The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound was originally called the Illyrian Hound when it was first recognized by the FCI, but the name was changed in the 1970’s to its current designation. To make matters more confusing it’s also sometimes known as the Barak, the Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic, and many other variations of the Bosnian name. Although they are recognized by the UKC in America they are very rarely seen. This hound is also the only Internationally recognized breed in Bosnia. This is a hunting scenthound with a distinctively rough and wiry coat, originally used for hunting large game. The breed is brave, energetic and determined as a hunter with high endurance and a talented nose.

The Bosnian Coarsehair needs plenty of exercise in order to thrive and be happy. Bred to work long hours each day, a simple walk once a day is really not enough. They should only be owned by active families or individuals who can include the hound in vigorous activities like jogging, swimming and fetch games for a bare minimum of 45-60 minutes a day. Along with jogging or similar forms of exercise, keep their minds stimulated by providing them with scent games such as tracking or scentwork! Furthermore they need to live in a home with a fenced yard large enough for them to stretch their legs between formal exercise sessions. Because of their high activity needs, this breed is only recommended for experienced owners. Those who aren’t given enough physical as well as mental exercise can become destructive and excessively loud.

The Bosnian is an intelligent and sensitive dog who can be obedient and polite when trained. He is loyal and devoted to his owner, and enjoys spending time learning when it involves the person he loves! This said, he also has a stubborn streak and can be independent-minded so a trainer must stay consistent and firm. It should be noted that frequent barking is a hallmark of the breed and, while training can reduce this behavior, it’s probably not going to eradicate it completely. As the breed lives an average of 13-15 years, the barking tendencies should be noted before a prospective owner commits to acquiring a puppy! Furthermore remember that this scenthound will want to follow his nose and won’t hesitate to do so in the middle of a training session. An understanding of how to work through these behaviors is essential.

Bosnians make great watchdogs with their deep voices. They’ll bark to alert when people come onto the property, regardless of if the dog is inside the house or out in the yard. In Bosnia, many of these dogs live outdoors because their harsh double coat protects them from the elements and keeps them insulated from the cold. This said, with training they can make fine house pets as well. While they are adept at watchdog duty, they aren’t guard dogs as most are laid-back and friendly with people (assuming they were socialized correctly). Gentle in nature, they get along with children as well as other dogs. Some are even ok living with cats as long as they are socialized to them at an early age!

Bosnian Coarse-haired Hounds are medium-sized dogs with thick pendulous ears on a rectangular head. The body is slightly longer than tall with a deep, wide chest, ending in a proportionately thick tail. Colors include wheaten, reddish, gray or “black-ish” with small white markings. Some dogs have a dark saddle. The medium-long coarse coat is the biggest hallmark of the breed, including the distinctive eyebrows, mustache and beard that combines to give him an unkempt appearance.

Bosnian Coarsehairs are rare outside of their home country however are somewhat well-known in the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina where they were developed. There, most are still used as hunting partners rather than as family pets. It is somewhat surprising, then, to learn that many are quite easy-going in the home and can be easy to live with. With enough exercise they are fully capable of lounging with the family and staying relatively calm.

Photo by Sandy

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is the medium-sized version of the four Griffon Vendeen breeds, Briquet meaning “medium” in French. They were used to hunt a variety of game – primarily roe deer, boar and occasionally also small game. As pack animals, they are specialized in hunting with (and living with) other hounds. Created right around the beginning of World War 1 by breeding down the larger Grand Griffon Vendeen into a smaller size, they are easier to manage than their larger cousins but are definitely still hunting dogs.

The Briquet is a courageous animal that is always ready and willing to charge into a hunt. Because they are frequently active, they need owners that are the same. These active owners should also be well-versed in dogs, preferably with scenthound experience as the breed isn’t recommended for novices. Furthermore, these hounds do best in homes that have large yards in which they can roam. Apartments are a no-go. The Briquet is known for forming strong bonds with his owners and those whom he loves. Because he enjoys people so much he makes for a terrible guard dog so those who are looking for this trait will need to look elsewhere.

