The Hortaya Borzaya

The Hortaya Borzaya is a very rare sighthound developed in Russia and the Ukraine and was at one point even owned by nobility. The breed is sometimes referred to as the Chortai. Extremely rare outside of Russia, although exhibited occasionally in the Russian Cynological Federation, the breed has even made at least one brief appearance at the World Dog Show when held in that country. They are still very low in numbers although fanciers are seeking to preserve the breed.

As with all sighthounds, the Hortaya has a keen prey drive! Originally hunted in pairs (and accompanied by a raptor), the hounds were released while hunters followed along on horseback. These were often “functional” hunts, using any prey caught for food rather than hunting for sport. This breed has great endurance and can run very long distances (and very quickly) so needless to say an owner must be prepared to keep the dog on a leash when not in a fenced area! They had been used to hunt a diverse assortment of prey and so even pet hounds not used for hunting are likely to give chase to cats, squirrels or even slightly larger animals. In the home however, many are able to live with other pets (including cats) as long as a bit of common sense is followed. For example, that same cat may become too tempting not to chase when out in the yard.

Borzayas are gentle and calm around people although they do need to be given plenty of opportunities to run and exercise daily! Most wouldn’t be happy if cramped into an apartment or small condo – for optimum success they should be given a large fenced yard to run in daily, supplemented with regular walks. While this isn’t a hyper dog by any means, it is a high-energy athlete that requires a compatible living situation!

Hortaya Borzayas tend to get along well with other dogs, and have a friendly-yet-aloof temperament towards most people. Aggression is not commonly seen in a well-socialized Hortaya and they wouldn’t be a good choice as a guard dog. They do have a slightly more independent personality in general, and while they enjoy being with their families, they don’t need to be standing next to them 24/7.

Most Hortayas are very healthy and strong dogs with few genetic disorders in the lines. Because of their general build, bloat may be one possible health concern although this is speculation because of limited information about these rare hounds. Otherwise, it is not unusual for one to live to the age of 14 or 15 years old. In fact, in their home country it isn’t unheard of for older hounds to still participate in hunting and/or breeding even later in life with no ill effects.

Borzayas are capable of competing and enjoying many dog sports such as lure coursing, agility or racing. They are also a little easier to train than some of their canine close-relatives. Clever and interested in learning, they would make a good match for a person interested in competing with an unusual breed! As with all dogs, starting the training and socializing process early on in life will give the best results for success in the future.

The smooth coat of the Hortaya Borzaya is thicker than it may at first appear – a necessity for living in colder climates! This large hound is also heftier than he may look. Although still blessed with the graceful outline of most sighthounds, he is surprisingly strong and athletic and has more muscle than one may originally realize! This is similar to the also-muscular Greyhound – an obvious cousin to the breed. Similarities to the Borzoi can also be seen, particularly in the head. That said, this is a breed unto themselves and one which will hopefully continue to grow and flourish!

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Hungarian Greyhound

The Hungarian Greyhound is also known as the Magyar Agar. This large sighthound has been used for coursing game as well as racing and he excels at long distance running over uneven terrain. Don’t let his delicate appearance fool you – this is a rugged and tough breed. Although similar in looks to his relative the (English) Greyhound, he is heavier boned, thicker-skinned and should be longer than he is tall as compared to the Greyhound’s more square outline. The muzzle is shorter and the head more wedge-shaped. Ancient as well as rare, he is recognized by the UKC but numbers are low in the United States.

Although smooth-coated, the Hungarian Greyhound will grow slightly longer hair during cooler weather. As it is also dense and covers a thick skin, he is more resilient than other sighthounds to cold weather. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to provide the hound a coat on particularly cold days, as one should always make sure that dogs are comfortable in regards to temperature, but overall he minds the cold much less than similar breeds. Fairly adaptable, he could even be kept in an outdoor kennel however only under the circumstances that he be given a huge amount of exercise and interaction with people on a daily basis!

