Beagle dogs are considered the best for hunting. These breeds include some groups of dogs that have the unique ability to quickly and correctly search for prey. Many species and subspecies of the hound dogs have an external resemblance to each other.
Features
The Hound Dog is a born hunter with a great scent and hunting instinct.. This breed was considered widespread since medieval times. The animal has earned a demand due to the speed of reactions and help people to track prey.
In Russia, this pet was called a "survivor", "rescue". "Yavkushka" always led the owner in the wake with a loud bark, and only when it reached its goal fell silent.
Hounds dogs have the following distinctive appearance characteristics:
- Ears of different lengths that hang freely. The ends of the shells are directed to the bottom.
- The bridge of the direct type.
- The nose is black.
- The lips are tightly attached to the jaws.
- The large skull has a junction at the junction of the neck.
- The back is straight.
- The chest is voluminous.
- Paws are characterized by muscularity, strength.
- The coat is even and short. The color of the fur can be pinto, black, wolf, marble or red-yellow.
Animals of this breed are not high. Growth is slightly above average, their body length can reach 0.65 m. The body has a clear outline, in some dogs the ribs can bulge.
Both males and females have long, powerful paws. The tail of the animal is not short.
The muzzle of the Vyzhlovka is elongated, its neck is beautiful. Dogs have straight eyes, their eyes are characterized by clarity and liveliness.Other signs that are characteristic of all hounds are high speed of movement, endurance, perseverance, loud voice.
Character
Hunting dogs are characterized by poise, goodwill, affection, devotion to people, as well as obedience. With strangers, the pet does not show aggression and behaves with restraint. This dog is a great helper for hunters. Thanks to the developed instinct, “recovery” is used in the police during the rescue of people.
According to dog breeders, representatives of this breed at home and in hunting behave differently.
At home - this is a friendly, calm pet, and on the hunt he is reckless and independent. Also an adult hound, like a puppy, is quite smart, smart, sometimes tricky.
The characteristics of hounds dogs include the following:
- fidelity;
- the ability to search for game for a long time;
- persistence;
- endurance;
- volume;
- flocking;
- callability
- politeness.
Life span
The life span of a four-legged pet is influenced by conditions of detention, a genetic predisposition, nutrition, and the intensity of physical activity. Each owner of a hound dog can affect the duration of its existence. Representatives of this breed live for about 12 years.
Purebred hounds dogs are characterized by good health and almost complete absence of hereditary diseases. Many animals of this species have hip dysplasia.
The development of this ailment is impossible to predict, as well as to cure, for this reason it is recommended to reduce the physical load on these joints to beagle puppies.
Dangerous for the pet are parasites and worms, from which the owner must necessarily treat the animal. In order for the dog's lifespan not to be reduced, vaccinations must be carried out in a timely manner.
Kinds
About 80 names of breeds, which were deduced by the painstaking labor of breeders, belong to the hounds family. Purebred representatives are rare and expensive.
Estonian
The Estonian hound dog can be called an excellent hunter with developed mental abilities, the ability to react quickly, passion. At home with family, this pet is different kindness and poise. Outwardly, this animal looks like a beagle, but its size exceeds it. The weight of the Estonian hound can be from 15 to 20 kilograms, while the growth of the male is 0.53 meters, and the bitches - 0.5 meters.
A taut and muscular dog has an elongated head and a long muzzle. The pet has a large nose with a brown or black lobe.
Long ears set low and rounded at the ends. The dog’s eyes are almond-shaped, medium in size with a brown iris. The body, like the neck of the animal, is strong and muscular.
The characteristic color for the Estonian breed is black-piebald and brown-piebald. There are individuals with black and purple fur. This animal is devoted to its owner, it gets along well with children. A pinto dog is not suitable for the role of a guard and watchman, because due to friendliness he will let a stranger into the house.
English
Raccoon Hound has been classified as kunhound. Unlike other similar breeds, this dog can be with a very different coat color. In the color of the fur, red spots can be present, as well as bluish, tricolor. Like other hounds, the English have a good-natured disposition, sociability.
Young dogs are usually active and playful; they are characterized by willpower and patience for learning. The representative of this breed is an excellent pet that loves human attention. Kunhound is considered not only an excellent hunter, but also an adequate watchman and an excellent companion.
