colored German Shepherd Dog (GSD) or a UKC White Shepherd (WS). Here’s where things get confusing… yes and no. If one were to import a BBS/WSSD puppy and register it in AKC – they would be able to, except that the AKC would register it as a GSD. One could also import a BBS/WSSD puppy and register with the UKC, and the UKC would register it as a WS. But any potential offspring would not be able to be registered as a BBS/WSSD. It helps to think of each as a separate breed OR a separate bloodline, depending upon which organization is doing the classification. Most of the world does consider the BBS/WSSD to be a separate breed entirely but it is left to be seen whether or not the AKC eventually follows suit. It could be said that the breeds are genetically the same although the BBS/WSSD has a distinctly different standard. Clear as mud? Good.

The Swiss Shepherd is known for his kind and gentle temperament. He is excellent with children and makes a fantastic companion for both singles and families alike, although his large size and energy level may make him unsuitable for those with small toddlers. He is attentive, loyal and develops a strong bond – so much so that he will not thrive if not able to spend time with his owner/s. He should not be an outdoor-only dog, nor should live in a home where nobody is home for most of the day. He deeply needs his people and wants to be near them as much as possible.

White Swiss Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise – in some cases up to two hours – so that they don’t get bored. Otherwise they can become destructive and loud. The breed thrives when given tasks to do and truly need a job (or three) to occupy their time! This canine athlete is generally healthy and up for anything, although a few health issues do run in the lines. Prospective owners should make sure that breeders do their due diligence when it comes to hip and elbow dysplasia and joint issues, and owners should also make sure not to over-exercise young puppies in ways which can stress growing joints. When healthy, members of the breed tend to live for 11-13 years and will stay active and capable of greatness for a long time.

The Small Swiss Hound

The Small Swiss Hound was created in order to have a smaller hound that could hunt more easily in a diminished area. In Switzerland at the turn of the century, enclosed hunting grounds were introduced to the country. These areas of land were too small for the popular Swiss Hounds to easily hunt as they simply ran too quickly, which necessitated a breed with shorter legs that wouldn’t cross the predetermined borders so easily and speedily! The Swiss Hounds were crossed with Bassets, and these smaller hounds fit the bill as they were just as skilled at trailing game and had just as much exuberance to hunt, but would do so at a slower pace. The first breed club was formed in 1905, and roughly a hundred years later they were also recognized by the UKC.

Energetic and friendly, the Small Swiss makes a great companion to those who can keep up with their exercise requirements, and who are able to put time and effort into training. These hounds possess big personalities and will let their owner know when they’re happy or when they’re unhappy – and will do so with lots of pizzazz! If not given enough attention they’ll think nothing of making a big destructive mess, and/or telling the neighbors all about their grievances. Like other scenthounds, they possess loud and melodic abilities to howl and bay! This said, if their mental and physical needs for exercise are met they can be calm and easygoing in the home, albeit possibly a little on the loud side.

The Small Swiss comes in the same four distinct color patterns as the original Swiss Hound. These include the bernese (tricolor), jura (black/tan), lucerne (blue speckled/tan), and schwyz (white/orange). Interestingly while the breed is usually smooth coated, the bernese color alone can also appear in a rough coated variety. This coat distinction is not found in the larger Swiss Hound. Aside from this occasional difference, the biggest variance between the two breeds include the size of the dog (which is small as compared to the original Swiss’ medium size), a more rectangular body and shorter legs.

Small Swiss Hounds are friendly with people and love to play! Quite affectionate, they love spending active time with their human families, whether it be playing in the yard or having a hiking adventure. Although they get along just fine with strangers, they develop very deep bonds with those in their households to the point that it can be difficult to re-home them if such a situation arises. These hounds also tend to get along well with both children and other dogs alike. Their good nature doesn’t often extend to small animals however as they often see them as prey, meaning families with small pets may want to look for a different breed. This is also not a good fit for those living in apartment settings because they do need lots of activity and a large yard to run in.

