The Origin of the Scottish Deerhounds

The Scottish Deerhound Dogs originated in Scotland and were well respected as deer hunters in the early 16^th century. Researchers believe that these dogs came from an ancient breed and have roots that connect them to the Greyhounds.

Although the specific bloodline of the Scottish Deerhounds is still not confirmed, it is known that during this period these dogs were owned specifically by the nobility. At that time nobody below the rank of an Earl could own a Deerhound. These dogs were used for the hunting of stags, but after the decline of the stag population there was not much use for these dogs.

Between the 1700s and the1800s, the invention of guns and rifles, which became the main tools of deer hunters, caused the Scottish Deerhounds to become almost extinct. During the mid 1800s a distinctive effort was made to bring back the popularity of these dogs. The project was successful and during the 1860s the first Scottish Deerhound club was started in England. Today, although the number of the breed remains low, they are still classified as a classic breed.

Care and Attention for the Scottish Deerhound Dogs

The Scottish Deerhounds like all other hound dogs need a lot of exercise in order to remain fit and to cope with their high level of energy. These dogs need to take several long walks on the leash and it would also be very beneficial for them to be able to run around outside in a large area. Because the Deerhound loves to chase small animals, they should be trained to stop when commanded.

Scottish Deerhound dogs are moderately tolerant to both hot and cool temperatures. If necessary they are able to live outdoors, but it is best for your pet if it is allowed to sleep indoors with the family at night. Scottish Deerhound dogs need to be groomed at least twice a week and in order to keep their hair neat, they need to be trimmed occasionally.

Health Problems for the Scottish Deerhounds

There are a few health concerns connected with the Scottish Deerhounds. Major health problems include osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion. Minor health problems include allergies and cystinuria. Neck pain and hypothyroidism may occasionally occur. It is recommended by veterinarians that your Scottish Deerhounds be tested for potential cystinuria and cardiac problems. With proper care and attention the Scottish Deerhound may live up to between seven and nine years.

Even though in the Muslim world most dogs are said to be “unclean”, the Saluki dogs were the exception, and were known at the time as “el hor”, which means noble. Because these dogs were such good meat providers, they were allowed to sleep inside with the family. They enjoyed the love and attention of their Bedouin masters.

For thousands of years the Saluki dogs were not allowed to breed with other dogs outside of its race. This kept the Saluki dog breed quite pure. It was after the nomadic owners started to distribute these dogs throughout the Middle East that variation of the breed started to exist.

It was sometime during the year 1900 that the western world took notice of these dogs. Their popularity quickly increased and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Saluki dog breed in 1928.

Characteristics of the Saluki Dogs

The best way to describe the average Saluki dog is aloof and relaxed. Most Saluki dogs are very shy. Around strangers these dogs can be a bit reserved, but with their owners they are very loyal and loving dogs. Saluki dogs are very good with children, but since most children like very active dogs, these dogs may be too quiet and gentle for them.

Care and Attention for the Saluki Dogs

Like most dogs, the Saluki Dogs need daily exercise. What these dogs love most is to be able to run around outdoors. This should be done in a safe area, if not a couple brisk walks on the leash would do.

Saluki dogs do well in both hot and cold temperatures. They even enjoy playing in the snow. It is recommended however, to allow them access to outdoors in the daytime, and to have them sleep indoors at night. These dogs are naturally thin and could develop calluses if allowed to sleep on hard surfaces, so it is important to provide a warm soft bed for them to sleep in.

Health Concerns of the Saluki Dogs

People who do not know much about the Saluki dogs may think that because these dogs look skinny, that they are sick or underfed. This assumption is quite wrong. These dogs are naturally thin dogs that do not gain weight easily.

Because the blood line of these dogs has been kept pure for centuries, these dogs are known to be very healthy dogs. The only major health problem connected to these dogs is hemangiosarcoma with cardiomyopathy as a minor issue. Occasionally hypothyroidism may occur. A healthy Saluki dog may live between 12 to 15 years.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a personality of their own and are very strong willed. These dogs are very loyal to their families. Even though they have a strong will, they are easy to train. They require a strong person to control them so that they do not try to dominate the family.

The origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed originated in South Africa during the 1800s. Between the 16^th and 17^th centuries, Boer settlers from Europe came to South Africa and wanted a dog that could hunt in either cold or hot weather. They also wanted a dog that could survive on small amounts of water and be able to go through rough brush. At the same time they wanted a dog that they could trust as a guard dog.

These Settlers had brought with them some different breeds of dogs, namely, the Greyhound, Pointer, Mastiff, Staghound, Bloodhound and Great Dane. They crossed these breeds with the native breed which was the Hottentot tribal hunting dog.

The type of dogs that resulted from this mixture was very good hunting dogs that were very successful in tracking down prey by using both scent and sight.  These dogs were such excellent hunters that sometime during the 18^th century it was recorded that in Rhodesia some of them even hunted down lions. They also make good watchdogs and protectors.

At that time these dogs were known as “Lion Dogs”. They had a very distinctive ridge of hair running down the top of their backs. They were such successful hunters, that they became very popular with dog owners. Because there were too many types of the Lion Dog existing at that time, it was decided during the 1920s to develop a specific standard breed. This became the basis for the standard breed that we know today.

The name of these dogs was changed, and they became known as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. During the 1930s the breed was introduced to the United States and England, but it was not until the 1980s that it was recognized as a sighthound. These dogs were then allowed to participate in sighthound field competitions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have become one of the more popular hounds and are a favorite with dog lovers throughout the world, becoming a favorite household pet.

Care and Attention for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very energetic and need daily exercise like all other Hound Dog groups. These dogs enjoy being mentally stimulated through dog training and playing games. But, what they enjoy most of all is a good hike with their owner.

These dogs do well in both hot and cold weather as long as the temperature is not too extreme. In the daytime they should have access to a large fence-in yard where they can run around and play, but at night they should be allowed to sleep inside with the family. They do not require much grooming, but need brushing every few weeks to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

There are no major health problems to worry about with these dogs. Minor health problems that may occur include elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and CHD. Occasionally, dermoid sinus and deafness may occur. It is important that you get your Rhodesian Ridgeback specifically tested for elbow, hip, thyroid and dermoid sinus. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can live for about ten to twelve years.

In the 1840s, a hunter from Georgia by the name of George Birdsong, who greatly supported this breed obtained a pack of Coonhound Dogs and used them to start his own breed. Eventually, many more coon hunters became very interested in this breed of dogs. They then started crossing the Coonhound Dogs with the Red Irish Foxhounds. The reason for crossing these breeds was to get a dog that was much faster and would have a very strong sense of smell so that it could hunt coons better.

This mix of breeds produced red colored dogs with black saddles that were known as ‘Saddlebacks’. For a long time hunters bred these dogs to try to get a solid red color. They were finally able to breed out the Black Saddle, and the breed that resulted was then recognized as the “Redbone Coonhound’.

In 1902, the Redbone Coonhound Dogs were the second Coonhound Dog Breed that was recognized by the UKC. Almost a century later, in 2001, the American Kennel Club admitted this Breed of Dogs into the miscellaneous category. The Redbone Coonhound Breed is still the favorite dog for hunters who would rather have an all around hunting dog with a strong treeing ability.

The Characteristics of the Redbone Coonhound Breed of Dogs

The Redbone Coonhound Breed is a very gentle dog, relaxed, easy going and has a calm attitude. This dog always avoids trouble. Even though the Redbone Coonhound does not crave attention, it enjoys being with the family or with its hunter owners. This breed must get exercise every day and also advanced training to be in a healthy state of mind. Even though this dog is gentle with children and other dogs, it can be a bit rough with smaller house pets.

Caring for your Redbone Coonhound Dog

Because the Redbone Coonhound Dogs have a great sense of smell, they may just run off as quickly as they can towards their prey once they pick up the scent. This would help them with the exercise that they need every day. They love to swim and to be outside and could be kept outside, but it is recommended that they sleep inside with the family at night because they are very family-oriented dogs. These dogs do not need a lot of grooming, but in order to remove dead hair they need to be brushed at least once a week. It is important to note that some coonhounds tend to drool a lot.