Lithuanian
This species of hounds was bred for hunting foxes, wild boars and hares. Dogs are characterized by high speed, energy, loudness of voice. This persistent animal always pursues game evenly. The dog has a kind, friendly disposition with some independence. A moving creature is rarely seen sitting in one place. Such a pet is amenable to learning and does not need special care.
Lithuanian hound has strong immunity and is rarely ill. The growth of the dog is average, it can reach about 48-60 centimeters.
Such a pet weighs 20 kilograms. The hair of the animal is colored black, tan marks are present with a sharp restriction. The hairline is shiny, even and hard.
Swiss
A large hunting dog of this breed has attractive appearance, as well as excellent performance. The animal is appreciated for good flair, viscosity, activity during the hunt for wild boar, fox, roe deer, hare. The main qualities of a pet can also include obedience, mobility, affection and devotion to a person. The Swiss hound is divided into 4 types, while 3 of them are identical in fur color.
This is a strong dog, with average body sizes, expressiveness of the muzzle and long ears that hang down. A strong and hardy dog has a pronounced sexual demorphism. A male at the withers can reach 59, and a female - 57 centimeters.
There are no folds on a dry and elongated skull. The narrow muzzle is characterized by straightness and bulge of the nose. On the black nose is wide open nostrils.
The small eyes of the hound have an oval shape and a dark color of the iris. The strong body is characterized by the presence of a flexible lower back, a long croup and a straight back. Belly tightened with moderation. The tail is of medium length, saber-shaped and tapers towards the end. On the muscular extremities of dogs are rounded paws with hard pads and arched fingers.
Laufhund has a solid brown, yellow, red coat. In some representatives of the breed, a saddle of black color or with light inclusions is observed. In nature, there are dogs with white spots on the breast. The Swiss hound can be considered a real member of the family, as it is attached to each of its members and needs constant communication with people. The dog reacts friendly, but wary to a stranger. With proper training, he finds a common language with children.
American
Foxhound is common in the US and regions of the country. This dog is poorly trained, but during the hunt it shows good skills. The animal is temperamental, funny, bold and affectionate. Unlike home conditions, during the hunt the dog is quite belligerent. The breed was bred to hunt foxes and wild boars. Search for her game takes place with special speed and excitement. A light and swift animal has a height of 53 to 64 centimeters.
The head of the American hound is long, the tail has the shape of a saber, long ears hang down to the bottom and can reach the nose. A straight, short dog hair can have a variety of colors.
Representatives of this breed are animals that are characterized by a graceful body, grace, developed scent.
Gascon
The little blue Gascon hound has blood of bloodhounds in its veins. The growth of the animal can reach no more than 0.5 m, while weighing 20 kg. The small dimensions of the pet allow him to be as mobile as possible. On the long head is a black nose with open nostrils. The skull is characterized by a plane, it is narrow.
The brown eyes of the dog have black eyelids. The ears are conical and thin. The tail is characterized by a large length and thinness, and wool - stiffness and shortness.
The fur color appears blue, as it has frequent dark spots on a white hair base.
This proud, courageous pet always shows persistence in hunting. With family, he behaves affectionately and loyally. The Gascon Hound is the perfect hare hunter. Using it during the hunt, you can be sure that the return home will be accompanied by the presence of prey.
Italian
This short-haired dog is an ardent hunter who can drive a victim both in a pack and in solitude. The hound is capable of overtaking a fox and wild boar. An Italian hunting dog is an ideal option for a sociable and positive person who has enough time and patience for her.
The pet has a proportional physique and a medium-sized body. The elongated head has a narrowing to the nose. The eyes are small, brown. The ears of the dog hang down and snugly pressed to the neck.
The thin tail is characterized by narrowing in the region of the hock. The wool of the Italian breed of hounds is short, shiny, looks like satin.
The color of the fur may vary, some individuals have spots. Representatives of this breed need attention and communication with a person. The pet’s attitude towards children is calm, non-aggressive. The dog is always ready to defend its owner and his family. This emotional pet requires training and training from a very young age.
