The South Russian Shepherd Dog

The South Russian Shepherd Dog is said to be directly descended from the wolf, albeit with various herding breeds and sighthounds mixed in. They were used in the Russian steppes both to herd and protect livestock. Also known as the South Russian Ovcharka, this is one of three Ovcharka (sheepdog) breeds from Russia. This is a healthy and long-lived dog for his size (10-13 years on average), and is surprisingly agile and sprightly for such a big dog.

It is important to realize that South Russians, being a livestock guarding breed, are keenly protective of things they consider “theirs”. This means territory, animals and even people. They do this without training or assistance from their owners, and it can’t be trained away. Not only does this make them quite willful, but also a disaster in the wrong hands. This is definitely a breed for an experienced owner only! While a puppy raised with the correct care, socialization and training will likely grow up to be a loyal companion, this is still a sharp breed that can easily misinterpret a situation and react as such. Owners must be knowledgeable not only on how to raise a dog of this temperament, but must stay vigilant to ever-changing day-to-day trigger situations that may occur. An accidental visit by the man who reads the electric meter in the backyard could end in a lawsuit when the dog interprets this as an intruder breaking in!

SROs get along with children whom they were raised with and they will protect them with their lives. Other people’s children, on the other hand, are seen as “others” and are something to be suspicious about. Overall, South Russians see the world through the lens of “theirs” and “others”. If they feel that “their family” is being threatened they will absolutely defend their charge – whether or not any actual threat existed in the first place. Even other dogs that aren’t in the direct family are seen as “others”. For this reason they shouldn’t be trusted in dog parks or daycare situations. There is also same-sex aggression in the breed, especially toward strange dogs. Reactivity outside the home and territorial behavior inside the home (towards other dogs) are common.

When it comes to training, the South Russian Shepherd can be stubborn and prone to testing dominance. It is of vital importance that every South Russian be given obedience training and regular household rules to be followed so that he is easier to manage, and so that he doesn’t constantly challenge his owner. Because of his independence, he is not the type of dog who is eager to please and instead has an attitude of “what’s in it for me?” Most owners don’t expect hyper-fast responses to commands, nor expect endless repetition training to go over very well. Make no mistake, this is an intelligent breed that actually does learn quickly and will retain the knowledge well! Their original purpose just required them to have many traits which are in opposition to the typical “what can I do for you” temperament that other breeds possess. They do best with short training sessions that will later integrate into daily life.

The coat of the South Russian Shepherd Dog sets him apart from the other Ovcharkas. It is long, thick, wavy yet coarse, and of equal length on the head, legs, chest and tail. This scruffy-majestic appearance is very appealing to many! That said, know that it collects dirt and leaves easily, and the glorious appearance of a freshly washed South Russian is not the norm for those living in the country (or in places where it rains frequently). Dirt and debris will likely end up all over the floor or the carpet which will need to be cleaned up, as well as balls of fur during shedding season. They are not for neat-freaks!

The South Russian wants to be with his people at all times. This goes back to his history of spending the entire day with his herd. Unless an owner has given him livestock to watch over, he will watch over the human/s instead! This is not a dog that should spend all his time outside without any company – whether human or animal. In that scenario, one should expect a lot of nuisance barking and crater-sized holes in the yard, and possibly psychological issues such as fearfulness or unprovoked aggression.

The South Russian Shepherd is a slow-maturing breed that will likely take awhile to get over puppy-ish behavior. For a big dog, this can include things such as counter-surfing and pulling his owner down the street. Two more reasons to start training early! Making sure he gets enough exercise is also important to keep not only his body, but also his mind stimulated. The breed does require a high degree of physical exercise such as jogging or biking once or even twice a day.

SROs need a home with a fenced yard so that they do not wander and get themselves into trouble. A wandering South Russian without the boundaries of a fence will consider an increasingly larger and larger area his property, and might try to defend the whole neighborhood from other dogs, cars or the mailman. It should be stressed that although this is a guarding breed, they are less of a personal protection dog (one which can be trained specifically for protection purposes) and more of an independent-minded, “I’ll handle this myself” sort of dog.