Hungarian Greyhounds do need daily exercise despite their otherwise couch-potato ways. While they love to sleep most of the day away, when not resting they need plenty of time to run and stretch their legs. The best homes have a securely fenced yard in which the hound can free-run, in addition to a daily walk of at least an hour! This is more than many other sighthound breeds need, so prospective owners must take note of their higher-than-average demands in this regard. Some owners have successfully kept them in apartments, which is definitely do-able because they are so unobtrusive and calm, however this means an even higher exercise requirement must be fulfilled.

Hungarian Greyhounds make fantastic companions for those who live an active lifestyle, and who are able to provide the hound with plenty of socialization throughout their lives. These hounds are generally passive/submissive and tend to do well in homes with multiple dogs, children and other pets (although outdoor cats might be problematic). They are loyal to those whom they know and trust, and will show quiet affection towards their family. They also can make good watch dogs and, while they are not generally great guard dog material, they do have some guarding instinct.

The Hungarian Greyhound can be easy to train as he is very smart, although he cannot be trained in the “normal” way that might benefit a Lab or similar people-pleasing breed. Independent and not usually keen on following commands just for the sake of following commands, he needs to know what’s in it for him! Furthermore, you probably won’t get very far teaching him to retrieve a stick or ball without extensive work. It is recommended to start training while young in order to introduce him to the concept. While most are used in the “running sports” such as lure coursing, field coursing or racing, it is entirely possible to train and even compete with a Hungarian Greyhound in obedience as long as you put in the work.

The average life span of a Hungarian Greyhound is 12-14 years and they are usually fairly healthy dogs. This said, all breeds and mixed breeds can develop health issues and the Hungarian Greyhound is no exception. Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye condition) and thyroid disease have all been reported. Make sure to obtain from a breeder who screens for these diseases to minimize the risk. All in all, most are remarkably healthy and easy to care for in terms of veterinary care and grooming.

Photo By Kacer (vitalap / szerkesztései)

 

The Spanish Greyhound

The Spanish Greyhound, also known as the Galgo Espanol, is actually an ancestor of the English Greyhound (AKA the Greyhound that we all know and love). This explains the close similarity in appearance. Spanish Greyhounds were developed back in the Middle Ages and used primarily to hunt rabbit but would occasionally hunt other game as well. They are a typical sighthound, being very quiet and calm in the house and possessing gentle, easy-going temperaments. They are affectionate but in a soft and unassuming way, this isn’t a boisterous dog that will knock you over when excited.

The Spanish Greyhound usually gets along well with other dogs – even small ones, as well as cats. They also do well in homes with children although interactions with small kids should be supervised to make sure the dog doesn’t get hurt as they will not retaliate at rude behavior. Make sure to socialize this breed early on as they can be shy and easily frightened without early socialization. Their typical demeanor is calm and reserved but outright scared behavior is not normally seen unless they were not taken out into the world when young. Either way, this isn’t a watch dog or a guard dog as they rarely bark and aren’t territorial or protective.

Spanish Greyhounds actually come in two coat varieties – the smooth and the wire. This is one of the main differences between them and their English counterparts. Other distinctions include having flatter muscles (unlike the bulging leg muscles seen in their cousin), being generally lighter and smaller (although still a large dog) and the fact that they should be higher in the rear than in the front. Furthermore the chests are more shallow, their muzzles longer and their tails are often lengthier as well.

The low body weight of the Spanish Greyhound necessitates a coat in cold weather, particularly for the short-haired variety. Other than this, it is a hardy and healthy breed without very many inherited health conditions. Average lifespan is 10-13 years. These hounds are very adaptable to a number of different lifestyles including apartment living when given regular exercise. With a daily walk and/or a jaunt in a fenced area, they turn into lazy couch potatoes for the rest of the day. Another plus is their minimal grooming needs, which makes them very easy to care for overall!