The Briquet Griffon is a rare breed, although is recognized by the UKC here in the States. He can be identified by his rough wiry coat, outgoing personality, and of course his natural hunting traits. It is very common for him to do well in homes with other dogs (after all, this is a pack hunting breed). His social and friendly nature also makes him great around strangers and children alike, although he is not recommended in homes with very small children/toddlers. Cats and other small pets will often be regarded as prey. The Briquet is a sturdy and agile breed, with most of them possessing great health. That said, all breeds and mixes can face health issues and the Briquet is no exception. Issues more commonly seen in this hound include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and ear infections. Typical lifespan is 11-12 years.

Briquets are known for their stubborn and independent natures which makes them more difficult than average when it comes to training. In fact, the breed standard itself actually describes them as being “not quick to obey”! They are intelligent, but not biddable – a trait that holds true for many scenthounds. These dogs benefit when training begins early on, rather than waiting until they are several years old. Not to say that one couldn’t train an older Briquet… only that it may raise the difficulty level even higher. Staying consistent, as well as keeping firm yet fair to the rules one sets, will help the dog learn. They tend to do better when given an over-abundance of praise and rewards. Finally these active hounds greatly benefit from having a job to do, which means obedience, hunting and other dog sports are all fantastic options to exercise both body and mind!

The Briquet Griffon can develop problematic behaviors such as excessive barking or digging if not given enough exercise or mental stimulation . As an active breed, he needs at least an hour minimum of exercise and this does not count time spent running in the yard (which is also important although should be a supplement to his other workouts). After all, he was bred to run for hours on end in France and has enough endurance to do so! Ideally, he should be given opportunities to hunt with his owner. If this isn’t possible, at least give him “hunting adjacent” scenarios on a regular basis such as free running in a fenced area, hikes with a long line, or lessons in a tracking class.

The colors of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen include white/black, white/orange, black/tan, tricolor or fawn with or without white markings. The nose can be either black or brown depending upon coat color. The coat itself is “fairly long” as described in the breed standard although the coarse texture makes it appear slightly shorter since it doesn’t drape like a silky coat would. It is also fairly thick. This coat doesn’t need to be trimmed however it does need regular care to keep it clean and to minimize shedding. The texture of the coat also makes it more susceptible to picking up burrs, sticks and grass which will then need to be plucked out by hand. This is a fun-loving, yet somewhat messy pup that needs the right owner so that he can thrive.

Photo by Alephalpha

Also known as the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange (yes, it’s a mouthful) – here in the United States, many call it the Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound. This is a pack-hunting scenthound that was created by combining French hounds (particularly the Billy) with English Foxhounds. They were used to hunt deer and boar primarily, however would occasionally be used on smaller prey as well. Although they are large hounds, the name “Grand” actually refers not to their size, but their specialty of large game. This breed is related to several other breeds of Anglo-French, of which there are seven in total. In terms of the Great Anglo-French breeds in particular (of which there are three), the White and Orange variety is the rarest.

In France, where the Anglo-French White and Orange developed, he is kept primarily as a hunting breed and rarely as solely a companion animal. Most of this has to do with his almost endless energy making him a poor choice as a pet in the majority of homes. Without lots of exposure to hunting as well as heaps of both physical and mental stimulation, he can become incredibly bored and frustrated in most pet homes, leading to very destructive behavior. Although a loyal dog who enjoys spending time with his owner, historically that owner is a hunter with whom he spends long hours of his time bonding “in the field”.

The Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound is a sturdily built dog but is quite athletic in his own right. He tends to be built tough and most individuals don’t have health problems beyond the regular scrapes or cuts that come from hunting. Physical characteristics include medium-length hanging ears, a large size with a deep chest, and of course the particular coloration that defines him as a breed. The coat is smooth, yet hard in texture and sheds an average amount. Grooming needs are minimal, with just routine brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming to really worry about.

The Anglo-French White and Orange is fairly indifferent to strangers although does prefer to be around either other dogs or people as much as possible. This is a common trait of pack-hunting hounds. When left alone for long periods of time he is prone to howling… this said, he is prone to howling no matter what (those with close neighbors should steer clear of this breed)! While one might assume that he would be great to accompany you off-leash because of his pack mentality, this unfortunately couldn’t be further from the truth. This breed is big into roaming because of his vast hunt drive, and needs to be kept on leash or confined in a securely fenced area.

