The Welsh Hound, also known as the Welsh Foxhound, is a pack hunting dog that has been around for at least 200 years. Known for hunting hare in mountainous terrain, the breed has rarely been kept as a pet and instead has functioned mostly as a working animal. This said, in the right household they can function nicely as companions, assuming that the owner is prepared to handle their needs. As one might assume from this working hound breed, they are very active and without plenty of exercise (both physical and mental) they can quickly become bored and destructive! They also must be raised with other dogs, or at least socialize with other dogs regularly as they are somewhat hardwired to be in a pack. These are features that a prospective owner must be able to provide.

Welsh Hounds are smart and can be playfully devious. They require an owner who knows how to be firm and maintain house rules, as without this structure they are prone to taking over! Like many scenthounds they also possess a stubborn streak which means training may be more difficult, although they are capable of learning quickly when the trainer is skilled. It is recommended that all training be consistent yet interesting enough to hold their attention spans. Specifically, make sure to work on the recall from the time the dog is a puppy, as this is a skill which is harder for them to master when distractions are present. Aside from basic training, the breed also benefits from active mental games. Dog sports which would be a good match for this hound include canicross and agility.

The Welsh Hound is a rare breed although is slowly becoming more popular around the world due to their gentle natures and ability to coexist peacefully with children. They are loving and devoted to their owners while also being friendly with strangers. Furthermore, most have exceptional natural skills with other dogs. In the hunt, it was expected that these hounds would respond not only to the hunter, but would learn from and work with the other hounds in the pack as a single unit. Because of this they are very adept at reading the body language of other dogs and responding appropriately. Despite all their good features it must be emphasized again that this breed would not thrive in most pet homes! The Welsh Hound Association even mentions that “its irrepressible hunting instincts make the Welsh Hound totally unsuitable as a pet”. The truth lies somewhere in the middle – for the average pet home, they would be a horrible choice. For a hunter or very active and knowledgeable dog owner, they could function just fine.

Welsh Hounds are likely to exhibit boundless energy in the home and aren’t known for being lazy loungers. They need extensive daily exercise (in the form of jogging or similar intensity) in order to be happy and would be a horrible choice for an apartment! Not only are they too active for apartments, but they also would likely be too disruptive to close neighbors. The bark/bay of the Welsh Hound is a characteristic of the breed. It was important for it to be loud enough to carry long distances and alert the hunter of the pack’s position and status. However, what was beneficial for the hunt is not as easily appreciated when living in close proximity to other people! In addition to being loud in volume, they are known for using their voices excessively, particularly when bored or lonely. Along with needing to live with other dogs, they also don’t do well when left home alone for long periods of time.

The protective harsh coat of the Welsh Hound sets him apart from other foxhound breeds. It is medium in length and very rough and oily in texture. Occasionally a hound with a smoother coat can be seen but this isn’t nearly as common. The color can be fawn, tan, black, red, white and/or “mixed”. Aside from the coat, this dog is very foxhound-like in appearance and is medium to large in size with a straight, square muzzle. The hanging ears are long and low set. The tail is long, set on high and carried gaily. Although rare, they are recognized by the UKC in the United States and by other organizations overseas.

The Chien d’Artois is a French scenthound bred to hunt deer, hare and wild boar in small packs. Descended from Bloodhounds, they were valued for their tirelessly dedicated natures, brave characters, and abilities to work in all types of terrain. It was not uncommon for them to follow a trail for hours on end – so greatly do they enjoy the hunt! This very old breed existed as far back as the Renaissance and was, at times, owned by royalty! After World War two, however, numbers drastically dwindled and this hound was thought to be all but extinct. Thankfully, French fanciers were able to find a few remaining members and recreated the breed in the 1970’s.

The medium-sized Chien is a likely forebearer of the Beagle and one can see the physical similarities in the rounded head, square muzzle, and long hanging ears which are rounded at the tips. The coat is short and tricolored. The long tail also includes a brush at the end, like the Beagle, although is carried in more of a sickle fashion. In addition to their physical similarities, the two breeds also share the same laid back natures and friendly personalities. In France, Chien still hunt but have also been becoming more popular as companion animals as well! Although their numbers have been rising in their country of origin as more of the general public becomes aware of their wonderful temperaments, they are still fairly unknown in the rest of the world. Although recognized by the UKC in the United States, they are rarely seen.

Like most scenthounds, the d’Artois can have a stubborn and strong-willed personality which means owners must have plenty of patience when it comes to training. They also are more likely than other dogs to become easily distracted, and are known to become highly independent once they’ve found something they’d rather be doing. The breed is actually exceptionally smart, however following orders isn’t normally a huge interest. Owners must be prepared to be firm yet fair, and practice constant consistency. Those who have owned other scenthounds in the past will probably have an easier time managing this hound.

Chien d’Artois are extremely loving hounds which develop deep and loyal bonds with their human families. They love to play and will demonstrate lots of affection in their everyday lives. They do well with kids as well as other dogs, and may even get along with other pets if socialized to them from an early age. They can even make good watchdogs as they will bark when someone comes near the property.

The Chien is a high energy breed and needs an active owner that is able to give him plenty of exercise every day – at least an hour a day. If used regularly as a hunting dog he may not need quite as much exercise as he will tire himself out in a full day’s hunt… at least for a few days after the hunt. But for the majority of owners wanting this breed strictly as a companion, they should plan accordingly. Giving him stimulating mind games will also help to tire him out as well, and this should be in combination with physical exercise. Finally, make sure that all exercise is carried out on-leash – he will most certainly wander off otherwise!

The d’Artois possesses many aspects that make him appreciated as a hunting dog – most notably his amazing sense of smell. It can’t be stressed enough that he lives to hunt and would gladly do so every day of his life! Nothing makes him happier. If one is being kept strictly as a pet, that hound will almost definitely find ways to hunt if he can. This might take the form of chasing squirrels or tracking the trail of a possum on a walk. It’s highly recommended that owners give this hound scent-related games and activities to keep him satisfied and give him a job to do.

The Great Anglo-French Tricolor Hound is a pack-hunting scenthound breed, and the last of the seven Anglo-French Hounds to be profiled in this blog. Created by mixing Poitevins with English Foxhounds, they were bred to hunt a variety of game both large and small although specialized in larger game. They are known for their excellent work ethic when it comes to hunting, their fantastic endurance, and their adaptability to all types of terrain and climate. Like all scenthounds, they have a well-developed sense of smell. The “Great” in their name refers not to the size of the dog but rather by the size of the game that they primarily were used on. These hounds are rare in the United States although are more well-known overseas, where they are recognized by the FCI and the French Kennel Club. While they are recognized by the UKC in America, they are seen only infrequently.

Anglo-French Tricolors have been primarily bred for hunting and are rarely used as pets. While they can become a pet in the right circumstances, prospective owners should realize the unique needs that make them difficult to own by the general public. First and foremost, these hounds have boundless energy and need an extreme amount of exercise! Furthermore they cannot be let off lead in most circumstances as they will bolt after animals perceived as prey (or even the lingering scent of an animal). This is fine in a country setting when they are actually being used for hunting, but is a recipe for disaster in most city or suburban areas. Don’t even think about keeping this energetic hound in an apartment! Not only does an apartment not provide enough room, but neighbors will quickly become annoyed when the hound begins baying daily – a common trait of the breed.

As pack hounds, Great Anglo-French Tricolors prefer to live with other dogs. In fact, it was not uncommon for packs of several dozen to be kept together in their country of origin! Unsurprisingly, this social and happy-go-lucky hound needs almost constant company and doesn’t do well when left all alone. A prospective owner really shouldn’t consider this breed unless they plan to have at least a few hounds, which adds to the overall commitment and possible frustrations of such a scenario. To put this into perspective for a hound in a pet home – imagine a situation in which many hounds live together… and a raccoon wanders next to the fence. Even with only three or four hounds, the determination and relentless nature of all hounds baying and charging the fence is not the type of situation that most pet homes can handle!

Great Anglo-French Tricolor Hounds usually get along well with children when socialized to them, although are recommended only for families with older kids because of their high exuberance. They are affectionate and loyal with their owners while remaining fairly aloof towards strangers, although usually don’t make good watchdogs. Protecting their property isn’t normally high on their list of priorities as they would much rather patrol the yard for wild animals or even wandering cats. For obvious reasons this hound is usually not good in homes with felines. An indoor cat may or may not be safe if the hound was raised with it as a puppy, but each additional household hound increases the chances of an unhappy incident.