While Spanish Greyhounds make fantastic pets, they can also participate successfully in plenty of dog sports. Racing, lure coursing and the conformation ring all offer opportunities for these sighthounds to compete; although in the United States they are still considered a rare breed and numbers are low in all forms of competition. The breed has much more of a presence in their native Spain, particularly with hunting dogs. This said, in Spain sadly there are many instances of animal cruelty toward this breed when they outgrow their usefulness to hunt, resulting in the death of tens of thousand per year. Several associations exist in Spain to re-home ex-hunters but as of this writing, there are no laws in Spain against animal cruelty toward the Galgo (which are regarded as property rather than pets). Surely something must be done in order to rectify these horrible practices, and bring justice to the dogs!

When it comes to training, most Spanish Greyhounds will work for food! Some will also work well when training is made into a game, as they enjoy playing. They can be biddable when training is enthusiastic, with short sessions that are fair. They learn quickly when conditions are right, however it may take awhile for them to become consistent with commands. Sighthounds in general tend to be fairly independent and “softer” in temperament than other dogs, which means that they can’t be trained in the same way as the typical Lab.

Like all breeds, Spanish Greyhounds are not without their faults, however. They can be counter surfers and are expert food-stealers. They will also chase small animals, both wild and domesticated, when outside (even if they get along with inside cats). This means that they must always be kept on leash or in a fenced area – a real 6 foot fence as invisible fences don’t work on them. Finally, some suffer from separation anxiety when away from their families for stretches of time. For many owners, their many virtues far outweigh their shortcomings and overall, this is a wonderful and beautiful pet.

The Podenco Canario

The Podenco Canario is a dog with an Egyptian background, developed in the Canary Islands. Classified by many as a sighthound, technically this breed hunts by sight, sound and scent. FCI instead classifies the breed as a primitive hunting dog. It was primarily used to hunt rabbit and ferrets in packs of several hounds, and still is used for this purpose today. In the right home, this breed can form a close bond with his owner and become an affectionate family pet. Except when hunting or alerting to a visitor, the Podenco Canario is generally a quiet breed.

Podenco Canarios are supposed to be skinny, and are built for speed. This does not meant the dog is starving! A healthy hound will look naturally thin despite eating a normal amount. Don’t let his appearance trick you into thinking he is delicate, however, for he was built to be sturdy during the hunt. Besides being very quick, he is also unmistakably agile and able to leap great distances/heights. All of these features come together to form this successful hunter. In the Canary Islands there are two sizes, although only the larger size is recognized here in America (via the UKC) and in most other countries. Generally speaking, this is a slim yet large breed.

Despite his similar appearance to other breeds (primarily the Ibizan Hound and other Podenco breeds both recognized and unrecognized in America), the Podenco Canario is a distinct breed with specific features. The always-smooth coat comes in either red, white or a combination of the two colors. The red can come in many different shades. The head of this dog should be longer than it is wide, set atop a long graceful neck and sporting two large naturally erect ears.

Podenco Canarios do best with active people who are willing to give these energetic dogs the exercise that they need. They do need daily activity so that they don’t become bored or even destructive. Activities that also incorporate mental challenges as well are particularly well-suited to this breed. Podenco Canarios are extremely enthusiastic hunters and will take off in an instant if they see something to chase, often barking in a repetitive yet excited fashion throughout the whole run! This means they really need to be kept in fenced areas or on leash. While training a good recall can help, depending upon the dog and the situation it isn’t realistic to rely on a recall if a distraction is very high. Take note that some members of the breed can’t even live with small animals such as cats without wanting to chase.

When it comes to training, the Podenco Canario can be stubborn and independent. Although intelligent, this breed was utilized more for independent hunting than working with people. Furthermore he tends to be sensitive so an owner must make sure to keep the training upbeat without letting go of the general house rules. He is not recommended for novice dog owners. Make sure, as well, to socialize him early on to prevent overly shy behavior.

The Podenco Canario does enjoy playing and can delight in romping with children, although he should only be kept in households with older and more mature kids. He doesn’t respond well to rough treatment and although is ordinarily gentle, he may take offense to kids that he deems as frightening. With strangers, he tends toward being aloof (although outright aggression isn’t normally seen). This generally isn’t a super-social extrovert of a dog – he may be a better companion for a similarly introverted owner.