When it comes to training, the Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound can be willful and even stubborn. No surprise there because he would much prefer hunting than just about anything else, training included. Furthermore he tends to be extra distracted when there are scents in the area that could be followed. This said, when the right tactics are used he can enjoy obedience training although an owner or trainer must be firm, consistent and patient. He is not recommended for first-time dog owners as he is far too difficult to train for a novice.

Anglo-French White and Orange Hounds do not make good guard dogs as it just isn’t in their nature. Neither is it in their nature to live in homes with cats. An appropriate home for this breed would be a country setting with another dog (or three) and no small animals. Children are fine as long as they aren’t too small (as they may otherwise get knocked over by the boisterous energy of this hound). Owners should be active and strong enough to handle a dog of this size and energy level, and willing to take the dog hunting on a regular basis. In France, many of these dogs live in outdoor kennels with dozens of other dogs to keep them company, and regularly taken on outdoor hunting excursions. This can be a very different lifestyle than a basic pet home, and is one that these dogs thrive in.

Photo by Alephalpha

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne was created in the 13th century. As might be surmised from his name, he is related to the Basset Fauve although is a bigger dog with longer legs. He is one of the oldest French scenthound breeds, and was originally used to hunt wolves. As the numbers of wolves steadily declined in the 19th century, the Griffon Fauve become more scare in France as well. While still rare in the United States today, his popularity is again gaining in his home country where he is lauded for his impeccable temperament and ability to get along well with both other dogs and people.

The Griffon Fauve is an immensely loyal breed who wants to be close to his owners as much as possible. Despite being courageous when hunting, he is affectionate and loving at home and makes a great dog for families. He is gentle and patient with children, although a young excitable dog may accidentally knock over a small toddler. He loves to play with older kids (and of course adults) and can do so for hours if given the chance! Although not normally a big barker, this breed can also make a good watchdog as he will alert to people coming to the door… although at the same time will welcome all strangers into the home so is probably not the best guard dog.

The GFB is a medium sized breed but he needs plenty of exercise. At least an hour a day of walking or jogging should be considered bare minimum, while 2 hours would be ideal. In addition, a yard to run around in would complete the perfect setup for this breed (fully fenced, and escape-proof). As might be expected, apartments aren’t a good living situation for these high-stamina hunting dogs! Without enough exercise he can quickly become destructive and frustrating to live with, so should only be owned by those who are willing and able to put in the work. On the other hand, individuals who have been given enough exercise will be calm and collected in the home – and will even curl up on the sofa to watch tv with their owners!

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne can be identified by his long, hanging ears and coarse shaggy coat which is always fawn in color (fauve means fawn). Take note that although he has a rough, wiry coat it does still shed unlike some other wirehaired breeds, although shedding is on the light side. His coat is medium maintenance and will need to be brushed about once a week. In addition to being brushed – without being stripped at least twice a year, the coat will turn soft so this is an additional grooming step that should be taken. Trim nails weekly, regularly check and clean ears, and keep an eye on his teeth and he should be all set!

The GFB lives an average of 12-13 years and doesn’t have too many health problems although hip dysplasia is occasionally seen. This is a robust breed that doesn’t normally require a lot of vet care as long as he is provided proper attention and maintenance. He can get ear infections if his ears aren’t checked and cleaned regularly, but this is easy to prevent for diligent owners.

Like all scenthounds, the Griffon Fauve has a great sense of smell and can get so caught up in following an interesting scent that he can temporarily “forget” obedience commands. In addition to his high prey drive, he can also be stubborn and slow to learn commands in the first place. Owners will need to have a lot of patience when training a member of this breed. In addition, training sessions should be broken up into lots of short shifts throughout the day rather than one long session. Keep things fun for the dog, but don’t be afraid to be firm either – just don’t resort to unfair harsh corrections or he will shut down. Finally, start early in puppyhood with both training and socialization for the best outcome.

Photo by Alephalpha

The French White and Black Hound is a scenthound used for hunting large game in packs. Known for his loud voice (which he uses with frequency) and his tireless energy, he does not make the best pet for just anyone. Combine this with his high prey drive and tendency to chase small animals including cats, and he is best suited to a hunting home. Barring that, owners with extensive scenthound experience who can provide him plenty of physical outlets. He can make a great family pet and live nicely in a home, but his needs must be met and his idiosyncrasies understood.

