AKA: Ridgeback, African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound

Description: The Rhodesian Ridegback is large and well-muscled dog. It has a flat broad head with a long and deep muzzle and a defined stop. Its nose can be black, brown, or liver, and its eyes are usually brown. Its ears are set high and dropping down and tapering. It has a deep chest, and strong straight front legs. The body ends with a long and tapering tail that curves upward a little. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most distinctive feature is its clearly defined symmetrical ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction running down the middle of the back.

Dynamics: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to be a ferocious and sophisticated hunter, but it is also a calm and gentle dog to its master or family. It has a good nature and is obedient and even-tempered. It can play roughly though and may not do well with small children. This is an intelligent and serious dog, straightforward and confident. It is brave and and can have an imposing presence. Towards strangers, this dog is reserved and quiet. But it can socialize well when trained.

When training the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is important that the training be consistent and firm. This breed does not respond well to meek or passive owners, and might refuse to take us seriously. Without the proper training and socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback may develop destructive behavior and may become combatant with other dogs or pets. It might also become stubborn and may refuse to follow you. But once you have established that you are the leader and the dog is the follower, then the Rhodesian Ridgeback will prove that is is a loyal and protective companion.

Breed Group: Southern, Hound

Weight: males 80-90 pounds (36-41kg), females 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)

Height: males 25-27 inches (63-69cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66cm)

Color: The color of the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat range from light wheaten to shades of red. Sometimes there are little white patches on the chest and toes.

Country of Origin: The Rhodesian Ridgeback came from Zimbabwe, South Africa, where it is known as a hunting dog and retriever. It also took care of children and guarded property. When hunting in packs, this breed is excellent in hunting lions, which earned them the name of African Lion Hound.

Activities: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has great stamina and energy. It needs a lot of exercise and a lot of opportunities to run around. It should be walked everyday and allowed to run free in a safe and secure area.

Grooming: Grooming the Rhodesian Ridgeback is easy because it has a short and smooth coat. Brush occasionally with a bristle brush. Dry shampoo only when necessary. It is an average shedder.

Other Info: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed but can also be prone to the usual ailments like hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus. The Rhodesian Ridgeback will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is getting enough exercise.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Reds

Description: The Redbone Coonhound is a robust but neat-looking dog. Its appearance is handsome and clean, yet also displays strength and agility. Its coat is shiny and sleek, short and lying flat. Its head is nicely modeled, with a medium stop between the brow and the nose. Its ears are long and hanging. Its paws are compact and cat-like, and its legs are strongly toned. Its tail is held upright.

Dynamics: The Redbone Coonhound looks serious but it has a sweet temperament and a happy disposition. It is an affectionate dog and it gets along very well with children. It also has a pleasant bark, and doesn’t really alarm people to fear. This dog loves people and values companionship, and it can adapt well to family life. It is eager to please and is a loyal and obedient dog. It can also get along well with other pets provided it has been socialized at an early age.

The Redbone Coonhound was bred as a hunter. It has the instinct of one and it is not difficult to train to follow a scent and give chase to a target. It is fast, alert, and adaptable to any types of weather and difficult terrain. It is flexible and agile, able to hunt ion steep or rocky grounds. The Redbone Coonhound is one of the best in coon hunting. It is also good in trailing and treeing bear, cougar, and bobcat. The Redbone Coon hound is also an excellent water dog.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 50-70 pounds (23-32 kg)

Height: 21-27 inches (53-66 cm)

Color: The color of the Redbone Coonhound’s coat is red, sometimes with a little white on the feet or chest.

Country of Origin: The Redbone Coonhound originated in the United States, specifically in the American South. Breeders in Tennessee and Georgia wanted a hound with more speed and a hotter sniffer. They first developed the Saddlebacks which possessed black saddle markings. The breeders developed the Redbone Coonhound by selective breedind, wherein the solid red dogs were distinguished.

Activities: The Redbone Coonhound has a lot of stamina as befitting of a hunting dog, and so it needs a lot of physical exercise. It needs to be walked everyday. It has a tendency to run off and hunt around so make sure that the area is securely fenced.

Grooming: The coat of the Redbone Coonhound only needs an occasional brushing. Bathe only when necessary. It is a light shedder.

Other Info: The Redbone Coonhound has a life expectancy of 11 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed but can be affected by hip dysplasia like all dogs. This breed will do okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Amy Lawson

AKA: Norsk Elghund Gra, Norsk Elghund Sort

Description: The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog of the Spitz type. It has a sturdy body and a squarely build. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, and the muzzle and pointed prick ears are black. Its ears are very mobile and its eyes are dark brown. Its strong jaws form a scissors bite. Its body is relatively short, its chest deep and wide. The body ends with a tail rolled tightly over its back. Its forelegs are straight, and its paws are small and tight, with thick pads. The Norwegian Elkhound has no doggie smell.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Elkhound is a friendlt and energetic dog. It is also reliable and fearless. This breed makes a sensible guard dog, being so reserved with strangers and able to alert its family or companions for anything suspicious. The Norwegian Elkhound is generally an independent dog, but it can also be loyal and affectionate to its owners. Training this breed will require the owner to show good pack leadership. Gentle but firm discipline is needed.

