Hound Group

 May be the oldest purebred dogs.  They are a very diverse lot with a common ancestral trait used for hunting.  They can be used for sight (gaze hounds): do not depend on anything except sight; scent hounds: do not depend on anything but scent, OR a combination of the two.

Basenji “bush thing” A small, short haired breed developed in Africa (Zaire) for hunting then …. Hunt by sight and scent. Known as the “barkless dog” because they make yodeling noises instead of barking ( bells ). Much like a cat, they naturally keep themselves clean by licking, and only require occasional grooming. Click here to watch the video

Sporting Group (According to AKC)

Sporting Group  Definition: They are generally specialized hunters that locate game and then collect it; they are active, alert, likeable and good companions. However, they need lots of exercise.

Three General Groups  Forerunners: Pointers and setters that find game and silently point toward it.  Flushing dogs: Pointers, setters, and spaniels that move game “Flush it” toward the hunter  Retrievers: Generally large strong dogs with good noses and excellent eyesight that fetch the game and return it to the hunter

Brittany Watch video Watch video Watch video  Named for a French Province (originated in France).  They are natural pointers and excellent retrievers & make great hunting companions.  Ht: & Wt: 30-40lb  Require a few minutes of brushing / grooming each day.

Brittany Brittany, cont.  Have very friendly temperaments & love people. Get along well with other dogs. “Max quality -- min size”  Easily trained, submissive & want to please although they can be talkative.  Tail is naturally short (less than 4 inches) or docked for competition.  Life exp. is 12 years & their hips should be tested (WHY?)

Cocker Spaniel Watch video Watch video Watch video  Smallest member of the sporting group.  Establish in the U.S in 1880 and dev. into a separate breed from the English Cocker Spaniel; recognized as separate breeds in 1930’s.  L.E. = 12, Ht in  Silky, flat, or wavy coat requiring high maintenance grooming (why is cocker in the name?)  Can be shown in the AKC within numerous color classes (black, ASCOB, parti, etc.)

akc.org fun pictures

Cocker Spaniel cont.  Great family dogs, good with humans, playful, gentle, obedient and intelligent.  Can adapt to city living, but they need lots of exercise & can be talkative.  Common health problems include Otitis externa (outer ear infection), hip dysplasia & eye problems  Have been known to be “fear biters” but good good breeders & good owners can help with this

Golden Retriever  Although Great Britain is credited with first having them, it was probably 1st bred in Scotland to retrieve game & first got their name in  They have been used with increasing frequency as a guide for the blind, but at the same time they are excellent hunters and even better pets. (Not a good guard dog)  L.E. = 13 although common problems include hip dysplasia & eye problems  Last year … were the 2 nd most registered (therefore popular) AKC breed!

akc.org fun pictures Close WindowSlideshow Brittany Close WindowSlideshow Brittany

Golden Retriever cont.  Can adapt to living in an apartment, but not recommended because they need lots of exercise, constant grooming, & can be talkative.  They hate being left alone & if done it can lead them to being destructive in the home. (Need firm training).  It’s intelligence and good looks have made it one of the world’s most well-loved breeds.

Irish Setter Watch video Watch video Watch video  Believed to have developed from a mix of Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and Gordon Setter !!!  Became a popular breed in Great Britain during the 18 th century, and the solid red color was first seen in Ireland in 19 th century  Ht: 25-27” & Wt: 60-70lbs

Irish Setter Irish Setter, cont.  Bred to scent out game, an instinct difficult to overcome when training  Affectionate and anxious to please owner, athletic and very energetic, talkative, but a great family dog  Rich chestnut colored coat takes considerable grooming …any black markings on the coat are a big No No  Life expectancy 12 years; problems with eyes and hip dysplasia

Basenji continued Height: 16 to 17 in; Weight: lbs. Known to be playful, alert, intelligent, and independent. L.E. = 15yr Affectionate and protective of owner, but stay reserved from strangers. Can be a good indoor dog, but if unoccupied and bored, they can become destructive. Therefore, they require regular, vigorous exercise.