As a pack hunting hound, the White and Black enjoys living with other dogs. His friendly nature and easygoing attitude with them makes him easy to integrate into a multiple-dog household (although tiny breeds may be seen as prey by these large hunters). He also gets along well with children and most humans in general. Some can be slightly aloof but aggression is not the norm with this breed at all. Although too friendly to function as a guard dog, he can make a good watchdog since he enjoys using his voice to make announcements. The majority are fairly social. With their families, they are extremely loyal and even playful.

The intelligent French White and Black is willing to please and can be trained in obedience but may have a very hard time when distracted, particularly if that distraction is a prey animal! Hunting is his favorite pastime, and one in which he will do without any training whatsoever. For those owners who insist on teaching obedience, however (and all dogs should learn the basics), keep lessons short and sweet! Use plenty of praise and rewards to show this hound that training can be fun. Their stubborn and independent natures make them poor choices for first-time dog owners.

In terms of exercise, the White and Black Hound is built to run for miles without tiring! This means they must be given lots of physical activity on a daily basis such as hikes and long jogs. As long as this is taken care of, they are calm and pleasant in the house. If not exercised enough they can become destructive, loud(er) and generally hyperactive. While having access to a yard is a big plus, either way they also need to be taken out on leash for their daily adventures. Plan to spend at least an hour out on each excursion! For reasons which should be obvious, this is by no means an apartment breed.

The French White and Black Hound is an exceptionally healthy breed with a great long lifespan for their size (averaging 13-15 years). Ear infections are the most commonly seen condition, but regular cleanings and maintenance checks can keep problems from arising. The breed is also very low-maintenance as far as grooming goes and very rarely requires baths (although they can shed heavily and should be brushed once or twice a week to control this).

The White and Black is a rare breed with only about 2,000 dogs registered in the FCI. In the United States they are recognized by the UKC but are rarely seen. The majority of these hounds are (not surprisingly) in France. There are three French Hound (Chien Francais) breeds, also including the Tricolor and the White and Orange. All three breeds are very similar but do differ in temperament besides the most obvious difference of color variations.

Photo by Abujoy

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound was developed in 16th century France to hunt small game such as hare and fox. This scenthound is the result of crossing various French hound breeds with English hounds. He is considered a French breed himself as this was his country of origin. He is known for his swiftness and stamina in the hunt, as well as his tenacious yet generally agreeable temperament. He is a hunting dog through and through, and can be quite adaptable at the sport when need be – even being used for hunting wild boar!

The Anglo-French is a pack hunting dog and thus gets along quite well with other dogs. His medium size also makes it easy to fit him into a multi-dog household with any size dogs. While he is easy to integrate into a group of dogs, he isn’t easily integrated into city (or even suburban) living. This is an active hunting breed that needs lots of room to run! Like many scenthounds, he needs very little training to do what he loves to do (hunt!) but won’t flourish in the typical 9-5 family home. A prospective owner who doesn’t plan to hunt with this dog should prepare to spend lots of time exercising the dog and giving him plenty of mental stimulation!

Each Anglo-French Hound comes in one of three coat colors: tricolor, white and orange, or white and black. The coat is always smooth and tight to the skin, and requires only a quick weekly brush-down to keep healthy except during heavy shedding seasons, when he’ll require a bit more although nothing extreme. This is a low maintenance breed in terms of grooming which should not require professional assistance. Despite having a low level of oil in his coat, he doesn’t require frequent bathing either unless desired. Make sure to brush teeth regularly and trim nails weekly.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French is an intelligent yet independent breed who can be a challenging to train in anything other than “the nose sports”. For this reason he is not recommended for novice owners. He can be very willful when he wants to be, especially when distracted by an interesting scent. After all, hunting is the number one passion of this breed! The owner that takes the time to train him, however, will be rewarded when a strong bond forms between person and dog – a beautiful side effect of training that often occurs when the barrier of communication is bridged.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound is social and friendly towards everyone he meets, whether it be small child or older adult. Aggression towards people is not seen in the breed as long as the dog has been even moderately socialized. This said, they are often less friendly to small animals which means they are not the best match for those with smaller non-dog pets. With their owners, they are loyal and affectionate.