The Norwegian is also good at hunting, bred to hold its prey at bay until the hunter arrives to finish the job. This breed can bark a lot and has to be taught when to stop. The Norwegian Elkhound also likes to roam around. This breed may be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. It is also not certain whether this dog gets along with noncanine pets or not. It is best to watch over this breed when it is in the company of smaller pets.

Breed Group: Northern, Hound

Weight: males 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), females 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)

Height: males 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.), females 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)

Color: The Norwegian Elkhound has a stand-off double coat that is of a gray color with a lighter undercoat and undersides.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the most ancient breeds, dating back to 4000 to 5000 B.C. It originated in Norway. It was particularly used as a hunter dog in Scandinavia, especially when the game is a moose or an elk. This breed is good at scent tracking and can hold a quarry at bay for its owner. Aside from hunting, the Norwegian Elkhound is also used as a sled dog. Other talents also include herding, watchdogging, guarding, and agility.

Activities: The Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog that always needs to be doing something. A long walk or sufficient exercise everyday is important. The Norwegian Elkhound also enjoys running and just roaming around. Be careful that it doesn’t pick up a scent and go after a quarry if you’re not out hunting.

Grooming: The Norwegian Elkhound’s coat is coarse and weatherproof, so it is easy to groom. Just brush regularly. When it is shedding, remove its dead hair with a rubber brush or a wooden comb with a double row of metal teeth. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Elkhound has a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years. It is prone to hip dysplasia, pyotraumatic dermatitis and PRA. As long as it taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised, it is all right living in an apartment. Norwegian Elkhounds prefer cool climates.

Photo: Sannse

Description: The Lurcher is a crossbreed, and so there is no set standard for its appearance. This breed is mainly derived from sighthound crosses, and so most often it has the built of a sighthound — long and straight legs, deep chest that provides lung capacity for endurance, high set ears that are usually wire-haired, scissors bite jaws, and other characteristics of its sighthound ancestors.

The most common combinations of this crossbreed are the Greyhound/Collie mix and the Greyhound/Terrier mix. Its coat is most often short with a smooth undercoat which thickens in the winter. But depending on its ancestor, a Lurcher can also have a long coat. Some may even have rough coat like that of a terrier.

Dynamics: Even the Lurcher’s temperament varies according to how it was raised and from which breed it is descended from. But generally, the Lurcher is an affectionate and lovable dog, and has the temperament similar to that of a purebred sighthound. The Lurcher also has the strong hunting instincts of the sighthounds, as well as their physical abilities. The Lurcher is also endowed with great energy and can move smart and fast.

The Lurcher is also an intelligent and obedient dog, able to grasp commands fast. It is a very good companion dog, and loves to move and play around. Socialization is important, as it is with most dogs, and you should not ignore this dog so that the Lurcher will not develop destructive behavior.

Breed Group: Sighthound

Weight: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)

Height: 27-30 inches (69-76 cm)

Color: The color of the Lurcher’s coat varies as it is a crossbreed. Its color will depend on its parents.

Country of Origin: The Lurcher was bred in Ireland and Great Britain to hunt rabbits, hare, and other small animals in the 1600s. It was mostly the Irish gypsies and tinkers who raise Lurchers, and they made pups as young as six months old work in hunting. Today a more systematic manner is carried out in breeding Lurchers.

Activities: The Lurcher has a lot of energy to spare that there is a need to tae it for a walk everyday. It should also be set free once in a while to play and run around in an open area. It likes to give chase to small game so the area should be free of passing cars and other dangers for the Lurcher to build upon its hunting instincts.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the coat regularly is enough in grooming the Lurcher. This is for both the short-coated and long-coated. Some Lurchers are constant shedders, and some are average shedders.

Other Info: The Lurcher has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and is not suitable to live in the city or in a small apartment. It is a high-energy dog and needs to have a lot of room for play and exercise.

Photo: Oliver Low

Description: The Lithuanian Hound is a sturdy and muscular dog. It has a heavily boned body with short glossy coat. The head is a little large, and broad between the ears. Its eyes are brown, its nose black, and its ears have rounded tips and hang down close to the cheeks. The muzzle is proportionally sized to the head. The jaw forms a scissors bite.

