The Whippet originated in England and is a mixture of the Italian Greyhound and Greyhound. The name came from ” whip it” which ironically enough means to move fast. The name is perfect for this breed because they are known for their incredibly fast acceleration which reaches speeds of up to 37 MPH. This breed is most commonly used for hunting, lure coursing, racing, and agility. The Whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound and they can reach speeds almost as high as the Greyhound.

The Whippet is a skinny yet toned medium sized dog. They have muscular legs, a deep chest, and a long thin tail. Their head is wedge shaped with their ears a floppy triangular shape. The Whippets fur is hard and very short, making it easy to groom and keep maintained. Their neck is long and thick and their stomach is tight making their smallest point at the abdominal area.

The Whippet is an extremely energetic dog that will need not only daily exercise, but time spent running to tire them out. They have a very high prey drive so cats and smaller animals should never be around this breed. When walking a Whippet, a leash will always be needed because they can catch a glimpse of another animal and take off quickly.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 19-22 inches high

Females: 18-21 inches high

Weight

Males: 25-45 lbs

Females: 25-45 lbs

Color(s)

The Whippet comes in a variety of coat colours such as blue, fawn, black, brindle, white, and red. These can be either a solid colour or a mixture with different patterns and markings.

Coat

This breed has a short hard coat that will be easy to groom. They will need to be brushed about once every 2 weeks just to remove the dead fur. A hounds brush will work well as it will leave the coat shiny. The Whippet is a breed that does not have a dog smell to them. They are generally a very clean breed and will only need to be bathed every few months.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Whippet is a loving and well behaved dog that will make a great family pet. They are great with children and interact well with other dogs but should not be around smaller pets. They are affectionate and very intelligent dogs that love to be part of the pack but enjoy their independence as well. The Whippet can be a sensitive breed especially when being disciplined so when training for obedience, the owner must be very gentle and have a softer voice to encourage this dogs confidence.

This breed will need to be kept indoors in colder temperatures because they have such a thin coat. Either layering or a dog jacket will be needed and short trips outside to prevent them from becoming too cold. This breed should not be left alone often because this will have a negative effect on their well being.

Care

The Whippet has a very short coat so keeping them groomed will be quite easy. Grooming should be done every couple of weeks with a stiff brush or a “hounds glove”. Bathing should be done every few months or at the owners discretion. This breed is prone to skin allergies, hip dysplasia, cryptorchids, and sensitivity to anesthetics.

Training

The Whippet is a highly intelligent dog but when it comes to training, will need patience and consistency. Training can be much more difficult when teaching a dog of the Hound group because they have a lot going on in their head and unfortunately obedience is not high on that list. The Whippet is a dog that can be sensitive so they will need an owner who will be able to train in a repetitive yet very gentle manor.

Activity

This breed will need a large amount of daily exercise including time where they can run around off the leash. These dogs are known for their spurts of energy and will need long daily walks as well as time where they can sprint around in a fenced in area. This breed will do well in an apartment as long as they get their daily exercise. A backyard would be excellent for this dog so they can have an outdoor area at home to explore.

The Scottish Deerhound originated in Scotland and was bred to hunt deer, just as its name suggests. This breed is in close blood relation to the Irish Wolfhound and the Highland Greyhound. These dogs would be brought on hunting trips and would be commanded to “stalk” a deer and literally run it down. This was usually done with at least 2 Scottish Deerhounds, 1 to distract and the other to make the move. Today this dog is most common in Luring competitions as they have speed and a hounds determination for its prey.

The Scottish Deerhound is a tall shaggy dog with a body similar to that of a Greyhounds. They are slender with long muscular legs and a straight tail. They have a large head with small floppy ears and a long muzzle. The body of the Deerhound is muscular which will aid in their speed during a hunt. Their coat is a harder, wiry texture which is needed for the colder temperatures they work in.

This is one of the rare breeds of dogs that came very close to extinction, but were revived in the early 1800′s. As a sighthound does, this breed hunts with his eyes more so then anything else. They make great companions as much as working dogs, but today they are more valued as pets.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 28-32 inches

Females: 28-32 inches

Weight

Males: 75-110 lbs

Females: 75-110 lbs

Color(s)

This breeds most common colour is gray but they can come in a blue/gray, brindle or a fawn. Their ears and muzzle are usually a darker version of what colour their body is.

Coat

The Scottish Deerhound has a rough, wiry textured coat that is between short and medium. The fur on the ears and underbelly is softer but this type of coat is perfect for cold temperatures. They have extra hair on their face which resembles a beard and moustache! The Deerhound will need regular grooming as their coat will need to be removed of its dead fur on a regular basis.

Life Expectancy

About 10 years.

Personality

The Scottish Deerhound is a polite and well behaved companion! They are sweet, affectionate and enjoy being part of the family pack. These dogs will get along great with children and other dogs but should be monitored around smaller pets such as cats, mice, and guinea pigs, etc. They have a mind that is constantly focused on hunting so the Deerhound should not have any access to these pets. This breed is notorious for loving everyone they meet, making them terrible guard dogs even though they have an intimidating size.

This dog is quite intelligent, but may take more time than the average dog to grasp certain training concepts. It is suggested when walking this breed to always keep them on leash as they have been known to run after small animals at a moments notice. When the Deerhound is on the hunt, nothing can interrupt them because they will be far to focused to even hear anything going on around them.

Care

The Scottish Deerhound will need to be brushed about once or twice per week. Their coat is a short to medium length but is very rough and wiry making it much easier to tangle. Bathing should be done when the owner finds this necessary. These dogs are prone to osteosarcoma, bloat, and cardiomyopathy. They are generally very healthy dogs but because they are an extra large breed their life span is still much shorter then the average sized dog.

Training

The Deerhound will need an owner who has above anything, patience. They are a very intelligent breed but just need gentle methods and repetition to grasp the concepts. Consistency will be needed and avoidance of any negative training methods will be best because this dog is sensitive and really does want to please their owners. Stubbornness is not an uncommon trait among Scottish Deerhounds because as hounds they have a free spirited mind.

Activity

The Scottish Deerhound will need at least one hour per day of exercise. Long walks or trips to the off-leash dog park to socialize will be perfect. A leash will always be needed just in case they decide to run after an interesting smell or creature. This breed will do best in a household environment because they are such big dogs that need all the space they can get. A backyard or extra land would be preferable so they can run around in an outside environment.

The Saluki originated in the Middle East and was bred to hunt jackal, gazelle, hare and fox. The name itself derives from the Middle Eastern city called Saluki which does not exist anymore. This breed has a sacred sentimentality because people of the Muslim faith thought that they were a present from their God and would never sell them only give them to friends as gifts. The exact whereabouts this dog actually began to be bred is thought to be near the region of Turkey.

This breed is a very slim and athletic dog that has incredible speed and agility. They have a very skinny face with a long muzzle and large droopy ears. The legs of this dog are elongated and strong helping them with their speed and gait. The Saluki has long hair streaming off their ears, tail, and they have tufts of hair on their paws to prevent damage to them when running.

This breed has a non stop mind set of a hunter. They should not be around any small pets such as cats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. as their instinct to hunt will kick in. When running, this dog will have all legs in the air giving them incredible stride and saving them crucial energy when on an actual hunt.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 23-28 inches high

Females: 23-28 inches high

Weight

Males: 29-66 lbs

Females: 29-66 lbs

Color(s)

The Saluki comes in red, blonde, cream, black & tan, white and fawn. There can be mixtures of these colours in patches throughout the dogs body. Every dog of this breed has a white patch on their forehead, which the people of Bedouin faith tribe believe to be a kiss from their God!

Coat

The Saluki has a thin coat that is shorter yet has longer fringe on their ears and tail. There is also a variation of the Saluki with no fringe at all. The entire coat itself is hard but has a smooth texture to it while the fringe is silky.

Life Expectancy

10-12 years.

Personality

The Saluki is a sweet and affectionate breed that doubles both as a working dog and a companion. They will make a great pet for a family with older children because they are too frail for younger children roughhousing with them. If your planning to own a Saluki, it would be best to not own any smaller animals such as mice, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs etc because their hunting instinct will never be completely gone as this cannot be bred out of this dog. This breed is notorious for its obscure bark that is described more as “singing”.

This dog will bond to one or two people more than the rest and can be reserved with others including family members. It is said that Saluki’s get along well with each other as they can keep themselves entertained.