Unfortunately, every year a number of Podenco Canarios are abandoned in Spain after the hunting season has ended. As such there are a few rescue organizations seeking to place these displaced hunters in homes around the world. A prospective owner can end up with a great dog from one of these organizations, however it is vital to do your homework – both on the organization as well as the breed itself! Getting any dog is a big commitment, but obtaining a hunting dog of this breed requires the right person to ensure a good match!

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound is a lively, yet gentle and affectionate sighthound. Silkens were created in the United States in the 80’s in order to fulfill a”gap” that didn’t otherwise exist – a mid-sized sighthound with a soft and flowing coat. They are still a young breed, however their popularity is slowly increasing throughout the world. Although they have yet to be recognized by the AKC, they are recognized by the UKC and many kennel clubs in other countries.  These gentle hounds are unobtrusive in the home and generally easier to keep than many other sighthound breeds. Their soft, silky coat (coming in all colors) is a medium length yet is not difficult to keep up with grooming as they tend to keep themselves rather clean. They do shed, but not heavily.

Silkens can be easy to train and are intelligent companions who enjoy participating in various activities with their families. This often includes racing, lure coursing, conformation, flyball and agility, however obedience training is recommended to give the dog a basic sense of responsibilities and rules. Some Silkens work as therapy dogs or even as service dogs – and these roles in particular require a very good base in obedience. Keep in mind that they do still have keen prey drives and are apt to abandon their owner mid-training session if a small animal goes dashing by! This means a lot of off-leash proofing will be required, along with the knowledge that some dogs will never be 100% reliable if a tempting chase situation become available.

Windhounds are well-behaved and quiet house companions but do require room to run! Ideally, they should be given a fenced-in area in order to stretch their legs daily. Like their relatives in the sighthound family, they are exceptionally fast and do need an area to do this safely. A home with a fenced yard is most ideal, although in certain situations they can adapt to apartment life as long as they are given a fenced area to run regularly. A vast majority of Silkens participate in racing and/or coursing events in order to prove “they have what it takes”, before going home with their owners each night. Running is in the breed’s DNA and they love to do it! After they’ve had their daily dose of exercise, they are more than happy to lay on the couch next to their person. Their energy level is such that they have short bursts of very high energy, which then dips to low after they’ve had their exercise.

Silken Windhounds have varied personalities just like people! Some are more shy than others, others are very outgoing and affectionate. It all depends on the line and on the individual dog. Aggression, however, is rare. A male vs. female temperament doesn’t seem to make as big of a difference than some other breeds, as either way there is a wide variation. If trying to decide on a male or female, physically males tend to be bigger and have fuller coats. Most Silkens do love to play, whether with “their people” or with other dogs – they tend to get along well with everyone. This includes cats – a difficult task for many other breeds from the sighthound group! They also do well in homes with children provided the kids are calm.

Silkens are very healthy for the most part, which was one of the big considerations when the breed was being created. In fact, DNA parental marker verification in all dogs in the beginning of the breeding program meant that health could be closely monitored. This is vastly different than most breeds today, as there is an extensive “guide” that shows which dogs inherited what, and from whom. With most living well into their teens (one individual was reported living until 20 years of age), the majority do not suffer any genetic problems. This said, because nature is what it is, there are some issues that occasionally crop up, most notably MDR1 (a drug sensitivity). This condition won’t be a problem for the dog as long as certain drugs are avoided.

As might be assumed of these quiet and friendly hounds, Windhounds do not make great watchdogs. Neither are they recommended in households that are frequently loud or otherwise stressful. Despite these attributes, the breed is otherwise fairly adaptable to many situations and are even good for novice dog owners, provided their needs can be met. These social animals do need plenty of human contact and can develop separation anxiety if left alone all of the time. A calm home with access to a fenced in yard and owners who have plenty of time to spend around the dog, is the best match for this up-and-coming breed.

