AKA: New Guinea Highland Dog, Singer, NGSD

Description: The New Guinea Singing Dog has the appearance like that of a fox, with a triangular head, prick ears, and triangular eyes. It is a small- to medium-sized dog with a plush coat that can be either average or long in length. Its body is muscular, and the New Guinea Singing Dog is agile and graceful. The body ends with lean hindquarters and a brushy, soft, and fluffy tail.

Dynamics: The New Guinea Singing Dog is not as domesticated as a regular pet dog. This breed is closely related to wild dogs. One of its wild characteristics is that it howls more than it barks, even dramatically changing the pitches of its howls. This is where they actually got their name. But it can be tamed and can become devoted to an owner when properly socialized. Generally, this is not a dog for may people.

As a breed of the wild, the New Guinea Singing Dog is active and alert. It is instinctive and uses its fives sense when exploring its environment. It has a great hunting drive, coupled with optimizing all its senses in hunting and chasing prey. It is flexible and can slip through any opening wide enough for its head. The New Guinea Singing Dog is also an aggressive animal, especially with dogs of the same sex.

Breed Group: Southern

Weight: 18-30 pounds (8-14 kg)

Height: 14-15 inches (35-38 cm)

Color: The New Guinea Singing Dog can come in red or shades of red, black, and tan. There can be white markings on the body but it should not cover more than one-third. The white markings can be on the muzzle, face, neck and shoulders, belly, legs, feet, and tail tip.

Country of Origin: The New Guinea Singing Dog is from New Guinea. In the 1950s, breeding with imported dogs almost made the breed extinct. Thankfully, pure dogs were found in the isolated Lavanni Valley , and another pair was caught in Irian Jaya’s Eipomak Valley in Indonesia. This breed can be seen in many zoos around the world, but is already rare in New Guinea.

Activities: The New Guinea Singing Dog needs a lot of exercise and physical activities. As a wild dog, it should be taken outside everyday.

Grooming: Brushing is enough for the New Guinea Singing Dog. Its coat is weather resistant, and does not really need regular grooming.

Other Info: The New Guinea Singing Dog has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. This is a hardy breed and has no irregularities. This dog is versatile and can adapt to any place and under any climate.

Photo: Valerie Abbott

AKA: Southern Cur, Yellow Blackmouth Cur, Southern Blackmouth Cur, American Blackmouth Cur, Red Blackmouth Cur, Ladner Blackmouth Cur, Ladner Yellow Blackmouth Cur

Description: The Blackmouth Cur is a muscular and rugged Southern dog that has a powerful appearance. Its coat can either be heavy or light. Its muzzle is black, tan, or the same color as its coat. Its medium-sized ears are hanging. Its tail can be lengthy although many are born with short tails or have their tails docked.

Dynamics: The Blackmouth Cur is an ideal hunter dog. It can catch, kill, and hunt without question. It is also good in treeing and baying. In hunting, it goes from a walk to a sprint. The Blackmouth is also good in working with cattle. This is a very hardworking breed.

Despite its seriousness, the Blackmouth Cur is kind and loyal to its family. It is protective of them and is eager to please. Interestingly, a male Blackmouth Cur is more affectionate to women and aloof with men. Concerning the children, the blackmouth Cur is protective of them.

In training the Blackmouth Cur, avoid spanking or striking. The breed is also very sensitive to voices. A stern voice will be enough to discipline the dog, but do not always use it. The Blackmouth Cur is intelligent, predictable, and has a serious disposition in their loyalty and protectiveness to the family.

Breed Group: Scenthound

Weight: 45-95 lbs (20-43 kg)

Height: 16-25 inches (40-65 cm)

Color: The Blackmouth Cur comes in shades of yellow, fawns, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Blackmouth Cur came from the southern area of the United States.

Activities: The Blackmouth Cur needs regular exercises and long walks. This breed likes to work and always be on the move. Hunting is their expertise.

Grooming: Grooming the Black Mouth Cur is easy due to its short hair. Comb and brush to remove dead hair. Bathe only when necessary. Check the ears and trim the toenails.

Other Info:The Blackmouth Cur is not suitable for an apartment life. This dog is bred for hunting and likes it outdoors better than being cooped up indoors.