The body of the Lithuanian Hound is medium-sized. The neck is a little long and has no dewlap. The Lithuanian Hound’s chest is long and deep and broad. As for the legs, they are all perpendicular, with muscular thighs. The hocks are straight and the feet are round, all strong. The tail is held low, gradually tapering.

Dynamics: The Lithuanian Hound is an excellent sight hound. It has the attitude and instincts of a hunter — persistent, brave, vigorous, and fast. It is specially good in hunting hare, fox, and boar. It is quite an intelligent and lively breed, and very energetic. With its family, it is pleasant companion. It is eager to please its owners and is agreeable. This breed is also known for its voice.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 60-75 pounds (27-32 kg)

Height: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)

Color: The Lithuanian Hound is almost always mistaken with the Rottweiler and the Black and Tan Coonhound because of its coat, which is a glossy black with limited tan markings.

Country of Origin:The Lithuanian Hound came from Russia as the result of breeding and crossing Beagles, Bloodhounds, Polish Hounds, and Russian Hounds. This breed is rare and is not really seen outside the Lithuanian Republic.

Activities: The Lithuanian Hound is a dog full of energy and spirit. It likes to spend its time outdoors, running and playing. This breed needs to be taken out on a daily walk. It also needs a lot of exercise.

Grooming: The coat of the Lithuanian is naturally short and glossy, and therefore does not require extensive grooming. An occasional brushing is enough.

Other Info: The Lithuanian is not suitable to live in an apartment, as it likes to spend its time outdoors and has a lot of energy. The breed is also prone to common dog diseases but is otherwise a healthy dog.

Photo: www.GreatDogSite.com

AKA: Magyar Agar

Description: The Hungarian Greyhound is a sighthound that is is used in hunting and tracking. It has an elegant and graceful body structure, with short and smooth coat. The neck is long and the chest is deep, narrowing towards the abdomen. The front legs are straight, while the hind legs are bending towards the rear. The tail is thin and is usually carried low.

The head of the Hungarian Greyhound is proportionately long, with only a slight stop. The ears are button-shaped and are raised halfway. The eyes are almond-shaped and have a gentle expression.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Greyhound is an affectionate and well-behaved breed. It has a gentle and calm temperament, quietly sweet and cautious. It gets along with children and other dogs, and is highly unlikely to attack and bite. It has the tendency to be reserved with people, especially with strangers. It is faithful and loyal to its owner. It is an intelligent breed, and is an excellent coursing dog.

Weight: 49-68 lbs

Height: 25-27 inches at the shoulders

Color: The Hungarian Greyhound comes in a variety of colors.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Greyhound is considered to be originating in Hungary and Romania (specifically Transylvania), though it had only settled in the area with the Magyar tribe whom they traveled with. It is not well-known outside these countries.

Activities: The Hungarian Greyhound is used for hunting, coursing, and as a companion dog. Regular exercises or taking it outside for a walk will keep it fit and healthy.

Other Info: The Magyar Agár has an average life span of 12-14 years.

Photo by SysopWiki

AKA: Hanover Hound, Hanoverian Hound, Hannover’scher Schweisshund

Description: The Hanoverian Scenthound, or the Hanover Hound, is a hunting and tracking dog with a compact and powerful body. It is rectangularly proportional, its body slightly longer than it is taller. It has a long face, with a wide muzzle and pronounced stop. Its ears are naturally left hanging. The eyes are an almond-shaped dark brown. The nose is black. Its strong jaws form a scissors or level bite.

Dynamics: The Hanover Scenthound is a working dog that has a calm temperament but passionate and persistent in its job. It is loyal to its owner.

Breed Group: Scenthound

Weight: 36-45 kg (80-99 lbs)

Height: males 50-55 cm (19-22 inches), females 48-53 cm (18-21 inches)

Color: The Hanoverian Scenthound’s coat color ranges from light to dark reddish fawn with a brindled appearance.

Country of Origin: The Hanoverian Breed originated from Germany. It was introduced into France in the 1980s but it is still a very rare breed.

Activities: The Hanoverian Scenthound is used in hunting and tracking game, but is also a great family companion.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the coat once a week is enough. Its short coat doesn’t need that much grooming.

Other Info: The Hanoverian Scenthound is not fit for the city or apartment life. It is at its best when an open are is readily available for it to have some amount of freedom.

Photo by Dojkungern

AKA: Hellenic Hound, Greek Harehound, Greek Hound

Description: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is a medium-sized hunter dog that has an excellent nose and an athletic body. It is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a fitting skin and sleek short coat. The head is noble, but not as massive as the Bloodhound’s. The ears hang flat, light and not too long. The nose is black and the eyes are a dark brown. The eye rims should be tight, with no haw. The teeth form a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is an intelligent and brave breed. It is a powerful and passionate hunter. It is relentless in chasing its prey, possessing a huge amount of stamina and cunning. It is also a very useful farm dog, guarding the grounds and alerting the owners for any suspicious people or activity with their loud bark.