 

The Polish Greyhound

The Polish Greyhound, also known as the Chart Polski, is in the sighthound family. This is an ancient breed, possibly dating as far back as the twelfth century, and was a favored breed of Polish nobility. Their original purpose was to hunt primarily hare, deer, fox and birds although some were even used to hunt wolves! Unfortunately, shortly after World War two their numbers began to fall drastically however today they maintain a steady (albeit still small) following. They have been recognized by the FCI since 1989, and the UKC has more recently followed suit however they are extremely rare in the United States.

The Polish Greyhound’s smooth hard coat comes in a rainbow of colors. Although very short, it is a double coat which will grow thicker in colder temperatures, unlike the single coat of the more-familiar Greyhound. Another difference is the slightly longer brush of hair on the tail and “culottes” on the thighs. This sighthound is a show-stopper in terms of beauty – in addition to the multitude of allowable colors, the breed stands out for it’s giant size and slender body composition. While he is a bit more robust than other sighthounds, he is still considered thin when compared to “the average dog”.

Polish Greyhounds are very active yet polite and dignified in the home. They do require plenty of exercise to stay fulfilled and keep out of trouble, however! A daily jog is definitely needed, supplemented with free running time. As might be imagined this is a very fast dog with quick reflexes and ample agility – so any off-leash exercise should be limited to areas that are safely fenced! They do best with individuals or families that are somewhat more active, and ideally have a house with a large fenced yard to run in. Without enough physical stuff to do, they can develop behavior problems.

The Polish Greyhound can get along well with kids although it is always recommended to supervise interactions with younger kids (primarily to make sure the children are fair to the dog). This is a loyal family dog with a courageous streak who can become protective under the right circumstances. Aloof towards strangers and occasionally snippy towards other dogs, they prefer homes in which they can be the only dog in the household. Generally the breed is very even-tempered and trusting of his owner, but more suspicious of strange people.

It is recommended that owners of Polish Greyhounds have some dog ownership experience under their belt before acquiring a member of this breed. This is partially due to their territorial natures and protective instincts – a contrasting difference from many other sighthound breeds. Furthermore they can be more challenging with other members of their species. Early and frequent socialization with other dogs may help but ultimately the dog’s individual bloodline will play a large part in how tolerant each individual is.

The Polish Greyhound can be difficult to train, despite being an intelligent dog. This is because he was bred to hunt independently and think for himself rather than work with people. His high prey drive also means that he might never be 100% reliable when certain distractions are present (rabbits or other prey animals within his eyesight). With training, consistency is key as well as making the rules easy to understand.

Polish Greyhounds tend to be pretty healthy for the most part, although cardiomyopathy tends to run in the breed. Some lines are also more likely to bloat (a condition that seems to have both genetic as well as environmental factors). If looking to acquire a puppy, make sure to do your research and choose a responsible breeder who health tests and can tell you about the particular genetics in their lines. Average lifespan is fairly high for this giant breed, 13-15 years is not uncommon.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog is an ancient breed that probably descended from semi-domesticated Asian wolves. This pariah-type breed keeps it’s primitive temperament and attitude – they have never been bred for an actual function and instead came about through natural selection. In fact many individuals can still be found in the wild in several parts of the United States! This said, domesticated individuals can make a good pet in the right situations. The breed is very autonomous and can be reserved with strangers, but will become a faithful and loyal companion to those who he comes to trust. Once a Carolina Dog accepts you, it says much about your character.

Carolinas as pets tend to make good watch dogs, which was probably their early purpose when they hung out around human camps. Extremely suspicious of unfamiliar people entering the property, they will bark to send the alarm. They also tend to survey their properties with keen alertness – especially when outside. When nobody is around, they are quiet and unassuming. Despite their watchdog abilities, this really isn’t an aggressive dog and is more of a sensitive alarm system than a full-on attack dog.