Care

The Saluki has a short coat with longer fringe on their ears and tail making this breed quite easy to groom. They should be brushed about once every week just to remove some of the dead fur. Bathing is up to the owner as to how much they would like it done. This breed is prone to cancer, sensitivity to medical treatment drugs (anesthetics) and may be prone to some eye problems. On the whole, the Saluki is a healthy breed but as always if deciding to own this dog, check the parents medical history.

Training

This breed will need very gentle training methods as negative methods will inflict more damage then good on their confidence. Although sensitive training is a must, the owner must be firm and consistent as like all other breeds they need to have repetition. The Saluki is a hound and owners should not have high expectations on perfecting their obedience because they have a free spirited mentality that is not focused on training methods.

Activity

The Saluki will need at least 1 hour per day of exercise whether that be a walk, jog, or time in a dog park spent playing with other dogs or chasing a ball. This breed should not be walked off leash as they tend to have poor response skills especially when on the chase. This breed will do well in a household environment because they need as much space as possible. A backyard or even acreage will be best because these dogs need outside space to run around in.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in Zimbabwe (in the past was called Rhodesia) Africa. They are also called the African Lion hound and as the name suggests, were bred to hunt lions but could also hunt and retrieve game for the family. They are a cross between the Deerhound, Mastiff, and other African dogs that have the fur on their back ridged. The Ridgeback was designed to be a hunter and also a family companion as mothers would entrust this dog to watch over her children when she was not present.

The Ridgeback is an athletic dog that has a toned body. Their skull is large and they have a long muzzle with floppy triangular ears. What makes this dog unique is its line of backward fur called the “ridge” that runs down the spine. Their jaws are extremely powerful, which is needed for the prey they hunt. These dogs are known for being able to live in hot temperatures and can live without water and food for more then one day.

This breed is a very affectionate companion as they love to be part of the family pack and will not do well if left alone often. They are reserved around strangers but will warm up once they are introduced a few times.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 25-27 inches high

Females: 24-26 inches high

Weight

Males: 80-90 lbs

Females: 65-75 lbs

Color(s)

The Ridgeback comes in one colour type which is a light red with white markings on their toes and chest. This red can vary from light to dark shading.

Coat

This breed has a very short hard coat that offers little protection from colder weather. They are used to living in hot climates but have no tolerance for bug bites. When winter comes around, extra layers will be needed as they have nothing to protect them from the cold. Due to their short coat, the Ridgeback will only need to be brushed about once every two weeks just to remove dead fur. A hound brush is suggested as this will give the coat a shine.

Life Expectancy

10-12 years .

Personality

The Ridgeback is one of the most loyal and affectionate dogs. They are sweet, well behaved and have an excellent demeanor. They are great pets but should not be around young children as they don’t like to roughhouse. On the whole this dog will be ok with other family pets as long as they are introduced to them as pups. Socialization with other dogs, especially those of the same sex is very necessary because this dog can become aggressive towards them as adults. The Ridgeback is a loving companion and will defend his owner at will! This trait as brave as it is, will need training because this could turn into a problem later on.

This dog can be hard headed and stubborn when it comes to training. They will need an owner who can show them they are not the top dog of the household. If left alone often, this breed will find things to occupy their time, whether that is their toys or your furniture, so making sure they are getting their daily exercise and are supplied with toys is a must.

Care

The Ridgeback has a very short coat that will only need to be brushed once every couple of weeks. A hound brush will be of great use to remove dead fur quickly. Bathing is up to how often the owner would like this done but not more then once every 2 months. This breed is prone to cysts, hip dysplasia, cancer, and cataracts. Dermoid sinus is a common ailment among Rhodesian Ridgebacks as well as hypothyroidism.

Training

This breed is notoriously stubborn and has a “my way or the highway” attitude. They are sensitive and will need to be trained in a positive manner as they can have hurt feelings if they are trained negatively. Consistency is the key as these are smart dogs that shouldn’t be too difficult to teach, but starting out basic obedience as young as possible is the best idea.

Activity

The Ridgeback is an energetic breed that will need to be exercised for at least one hour per day. Either time spent at an off-leash dog park or a long walk will be sufficient. They can live in apartments and be quite comfortable as long as they have their daily exercise. A backyard would be preferable so they can run around outside at home.