But while it is swift and deadly in the hunt, it has an affectionate and friendly temperament with its owner and family. It is extremely playful, wagging its tail in an eagerness to please. It is good-natured, but it can be willful and stubborn. It has a strong temperament and can be independent. Proper training and discipline is needed, with patience and consistency, to avoid behavioral problems.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 38-44 pounds (17-20 kg)

Height: 18-22 inches (45-55 cm)

Color: The coat of the Hellenikos Ichnilatis comes in black with tan markings. Sometimes there is a small white spot on the chest.

Country of Origin: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is an indigenous dog breed to Greece. It is descended from ancient Greek scenthounds and has remained pure throughout the centuries. It is the first Greek breed recognized by the FCI (in 1996).

Activities: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis needs a certain amount of freedom and a lot of exercise. The breed is used in hunting and is also very useful as a farm dog and family companion.

Grooming: The short sleek coat of the Hellenikos Ichnilatis is easy to care for and groom. Brushing with a bristle brush is enough. Bathe in mild soap and dry shampoo only occasionally. Nails should be trimmed. Feet and mouth should be inspected after work or exercises.

Other Info: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis has a life expectancy of 11 years. It is a very healthy breed, with an excellent health record. The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is not fit for an apartment life as it loves open spaces and has a lot of energy to exhaust.

Photo by Trisha Shears

AKA: Harehound

Description: The Harrier is a medium-sized compact dog with an excellent nose. It has the physical characteristics of an English Foxhound, although it is smaller in comparison. It has a muscular build, with good bone structure. Its body is rectangularly proportional, slightly longer than it is tall.

The head has a strong square muzzle, with pendant ears and brown or hazel eyes. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Its feet is catlike, and its toes may turn inward. The tail is carried curved high, but not curled over the back.

Dynamics: The Harrier is a sweet-tempered breed, cheerful and playful. It is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs. It should be watched when among non-canine household pets, however. But with proper socialization and training, it can get along with everybody. This breed is also the curious and brave kind, going off after a smell. The Harrier also likes to be with people and other dogs, preferring to be in the company of others than being alone.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg)

Height: 19-21 inches (48-50 cm)

Color: The Harrier comes in any color but its coat is usually in combinations of lemon and white, red and white, or white and tan. Black hair along its back is also common.

Country of Origin: The Harrier originated in the United Kingdom, where it retains its popularity as a working pack dog and as an excellent hare and fox hunter.

Activities: The Harrier needs lots of exercise and outdoor activities. Otherwise it might create behavioral problems.

Grooming: The Harrier’s short coat is easy to groom. An occasional brushing and combing is enough to take out dead hairs.

Other Info: The Harrier has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed. But it is still prone to common dog breed health issues like hip dysplasia. Epilepsy is also possible in the Harrier. The Harrier is not recommended to live in the city. It needs a lot of space and is at its best outdoors.

AKA: n/a
Description: The English Foxhound has an athletic build, and clean cut breed. They have long muzzle and neck also a wide muzzle and skull. Has a very sincere look especially when you look into their eyes. Their ears are rounded on its edge. They have brown rounded eyes. Tail are always set high just like when they are alert. Moreover, they have muscular legs and cat like feet. Their Coat is short and its texture is hard,just easy to groom and it comes in varieties of color.

Temperament: This dog are born a hunter therefore they are a very energetic and would not be easily tired. They are very strong and active. They love human companion and enjoys being with other animals and children. As long as they are very well trained with their socialization. But their would also be a time that they would be hard to train because of their curiosity. They are a very friendly dog, always like to be around with people, does not bark to strangers instead, they use their sense of smell to detect its intention. A very active loves to run around all day until they feel they would like to rest. They could be the best companion too when you jog or walk everyday.

Activity:They love to run and play around. They must also have daily exercise and walk to maintain their energy.

Health: Since they are an active breed, they don’t have any health issues. Life span is under 10 years.

Grooming: They don’t need much grooming since they have short hair. Only a weekly brushing and bathe if necessary. Regular care for their body is always important to help them get away with infections or some skin disease.

Breed Group: Hound
Color: Black, white & tan, bi-color with a white background
Height: Dogs 22-25 inches (56-63 cm.) Bitches 21-24 inches (53-61 cm.)
Weight: 65-70 pounds (29-32 kg.)
Country Of Origin: England

Dynamics: English Foxhound is an active breed, born a hunter. They are friendly, playful with other animals and children too. They always love to be with their owner, very passionate and a perfect human companion.