The Styrian Coarse Haired Hound hails from Austria. The breed was created in the 1870’s by combining the Hanoverian Scenthound with the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound. This hardy scenthound specializes in wild boar hunting and blood tracking, and can do so in rugged mountain terrain. Not normally kept as pets, they have been bred primarily for work and not companionship. This doesn’t mean one can’t make a good pet – just that it will take the right owner and the right situation in order for the dog’s needs to be met (and for the owner to be happy). Styrians require firm, active owners that live on large properties and are willing to provide plenty of mental stimulation.

The Styrian is recognized abroad by the Austrian Kennel Club and by the FCI. In its home country, the breed’s parent club and hunt club oversees all matings and makes sure that natural hunting ability stays alive and well in the bloodlines. Here in the United States it is recognized by the UKC but is a very rare breed, in part because of the high activity level and difficulty “fitting in” to the suburban or urban lifestyles that many pet parents expect.

Styrian Coarse Hairs are medium in size but are capable of doing a lot of destructive damage if not given enough exercise – mental or physical! They need to be given ample opportunities to run and play, and be provided with all sorts of stimulating activities and/or games to play. They need a minimum of one full hour per day of vigorous action – and will take more if given! The coursing ability test, designed to test a dog’s chase drive and running ability, would be a great sport for this breed that already enjoys the thrill of the run. Even more obvious – hunt tests and… well, taking the dog hunting in general are the absolute best ways to engage this breed.

Styrians can be ok in homes with older children although aren’t generally recommended for toddlers. When it comes to other dogs, they can take them or leave them. If wanting to include one in a multi-dog household, it is best to get him from a puppy and raise him with the other dog for best results. Finally, the breed doesn’t usually get along with smaller pets at all because of a high prey drive.

The Styrian Coarse Haired Hound is suspicious of strangers and can have a dominant streak towards his owners, particularly when he isn’t given clear boundaries. For these reasons he should only be owned by experienced dog people who understand how to handle this bossy hound. He needs to be given socialization early on, and obedience training must be started from puppyhood and continued throughout his life. Training itself will likely prove a difficult undertaking as this hound is stubborn and independent. An owner must be prepared to be consistent and firm while training. As if this isn’t enough, the breed is also highly vocal and is known for frequent and boisterous howling sessions – a trait that is not likely to be tamed too much with training.

The Styrian Coarse Hair can find the bustling and busy life of the average family a bit too much to take in. He may become anxious when inundated with nonstop loud sounds and crowds of people. He definitely doesn’t enjoy strangers visiting the home on a regular basis and may express his displeasure by acting out. While he can face a wild boar with ease and even excitement, he is much more in his element when hunting outside rather than being pushed into a chaotic urban setting. Prospective owners are urged to consider their lifestyle before thinking of adding this breed to their home.

Styrian Coarse Haired Hounds are best recognized by their coats, which are (as evidenced by the name) coarse without being shaggy. The coat on the head is shorter but the dogs will often still have a “stylish” mustache. They have hanging ears that lay flat to the head and are never overly large. To complete the picture, they should also possess a serious expression – one that befits these rugged hunters. This is a hard working breed which takes their hunting job seriously, and their appearance definitely reflects this!

One might ask what the benefit to such a difficult breed might be? Well, besides being superb at their original jobs, they are undeniably loyal and affectionate to their owners. In the right home they can make wonderful pets – as long as their needs are met. They are natural watch dogs and will always alert to the arrival of someone on the property, acting as a deterrent to would-be intruders without actually being dangerous animals. They are also very healthy hounds not known for frequent health issues. Finally, they are easy to groom and the harsh coat requires only a once-weekly brushing to keep it looking sharp. Baths should be very infrequent. For the hunter or active outdoorsy (rural) person, this can be a match made in heaven!

Photo By Canarian

The Spanish Hound (AKA the Sabueso Espanol) is very capable of hunting both large and small game and can also be used for blood tracking as well. This is an old breed – the first written record comes from a book published in the 1300’s! Used successfully for years on bear and wild boar, eventually firearms became more commonly used on those giant beasts which quickly reduced the populations of these game. In response, hunters with Spanish Hounds became more focused on smaller game such as fox and hare. Although very old, these hounds weren’t formally recognized until the 1900’s, at which point a standard was written. Interestingly there was once both a large and a small version of this breed although at this time, only the larger size still exists. Today, the breed is recognized by the UKC in the United States but is fairly rare.

The Spanish Hound thrives when given lots of acreage to run and hunt in. He would be miserable living in an apartment. A high energy scenthound, he is not for the average pet owner and can be destructive when his exercise needs are not met! This high-stamina hound was bred strictly for hunting rather than companionship and therefore requires the right home and owner in order to be happy – namely a home in a rural area, with active owners. His sniff-first, think later attitude means he’s safer when kept in a fenced area or on-leash while in any area with cars nearby! He is capable of being calm in the home, however will likely do so only after he’s had a fulfilling day of both physical and mental work. Mentally rewarding activities include hunting and/or scentwork – sports which will keep this breed healthy and happy!

When it comes to training (and his temperament in general), the Spanish Hound can be very willful. He knows what his main job is (hunting) and he puts every effort into that endeavor while “lesser concerns” such as obedience training may not interest him as much. This said, he is intelligent and can learn quickly with a skilled trainer and the right motivation. Convincing this independent hound that he is not in charge will take effort and knowledge – after all, he was bred to take on wild boar and not back down! An owner/trainer will need to be very consistent with commands, while remaining steadfast and firm. He does best with short sessions rather than lessons that drag on all day. He usually prefers scent-related training to “boring old obedience”, and can be even be used successfully in drug and bomb detection, as well as in search-and-rescue efforts.

Spanish Hounds, like other scenthounds, have distinctive and loud voices which they can be prone to using frequently. The “song” of the Spanish Hound was useful in the hunt, as it would change once the dog found its prey. A hunter would be able to tell, at a distance, what was going on despite not being able to always see the hound! The “song” is less of a bark, and more of a howl or a bay. Nowadays, leaving one home alone all day is likely to increase that amount of baying! The upside to this is that they can be great watchdogs, sounding a very loud and noticeable alarm if someone steps onto the property. They also tend to be naturally territorial and do not like strangers entering their home or yard.

The Spanish Hound, unsurprisingly, has a very high prey drive and doesn’t always mix with small animals. In addition, unlike hounds used to hunt in packs, he was often a solo hunter who doesn’t think much about other dogs. It’s not so much that he is aggressive (in fact, this trait is rarely seen), rather he is a self-sufficient and independent fellow who doesn’t tend to rank play as a high priority. Most will much prefer to spend their time with an owner instead, and this is where their social side will shine through! With those that he loves, he is affectionate, gentle and devoted. He can even do well in a family with children, although does not tolerate rough treatment and as such does better with slightly older kids.

Spanish Hounds are medium sized dogs with a rectangular shape. The body should be noticeably longer than tall and built very solidly, similarly to his Bloodhound ancestor. The ears are another distinctive feature, being extremely long and hanging down in a corkscrew shape. They do need to be cleaned and inspected regularly to keep from getting infections from trapped dirt. The tail is thick at the root and carried in a curve between the hocks while at rest. The hair at the end of the tail should form a short “paint brush”. The coat is short, dense and flat – always orange and white in color (either light lemon or a darker russet brown). The color is splashed in irregular patterns across the body. This coat is low maintenance and sheds moderately.

Photo By Canarian

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound was developed in the Republic of Montenegro (in the Balkan Peninsula) in the early 20th century. He is undoubtedly related to other scenthounds in the region such as the Slovakian Hound. This rare breed was bred to hunt in packs – primarily going after fox and other small game, although would occasionally also pursue larger game such as deer or wild boar. As the name implies, he specializes in mountainous regions when it comes to hunting. He is known for his amazing tracking abilities, robust and healthy body, and strong determination. This is a breed with a great endurance in the field that can run and hunt for hours on end. Unfortunately this scenthound is currently endangered and hardly ever seen outside his area of development.

The Montenegrin is a medium sized breed with a short yet dense double coat, always black and tan in color. The ears are high set and hang to the sides of the head, which is broad and without a pronounced occiput. The breed appears solidly built, yet gives the appearance of being agile. The chest is deep, the withers are very pronounced, and the back is broad and muscular. This is a low maintenance breed in terms of grooming; mainly just needing a once-weekly brushing to keep his coat kept up, and a regular once-over to check him when he comes in from a hunting expedition.

Montenegrin Mountain Hounds are affectionate and loyal to their owners and tend to form strong bonds. This bond is especially solid when the owner takes the time to train. The breed is known for a steady, good-nature – a trait which has helped them move from hunting dog to companion in their home country. As more and more people have discovered their easygoing and relaxed attitudes, they have adopted them into their homes! The breed gets along well with other dogs (being pack hunters) and kids alike. They run the gamut from being mildly aloof to outright social with strangers. This said, this is still a hunting dog and does have traits which make them unsuitable as pets to some – people who own small pets or who can’t deal with heavy barking probably won’t be fans. They make good watchdogs with their “talented” voices, although do tend to get carried away in their excitement to announce visitors.

Montenegrins are medium in difficulty when it comes to training. One probably shouldn’t expect a super responsive training partner akin to a Border Collie, however they have been said to be easier to teach than some other hounds. A person with some experience training (and living with) a scenthound would make the best owner match, as they would understand how to work with the high prey drive encoded into this hound and the ensuing distractible nature therein. It’s best to start training while still young, for this breed can be quite stubborn and it’s easier to get a leg-up on lessons while still in puppyhood! Also take note that the breed can be somewhat sensitive. They need an owner that can be firm while always remaining fair in training.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound has a ton of energy and needs lots of regular exercise. Prepare to give him at least 90 minutes of solid activity every single day. It is easy to see that this hound was bred for endurance once he is taken on a walk, hike, or on a hunting expedition, as he can go and go! This said, if given the proper amount, he is calm and unassuming once back at home. An easy keeper with a laid-back attitude…. as long as this particular need is met! Apartment-dwellers should look elsewhere for a compatible canine as this breed needs a fenced backyard to romp in.

Photo By Canarian

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a very old scenthound from France. Created to hunt hare in packs, they are directly descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and are the forth and final Bleu breed as profiled here. The name Petit (meaning small) refers not to the size of the hound but to the size of the game. This is, in fact, a medium-sized breed! They are known for being easy to hunt with and generally level-headed in the field, taking it a little slower than other more exuberant hounds (although not lacking in enthusiasm). The word “methodical” comes to mind. Despite their comparative calmness  while hunting, they may still be a difficult pet for those inexperienced with scenthounds and/or who can’t meet their particular needs.

The Petit Bleu, as a pack hound, gets along great with other dogs. With the human family he is equally enamored and just wants to be involved in whatever everyone else is doing! He is good with children as well, being both patient and affectionate, although should ideally be socialized around and raised with kids for best results. In fact this breed can be generally easier to keep as a pet than many other scenthounds due to his extraordinarily stable and good nature – although is still a better match for those who already understand scenthound quirks. Those who work a lot might have a harder time keeping this hound happy, as he can suffer from separation anxiety if he isn’t given enough company. Finally, he usually enjoys meeting strangers making him a Casanova of the neighborhood, while equally a dunce as a guard dog.

The unique blue-colored coat (actually black and white mottled resulting in a blue appearance) of the Petit Bleu is short and very dense, and is overall easy to care for. Baths only need be given occasionally when needed, and a weekly brushing will keep shedding down (the breed tends to shed a moderate amount). In addition, take care of the dark black nails by clipping or dremeling once a week or so. The long, low-set hanging ears will need regular cleaning and weekly inspection for evidence of infection. Brush the teeth regularly and make sure the loose drooping eyelids haven’t captured dirt and grime. Finally, make sure to admire this breed often – from the long and refined head to the oval-shaped feet! This is truly a handsome breed with a classic appearance!

Training the Petit Bleu de Gascogne can be difficult as he is strong-willed and prone to distraction. An owner must be firm and consistent with this intelligent yet highly independent hound. Once again, a person who is experienced with similar breeds will probably have an easier time navigating his particular training needs. Starting obedience training early will help to get a leg up on the process, as well as keeping training sessions short. Working out the brain can also help to work out the body, and both can serve to give him purpose and fulfillment. Scent-related games and sports are helpful to keep this hound busy – and a combination of obedience training, scent-games and (ideally) hunting expeditions can all combine to nurture both brain and body.