Finally, the South Russian Shepherd Dog is not a cheap breed to buy or to care for. Their rare-ness means a puppy will cost more than other breeds of dog, including the likelihood of having to import from another country. Their size means they are more expensive to feed, and that general vet upkeep will probably cost more. Although not all will develop health problems, hip dysplasia is known in many lines and can be expensive to treat (or to buy insurance against). Their high-maintenance coat can be pricey if taken to a groomer, assuming one can find a groomer that can handle one. Training may even cost more if any behavioral issues pop up. Overall this breed requires an advanced set of skills, time and money on the owner’s part but in the right home, is an exceptional natural guard that many consider second to none at his job.

South Russian Shepherd Dog

By user:Przykuta

 

The Patagonian Greyhound

The Patagonian Greyhound hails from Argentina and is also known as the Galgo Patagonico. Used to hunt large game, the breed was created by combining a variety of large sighthounds and working breeds – namely the Scottish Deerhound, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Borzoi, Great Dane and Dogo Argentino. The project has been going on for about 200 years, meaning this is not a brand new dog breed. Dogs needed to be able to handle the harsh conditions of the area and demonstrate a keen ability to hunt, and all decisions have been made by hunters by selecting the best of the best crosses. Patagonians provide their owners safety from wild animals as well as a steady supply of food, making them extremely valued in the region of Patagonia! Although this is a very rare breed in the United States, as well as most of the world, he is recognized by the Argentinian Kennel Club. Patagonian Greyhound

The Patagonian is known for his fearless nature, and indeed, he is said to be just as brave as his cousin the Dogo. This is a breed that has been bred solely for working purposes and he takes his hunting and guarding jobs extremely seriously. Charles Darwin himself was said to have come across this breed in his travels and noted how valued they were by the tribespeople in “The Origin of the Species”! While this sighthound is still extremely rare, it will be interesting to see the breed hopefully grow and develop. As of this moment there is very little known about them in most of the world, save for the region of Patanonia in Argentina.

The Dunker

The Dunker is a Norwegian scenthound that is rare in most of the world, seen mostly in Norway and Sweden. There are only about 150 born every year, however people who own them recognized the raw talent and wonderful nature of this uncommon breed. Bred in the late 1800’s to hunt hare by a man named Wilhelm Dunker (the breed’s namesake), this is an excellent hunting dog with a talented nose. Known for the special talent of being capable of hunting even in heavy snow during the winter months, this is a great choice for those who live and hunt in colder regions of the world. The cold-weather aptitude was the reason this dog was created in the first place!

Medium in size, the Dunker tend to fit into most average-sized homes. They have a powerful frame that is sturdy and robust, and low-set hanging ears. One of the most unique and interesting physical aspects of these hounds is the color – which is either black or blue marbled with pale fawn and white markings. The coat itself is fairly short (without being too short), dense and hard to the touch. It is this thick and protective coat that keeps him warm in the intense cold.

Dunkers can be vocal when actively hunting. If living without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can also become problematic barkers/howlers. In the home they are easygoing and gentle a long as they are provided enough exercise and plenty of time outside! As pack hunting hounds, they get along very well with other dogs. They are also friendly with people as well (including strangers), and get along great with kids with whom they are tolerant and forgiving. In fact, this is a poor choice for a guard dog because of their overly friendly and trusting nature. With their family they form strong, loyal bonds. Like many scenthounds, they are iffy in home with cats and small pets because of a high prey drive. Socializing them to cats from a young age may help… or it may make no difference, depending upon the line and the individual hound.

Dunkers do best in homes with backyards for them to run around in, and neighbors that are spaced well apart (because of the barking). Owners won’t need to worry too much about grooming, as it is an easy and quick chore, however the thick coat will shed rather profusely throughout the hotter parts of the year. A bath every month and a half, combined with a good brush out once or twice a week will help to pull the dead coat out and reduce shedding somewhat. A weekly tooth brushing and nail trimming, combined with weekly ear cleaning, will complete the grooming routine.

Dunkers are independent-minded however do have a talent for learning and can easily be taught obedience by owners willing to put in the time. Owners need to possess patience, however, as Dunkers can also be fairly stubborn when they don’t feel like training! Furthermore a high prey drive means the brain will turn off when the nose turns on – the appearance of (or odor of) a prey animal is a distraction of the highest order! This means that off-leash training will be a difficult endeavor, and some hounds will never be completely reliable when off lead. Those experienced in living with and training scenthounds will have an easier time teaching this hound than pure novices. Persistence and patience are definitely key, as well as knowing when to be firm and stand your ground about household rules!