Bloodhound (where’s the name from?) CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO Breed is known for its amazing scent skills, & its testimony is acceptable in court. Ht: 26in & Wt. 100lb Has loose and thin skin most notably around the neck area (why is this a good thing?) Originated in Belgium

Bloodhound, cont. Mostly gentle and affectionate but when trailing a scent it is hard to call them back. Great companions with approximately a 10 yr L.E Most common problems are associated with eyelids, bloating and hip dysplasia Used by police by early 1800’s although around before the Crusades

Dachshund (Badger hound) Click for video Click for video  Can be smooth, wire or long haired (all three have differences in personality, too)  Standard: Ht: 10in & Wt lb & Miniature: Ht: 6in & Wt: 11lbs  Developed over 300 yrs ago in Germany to hunt badgers  May have back problems, and long hair breeds should be eye tested (Life exp. 11 yrs)

Dachshund, cont.  Breed varieties been around at least since 15th century  Combination of sight and scent hound & they are very determined & very talkative  Badgers can be 40lb! Hunted wild boar!  They can have bad attitudes & can be very possessive of their owners (while being a good watch dog … this can cause biting problems)

Norwegian Elkhound Primarily used to hunt elk, bear, moose and other big game (lots of stamina). Descended from Norway as early as 5000 B.C. (Vikings) Height- 20 in and weight- 50lbs Independent, friendly and calm with his family but aggressive towards other dogs.

Norwegian elkhound cont. Common problems include blindness, skin disorders, hip dysplasia, and renal disease. Requires 30 min walks 2x a day & regular brushing. Referred to as part of the Spitz family, or northern breeds. LE of 12 yr

Sporting Group (According to AKC)

Sporting Group  Definition: They are generally specialized hunters that locate game and then collect it; they are active, alert, likeable and good companions. However, they need lots of exercise.

Three General Groups  Forerunners: Pointers and setters that find game and silently point toward it.  Flushing dogs: Pointers, setters, and spaniels that move game “Flush it” toward the hunter  Retrievers: Generally large strong dogs with good noses and excellent eyesight that fetch the game and return it to the hunter

Brittany  Named for a French Province (originated in France).  They are natural pointers and excellent retrievers & make great hunting companions.  Ht: & Wt: 30-40lb  Require a few minutes of brushing / grooming each day.

Brittany Brittany, cont.  Have very friendly temperaments & love people. Get along well with other dogs. “Max quality -- min size”  Easily trained, submissive & want to please although they can be talkative.  Tail is naturally short (less than 4 inches) or docked for competition.  Life exp. is 12 years & their hips should be tested (WHY?)

Cocker Spaniel  Smallest member of the sporting group.  Establish in the U.S in 1880 and dev. into a separate breed from the English Cocker Spaniel; recognized as separate breeds in 1930’s.  L.E. = 12, Ht in  Silky, flat, or wavy coat requiring high maintenance grooming (why is cocker in the name?)  Can be shown in the AKC within numerous color classes (black, ASCOB, parti, etc.)

akc.org fun pictures

Cocker Spaniel cont.  Great family dogs, good with humans, playful, gentle, obedient and intelligent.  Can adapt to city living, but they need lots of exercise & can be talkative.  Common health problems include Otitis externa (outer ear infection), hip dysplasia & eye problems  Have been known to be “fear biters” but good good breeders & good owners can help with this

Golden Retriever  Although Great Britain is credited with first having them, it was probably 1st bred in Scotland to retrieve game & first got their name in  They have been used with increasing frequency as a guide for the blind, but at the same time they are excellent hunters and even better pets. (Not a good guard dog)  L.E. = 13 although common problems include hip dysplasia & eye problems  Last year … were the 2 nd most registered (therefore popular) AKC breed!

akc.org fun pictures Close WindowSlideshow Brittany Close WindowSlideshow Brittany

Golden Retriever cont.  Can adapt to living in an apartment, but not recommended because they need lots of exercise, constant grooming, & can be talkative.  They hate being left alone & if done it can lead them to being destructive in the home. (Need firm training).  It’s intelligence and good looks have made it one of the world’s most well-loved breeds.

Irish Setter  Believed to have developed from a mix of Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and Gordon Setter !!!  Became a popular breed in Great Britain during the 18 th century, and the solid red color was first seen in Ireland in 19 th century  Ht: 25-27” & Wt: 60-70lbs

Irish Setter Irish Setter, cont.  Bred to scent out game, an instinct difficult to overcome when training  Affectionate and anxious to please owner, athletic and very energetic, talkative, but a great family dog  Rich chestnut colored coat takes considerable grooming …any black markings on the coat are a big No No  Life expectancy 12 years; problems with eyes and hip dysplasia