Porcelain
A rare breed bred in France is considered a porcelain hound. The animal is used to hunt hares, roe deer, and wild boars. In height, the dog reaches from 53 to 58 cm and weighs up to 30 kg. The second name of the breed is considered to be porcelain, this pet has a proportional physique, long legs. The skull is elongated.
The hound has pointed long ears, a thick whip-like tail. The coat of the dog is white with red spots or splashes. At home, the dog is calm, friendly, but on the hunt - excitement and impulsiveness.
How to choose a puppy?
Beagle dogs are hunters, so they always need attention, walking with jogging and training. If you want to have such a pet, you should consider all these points. Already at the age of 1.5 months a puppy of this breed is able to show its hunting qualities. The best option for the acquisition of such a dog will be a representative of 3 or 4 female litters.
The future owner should pay attention to the coat color of the baby. According to the rules, it should be similar to an adult animal. You should not take a puppy with the wrong bulldog bite, as well as a tame one.
At the age of one month, culled dogs may have a tail that is lower than the hock.
A good sign of purebred hounds is brown eyes but do not forget that at the age of a month their iris is bluish. Both organs of vision should be identical in color. The nose of the dog should not be uniform pink or marble. In order to get active healthy animals, you should choose a strong, bony puppy with thick legs.
How to choose a nickname?
Representatives of hounds of dogs are characterized by indefatigability, swiftness, voice, faithfulness, sensitivity and responsibility. The name of the animal must be unusual, sonorous, and most importantly, the dog must respond to it. When choosing a name, it is worth considering the characteristic features of the dog, for example, the Thunder can be called the hound with a loud voice, but the Wind is one that is hard to keep up with.
Do not give your pet an absurd nickname or call him the name of a family member.
It is strongly not recommended to give the names of dead animals, as this may affect the fate of the dog. If the hound already had a name, then do not call it new. If the dog responds to his nickname, then it should be encouraged. A representative of this breed can be called Agate, Ira, Astik, Bayra, Bureya, Vast, Glan, Gella, Drag, Dune.
Maintenance and care
The hounds can be kept in apartment conditions, but at the same time they will need active walking and outings. The best option is to stay a dog in a private house with surrounding territory. This animal needs constant physical activity, otherwise it can get bored, begin to spoil the interior. If the pet is well-walked, then it is calm and balanced.
Representatives of hunting breeds should not be let off the leash, the dog should always be near the owner. Since the runaway dog is not easy to catch.
A pet who lives in an apartment can cause discomfort to neighbors due to a loud bark. Care for the hound dog is minimal, the owner should not forget about the following procedures:
- combing wool during molting;
- daily examination of the eyes and ears, as well as their cleaning;
- clipping claws as needed;
- timely treatment of fleas and helminths;
- regular vaccination.
Feeding
For the health, development and well-being of the hounds, a balanced and high-quality diet is required. An adult representative is given food twice a day. A full diet should be among those representatives who lead an active lifestyle and participate in the hunt. Such dogs need a lot of protein. Alternatively, you can use dry food, which contains everything you need for your pet.
When choosing a natural way of eating, it is worth remembering that the basis should be meat and meat products.
Fish should be served boiled or stewed. Dairy products are given in the form of cottage cheese, milk, kefir, cheese. Also, do not forget about cereals and raw bones. Useful for a hunting breed is the blood of an animal.
Products that are forbidden to hounds include additives, spices, sugar, cocoa, mustard, vinegar, fatty meats, and food from the human table.
Parenting and training
Since hound puppies are mischievous and funny creatures, they should be brought up from a very young age. First of all, the dog should be accustomed to his name, and then proceed to the development of basic obedience skills. This dog must obey his master, otherwise he may escape.
Also, the hound should be tied to itself, but in such a way that it sees in a person not only a hunter, but also a comrade. When raising a puppy, the use of physical force is strictly forbidden, in extreme cases, you can shout at him.
As soon as the puppy appears in the house, it should be weaned from poultry, cattle and pets, as in the future it will be problematic.
The hound dog is a working pet, the start of which is for its immediate purpose. It cannot be kept locked up, as the animal will become uncontrollable. Before deciding to get an active hunting pet, it is worth evaluating your strengths and capabilities.
About the features of the breed of Russian hounds, see below.