The Plott Hound is probably one of the least known hounds and has only recently been an AKC registered dog breed. Ancestors of today’s Plott Hound were used to hunt boar in Germany, but were brought over to America to hunt bears. These dogs are known for their courage and for their stamina.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Male dogs: 24 to 27 inches

Female dogs: 21 to 25 inches

Weight

Male: 50-75 lbs

Female: 40-65 lbs

Color(s)

The Plott has a distinctive “brindle” which is defined by the National Plott Association as a line or stripe effect that is made with two different hair colors. The shades that are acceptable on a Plott are yellow, red, tan, brown, black, grey and Maltese. White markings are accepted on the chest and feet.

Coat

The Plott Hound has smooth short or medium length hair with a glossy appearance.

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years.

Personality

This is a very fast and active dog breed. They usually accompany hunters and are very vicious with their “game”. The breed is very alert and quick to learn new things. They will be very affectionate with their master and family and they are always very eager to please.

Care

A Plott Hound should get a lot of exercise and moderate care. This dog breed does not require much grooming. Long walks and trail exercise is great for Plotts.

Training

The Plott Hound is very trainable. They are aggressive in the hunt, but they are very obedient with their master and will follow orders. Training these dogs at an early age is always has the best results.

Activity

They need a lot of exercise and it is definitely not recommended to confine a Plott to a small area like an apartment. It is best if the owner has a backyard that the Plott can roam freely; or even in a rural area!

The Pharaoh Hound originated in the small island of Malta which is one of the seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea. On the island, they call this dog the Kelb Tal-Fenek which translates to “rabbit dog”. The Pharaoh Hound was thought to have been linked to ancient Egypt because historians found paintings of similar looking dogs inside pyramids. In reality, this dog is of no relation to any Egyptian breed but is actually a descendant from African hunting dogs.

This breed is a slick sight hound mainly hunting game and rabbit but was cherished as a pet more than it was as a hunter. They are thought to be one of the oldest dogs in the world dating back to 4000 BC! Their excellent sense of hearing and smell are what this dog relies on to hunt its prey.

The Pharaoh hound has a slender noble appearance with a toned body. They are agile and light footed making them accurate sophisticated hunters. They have straight legs, a flat skull, and a sharp thin tail. The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant dog both for show purposes and for accomplishing work objectives.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 23-25 inches high

Females: 21-24 inches high

Weight

Males: 45-55 lbs

Females: 45-55 lbs

Color(s)

The Pharaoh Hound comes in a red and tan colouring. White markings are allowed on the face, chest, toes and tail, but any other colours or markings are not permitted for purebred show dogs.

Coat

The Pharaoh Hound has a very short coat almost having the appearance of none at all. It is smooth and glossy with a silky feel and an elegant look. This coat will need virtually no grooming effort, just a “hounds glove” which is a brush type object used to make the coat shiny. Bathes every 2-3 months will be perfect as this dog does not have a dog smell to them.

Life Expectancy

About 11-14 years .

Personality

The Pharaoh Hound is mature, calm and happy both enjoying his privacy and affection from their families. They will make great family dogs because they love children but should be monitored around smaller family pets such as cats, mice, guinea pigs etc as they consider these prey. When meeting new people the Pharaoh Hound can be aloof but will warm up quickly. After this breed considers you a friend, they will “blush” when they are excited to see you. Their ears and nose will turn pink!

The Pharaoh Hound will make a very good watch dog because they like to bark. If you are planning on leaving this dog alone often, then this isn’t the dog for you. They like to be included in family events because they thrive on affection.

Care

This breed has an extremely short coat so grooming will only need to be done about once every 2-3 weeks. A hound brush is suggested just to bring out the shine of their coat. Bathing is up to the discretion of how often the owner would like it done. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, some eye problems, luxating patella’s, and can be overly sensitive to veterinary medications such as anesthetics. When colder seasons are here, the Pharaoh hound will need a doggie coat or extra layers as they have nothing to protect them from the cold.

Training

This breed will need to be trained in a positive manner as they can be sensitive to harsh methods. They should be trained firmly and as always, consistency is the key to succeed in obedience. Pharaoh Hounds will need to be socialized as puppies especially around people to ensure they do not become timid as adults. They also need to be socialized around dogs, in particular those of the same sex because males can become aggressive towards other males and the same with females towards other females.