Dunkers requires a lot of daily exercise, however can make good companions for active individuals – particularly for those who hunt. Owners who do not hunt will have a harder time satisfying the physical and mental needs of this breed – as he has been bred to work rather than strictly as a pet. He was created to have lots of stamina in order to track for miles, which can be difficult to replicate for many non-hunting households. A walk around the block is not good enough – this hound requires at least an hour of jogging, or an equivalent amount of activity daily. Be prepared for a lot of fetch and Frisbee to supplement those jogging sessions! Without adequate exercise, he can become destructive and very frustrating to live with.

Dunker

Picture By DogWiki picture pool

 

The Taigan

The Taigan (pronounced ti-jan) is a sighthound breed from Kyrgystan which is closely related to both the Saluki and the Tazy. Possessing great stamina in the hunt, particularly in the high altitudes in which they were created, they frequently hunt alongside a trained Golden Eagle while running down prey! This versatile hound is also capable of retrieving fallen small prey, and has a talented nose for tracking as well. They are used to hunt a large variety of prey, everything from small game such as the hare, badger and fox, to larger animals such as deer and even wolves! Unfortunately the breed is currently very rare and on the verge of extinction – seldom seen outside of Russia, where they are recognized. It can also be difficult to obtain one as the Kyrgyz people are guarded and cautious about letting their puppies go to people that they don’t know.

Taigans are alert, active and capable of running very fast (up to 35-37 MPH). They are persistent hunters which means if they catch sight of a running animal they are likely to race after it irregardless of any danger around them such as traffic. They do need daily exercise but it should be on leash or in a safely fenced yard, and any opportunities to run in a decent-sized backyard each day is the most ideal form of exercise for them. After short bursts of energy, they are fairly inactive indoors and make easy house companions, but they do need lots of access to properties in which to run. Because of their backyard needs they are not recommended for apartment living.

The Taigan is intelligent but overall independent. While he can be trained, an owner must utilize respect and non-abrasiveness towards this sensitive breed. Keep in mind that he can be bullheaded at times and may need firm guidance, but firmness does not have to equal harshness! Utilize consistency and a patient, yet resolved attitude and this will go a long way in teaching him. A heaping dose of positive reinforcement won’t hurt either! He can be taught obedience by a persistent owner although he usually prefers running dog sports such as lure coursing. Taigans can make excellent watchdogs and even guard dogs – traits that aren’t generally common for most sighthounds. They have even been utilized for livestock guardian duties!

Taigans tend to have stable temperaments and are gentle with humans, with whom they are pleasant and gracious towards. They aren’t fans of small children as they can easily get distressed by rough treatment and unpredictability (both of which toddlers often have), but get along easily with well behaved older kids. They are not a typical “in your face” type breed as far as overt affection and instead have a generally aloof personality, although they are loyal and loving. They usually get along nicely with other dogs although tend to chase cats and other small pets. Some do ok when raised with cats, but mileage may vary.

Although an official standard is difficult to come across for this breed, the Taigan has a few key physical features that define it. The coat is medium in length, with a distinctive undercoat that gets thicker in winter, and the coat can even be somewhat curly. The ears and tails are especially long, and the hair that grows on the feet is protective and padded like little boots. Various colors are seen, but most often fawn, cream, black, brown, white and gray – either solid or with white markings. He has a typical sighthound build including long legs and an elongated muzzle. A long tail ends in a ring which typically cannot be pulled straight. He is medium to large in height, and delicate in build.

The average lifespan for the Taigan is 11-13 years and most dogs are healthy although bloat can occur. This is a condition that seems to have both a genetic basis, as well as an environmental/situational one. Prospective owners should read up on how to minimize the risk of bloat before acquiring one of the deep chested breeds most prone to it, such as the Taigan. Health conditions seen less commonly in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis and dental issues.

The Koolie

The Koolie has been around since the 1800’s and is one of Australia’s oldest breeds. This is a herding breed, through and through! Able to work any type of animal and in all manner of situations, they are also adaptable for many different dog sports and activities as well. They can excel in tracking, obedience, agility, trieball, flyball and canine freestyle. In addition they can also make excellent therapy dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs or even explosive detection dogs! Overall this is a hard working and talented breed that also doubles as a great pet for those who can meet their needs.

