Tag Archives: hunting dogs

What Makes a Good Search and Rescue Dog?

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is on a mission. They are rescuing dogs, training them to save lives, and sending them out to work with firefighters and other emergency workers. This is the search dog pledge: no one is left behind. Most candidates for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation come from shelters and breed-specific rescue groups. Dogs who are adopted by the SDF are guaranteed a lifetime of care — whether or not they work out as search and rescue dogs. Dogs that don’t complete the program are placed in loving forever homes. Active search dogs that retire … Continue reading →

Borzoi

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Until 1936, the Borzoi was known by another name — the Russian Wolfhound. This dog was bred to be a hunter. As far back as the thirteenth century, “long” hounds went hunting in large packs with Mongol rulers — including Genghis Khan. Records from around 1260 describe lure coursing with long hounds that were probably early ancestors of the Borzoi. Ancestors of the breed include Arabian greyhounds, tall Russian sheepdogs called Owtchers, and a long-haired Russian breed called the bearhound. The Russian aristocracy wrote the first breed standard for the Borzoi in 1650. Different kennels bred for specific coat colors … Continue reading →

Dog Breed: Weimeraner

Have you ever seen a Weimeraner? These dogs are aristocratic and striking, with a glossy grey coat and amber eyes. Weimeraners are known for grace, speed, stamina, balance, and alertness. They were bred to be hunting dogs; experts believe that the bloodhound is one of the Weimeraner’s ancestors. Germany’s Weimar court sponsored the breeding efforts, and lent its name to the result. Court nobles favored the breed for hunting big game like wolves, wildcats, and deer. The dog has amazing speed, a strong nose, courage to face large prey, and intelligence. Obedience trials helped generate American interest in the breed. … Continue reading →

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Group for the terriers this year was the Dandie Dinmont Terrier — owned by none other than Doctor William H. Cosby! This terrier is a long, low dog, bred for going to ground and rooting prey like badgers and otters out of their holes. The breed takes its name from a character in an 1814 book by Sir Walter Scott named Dandie Dinmont who kept six of these hunting dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recognized as a distinct breed of terrier around 1700, developed as a cross between native terriers in the … Continue reading →

Dog Breeds: Norfolk Terrier

The 2003 American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner was a Norfolk Terrier known as Champion (Ch) Cracknor Cause Celebre. This little pup was small enough to fit into his Best in Show trophy! Check out photos from the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in December 2003. What distinguishes a Norfolk Terrier (in terms of breed standards) are his ears. A Norfolk Terrier has what are called “drop ears” — ears that flop or fold over — and a Norwich Terrier has “prick ears” — ears that stand straight up. Both the Norfolk and the Norwich are small, sturdy dogs … Continue reading →