When it comes to hunting, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is known for stamina and endurance. He tends to howl melodically while in pursuit of game, a trait of many scenthound breeds and something to think about for prospective owners who value quiet time. Because of his high prey drive and tendency to chase down smaller animals (even if at a slightly slower pace), he doesn’t tend to do well with very small pets. Of equal importance is the existence of a tall fence to keep him in the yard and away from wildlife that might wander by.

The Petit Bleu is not a good choice for apartment dwellers as he needs lots of room to to move around. Exercise is very important, as he requires a daily walk or jog in addition to lots of backyard workouts. Without enough exercise he can become destructive and difficult to live with. This moderately active dog definitely needs someone who enjoys walks around the block just as much as he does! Do keep in mind that the Petit Bleu’s talented nose is able to pick up a scent and follow it with ease. In fact, he is so good at this talent that he is likely to “catch a whiff” of something interesting on every walk and may be inclined to follow. For this reason, walking on a leash is a necessity to keep this hound safe and out of the middle of the road. Although he can make a good pet in the right circumstance, he will always be a hunting dog in his heart!

Photo By Katarzyna Bujko

The Hellenic Hound is an ancient scenthound developed in Greece for tracking and hunting hare. This explains his other name – the Greek Harehound. He has remained relatively unchanged in appearance for most of his existence (thousands of years!) as he is built purely for function. This medium-sized breed should appear strong, vigorous and slightly longer than tall. The coat is smooth yet dense, and always black and tan in color. The medium-length ears hang to the side of the head. The tail is high set and carried in a sabre fashion. Hellenic Hounds are a rare breed and, although recognized by the UKC, are very seldom seen outside of Greece. Although he is a gentle and loyal breed, he is a bit of a secret in the dog world. A prospective owner will likely have to dedicate lots of time to finding a breeder overseas.

The Hellenic is sociable and friendly with both people and other dogs, although his brave nature and slight tendency for being territorial means he won’t hesitate to bark at the arrival of strangers. This makes him a decent watch dog. With his owners, he is affectionate and loves to play. Overall this hound is level-headed and has an unmistakable zest for life and adventure, which he is apt to announce frequently with his beautiful (yet loud) voice! Those with close neighbors should take note…

Hellenic Hounds can be impulsive and stubborn – particularly when they catch the scent of an animal, so regular obedience training is recommended. They are intelligent yet independent and sometimes prone to dominance struggles. Adolescent males in particular can be frustrating for the novice handler to raise, which means they usually do best with experienced owners. This breed needs firm rules yet, at the same time, fair treatment as they don’t do well with harsh training techniques. Firm rules are important because if they don’t feel there is an obvious leader in the household they’ll try to fulfill that role themselves! Owners who are patient and knowledgeable in the art of raising scenthounds are best equipped to handle this slow-maturing hound.

Hellenics are not a good match for those living in apartments. They need plenty of room to stretch their legs and run outdoors! Regular daily exercise is also important, and those that do not get it can become destructive and/or problematic barkers. Hunting excursions are fantastic for exercise, as this is what they were bred to do! As this breed needs a job to do, those that aren’t used for hunting they will need a substitute job of some sort. It should be noted that they are an equally bad match for those with small pets because of their high prey drive.

The Hellenic Hound can get along with children although requires older, well-behaved kids. Make sure to supervise the two together to ensure this hound doesn’t get teased or treated unfairly. Even better, assign responsible children with grooming duties to help build a bond with the dog! A weekly brushing (more frequent during seasonal shedding times) will help keep a shiny coat and a loving connection at the same time! This is an easy “starter coat” for a young person to work with, as the breed requires only infrequent baths. Make sure that ears are kept clean every week, however, as hanging ears are more prone to infection.

Ear infections aside, Hellenics are generally a very healthy breed, with no known health issues that are seen frequently in the breed. They are equally tough in the field as well, being fairly hardy overall and able to work in any terrain. The average lifespan is around 11 years and it is said that they are rarely ill. This hound tends to stay fairly active for most of his life, so while he can be well-behaved in the house, will still require exercise for the entirety of his years.