Activity

The Pharaoh Hound will need at least one long walk per day or at least one hour per day in a dog park so they can burn off their energy. This breed should always be walked on leash because they have been known to chase small animals at a seconds notice. They will do well in an apartment as long as they get their regular exercise. A backyard would be excellent so they have an outside area to run around in.

The Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen originated in France and were named for the county they hunted their prey within, the La Vendee. They are a mixture of the Italian Hound and the St. Hubert. This breed was specifically bred to hunt rabbit and is most commonly used in France but its popularity is growing in the United States.

The PBGV (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen) is a short, low-set, shaggy, scent hound. This messy looking dog and has a body that is one and a half times longer that it is high. They were inducted into the AKC’s Hound category in 1991 making them a newcomer to the club.

This little dog is a mischievously clever breed and is often described as being too smart for their own good. When they become bored, they will look for things to do to keep them occupied, whether that be digging or trying to make a getaway from the house. This breed has a short attention span, so a large selection of toys will be a must.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 13-15 inches high

Females: 13-15 inches high

Weight

Males: 31-40 lbs

Females: 31-40 lbs

Color(s)

This breed is all white but with a mixture of either yellow, tri-colour, black, orange or light brown. These can be patches or just random markings all over the PBGV’s body.

Coat

The PBGV has a messy, wire-like, just rolled out of bed look to their coat. It is double layered, with the under coat being softer and thick. The top coat is a harder texture that feels rough to the touch. This is perfect for the PBGV because they need to be kept warm and dry while they hunt in the colder temperatures.

Life Expectancy

About 14 years.

Personality

The PBGV is a joyous, happy-go-lucky little dog that loves to explore his world. They are known for being curious and independent yet are attention hounds. This breed can not get enough affection from their owners as they love to be the center of attention and enjoy being around their family at all times.

The PBGV likes to hear their own voice and will use it often. Intelligent, perceptive and bright, this dog will be very easy to train as long as their owner is consistent. It was rumored that they were more difficult to teach obedience to but in comparison, the PBGV is actually quite easy.

Care

This breed has a moderately long coat which will need to be brushed about once or twice per week. Their coat is wiry and can mat easily so regular grooming is essential. Special attention should be brought to their paws as the hair can pick up foreign materials which will cause them pain if this is not removed. They are prone to some eye problems such as retinal folds or glaucoma. Epilepsy, seizures, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism are also potentials for this breed to genetically inherit.

Training

The PBGV is considered an easier dog to train. Positive and firm training will be needed but consistency is the key. If these dogs are trained every day in short sessions they will understand and be able to act out commands much quicker. They are a motivated breed who want to make their owner happy but can be stubborn at times because as a hound they are easily distracted with various scents to explore!

Activity

The PBGV will need regular walks at least once a day. It is suggested that when walking, to always use a leash as they can catch a scent and want to follow it or see a small animal and chase it. This breed will do well in an apartment as long as they get their daily exercise. A back yard would be great so they can run around outside but beware as they are known to be escape artists!

The Otterhound originated in England and have a blood lineage of the Airedale Terrier, Bloodhound, and Griffon. Just as their name suggests, the Otterhound was used to hunt otter which ultimately would aide fisherman because otters would eat the trout the fishermen would try to catch.

This breed was so efficient that in the late 1970′s the otter became a protected species! This breed hunts by smell and their scent recognition is so acute that they can smell an otter that swam in the water a day before. Swimming is a great passion of the Otterhound as cold water does not effect this dogs drive to work.

Otters are not the only prey of the Otterhound, bear, mink and raccoon were also on that list. This dog is a very rare breed and experts say that they are more so endangered then the giant Panda! Although this dog is an excellent hunter and working dog, they make very good family pets as well. They love children and get along quite well with other dogs and smaller family pets, such as cats.

The Otterhound is a very fluffy dog with a shaggy coat. They have a broad head and a sturdy neck. This breed has a large nose which is useful as it needs sensitive scent glands to sniff out their slippery prey. The Otterhounds body is large and athletic with their tail being straight and long as this aids in swimming because it acts as a rudder. The most important feature of this breed is their fur. It is notoriously known for having a significant amount of oil within it. This is perfect for the Otterhound as they need to swim to catch their prey and these oils keep their skin hydrated.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 24-26 inches high

Females: 24-26 inches high

Weight

Males: 66-115 lbs

Females: 66-115 lbs

Color(s)

The Otterhound can come in any colours that are accepted in the Hound Group. Most commonly they are a wheat colour with black accents around their face.