The Anglo-French does have a strong “bay” that he often uses freely. For those who have never heard the call of a scenthound, it can be alarming at first in terms of sheer volume! Those who are bothered by loud and frequent noise may have an issue with this inborn trait. The breed also has a tendency to wander, as as such requires an owner who can keep the dog from roaming the neighborhood. A fenced yard is a must! Despite his quirks, he can make a great companion when placed in the right home.

Photo by Jwh at Wikipedia Luxembourg

The Serbian Hound, originally known as the Balkan Scenthound, is an ancient hunting hound breed. Like many of the scenthounds to which he is related, this is a medium-sized breed with a smooth yet dense coat and hanging ears. The color is always tan with a black saddle. These hounds are energetic and athletic – traits that helped them to track and hunt game in Serbia and surrounding areas of Europe. When “on the trail”, a pack of Serbians use their high-pitched voices to excitedly announce their hunt as they eagerly run toward their prey. Imbued with great courage, stamina and dedication, they are ideal hunting hounds for wild boar, fox, deer and hare.

As traditional pack dogs, Serbians get along well with other dogs in the home. They also tend to do well with children as they are happy, friendly and social without being overly rambunctious (with enough exercise). They may even get along with cats in the home as long as they are raised with them from an early age! While they may be slightly aloof with strangers, Serbians are affectionate to all of those whom they know and will develop very strong bonds with their owners. They can be gentle and relaxed in the home while also being active and “ready for adventure” once they are taken outside. Despite their ideal temperaments, unfortunately the breed can be difficult to come by in most parts of the world outside of their home country. It is possible to obtain a puppy but one will almost definitely have to deal with long waiting lists and importing from overseas.

Serbian Hounds can be difficult to train which means they do best when owned by experienced dog owners. Their independent nature means they tend toward being quite stubborn, even though they are, in fact, intelligent. They must be given rules from an early age and those rules should remain in place despite any grumblings from the dog. When it comes to formal obedience training, the lessons should be made interesting and involve plenty of affection to keep the dog engaged. Patience is key when working with this breed!

When it comes to exercise, the Serbian definitely requires a lot! These hounds need at least 45 minutes a day, although one to two hours is ideal. This also means that apartment living is not an ideal situation for them as they need plenty of room to stretch their legs in addition to more structured exercise.Along with physical stimulation, they also need mental stimulation in the form of games and mind-enhancing tasks. Serbian Hounds can and will develop problematic behaviors if not given enough mental OR physical activity! This can include anything from “forgetting” their housebreaking skills, to chewing up your stuff, to digging craters in the yard. Best just to make sure they’re getting everything that they need!

All breeds have downsides and one of the Serbian Hound’s more frustrating traits is that he can be rather loud – a trait that most of the scenthound breeds share. Also like other scenthounds, his high prey drive means he is more likely to take chase if he catches the scent of a prey animal (or strange cat). Keeping him on leash and/or in a securely fenced area is an important consideration of ownership.

Serbians are very easy to groom and require little maintenance. They do shed a bit all throughout the year but it isn’t too extreme for the majority of owners. A weekly brushing with a bristle brush will keep this mostly in check. Health-wise, most tend to be fairly healthy and generally live between 13-14 years. The most common health condition in the breed is the occurrence of ear infections – a common blight for hanging eared breeds.

An ideal life for a Serbian Hound is one in which he is taken out hunting on a regular basis. Barring this, he can be equally happy when given a life filled with outdoor adventures in the company of his owner. He benefits greatly when given a job to do, so getting him into a dog sport such as agility, obedience, rally, nosework or (especially) hunting trials would be fantastic!

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The Halden Hound, also known as the Haldenstovare, is a Norwegian breed named after the town of Halden in which they were developed. This scenthound is a medium sized dog originally used for hunting hare. Haldens are affectionate, athletic, and make great companions as well as hunting dogs. These hardy hounds work best for owners who are able to provide them with plenty of exercise as they have lots of energy and endurance! They make good jogging and/or hiking companions for active owners, and definitely need at least two long walks a day. Without enough physical stimulation they can become bored and destructive.

The HH is best kept in homes (rather than apartments) in rural settings or with large yards. They need room to stretch their legs and opportunities for running/playing/hunting/exercising, all activities that can be harder to provide if one lives in an apartment or small city dwelling. When allowed to hunt they are focused, zealous and keen. Luckily, with enough exercise and mental fulfillment they tend to be calm and relaxed in the home.