The Tyrolean Hound has been used for hunting hare and fox, as well as for tracking injured game even in snow. Created in Tyrol, Austria in the mid 1800’s, this is an enthusiastic hunter known for their hardworking efforts in varied terrain. They are more likely to hunt alone rather than in packs, and will work in both hot and color weather with ease. Intelligent yet independent, this is a typical scenthound descended in part from the German Hound and various Celtic hound breeds. Even the Emperor of Rome, Emperor Maximilian the first, was said to have hunted with this breed of hound! Although rare in the United States, they are recognized by the UKC.

Tyroleans are an active breed and need a home with a yard, or at least somewhere with access to a fenced area every day. Probably not a great match for apartments or even small homes. Very lively and excitable, they were bred to have lots of stamina and therefore need plenty of exercise. If they are granted this exercise they can be calm and easy to keep in the home. They enjoy social outings with their owners, and although they may be cautious and reserved around strangers, appreciate all chances to stretch their legs! They do best living on acreage in the country (when possible), and especially thrive when matched with owners that hunt.

The Tyrolean Hound is affectionate and can make a wonderful pet in the right situation, even doing well in households with children. He loves spending time with his human family and often revels in showing off his silly personalty when offered a game or a toy. Prospective owners must realize that this hound can be mischievous and prone to getting himself into trouble, particularly if he isn’t kept mentally engaged. He needs training, games and other enriching mental activities to keep him busy and happy. Without these mental outlets he can become a serious digger, destructive chewer, and continuous howler!

The Tyrolean can be trained in obedience although can be stubborn and therefore requires patience on the part of the owner! This independent hound may question the commands given to him if he feels there is a better way to accomplish a task, and his intelligence sometimes makes him difficult to work with. This is not to say that he can’t become a wonderful worker, but it will likely require some firmness on the part of the owner/trainer. Making sure to engage the dog with positive reinforcement will definitely help, and it is always recommended to start lessons early in puppyhood! When trained by an experienced owner, this can be a wonderfully working dog.

Tyrolean Hounds do not make good guard dogs as they are far too docile for such a task, however their loud bark can serve as an excellent deterrent to would-be intruders. Their courage is saved for the quarry which they hunt, rather than humans. While they are inclined to ignore strangers until they get to know them, they are affectionate and loyal to those whom they know and consider their family.

The Tyrolean is a rather small breed, standing at 16 and a half inches (for small females) up to 19 and a half for a taller male. They are muscular, yet lean and sinewy. Their body is rectangular, with a deep chest and pronounced withers. The high-set tail is long and should reach to the hock joint, carried high in a sabre fashion when moving or excited. On the head, the hanging ears are wide and rounded at the ends. The double coat is short yet coarse all over (requiring a good brushing once a week) and three colors are acceptable for the breed, including red, black/tan or tricolor.

The average lifespan of the Tyrolean Hound is 13-14 and most individuals are very healthy. Like all purebreds (and mixed breeds) however, there is always the possibility for health issues to occur. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are two of the more commonly-seen problems in this scenthound. Choosing a reputable breeder that health tests can help lower the chances of the former health issue, and cleaning ears on a weekly basis will help with the latter issue.

Photo By Fotting

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.

Picture By DogWiki picture pool

The Petit Gascon-Saintongeois was bred down from the Grand Gascon-Saintongeois by means of the Airegeois and other medium-sized dogs of the region. He was used as a multi-purpose pack hunter who was adept at hunting all sizes of game although usually specialized in smaller game such as hare. The “Petit” in his name does not refer to his size, but rather to his specialty for small animal hunting. Today, this is one of France’s rarest dog breeds and even more rare here in the United States despite being recognized by the UKC.

Petit Gascons are affectionate and happy companions; friendly to all family members while being patient with children. They can be easy to live with when their needs are met, however they are a lot of work if the owner isn’t using the dog for hunting purposes. While known for their stable temperaments, they are also high energy! They do need lots of exercise and a physical job to do – ideally one that involves their nose and their hunting nature! They are known for their persistent and steadfast hunting traits; traits which are inborn and need an outlet. Furthermore they need to live in a home with a yard in which they can stretch their legs. This is not a good match for apartments or even small homes.