The Koolie is an extremely active breed, not only physically but also mentally. While many herding breeds were developed to have intense stamina, the Koolie was also developed to be extremely intelligent and focused as well. This means that not only must the amount of exercise be upped, but also the amount and intensity of training. The Koolie lives to work and he especially enjoys challenging mental exercise. He loves to solve puzzles, make his owner happy, and learn! This is a dream-come-true for experienced owners who want to push their training limits with a dog, but a nightmare for someone who can’t or won’t dedicate lots of time to the process. Koolies that aren’t trained regularly quickly become extremely frustrating to live with because they need an outlet for their brain. Not only can they become bored and destructive, but also tend to take over the household and make their own rules!

At this time there is no official breed standard for the Koolie as most breeders agree the working qualities should come first. Ears can be either pricked, semi-pricked or hanging. Coats can appear as anything from very smooth to fairly long, and come in a variety of colors. Eyes can also be seen in a number of colors or even be split-color. Size and weight also has quite a bit of variation. Although there is no formal standard, there are guides and outlines detailing the most important points that breeders should be striving for, along with the possibility that a more detailed standard may come later. But for now there is a wide variation in appearance, with regional styles tying into the particular conditions in which the dogs work. For example, a cold weather region where dogs are expected to work tough cattle will likely house Koolies that have longer, thicker fur and a sturdier build.

Koolies tend to get along well with other pets and animals, although may need a bit of guidance at first from their owners to ensure they play nicely. This is a devoted and dedicated breed when it comes to their human family and they want nothing more than to please. They are often gentle and patient with children (although it is important to supervise the interactions with very young children). People-loving, they do best with owners that are home frequently or are able to take the dog to work with them. This is a loyal and social dog.

The Koolie is moderately active indoors and very active outdoors, which means he needs a home with a large backyard to run in. It was mentioned once and it’s worth mentioning again… this dog does best with very active owners who are able to give the dog plenty of exercise! He is not a couch potato, nor is he a dog that will do well on only one short walk a day. He needs to move, move, move!

While most Koolies are healthy, there are some genetic problems that a prospective buyer should be on the lookout for. As is the case with all breeds that come in a merle pattern, merle dogs should never be bred together with each other because the resulting puppies could be born blind, deaf or both! A responsible breeder will never even attempt this type of mating but naive or irresponsible breeders may not know any better. Merle Koolies should only be bred to solid-colored Koolies! Allergies and other immune-related conditions are also occasionally seen in the breed. Overall, however, this rare breed has a large gene pool and most individual dogs remain healthy. The average lifespan is 16-18.

The Windsprite

Formerly known as the Longhaired Whippet, the Windsprite is not actually a variation of the Whippet but instead a breed established from it. Their history is a little controversial… back in the 70’s a man named Walter Wheeler Jr. claimed he had been breeding “rare” Whippets with a recessive longhaired gene. Later on with the help of genetic testing it was found that these were not purebred Whippets at all, but rather Whippets mixed with a herding breed. As Mr. Wheeler also kept Shetland Sheepdogs in his kennel it seemed all too clear what had happened! The breed name was eventually changed from Longhaired Whippet to Silken Windsprite to simply Windsprite. This breed is a forerunner to the Silken WindHOUND, which, although similar in appearance, is a different and separate breed.

The Windsprite is a low-key dog that can “bring it” when needed and turn off the energy when relaxing, making them suited to many different energy levels of households. Despite their elegant appearance, they are willing and able to engage in all manner of hiking, swimming, and even snow sports – provided, of course, that once home they are allowed to rest on a comfortable pillow or under a pile of blankets! They are low-maintenance dogs that can become wonderful family companions. One of the biggest “complaints” is that they are difficult to keep off the furniture – which is not too horrible a vice in the grand scheme of things! Windsprites are fairly quiet for the most part although they are not a completely silent breed. Most will announce strangers at the door and many can be vocal while playing, however overall they aren’t prone to senseless barking fits.

The Windsprite is intelligent and easy to train when sessions are short and non-repetitive. This is a versatile coated sighthound that can successfully compete in lure coursing, tracking, nosework, agility, obedience, freestyle, rally, conformation, flyball, herding, dock diving and straight racing. Many also enjoy learning tricks, especially ones that will snag extra attention or laughs! Probably because of the Sheltie in their lineage, they are less likely to dash after prey than other sighthounds although they still need to have a firm recall in place before being trusted off-leash, and some particularly high prey-drive dogs might still do better in the safety net of a fenced yard. Always assume that a squirrel is going to temporarily distract even the most recall-practiced of dogs! When it comes to training, this breed is very sensitive so if you’re having a bad day, you might want to skip training until you’re in a better mood.