The Carolina Dog has a number of interesting traits, many of them having to do with his primitive nature. First, they have a firmer pack mentality than other breeds. They expect all members of the pack to follow “pack rules” and many require at least one other dog in the family to be truly happy. Second, unlike many other breeds, females go into heat only once a year instead of the usual two – and when a litter is born the sire (father) of the litter will often help his mate care for the puppies. They hunt in packs and signal to each other with body language as they do so. Finally, an interesting yet unusual behavior found in the Carolina – they tend to dig what are called “snout pits” in the sand. Normally dug by females in the fall and winter, these snout pits perfectly fit the dog’s muzzle.

Perhaps surprisingly, the Carolina can be easy to train in “the basics” as he loves to please his owner. This said, like most primitive breeds, if he doesn’t see the point to doing obedience (particularly more advanced stuff and/or sessions that are too long/repetitive/boring), training can be difficult. Treats and food may or may not interest him so an owner might need to find an alternate motivator. Also of note – this intelligent breed does have a prey drive, so be aware of training around heavy distractions such as scampering critters! Make sure you teach initial sessions with little to no distractions until the dog knows the commands before you begin to proof the dog outside when prey animals might be near.

Carolina Dogs are medium sized although there can be a number of different builds, from lean and athletic to fairly stocky. The variation in appearance can be explained by the fact that, up to very recently they were not bred by humans as much as they bred themselves in the wild. They are now recognized by a couple of kennel clubs so breeders have a standard for which they must conform to, although the standard is looser than many other breeds and the stud book is currently open (which means puppies can be registered even if there parents are not). Certain traits that are important to the breed include a narrow, wolf-like face, prick ears and a tail with a fishhook shape at the tip.

Carolinas are not super active dogs and instead have a low-moderate energy level. They do still need regular exercise like all breeds although nothing extreme is required. Their grooming requirements are similarly low. The short smooth coat requires little brushing or bathing, and they even tend to groom themselves like cats to stay clean. Finally, the breed is very healthy on the whole and most don’t require expensive vet visits for genetic health problems. Dogs that were unhealthy usually died quickly in the wild and so selection of the fittest ensured a great gene pool!

Photo By Calabash13

 

The Taiwan Dog

The Taiwan Dog is a resourceful pariah-type breed with a clever mind and keen senses. Originally bred as a guard dog and to hunt small game in the mountains of Taiwan with humans, he has a devoted nature toward his owner although is reserved with strangers. This medium-sized breed is rare in the United States (and purebred specimens are even rare in their home country – with many being mixed with other breeds). Taiwan Dogs are bold when they need to be, even protective in the face of danger, but otherwise intuitive and gentle.

The affectionate Taiwan Dog does not make a good outside-only pet and instead needs to live indoors with his owner or owners. Although quite capable of living with a family unit, he is most likely to bond most strongly to one person. Once he’s lived in a home, he can be very difficult to re-home with new owners. The Taiwan Dog needs regular contact and attention, including socialization to the outside world with his owner so as to not become fearful or overly protective.

The Taiwan Dog can live in a home with children and do very well although is not always recommended for those with toddlers. Some can be less forgiving of the harsher treatment which sometimes accompanies younger kids, and will stand up for themselves! Furthermore they can have strong prey drives and may get overexcited around children that run and play, and can end up accidentally hurting them. When socialized with slightly older kids, however, they can be excellent family dogs. Take further note – this high prey drive can make some of them unfit to live with cats and other small animals (they are fearless hunters). Finally, many are very dog-aggressive, especially with strange dogs but sometimes to dogs in the same household as well.

Taiwan Dogs require a high amount of exercise as they are very active dogs with plenty of athleticism, agility and endurance. Even after a high-intensity exercise session, it isn’t surprising for a Taiwan to still have energy afterward – this really isn’t a couch potato breed in any sense of the word. The breed needs a minimum of one or two very long walks or hikes a day, in addition to a game or two which will engage both the body and mind. Furthermore, many also need a job to keep them busy. Without this stimulation, they are likely to become loud and destructive – and may possibly try their hand at escaping the yard to find their own stuff to do!

The Taiwan Dog doesn’t tend to have a doggy odor and likes to keep himself clean. He is also frequently easy to housebreak compared to other breeds. This said, because of his vast exercise requirements and primitive nature, he is not recommended for owners who live in apartments or urban settings. This wild-at-heart breed needs frequent exposure to nature in the form of structured walks and exercise. He also needs a home with a fully fenced, escape-proof yard – his endless curiosity means he may want to explore the neighborhood on his own and he is very good at getting out if he sets his mind to it!

Taiwan Dogs aren’t always easily trained. While some enjoy working with their owners “on their terms”, most have a hard-headed streak when it comes to doing things in any other way. Very willful and stubborn, if they don’t feel like doing something… they may “dig their heels in” and refuse. Besides being independent, they can be inflexible and occasionally even dominant. Although intelligent (once taught a command, they tend to remember it for a very long time), many don’t see the point of formal obedience training. An owner or trainer must have a lot of patience and make sure to see things through to the end, without resorting to cruelty which will cause the dog to shut down or fight back. Fun, positive, and very short sessions are recommended!

The Taiwan Dog can be a good choice for someone who wants a dog that will guard their property and alert them to anyone entering the yard or house. Ever alert and suspicious of strangers, the breed is also very territorial and will launch into a loud cacophony of barks if they see or hear something. Furthermore – this is not a dog that is more bark then bite… if he feels it necessary, he will go to town on an intruder! Owning this breed requires a lot of responsibility as the dog may or may not distinguish a real intruder from the mailman! The breed was bred first and foremost as a guard dog and is even sometimes used by the Taiwanese military and police. This is not the breed for someone who has frequently visiting guests, nor is it the breed for a first-time dog owner.

Photo By Aechris

 

The Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is a fairly self-sufficient dog who doesn’t necessarily need (or give) tons of outward affection, however he is ultimately very faithful and quietly affectionate. This nimble and quick, mid-sized dog is a fantastic hunter as well as guard dog. In some circles, he is classified as a sighthound. Other groups argue that he’s not a hound at all, and is in fact more related to spitz breeds. Whatever his classification, all agree that he is a primitive hunting breed. In the early days of its creation in Thailand, Thai Ridgebacks were often expected to pursue their own food which made them not only very independent, but also skilled hunters. The breed is active and agile while still possessing a sturdy muscular body that isn’t easily hurt in the chase.

Thai Ridgebacks have very high prey drives which means they aren’t always trusted around cats and other small animals. With other dogs, there can also be dog-aggression issues – particularly with two females. Early socialization can help but it won’t always solve the problem. When it comes to strangers, the breed is often aloof or even suspicious – especially when the stranger comes into their territory. They are naturally protective of their home and their family and many get along very well with children.

The TRD is extremely intelligent  and learns easily although he is also stubborn. He is not for novice owners. It takes an experienced owner to understand how to train and raise this independent and territorial breed. Not only does the breed need early and regular obedience training, but the trainer or owner will need lots of consistency and patience in the process. Furthermore, early socialization is so important that to neglect this step in the dog’s young life would likely greatly impact future learning! Although they are often naturally easy dogs to live with (quick to housebreak and not prone to destructive tendencies), their tendency toward dominance and stubbornness means that obedience is a non-negotiable aspect to owning a TRD.

TRDs don’t require a lot of grooming – a semi-regular brushing of the single coat is a quick and easy job. They will shed about once or twice a year, at which time will need more brushing, but this task is still easy enough for most to handle. Instead, most of the dog’s care should be focused on exercise as the Thai Ridgeback is fairly energetic and needs regular outings to release this energy!

TRDs are generally quiet dogs that won’t bark unless they have reason to. This does not mean they are subdued, however – they are moderate-high active dogs that are always willing to participate in physical activities. They show a special joy about life and want to experience it all! In between play sessions they will lounge about… replenishing their energy to do it all again a few hours later!

The coat of the Thai Ridgeback is allowed to be one of four different colors – black, blue, red or fawn. The most distinctive feature of the coat is the ridge of hair that grows backwards along the spine – which can occur in 8 different patterns. Although beautiful, there is a health condition that is unfortunately tied to this ridge called a Dermoid Sinus which is a defect of the neural tube. Although it doesn’t occur in all TRDs, when it does it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for the dog and will need to be removed. Luckily these can be detected at birth. This is the health condition most commonly associated with the breed and although hip dysplasia can also be seen occasionally, most other health problems aren’t common.

Thai Ridgebacks are skilled jumpers who can leap right out of a fenced yard if that fence is too short. As they are constantly alert and vigilant, the sight of a moving object or animal on the other side of a fence can trigger the escape-artist acrobat that lives inside the TRD. Potential owners must make their yards as secure as possible! Another living consideration – this breed does better in warmer weather than the cold. If they are to live in a cold climate they should have access to the house and should be given a sweater or jacket to wear when on a walk.

Thai Ridgeback

Photo By HiSa Hiller, Schweiz

 

The Norrbottenspets

The Norrbottenspets is a nimble and courageous little hunting spitz. Don’t let their small size fool you… although they max out at 30 pounds, they were used in the Scandinavian region to hunt all sorts of prey… from birds up to moose! The breed is built tough to work with dangerous game in unforgiving climates and terrain. Their hunting background means that this breed is alert and at-the-ready when prey appears, but they are generally calm in the home as long as nothing exciting is going on. They are friendly and affectionate with their families, as well as being long-lived and fairly healthy.

The Norrbottenspets is a lively and active breed that loves to engage and play with his owners. He does need regular exercise and although he doesn’t require an intense amount of it, this is definitely not a couch potato breed. He is able to live in small spaces such as apartments… but only as long as the owner provides extra exercise and has neighbors that won’t mind his noise. While a few members of the breed are fairly quiet, most of them can be exceptionally loud, especially if there’s something exciting going on. They are one of the barking bird dogs, after all! A smart breed, he needs things to keep him occupied and can get into trouble if not allowed to do anything fun (fun meaning work).

The Norbottenspets can be difficult to train and sometimes even difficult to contain because of their escape-artist mentalities. This is a very independent breed that was created to figure out problems on his own. Whether that be “how to escape the yard” or “how to get what I want”, he isn’t naturally wired to pop up and do obedience commands all day, at the drop of a hat. That said… this breed is quite trainable by experienced dog owners, and will perform well when given the right motivation. Make sure to work extensively on a solid recall – this breed likes to run and can be surprisingly fast, making them hard to catch.

The Nob’s coat is considered weatherproof, with a thick double coat that requires weekly brushing and occasional baths. They tend to keep themselves fairly clean and don’t exhibit much of a “doggy smell” like some other breeds, so their grooming needs are fairly low. Their white and red (or yellow) parti-colored coat sheds moderately, and does need to be brushed out regularly. The hotter the climate, the more likely the dog is to shed. Keep teeth brushed, and – like other dogs with prick ears, dirt can accumulate in the ear canals which means ears must be regularly cleaned as well.

Norrbottens are great dogs for people with children, tending to be very gentle with them. If the child is too obnoxious, they will normally just walk away rather than react with a bite (although every dog can bite and one should always supervise to make sure the dog isn’t being picked on). They also do well with other dogs (particularly around their same size), although pocket pets may pose some problems for those with a higher prey drive. Keep hamsters and the like out of reach in cages!

The Nob is a very loving and loyal breed and prefers to be in close proximity of “his people” whenever possible. Some owners may find that this constant need to be near may result in separation anxiety issues. This love of people also extends to strangers and friends – while he will bark (a shrill, loud noise) when someone comes to the door, he does not make a good protection dog as he is far too friendly. Overall, he has a very stable temperament and gets along with almost everyone!

Norrbottenspets

Photo By Summer05