Coat

This breeds coat has a double layer to protect them from the wet and cold conditions that they work in. The top coat is hard and has a rough texture, while the under coat is softer and thicker making them well insulated for the freezing water they hunt in. The Otterhounds coat will have to be brushed a few times per week as it may begin to mat if not groomed on a regular basis.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

The Otterhound is a happy and affectionate breed that gets along with everyone. They will make great family pets as they love children and other dogs which is commendable considering they were not bred originally as a companion dog but more a working dog. Smaller family pets such as cats, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, etc. will need to be monitored around this breed as they have a high prey drive and might chase them thinking that they are prey.

This breed is quite independent and bright but when it comes to training, they can be a bit absent minded as their breed purpose allowed them freedom to hunt rather than working as a team with their owner.

This dog is easy going and enjoys spending quality time with their owners. They are not a rambunctious breed that will need constant supervision but more of a laid back dog. Whenever possible the Otterhound will take it upon himself to explore new territory. This is a very common characteristic of any type of hound but owners should be cautioned to not let them wander too far as they might not be so quick to come back.

Care

This breed has a long coat and will need regular brushing about 2-3 times per week. Their coat will tangle easily so grooming is essential. Bathing should not be done often because it will strip the natural oils in their skin which lubricates their coat so it does not become dry. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and hemophilia. They are generally a healthy breed as only some lines will be more prone to hip dysplasia so when obtaining a puppy, the parents should have their hips OFA checked.

Training

The Otterhound is not known for its attentive behavior during training so they will need a very patient owner. Training of this breed will need to be firm but gentle as these dogs want to please, they just naturally have their minds elsewhere. They are also known for being stubborn so consistency is key during obedience lessons. Due to their breed function, the Otterhound was not bred to be a companion and training will be a bit difficult as they were meant to sniff out and hunt at their own pace.

Activity

The Otterhound will need daily long walks or trips to an off-leash dog park so they can run around in a fenced in area. They love to swim which is perfect because it provides exercise and would be entertaining for this breed. It is suggested that when walking, to always have them on leash because as hounds they have a tendency to follow their nose if they find an interesting scent and may not respond when called. The Otterhound would do well in a household environment because they need as much space as possible to roam around in. A backyard would be preferable so they have outdoor space as well.

The Norwegian Elkhound originated in Norway and are an intelligent breed as they hunt alongside their owners while working as a team. They locate their prey by scent and can target them at several kilometers away. The Elkhound barks and gets the attention of the animal until their owner can get a clear shot. Badgers, wolves, moose, mountain lions, lynx, reindeer and rabbits have been known to be the Elkhounds prey.

This breed is one of the oldest dating back to 5000 BC. This breed has many workable talents, hunting being the main job, but also as a sled dog. Their muscular bodies enable them to track, hunt, sled, herd and guard. Despite their hardworking determination, the Norwegian Elkhound make great pets as well!

The Elkhound is a solid, powerful dog with a muscular body and thick fluffy coat. They have a long muzzle and tall pricked upward ears. Their tail is a tight curl and their legs are straight yet strong. Even though this breed has a thick coat, they have relatively no dog smell!

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males:19-21 inches high

Females: 18-20 inches high

Weight

Males: 50-60 lbs

Females: 40-55 lbs

Color(s)

The Elkhounds coat commonly comes in a darker gray with black accents on the ears and on the face. Their undercoat is a lighter gray colouring.

Coat

The Norwegian Elkhound has a thick lustrous double layered coat. The under coat is soft and plushy with a lighter gray colouring. The top coat has a hard yet smooth texture and the colouring is a darker gray. Their coat is meant to be thick to serve as a warm layer to protect through the very cold temperatures they work in.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

The Norwegian Elkhound is a well behaved and affectionate dog. They make great family pets as they love children and if raised with smaller pets such as cats, can co-exist well. These dogs are responsive and loyal, yet can be very independent and stubborn at will, especially during training. They are a protective breed with a piercing bark making them great watchdogs!