Windsprites love being with their people – whether it be playing a game of fetch or hanging on the couch. This means that plenty of velcro’ing should be expected as they will shadow their owner from room to room! This is a social breed that enjoys meeting strangers and can even make a great therapy dog when well socialized. They have silly and clownish senses of humor and enjoy putting smiles on faces. This affectionate little sighthound also tends to get along well with other dogs, and enjoys engaging with those whom have similar playing styles. When raised with them, cats can become great friends as well, with the caveat that the cat be indoor-only so as to not set off their prey drive. A note about their velcro tendencies – surprisingly the breed isn’t super prone to separation anxiety although containment phobia may be an issue if they are put in a crate (whether or not the owner is in the room).

Overall the Windsprite is a healthy breed usually living between 14-16 years of age. MDR1 drug sensitivity and COA (Collie Eye anomaly) are in the breed however with genetic tests available, responsible breeders are working to breed these diseases out. Allergies and IBD occasionally pop up as well so buyers should make sure to ask prospective breeders about their lines. It is impossible to avoid health issues in dogs completely (even mutts can have health-related problems), but responsible breeders make careful decisions and try to create as healthy of litters as they can.

Windsprites are able to handle an active outdoor lifestyle but also can be just as happy as couch potatoes. The Windsprite, despite being an able-bodied athlete, does not need a serious amount of exercise to be happy. Unlike some breeds that can become destructive and hard to live with without plenty of physical activity, this little sighthound isn’t prone to destruction or fits of frustration if a walk is skipped. Granted, it is a good idea to give him SOME exercise since he does enjoy being out and about with his owner – but he doesn’t require hours and hours a day. Sighthounds in general need to run, so even though the Windsprite can live happily in an apartment, he needs to be given daily access to a fenced yard for him to race around in.

The Danish Spitz

The Danish Spitz is said to have existed in Denmark for many years, and is one of the five national breeds of Denmark. Going under various names such as the Samoyed-Spitz, Greenland-Spitz, Wolf-Spitz and the official name in Denmark – the Dansk Spids, this breed is relatively unknown by most. This unassuming little dog was said to have frequently played the part of “children’s companion”, and as such his main role was that of a friend and cherished companion. His secondary role was that of a general farm dog. In the late 80’s, the Danish Kennel Club published a breed standard, although this is still an extremely rare breed even in Denmark. He is likely heavily related to the German Spitz, with some fanciers even claiming that this breed is, in fact, a German Spitz cultivated in Denmark. Whether or not that is true, at this point the Danish line is officially its own breed.

The Danish Spitz gets along well with most everyone he meets, including other animals. He is slightly reserved when meeting someone new but quick to make friends as he is social and friendly. With his family he is gentle and very loyal. He does exceptionally well with kids as he is playful, affectionate and tolerant. He does need to live in a home where he isn’t left alone too frequently as he is wired to be around humans, and greatly appreciates all contact – whether in play, exercise or training! The temperament of this little spitz is paramount and one of the most important features of the breed.

Danish Spitz do tend to enjoy barking, particularly when they hear or see any change in their environment. They can function as a wonderful watch dog, and were even said to have originally played the guard dog role in their past! Although alert and lively in general, they are not likely to wander away or chase prey-like animals and would much prefer to stay around their humans and their home.

The Danish Spitz is easy to manage in the home and equally easy to train as long as training is kept relatively gentle. This sensitive breed also benefits from an early introduction to obedience so he knows what is expected of him from the start. His love of engaging in activities with his owner, his quick wit, and his problem solving abilities means that he’s usually fun to train in obedience! Furthermore he can be an excellent competitor in a number of dog sports!

Danish Spitz

Photo By Charliecatnip

 

The Blue Lacy

It is said that “one Blue Lacy can do the work of three cowhands”. The state dog of Texas, this workhorse of a dog was developed by the four Lacy brothers in the Texas Hill Country in the mid 1800’s. It is said that Greyhound, scenthound (although which breed/s remain unknown), and even coyotes went into the mixture when developing the breed. They have been around for over 100 years and have always been used as multipurpose ranch dogs. Although their numbers dipped very low when machines began taking the place of working dogs, they experienced a resurgence when farmers and hunters re-discovered them. They are fantastic at tracking game, blood-tracking injured game, and will not hesitate to bay wild hogs! Because of these skills, they are the most popular dog with United States Trappers. They are also adept at herding, bird hunting, treeing, and search-and-rescue.