Health Concerns with the Redbone Coonhound Dog

Because the Redbone Coonhound dogs are purebred dogs, like most other purebred dogs, they are very healthy dogs. There are no major or minor health problems related to these dogs. These dogs can live up to twelve to fifteen years with the proper care and attention.

The Plottt dogs have a lot of courage but are reserved when strangers are around. If necessary, they will fight to the death to protect their family. These dogs are very stubborn making their training a little difficult. They are perfect pets for any loving family once they learn to obey commands.

The Origin of the Plott Dogs

The Plott Dog which originated in Germany in the mid 1700s is officially the dog of the state of North Carolina and is known as an all American dog. During this time in Germany, the Plott dogs which were actually the Hanoverian Schweisshunds were very popular as hunting dogs. They were mainly used to track down wild boars. A young hunter named Joahnnes Georg Plott brought five of these dogs to the United States from Germany.

There were no wild boars in the Great Smokey Mountains where Mr. Plott lived and hunted. He used his dogs very successfully to hunt other large preys, mainly bears. These dogs could track and keep a bear at bay and, if necessary, could also bring it down.

Over decades the Plott family continued to breed their dogs adding other mixtures to improve the breed. Most Plott dogs are descended from this family of hounds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized these dogs and officially named them the “Plott”, in 1946.

Taking care of the Plott dogs

Proper care of the Plott dog includes giving it love and attention. You also need to allow it to roam around outdoors to fulfill its hunting instincts. During the day the dog needs a large fenced in yard with access to indoors.  At night it should be allowed to sleep inside with the family.

Plott dogs require moderate exercise which may include several brisk walks on the leash every day. They should also be allowed to play vigorously outside. Plott dogs really enjoy taking long walks along nature trails with their owners. Swimming is another good exercise for these dogs. These dogs do not need a lot of grooming. To remove dead hairs from its coat, they should be brushed occasionally.

Health Problems of the Plott dogs

The Plott dogs do not have any major or minor health issues. Canine Hip Dysplasia is rare among them. It is important that a veterinarian tests them for any hip problem. The Plott dog can live between eleven and thirteen years.

Some dog enthusiasts may claim that certain dog breeds are “ancient”, but experts feel quite sure that the Pharaoh Hound is indeed an ancient breed. These dogs have shown little change over the past 2000 to 3000 years. There is a strong resemblance between these dogs and the jackal god Anubis. They also look a lot like dogs that were portrayed on tombs of ancient pharaohs and ancient Greek artwork.

The Origin of the Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound Dogs originally came from Africa and Greece. It is believed that Phoenician traders brought these dogs to the Malta Islands and then to the Gozo islands where they were kept away from other parts of the world.

These dogs did very well on these islands where they were used to hunt rabbits. Some of these dogs were released at night to hunt down rabbits. When the dogs saw the rabbits going into their holes they would bark loudly. The hunters would then send in belled ferrets to chase the rabbits out of their holes, so that the Pharaoh hound could capture them.

It was sometime during the 1960’s that these dogs were brought to England. It was not long after, that this breed was brought to America. In 1983 the Pharaoh Hound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Characteristics of the Pharaoh Hound Dogs

The main characteristic of these dogs is their love for hunting. When they are indoors they can be very calm and relaxed. These dogs are gentle, loving and a bit sensitive. The Pharaoh Hounds are very good with children and other dogs but tend to be very reserved when strangers are around. When these dogs are outside they will more than likely chase small animals. When excited their face may actually blush. Pharaoh Hounds can make very good pets for any household.

Care and Attention for the Pharaoh Hound Dogs

In general these dogs can get their exercise by taking long walks on the leash or can be given the occasional jog. What they do love to do is to run long distances in an open field. Although these dogs love to run around outside during the day, they should be allowed to sleep in a nice warm bed indoors, at night. Pharaoh Hounds do not need a lot of grooming, but in order to remove dead hair from their coats, they need to be brushed at least once a week.

Health Information of the Pharaoh Hounds

The AKC recognizes the Pharaoh Hound as one of the healthiest breeds of dogs. There are really no major nor minor health problems connected to these dogs. This is probably due to their pure bloodline. Pharaoh Hounds can live between ten to fifteen years.