The Small Swiss needs daily mental stimulation as well. For owners that cannot take their dog out hunting, this can take the form of various “nose games” such as scentwork or tracking, or can also take the form of obedience training. All dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Small Swiss is no exception! This intelligent breed can take very well to training, especially when started early, but do be aware that they have a stubborn streak and are known to “put their foot down” when they don’t feel like following a command. An owner must be even more patient and determined than the hound! Because of this trait, they do best with owners who aren’t easily swayed by manipulation.

The Small Swiss Hound is easy to maintain as far as grooming, including the rare rough coated individual. Owners only need to brush the coat once a week or so and bathe infrequently (every 6-8 weeks or so). The breed isn’t known for having a very strong doggy odor unless they roll in something gross. It is important to check and clean the long ears weekly however, as dogs with hanging ears are more prone to ear infection. Finish with a nail trim, a chore that is easiest to do weekly. After grooming is finished, wiping the coat down with a soft cloth or chamois will make it extra shiny!

Photo By Canarian

The Landseer

The Landseer is not just a color variety of the Newfoundland breed – overseas it is a breed in itself. Also sometimes called the Landseer ECT (which stands for Eastern Continental Type), the breed originated in Germany and Switzerland as a guard dog and companion. Landseers are excellent water dogs and historically would tow nets to the shores to help their fishermen owners. Their natural swimming abilities also meant they were used in water rescue situations. This is an old breed that’s been around for hundreds of years and has been depicted in many different forms of art. The most famous painting of one was depicted by Sir Edwin Landseer in a portrait entitled “A Distinguished Member of Humane Society”. The breed was ultimately named after him.

One can tell just by looking that the Landseer is a powerful dog. Not only is he imposing in appearance, but he can be protective of his owner if he feels there is danger present. Thankfully, (when properly bred and raised correctly) he shouldn’t be outright aggressive and in fact will only use teeth as a last resort. This said he will definitely make his suspicions known to an imposing stranger! This is a reliable and confident breed that should have a stable temperament, even if slightly suspicious towards those he doesn’t know. Prospective owners should be aware that in order for the correct temperament to come to fruition, the dog must be thoroughly socialized from puppyhood onward, and that the dog must be given obedience training. Teenage dogs will likely try to “pull rank” at certain points, and an owner must keep steadfast to the household rules.

When it comes to training, the Landseer is independent-minded and may be slower to respond than other breeds, but is otherwise very smart and can be trainable. Members of the breed have been known to compete in many different dog sports including rally, draft work, obedience, agility, scentwork, coursing, barn hunt, fastcat, dock diving and water trials. They require daily mental stimulation and training for various sports is an excellent way to engage their brains. Luckily many are very motivated by food and attention! A bit of patience will still be required however, and the ability to change up the training plan on the fly. The breed can be stubborn and prone to putting their own spin on obedience commands so the trainer must be quick-thinking and good at problem solving.

The Landseer doesn’t always realize just how big he is and can accidentally knock over small children and the elderly. Although he usually loves kids, he needs to be taught rules to follow so that he doesn’t hurt them by accident. Combined with the fact that he has a medium-high energy level, it’s clear that he would do best in a home where the people are active and strong (generally speaking) and/or are able to train him to be gentle. He should also have regular exercise including long walks of at least an hour a day, and a round or two of ball chasing. Bonus points for owners who can regularly take him swimming as this is a favorite activity!

Landseers need to live in the house with their humans as they are very faithful and need to be near “their people” to be happy. They also need plenty of enriching activities to keep from becoming destructive, particularly puppies and younger adolescent dogs. While a mature Landseer is easy to live with in the home, a younger animal can be prone to chewing and a dog of this size (even a puppy) can do quite a lot of damage if not properly managed! The breed grows physically very quickly, but mentally can take much longer. This is why training is so important!

As with all breeds, there are certain factors which can make Landseer ownership difficult or a bad match for certain types of people. Namely, as a guard dog this breed likes to bark and is likely to do so when he catches sight of a person out the window. Furthermore, some Landseers have a prey drive and can be prone to chasing cats or other small animals. Finally, as mentioned before this is a giant powerful breed that requires a strong and capable handler. For those who can provide what the breed needs to thrive, however, this is a wonderful and loyal breed with a steadfast temperament.

Photo By Katja Gleisberg