As might be surmised from the name, the Anglo-French Tricolor Hound is always tricolor although he can appear either with a black blanket over the body or black patches throughout. The tan is always clear and bright in color. This is a large, robust yet athletic breed with a short coat that requires brushing once or twice a week. Nails should be kept short as well as part of the regular maintenance, and ears should be cleaned weekly. After any hunting excursion (or hiking, or similar “field trip”) it’s also important to examine the hound’s ears and coat for injuries or parasites such as ticks.

The Anglo-French Tricolor needs very little special training to hunt, as he does this fairly instinctively, although he should receive an “education” in the form of obedience as well. He generally learns commands quickly and enjoys pleasing his owner, although will be less likely to work for a person whom he doesn’t respect. He tends to be very stubborn and has no qualms about refusing commands when he doesn’t feel like working (or when he thinks he can get away with it). An owner needs to be firm, patient and even more stubborn than the dog! Even if the hound is never used for actual hunting, it makes sense to sprinkle in related “jobs” to his training repertoire that mimic using his nose. Do this to make him happy and give him purpose! Without enough mental stimulation he can become hyperactive, unruly and destructive.

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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 Grand Gascon-Saintongeois is a French breed, created from the now-extinct Saintongeois Hound and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. A man named Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour came into ownership of some of the last surviving Saintongeois Hounds (most, if not all others, were killed during the French Revolution). These dogs were bred with the Grand Bleus from a kennel owned by the Baron de Ruble, and the resulting matings spurred from two men formed the basis of this new breed. The Grand Gascon came into existence in the mid-19th century and today is a powerful scenthound with an amazing sense of smell and incredible persistence in the hunt. The breed specializes in hunting large game such as wild boar, deer and fox – and can do so even in dense vegetation.

Grand Gascons have several qualities that are seen in many scenthounds. Their deep, powerful voices can be heard from far distances which is a blessing in the hunt but possibly unsavory for those living in close proximity to their neighbors! Also like many scenthounds, they were bred to hunt both individually as well as in packs, which means they’re generally very dog-friendly. When it comes to smaller pets, however, they might not be as trustworthy as they have a strong prey drive. Cat owners be forewarned.

The Grand Gascon-Saintongeois is intelligent, particularly when it comes to hunting strategy. Off the field, however, he wants to please and can be quite obedient and even easy to train (for a scenthound)! Obedience training is an absolute necessity to make sure this large hound understands and abides by the rules of the household. Puppies should be trained to accept being alone in a crate – a skill that is invaluable to most dogs. As the Grand Gascon doesn’t like to be left home alone, he needs to learn that sometimes this is an inevitability. While the breed doesn’t do well for extended periods of alone-time day after day, he should learn that a few hours alone won’t kill him!

The Grand Gascon tends to carry himself in a dignified manner in the home, being calm and gentle with people. He is affectionate to his owners and patient when it comes to children. With strangers, he may be much more guarded until he gets to know them. Early socialization is necessary to keep him from becoming overly shy towards new people. When brought up in the correct way, however, he is an extremely sweet and loving dog who can make a wonderful companion.

Grand Gascon-Saintongeois need to live in a home with a large fenced yard. Alternatively they can be kept as outdoor kennel dogs but only as long as they are exercised daily and also taken out hunting on an extremely regular basis. These hounds need to run (and ideally hunt)! They make horrible apartment dogs because of their loud voices, large size, and need for space. Because they have always been primarily working (hunting) hounds, they have the high energy and stamina that one might expect from such a breed. As a whole, the Grand Gascon is generally a very healthy breed.

The coat of the Grand Gascon is short and tight, and is very easy to care for requiring only very infrequent bathing and brushing. It sheds only moderately. The color is always tricolor – with a white base, larger black patches and tan points. One of the most characteristic traits of this breed are the long hanging ears. Attached very low to the head, they should be exceedingly long and should reach to, or past, the point of the nose! The body should have tons of substance and plenty of muscle, and the chest should be deep. The tail is long and carried in a saber fashion.

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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.

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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.

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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