Lacys love to work, and in fact need a job to do to keep them happy and out of trouble. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, although they are known for being dominant. Owners need to be equipped to handle this – enlisting a fair yet firm set of household rules. While this breed absolutely needs clear boundaries and a firm no-nonsense training style, they do not do well with outright abusive training or yelling. They need a balanced approach. When left to their own devices this is a fairly independent breed. It is only with training that one can take their natural instincts and cleverness and mold them into the amazing working dogs that they have the capability to be! This breed can succeed and thrive in dog sports like agility, tracking, obedience, herding, flyball and hunt competitions.

The Blue Lacy has tons of energy and is quick on his feet, meaning he needs an owner who can keep up with his high exercise requirements. Without both physical and mental outlets he will quickly become bored and destructive in the home. This is absolutely NOT a dog that can be thrown into a kennel (indoor or outdoor) for the majority of the day, or otherwise be left to his own devices all day as he is not only active, but also very social. Puppies are particularly active and need even more exercise, but this long-lived breed (averaging 18 years) will likely be energetic, headstrong and “enthusiastic” for a majority of his life. If his needs are met, however, he is very enjoyable as a house companion.

The Lacy has a territorial streak and he might become protective when strangers enter his property. He’s not a fan of new people in general, especially when they come near his home. Remember that this is a headstrong dog who needed a tenacious streak in order to take on full-size cattle or ornery wild hogs. It’s very important to socialize this breed when young and give him ongoing obedience training. Although he is sweet and affectionate with his owners, an owner should not let him get away with overly territorial behavior. Alert and warning barks are one thing – and should be expected – but don’t let this breed become overly protective when not warranted, nor let him become possessive of you!

Blue Lacys are medium-sized dogs that need room to run on a regular basis. Everything about their build shows that they are constructed for endurance, speed and function. The deep chest allows for ample lung space. The topline is level and strong, allowing for free, smooth movement. Legs are powerful, atop feet with well-arched toes. Shoulders are muscled and well laid back, balanced by strong and likewise well-muscled thighs. Interestingly, the Blue Lacy actually comes in three colors: blue, red or tri-color! Even reds and tris are still called Blue Lacys as all Lacys have blue genetics. Minimal white markings are always present although excessive white or white above certain areas of the body are disqualifying faults.

The Lacy is a breed for an experienced dog owner only – particularly an owner who is just as strong-willed as he is – and someone who is active and outdoors-y. Because of this breed’s energy level and intensity, he is not recommended for families with small children. As might be guessed, this is not a dog for apartment living and ideally should live on a property with a large yard to run in. This breed does have a high prey drive and probably won’t be a good match for those with small pets, nor is he always the most friendly with other dogs. Keeping in mind that this dog also tends to bark excessively and is more prone to wandering when not fenced, along with needing excessive mental and physical exercise – it’s no wonder they are pegged as “not for novice” dogs! But for those people who can handle them, this is a dog that has it all in terms of working ability!

Photo By TrueBlueLacys

 

The Hmong Stumpy Tail Dog

The Hmong (pronounced Mong) Stumpy Tail Dog is an exceptionally rare Vietnamese spitz breed. So rare, in fact, that it is only recognized by the Vietnam Kennel Association and nowhere else! An ancient dog, it one of Vietnam’s four national breeds. Like other multipurpose spitz, it was/is used for hunting, guarding, herding – and is even used for police and military work today. Their history is not fully known but they are thought to be the result of crossing naturally bobtailed dogs of China with Vietnamese jackals. These dogs accompanied the Hmong people that migrated to Vietnam, and in doing so became skilled at guiding their owners through complicated mountain paths. They have excellent memories when it comes to direction!

Mmongs are very intelligent dogs, however their ancient roots and jackal origins contribute to a primitive-type temperament. This has nothing to do with intelligence. Primitive types are more apprehensive, impulsive, independent and stubborn in general. That hasn’t stopped them from being trained by the police for border patrol and sniffer dog purposes however – so they are definitely trainable! They tend to learn quickly, especially when started at an early age, and have long memories. They are known to bark, so it is advisable to teach a quiet command while young.