Despite their smooth coats, the Halden does well in both cool and hot temperatures. They also tend to be pretty healthy and have an average lifespan of 11-12 years. Although most individual hounds have a robust constitution and generally healthy body, unfortunately the breed as a whole is in danger of extinction. The numbers are too small to keep this breed afloat for too much longer, and despite being recognized by the UKC in the United States they are rarely seen anywhere except for Norway.

The HH is playful with children and generally likes being around people of all ages, so much so that separation anxiety can be an issue. Supervision is required when around toddler-aged kids as they can react defensively to rough treatment. If you can’t watch your kid and make sure they play fair with the dog – wait until the child is older before bringing home a dog! Most Haldens also get along with other dogs, especially dogs of the opposite sex. Although they weren’t bred to hunt in packs like many of their related breeds, they are still social and well-tempered if socialized correctly. Smaller pets may be more of an issue because of their high prey drive. Another note about the prey drive – make sure to keep him on a leash when out on walks! If he sees a squirrel and has the means to go after it, he will.

Halden Hounds are not recommended for first-time dog owners because their independent, stubborn nature makes them difficult to train. They have strong work ethics when it comes to hunting… but are less inclined to get excited about formal obedience training. Furthermore they tend to take advantage of inexperienced owners/trainers, sometimes to the point of the question being asked – “who’s training who?” They require a firm and consistent hand (a bit of patience is helpful to have as well). Multiple short sessions throughout the day will go over much better than one long session. If not being used for hunting, they require a job that will allow them to use their brains and their bodies. Obedience training is a good start, but it is also recommend to get them into an additional sport as well such as nosework.

Haldens make good watchdogs as they are quick to alert to people at the door. This said, they are not a guard dog as they lack aggression in general and are too good-natured, if not even somewhat timid. In terms of barking, while some scenthounds are known for their… persistent voices, the Halden isn’t usually overly loud. He tend to bark only an average amount – more so if people or animals can be seen out the window or if he isn’t given enough mental or physical stimulation.

The Halden Hound’s smooth coat sheds an average amount but only requires a little bit of grooming. A good brushing once a week will help keep shedding down and promote a healthy, shiny coat. Baths can be given sparingly if desired, only really needing it when the hound gets dirty. Make sure to brush teeth on a regular basis, clip nails, and regularly inspect/clean the ears. Hanging ears are more prone to infections without proper care. Overall the breed is easy to care for and a delight to have around the house, as long as one is prepared to exercise regularly!

Photo by Canarian

The German Hound is a medium-sized scenthound. Always tricolored and possessing a thick yet smooth coat, he is considered an ancestor to all drop-eared hunting hounds. The breed is affectionate, sensitive to his owners’ emotions and fairly quiet when inside the house, yet enthusiastic and unwavering when hunting. He has a superb nose for tracking and a fiery hunting drive, but will come home at the end of the day and play with the children. Despite being recognized by the UKC in the United States, the breed isn’t well known outside Germany. This said, in his home country he does enjoy a modest popularity as both a hunting dog and pet.

Like many high energy hunting breeds, the German Hound needs to be given a lot of daily exercise in order to keep him out of trouble. He can become destructive and frustrating to live with if bored and under-exercised! He also requires plenty of social time with his owner (and other friends, if possible) as he is at his happiest when around others. While some scenthounds are totally fine living in outdoor kennels with just the company of other hounds, he far prefers life as a house dog. He doesn’t mind spending time with other dogs and is friendly and social with them, just as long as he also gets plenty of time with “his people” as well!

German Hounds are alert and will bark when people come to the door which makes them good watchdogs. They are fairly versatile when given a chance, and are far more than “just hunting dogs”. This said, they are still “hunting dogs” and as such are inclined to roam! Make sure that your fence is secure and kept locked, and keep them on leash when out for a walk. The Bracke might not be the best choice in homes with cats or other small pets as he may be inclined to hunt them. Nor is he an ideal candidate for people who live in small apartments or homes without yards. He really needs at least an hour a day to walk in addition to being able to stretch his legs in a securely fenced area.