Aloof around people they don’t know, the Elkhound will warm up slowly but around family or friends they can be overly animated and goofy. This breed is also very sensitive, so discipline can be devastating to them. The can have hurt emotions just like a person and owners of this breed say the dog will show what they feel!

Care

The Norwegian Elkhound will need to be brushed on a daily basis. Their coat is thick and will need extra help to rid it of the dead fur. Like other breeds with a very plush coat, the Elkhounds coat repels dirt! This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Fanconi syndrome, and renal problems. They also gain weight quickly so owners should constantly monitor their food intake.

Training

The Elkhound is a sensitive breed and training will need to be done in the utmost of gentle and positive methods. They will need firm handling but constant praise will help them learn quickly. Negative training methods are the worst way to practice obedience with this breed as it disables their confidence. Socialization as puppies will be needed with other dogs, smaller pets and people to ensure that as adults they are neither timid nor aggressive.

Activity

This breed loves to be outdoors. They have a very thick coat that enables them to be outside in colder temperatures to run around in or play. The Elkhound will need at least an hour of exercise per day as they are very energetic! Leash walks are suggested because if this dog finds an interesting smell, they will more likely follow it rather then listen to the owner. They will do well in an apartment as long as they get their daily exercise. A back yard would be preferable so they could have more space to roam around in.

The Irish Wolfhound originated in Ireland, just as its name suggests. They were used to hunt wolf and were very capable of doing so as they are a large, agile breed that hunts using their sight. They are considered the largest dog in the world as they can grow up to a whopping 35 inches high!

The original blood lines of the Irish Wolfhound came from a dog called the Cu. They were used to hunt boar, elk and wolves as well. They were dogs owned by Irish nobility and were given as presents to royalty. This breed was so efficient that they eventually killed off wolves entirely in Ireland. From then on they were seen less and less as their job had been done!

The Irish Wolfhound is a regal and athletic breed of dog with a famously shaggy coat. They are an extra large breed that is gentle and sweet although they may not look it. They love people, children, and if raised with smaller pets will co-exist well as they are very loyal and love to be part of the pack.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 28-35 inches high

Females: 28-35 inches high

Weight

Males: 90-150 lbs

Females: 90-150 lbs

Color(s)

The Irish Wolfhounds most popular coat colouring is a solid gray. Solid white, red, black, brindle, fawn and brown are also acceptable colours.

Coat

This breed has a hard, bristle-like coat texture that is designed to keep them warm in cold temperatures. They have a distinctive face that is slender with fringed eyebrows making them look like big friendly dogs. Their coat will require weekly brushing and at least 2-3 times per year it will need to be plucked of the dead fur.

Life Expectancy

About 6 – 8 years.

Personality

The Irish Wolfhound is a loyal, loving companion that greatly enjoys the company of their owners. They are perfect for families as they love children and are generally well behaved and calm individuals. Friendly towards everyone, this big dog is an oafish giant. As puppies, they will grow at a very quick rate so premium food will be needed, and loads of it. Exercise should be kept to a moderate level as too much can be hard on their bodies which will affect them when they reach adulthood.

As a puppy, the Irish Wolfhound may seem to grow up quickly. Leash training will need to be started at an early age to get them used to walking at the owners pace or else when they’ve reached full grown size, there will be a large dog walking a person at the end of the leash!

Care

The Irish Wolfhound will need to be brushed about once or twice per week. Plucking their coat should be done about 2 or 3 times per year just to make sure all the dead fur is removed. This breed is prone to bloat, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and bone cancer. During the first 6-8 month period of their life, the Irish Wolfhound will need to be monitored when exercising as over doing it at this age could result in overly stretched limbs. Unfortunately the bigger the dog doesn’t mean the bigger the lifespan. These dogs only live to around 8 years old.

Training

This breed is a relatively easy dog to train. They love to please their master so as long as basic obedience is taught in a firm but positive manner, there will be no problems. Negative training methods will not aide this dog. On the whole, this breed is very bright and will be able to understand and grasp training quickly.

Activity

This breed will need at least 1-2 long walks per day. They would not do well in an apartment as they need as much space as possible because they are very big dogs. Either a yard or even acreage would be perfect so they have room to run around. Oddly enough, daily walks will be sufficient for this breed but as puppies the exercise should be kept to a minimum.