The Petit Gascon-Saintongeois is a medium sized breed with a short, tight coat. Always white with black patches (sometimes openly speckled or ticked) and tan points on the face, ears and legs. Occasionally a dog will have a “dead leaf” marking on the thigh called a “roe buck mark”. The breed should give the overall appearance of having both muscular force as well as elegance. For the head and expression, the hound’s brown eyes should show an expression of gentleness and trust. The characteristic hanging ears should be low set and extremely long, long enough to reach the nose or beyond when pulled forward. The tail is also long and carried like a sabre.

The Petit Gascon lives an average of 12-14 years and is a very healthy breed in general with no common health issues known. Having only minimal grooming needs, and shedding very little, a weekly brushing will keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like other hanging-eared breeds, ears do need to be checked and cleaned weekly. Eyes should be checked and cleaned after hunting to be sure no brush or grit has gotten caught in them.

The Petit Gascon-Saintongois can be easy to train as he is agreeable and docile. He wants to please his owner whether it be through playing the part of watchdog, children’s playmate, hunting companion or learning obedience. He is intelligent and tends to learn quickly, although take note that like most scenthounds, he can also be fairly stubborn! Owners should be patient, consistent, and ideally already experienced with training scenthound breeds. While he isn’t the type of dog that will push all the limits to see what he can get away with, he is the type of dog that become bored or distracted easily.

Like many scenthounds, the Petit Gascon can be iffy when it comes to living with cats. He is very social and enjoys the company of humans and other dogs, however cats can trigger the chase instinct. He also might not be the “life of the party” when it comes to strangers. Not that he is aggressive, rather he may be standoffish at first until he is able to gauge the intents of a new person. This is not a guard dog nor a yard patrol-type of hound. He will announce people at the door and then go back to his business afterward. His primary jobs in his own mind (we can surmise), is that of hunter extraordinaire firstly and affectionate companion secondarily.

Photo By Jérôme BARDIAU

The Griffon Nivernais was originally used by farmers in central France to control the wild boar and wolf populations from encroaching onto their properties. This wirehaired scenthound is a specialist when it comes to hunting the wild boar, and has been doing so for hundreds of years! After the French Revolution, numbers dwindled and it was only through crossing the breed with English Foxhounds and the Grand Griffon Vendeen that this breed was able to survive. This increased his size as well as his speed. The Nivernais is quick on his feet when he needs to be, but retains a great endurance for working as well. Historically, the breed would often hunt at night either alone or in a pack and although his specialty is boar, he is able to hunt small game as well.

The Nivernais is said to be “difficult to discipline” because of his independence and his high prey drive which causes him to get distracted easily. It can also be hard to train him to be silent as he is a naturally loud hound. This said, he should be given obedience training starting early in life and ideally also given regular mental exercise to keep his brain sharp. Dog sports such as tracking are great ways to work out both his body and mind! Keep in mind that scenthounds benefit from staying on lead or in a fenced area if they haven’t been given extensive off-leash training lessons as they are very likely to go chasing after prey-type animals even with the owner present. The Nivernais is very stubborn and single-minded when he catches scent of something interested and more prone than other breeds to ignore a recall command.

Griffon Nivernais are medium to large in size. The coat is a distinctive feature and is medium to medium-long in length, rough textured, and shaggy in appearance. There is a semi-prominent amount of hair on the face giving the breed a mustache, beard and eyebrows reminiscent of an old man. The body is rectangular in shape, being slightly longer than tall. The ears hang to the sides of the face and are long enough to reach the nose when pulled forward. Colors are distinctive and include several shades of gray/tan (including wolf gray, blue gray, and wild boar gray complemented with tan points on the head and legs), or fawn (mixed with white and blacks).

Nivernais enjoy the outdoors and are always up for whatever physical activity is given to them, so they are only recommended for active families living in homes with fenced yards. They need a lot of exercise in order to be happy and well-behaved and otherwise might be too active of a dog for sedentary owners. An hour a day is considered the minimum amount of time needed although two hours is preferable. When out on walks, prospective owners should expect to be approached often as these dogs are crowd-pleasers both because of appearance and rarity! This is a very rare breed that, although is recognized by the UKC, is infrequently seen outside of France.

