AKA: Norwegian Lundehund, Norwegian Puffin Dog, Norsk Lundehund

Description: The Norwegian Lundehund is a spitz type that cn easily be distinguished because of its odd charcteristics. For one, it has six toes on each foot instead of the usual four that dogs have. It also has joints in the nape of its neck, which other dogs don’t have. Other minor but extraordinarily odd features of this breed includes its extremely flexible shoulder joints and its extremely mobile ears.

The Lundehund is rectangularly proportional in shape, and is small and comparatively light. Its head is small The eyes are brown and deeply set, the ears are medium-sized and erect. Its legs are strong and muscled. Its tail is carried in a ring over its back or hanging. Its coat is rough and short, lying flat against its body.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Lundehund is a very friendly and playful dog. It loves people and likes to be close with its family or other dogs. It is also good with children. As long as it is socialized and brought up in a positive environment, the Lundehund will be a great family dog. It is also intelligent and can be very curious. This breed can be trained for agility, and it makes a great hunter. This dog is able to climb steep areas, thanks to its six toes on its foot. It can turn its head in a 180-degree angle because of the extra joints in the nape of its neck.

The Lundehund can be stubborn at times, and can also be manipulative. Because of this, you have to train the dog with consistency and strong stance. As the trainer, you have to be a good leader and show them who is boss. The training has to come with trust between the trainer and the dog, of course. This dog is obstinate and will require patience as it can be difficult to housebreak. This breed is somewhat primitive. Crate training is recommended because the Lundehund has a strong den instinct. It is also better to give the Lundehund freedom to go out whenever it wants to.

Breed Group: Northern, Hounds

Weight: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg)

Height: 12-15.5 inches (31-39 cm)

Color: The coat of the Norwegian Lundehund can either be reddish brown with black hair tips, black, or grey, all with white markings. It can also be white with dark markings. The adult Lundehund has a more distinct black in its outer coat than the young Lundehund.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Lundehund is from Vaerog and Rost, in northern Norway. This breed is among the rarest breeds. It was used to hunt puffins. When the puffins became a protected species, the number of Lundehunds decreased.

Activities: The Norwegian Lundehund is an energetic dog, needing a long walk every day and long sessions of play.

Grooming: Regular brushing or combing of the coat is enough to groom the Norwegian Lundehund. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Lundehund has a life expectancy of 12 years. This breed is prone to the Lundehund Syndrome, which is a series of digestive problems still being studied today. This breed is not suitable when living in an apartment.

Photo: Karen Elise Dahlmo

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