The Hmong Stumpy is loving to his owner and develops a strong and loyal bond. When it comes to strangers, however, he is aloof towards them when off his property and can be very territorial when they encroach upon his home. He can make for a capable guard dog and may even be willing to die to protect his owner if he feels there is a true risk! While this is an admirable trait (in the right hands), it is vital to socialize extensively while young so he doesn’t become a liability. The breed is only recommended for experienced owners, for novices may find themselves in over their heads with a possessive and territorial animal that they can’t control.

Hmong Stumpy Tails are small to medium in size with a sturdy build. Their double coats are straight and stiff and come in brown, yellow, black or brindle colors. They are known for their cat-like faces, resulting from a large flat forehead and erect ears shaped like a cat’s. The most unique feature is the tail, which is a natural bobtail. Despite some substandard translations of the name which call the breed a “Hmong Docked Tail Dog”, most puppies are born without a tail rather than having it docked artificially. These dogs are very long lived, averaging 17-20 years, and are incredibly healthy. Most members are rugged, athletic and possess plenty of stamina and strength. They are hardy and are said to have extra strong immune systems.

The Hmong Stumpy Tail Dog is not known for getting along with cats, nor is he the best companion for children. A preferred home is a large one with a spacious yard, and devoid of small pets or small humans. An active dog, he does best in an area where he can stretch his legs and exert his energy. A favorite pastime is hunting, and he will likely spend much backyard time looking for small animals to chase! He does require regular exercise every day (up to an hour) to keep him from becoming frustrated, and this can range from a long walk to a sustained hiking excursion. Perhaps even memorizing the route as he goes, as did his ancestors!

Photo By Stephanie See

 

The Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound

The Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound is a scenthound originally used to hunt wild boar and deer in large packs. They can endure difficult terrain with ease and have excellent noses for scenting game. This is one of the seven Anglo-French hound breeds – which essentially means their ancestors were mixes of French and Anglo (English) hounds combined to create an ideal hunting dog. The standard was written in 1957 at which point they were considered a purebred dog. These hounds need a job to do, specifically hunting, and for this reason they are not normally kept as solely companions. Without a chance to hunt they can become bored and very difficult to live with.

Anglo-French White and Blacks are a rare breed, not only in American but even in their home country of France. They are recognized by the UKC in the States however are rarely if ever seen. This is most likely due to their difficulty as being pets. Not only are most dog-owners not in a position to take a dog hunting, but the general public is not normally set up to house a pack of hounds or give them the tremendous amount of exercise that they need. These scenthounds were bred to have incredible stamina which is great in a hunting situation but can be a nightmare if kept in the city! This is definitely not an apartment dog!

The Anglo-French White and Black Hound is intelligent but has a persistent nature when it comes to anything having to do with hunting. This means that he is easily distracted by interesting scents making obedience training difficult. He is also independent-minded and not one for whom taking orders comes naturally. Potential owners should take note, as this is a long-lived hound which will require some degree of management and training his whole life (average lifespan is 12-14 years). Experienced owners are recommended for this large and stubborn brute!

White the Anglo-French White and Black can be gentle and friendly, this is not an overly demonstrative dog in terms of affection. Nor is it a breed known for its playfulness or, on the opposite spectrum, calmness. As might be expected from a hound bred so extensively for hunting, he puts his job before everything else. Add in the fact that he can be very loud, prone to wandering or escaping the property, and fully dependent upon a hunting lifestyle and it become apparent that this would be a horrible choice for a first-time dog owner! As this hound is also both strong-bodied and strong-willed, he shouldn’t be owned by an elderly or otherwise frail person.

Great Anglo-French White and Blacks are not the best family dogs when small children are around, but they are fine with older kids and extremely good with other dogs. In fact, having only one hound can cause issues as this breed practically requires dog companionship to be happy. It doesn’t need to be a dog of the same breed, or even the same size! Sex doesn’t normally matter either, as their super social nature makes them just as likely to bond with males and females alike. Like other scenthounds, cats or other small pets are not a great household combo because of their high prey drive. With strange people they can be aloof and wary at first, but will quickly become friendly once they warm up.

The Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound, despite the name, often has tan markings as well as the white and black patterning making this a tri-colored dog. Furthermore, blue ticking or roaning is also occasionally seen. Hounds can be seen either heavily marked (with a black blanket covering all of the back) or broken black patches across the body. The coat itself is short and dense, and sheds moderately. This is a beautiful hound that can thrive in right home and while making a fantastic hunting partner, but definitely has very specific requirements.

 

Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound

Photo By Alephalpha