These dogs are real trailing dogs who like nothing better than to be outdoors sniffing and exploring everything and everywhere. Being very friendly dogs, they are even friendly towards strangers and other dogs. They make very good watchdogs and are very good with children.

General Information on the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dogs

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is better known as just the “PBGV” for short. They originated in France where they were known as trail dogs. Although they have been around since the 16^th century, it is only recently that they have been recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Their name, which is a long name, actually describes these dogs. Petit means ‘small’ Basset means ‘low’ Griffon means ‘rough coated’ Vendeen is the area in France where these dogs originated.

Vendeen is an area in France where the terrain is rocky with thick brush. This makes it an ideal hunting ground for the PBGV. These dogs have the ability to chase rabbits through thorns and underbrush until they capture them, all without getting tired. It was in 1990 that the American Kennel Club recognized this breed and since that time they have become very popular with dog owners.

Care and Attention for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not the kind of dog that likes to be locked up in a house just being idle. They are very energetic dogs that enjoy exploring and picking up scents outdoors.  They need several brisk walks on the leash and running around in the yard for a good exercise.

Although these dogs are not meant to live entirely outdoors they can spend a lot of time outside. The perfect arrangement would be to have them spend a lot of time outside during the day and to have them sleep inside with the family at night. It is important to brush their coats at least once a week to remove dead hairs.

Health Problems of the PBGV

There is really no major health problems connected to these dogs. Some minor health problems that can develop with them include hypothyroidism, meningitis, intervertebral disk disease, epilepsy and patellar luxation. You should have a veterinarian test your dog for hip and eye problems. The PBGV can live between eleven and fourteen years.

Throughout England, these dogs were very popular as hunting dogs, no matter what genetic mixtures they possessed. That is why most research materials and writings tend to illustrate that these dogs originated in England.

It is believed that King John kept the first documented groups of Otterhounds in the year 1212. At that time otters were depleting the number of fish in the local streams, so these dogs were used to hunt down the otters. After hunting down the otters to within their dens, they would bay to notify the hunters who would then send in small terriers to take care of the otters.

It was sometime during the beginning of the 20^th century that the first Otterhounds came to the United States. It was a short time after that, that the AKC (American Kennel Club), recognized this breed of dog. The Otterhound dog did not really become popular as a show dog, nor did it become popular as a house pet. Both the AKC and the English Kennel Club have the Otterhound recorded as today’s rarest dog breed.

Characteristics of the Otterhound

Because the Otterhound dogs are packhounds, they are very friendly with other dogs. Having the genetic makeup of hunters, these dogs love to chase small animals, picking up their scent, and unless they are properly trained, they would follow the chase until they are well out of sight. They are very affectionate dogs and they get along very well with children. The Otterhounds are not very easy to train.

Caring for the Otterhound

As with other breeds of dogs, the Otterhound dog needs daily exercise. They can have brisk walks on the leash or they can be allowed to run outside in a safe area. These dogs do well in cold or hot weather, so they can live indoors or outdoors. Because of the long hair that grows on their feet and mouth, care has to be taken with their grooming. If they are allowed to roam outside the Otterhound can become quite dirty.

Health Information of the Otterhound Breed

The main health concerns with these dogs are gastric torsion and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Other problems could be CTP and elbow dysplasia. Although these problems are very rare, they can occasionally suffer from thrombopathy and epilepsy. Generally, the Otterhound dog can live between 12 to 14 years.

Quick Stats for the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 28 – 35 inches (71 – 90 cm)
• Weight: 90 – 150 pounds (40 – 69 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 6 – 8 years
• AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1897
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with at least a large sized yard

Personality of the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed

The Irish Wolfhound is an imposingly large member of the Hound Group. In fact, it is the tallest sight hound in existence. They have a combination of great speed, size, and power which helps them hunt and take down large prey.

But don’t let their instinctive hunting abilities fool you – the Irish Wolfhound also makes a loving house pet. It is calm, easy-going, and affectionate towards its family members. They are wonderful around children and friendly towards strangers.

History of the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed

The Irish Wolfhound has it roots in Ireland, dating back to the Ancient times. It is said that the large dogs came from Greece and into Ireland sometime around 1500 B.C. The size of the dog kept getting larger as the centuries went on.