When it comes to training, the German Hound needs an owner who can be firm yet fair. This is a smart breed that can be good at manipulating his owner – he needs an owner just as intelligent as he is! An owner must stay one step ahead of this independent hound without actually resorting to overly harsh tactics. He is gentle and submissive, and might shut down if he feels the training isn’t fair. Finally, take care to keep this dog on his toes while training (he can get bored easily) and make sure you don’t train in too distracting of an environment before he is ready. Scenthounds in general tend to shift away from training mode and into hunting mode when prey-animal-type distractions come into play. All of this said, he can be an obedient companion if given enough work and time!

German Hounds live about 11-12 years on average and are a relatively healthy breed. They stay the healthiest when kept on a strict exercise routine and given plenty of physical excursion with activities such as long walks, hikes and hunt outings. Some members of the breed have issues with hip dysplasia and/or bloat and the breed in general may be slightly more sensitive to anesthesia. This said, for the most part these hounds are healthier than many other breeds. Furthermore German Hounds are easy to care for in terms of grooming and require very little maintenance to keep them looking their best. Brushing once a week and the occasional bath is all that is needed for the coat. Check and clean the ears weekly as hanging ears are more likely to get dirt and gunk buildup. Add in time for training, social time and a lot of exercise – and you’ll have a happy German Hound!

Photo By Rumo

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne – both are ancient breeds in their own right. Characterized by his “blue” coat, short legs and long back, he is a scenthound that almost went extinct in the early 19th century but was brought back by dedicated fanciers, particularly a man named Alain Bourbon. Today he is a rare breed, and although he is recognized by the UKC in the United States, he is most commonly seen in his home country of France.

Like his cousin the Basset Hound, the Basset Bleu is small in height but a medium sized dog in terms of weight. He also shares the same deep, melodious voice as well as the smooth yet dense coat. Although easy to groom, he does shed and can tend to smell – a byproduct of the oily coat possessed by certain hunting breeds. Like most pack hunting dogs, he gets along well with other dogs and can live easily in a multi-dog household. He doesn’t tend to be very territorial towards strange dogs and is generally a welcoming fellow.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is easygoing and affectionate to his owners, including children. This said, if he smells something enticing like a woodland creature in the backyard, he is apt to “forget” about his owner and wander off in search of prey. He loves to hunt above almost anything else – which also means he may not make the best companion for a cat or other small pet! This hunting animal does best in a home with a securely-fenced yard, and can get frustrated in a small living area such as an apartment. Not to mention his voice (which he uses freely and loudly) also doesn’t make him the best neighbor in an apartment setting.

The Basset Bleu is a playful fellow who has high social needs and does best in a home where he won’t be alone all day. Some people have found success by introducing a canine buddy (or more) in order to keep him company while they are gone, although those who work long hours probably aren’t the best match. This friendly hound loves being around people so much that he also makes a terrible watchdog and/or guard dog. While he will probably bark when someone comes near the house… he does this all the time anyway and is unlikely to raise suspicion (much like a car alarm). If someone were to break in, he may or may not really care, short of saying hi to the newcomer.

Although eager to please in some regards, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be challenging to train. To start with, his high prey drive and desire to sniff the ground at all times means that an owner or trainer will need to make themselves more interesting than the distractions! Second, he is stubborn and independent-minded which means that the owner must be prepared to set down rules and hold tight to them. Many of these hounds will work for food so be prepared to go into a training session with plenty of food rewards, but resist the urge to bribe. He actually needs to work for his rewards! Finally, start training early. It will be easier.

Although his appearance may suggest he is lazy, the Basset Bleu is actually an active breed with a decent amount of athletic ability. He needs an owner as active as he is – ideally someone who can take him hunting as he also needs mental stimulation. If hunting isn’t an option, other mental activities can be substituted as long as they are challenging. He makes a delightful walking companion as his outgoing nature earns him friends wherever he goes – with correct socialization it is rare for this breed to be overly shy or aggressive. Once home from a satisfying walk, he is likely to lay down and nap.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be prone to gaining too much weight if overfed or under-exercised, so make sure to stay on top of food portions. He can also be somewhat prone to bloat, the risk of which can be minimized (although not eliminated) by various practices such as not allowing him to play hard right after eating. Overall, however, this is a healthy breed that tends to live 13-14 years.