The Griffon Nivernais is fearless when it comes to facing down some of the most dangerous predators, however is friendly and affectionate with his human family. He gets along with children and is fairly patient, although needs supervision around younger kids. He may take a while longer to warm up to strangers but is not known for being an aggressive breed. A properly bred, properly raised Nivernais has a stable, down-to-earth temperament. He does need the regular companionship of his owners, however, and doesn’t like to be alone.

The Nivernais generally lives around 11-14 years and is a very healthy breed overall, particularly his nose and sense of smell! His coat doesn’t shed a particularly large amount nor does it require a ton of grooming. A good brushing once or twice a week is recommended, although the coat should be periodically stripped a few times a year like many wirehaired coats. He also benefits from having the hair around his eyes trimmed just enough to keep it from bending into his eyes, and keeping hair plucked from the ears will help air circulate and prevent ear infections. With a bit of learning, an owner can learn to do all of this upkeep themselves.

Photo By Alephalpha

The Beagle Harrier was developed in 19th century France. It is speculated (although not fully known) that this breed came about by a mixture of both the Beagle and the Harrier – but make no mistake, this is a breed unto its own and is not a mixed breed as some “armchair quarterback” dog websites proclaim. They are quite rare and in the United States are only recognized by the UKC – even then, they are rarely seen in this country. This pack-hunting scenthound was originally bred to hunt hare, deer and fox and can still do these jobs today.

Beagle Harriers are loyal companions and are good both with other pets as well as children. Like other pack-hunters, they do best with another dog in the family. Cats might be accepted as family or they might be chased – for best results raise the puppy with cats to mitigate future problems. With people the breed is affectionate and playful. Like most hunting scenthounds, however, they need lots of exercise and work best in properties that have plenty of space. Exercise should be daily as well as fairly vigorous in order to wear them out – and keep in mind that they will need to be kept on lead when in public areas. Prospective owners should realize the breed is determined and gamey so while they can make great companions they will exhibit sniffing, chasing and hunting behaviors.

The Beagle Harrier can make an adequate watchdog as he does tend to vocalize when people arrive on the property. He’s less of a barker and more of a howler, and his loud bay can carry far and wide! This does not mean that he is likely to defend the house if someone makes their way inside as he’s not really a guard dog, nor an aggressive breed. But his loud bays will deter many would-be intruders in the same way that car alarms send criminals scurrying off to a quieter target…. When not keeping an eye out the window (watching for new friends or woodland creatures alike), he is usually fairly calm in the home assuming his exercise needs are always met.

Beagle Harriers are fairly well-mannered in the home and aren’t normally prone to excessive dominance struggles. They simply enjoy spending time with their families inside or out. When outside, however, take note that they may turn into escape artists if tempted by an enticing smell. They can turn very quickly from a calm, almost lazy hound to a spirited and determined animal intent on the hunt! Tall, secure fences are a must! Because of their love of hunting they do best when given structured games involving scent, and especially thrive when taken on actual hunting expeditions. The Beagle Harrier is intelligent although independent and prone to being distracted easily. Obedience training may be more difficult than with other breeds of dog. Even so, teaching a reliable recall is essential for this high prey-driven hound as it may come in handy one day!

Beagle Harriers are medium sized dogs that live about 12-13 years. They have hanging ears set at eye level and which are slightly longer than that of the Harrier. The tail is long and carried in a sabre fashion above the topline. The coat is short, thick and flat; and is always tricolor of one variation or another which may include grey tricolor or white grey tricolor. The skull is rather broad, with a muzzle that slowly tapers toward the end without being pointed. The general appearance is one of classical elegance, with a muscular build – size and appearance halfway between…. obviously the Beagle and the Harrier.

The Beagle Harrier has a short coat that is easy to groom, sheds only moderately and requires baths on an infrequent basis. A weekly brushing, nail trim and ear cleaning should take practically no time at all. Breeds with hanging ears need a little more examination and cleaning than other types of dogs, but doing this exam on a weekly schedule is easy for the vast majority of owners to do. This is one reason why they can be a good choice for a novice dog owner looking for an active breed.