Irish Wolfhounds were first documented around 391 A.D. in Rome as they were given to the Romans as gifts. The popularity of the Irish Wolfhound rose quickly when being put into the fighting ring, taking down large wild animals during sporting events in the arena. In fact, the dog became the subject of many legendary stories of valor and bravery during battle.

Over many centuries later the Irish Wolfhound diminished in numbers. The wolf was extinct in Ireland during the 18th century which caused less service to be needed by these imposing canines. Many of them were also given away to foreign nobility. When the 19th century came about, the breed was practically extinct.

Captain G.A. Graham was responsible for starting the process of resurrecting the Irish Wolfhound. In 1869, Mr. Graham went about crossing several Wolfhounds with other breeds, specifically the Scottish Wolfhound, Borzoi, and the Great Dane. The breeding practice was successful and today many families enjoy the Irish Wolfhound as a part of the household.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1897 as a member of the Hound Group.

The Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Care and Grooming

This breed needs daily exercise but despite its large physical body, Irish Wolfhounds only need a few long walks on the leash each day to satisfy its activity requirements. They must have plenty of living space to be happy and stretch out, both indoors and outdoors. Living in a small apartment, or even a cramped house, is not suitable for these dogs.

Irish Wolfhounds have a high tolerance for cold temperatures. The ideal living situation for these dogs is to have access to a large yard during the day and sleep inside at night with the rest of the family.

Grooming requirements call for a heavy brushing two to three times per week, with light trimming once per month to clean up uneven hairs.

Health Problems of the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed is about six to eight years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• elbow dysplasia
• gastric torsion

Minor health issues include:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)
• osteosarcoma
• cardiomyopathy

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease)
• megaesophagus

Veterinarians recommend having the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed tested specifically for cardiac and hip problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Quick Stats for the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 22 – 29 inches (56 – 74 cm)
• Weight: 42 – 55 pounds (19 – 25 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1978
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately active indoors; best with a large sized, fenced yard

Personality of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed

The Ibizan Hound is one of the most instinctive hunting dogs of the Hound Group. They can locate just about any animal using highly tuned-in scent and hearing skills. If given the chance to chase, these dogs will jump at the opportunity to go after small animals. They often bark while chasing prey, which is uncommon among most sight hounds.

Indoors, the Ibizan Hound makes a wonderful house pet with a quiet, well-mannered demeanor. This breed is highly devoted to its family.

History of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed

The Ibizan Hound origin dates back to Ancient times, from the Balearic Islands. Their physical appearance is strikingly similar to that of the Pharaoh Hound, both bearing an amazing similar look as those depicted in Egyptian tombs.

It is said that Ancient Phoenician sea traders had brought these dogs with them to the Balearic Islands (Ibizan), where they remained secluded from the outside world for some time.

Although Ibizan had experienced many rulers over the years, the Ibizan Hound still remained totally pure without being crossed with other breeds. Very little has changed from its ancestral stock.

The first Ibizan Hound made its way to the United States during the 1950s. The dog made quite an impression due to its unusually striking look. Although it became popular quickly, the breed’s numbers never really took off. Today the Ibizan still remains a rare breed to be seen.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1978 as a member of the Hound Group.

The Ibizan Hound Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Owning an Ibizan Hound means living an active lifestyle. Daily runs or sprints in a safe area will keep this dog happy. In fact, they have the most fun when allowed to run at full speed, which means having access to a large field. Ideally you should live on a large property with plenty of open land to keep the Ibizan happy.

This not the type of hound that is meant to live outdoors. Although they should have access to the yard during the day it is important that they sleep inside at night with the family. Ibizan dogs have a moderate tolerance for heat but not so much for cooler temperatures.

Grooming requirements for the breed calls for the occasional brushing every couple of weeks. The wire-coated version will need brushing more often – about once weekly.

Health Problems of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed is about ten to twelve years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• seizures
• dog allergies

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• retinal dysplasia
• cataracts
• axonal dystrophy
• deafness

Veterinarians recommend having the Ibizan Hound Dog tested specifically for eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia