The TRANSYLVANIAN HOUND

Other names: Erdélyi kopó, Copoi ardelenesc, Transylvanian Bloodhound
Origin: Hungary
Use: hunting (lynx, wild boar, deer, fox, hare)
Recognition: FCI, CKC, AKC, UKC



HISTORY:
The breed was created as a mix between the Hounds that belonged to the invading Magyar tribes, that came to Europe in the 9th century, and other native hunting dogs, including Polish Hounds.

Throught the centuries, this breed was prized and bred by both Hungarian and Romanian nobility as an excellent and versatile hunting dog that din well alone or in small packs as well as in larger ones. The dogs were traditionally used for hunting wild boar and lynx, but performed just as well when it came to hunting fox or hare.

The breed, as we know it, was transformed and perfectioned over time and a huge and equal impact on its development can be traced back to Hungary, as well as Romania (Transylvania being a region in Romania, near the border to Hungary).

CHARACTERISTICS:
There as two breed varieties: long-legged (used for big-game hunting) and short-legged (used for hunting fox and hare). Other than their appearance, they have no other differences regarding behaviour or needs.

Transylvanian Hounds are agile, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and something to keep them busy from time to time. They are also very friendly with people and loyal to the family, thus being perfectly suited for a household with children.

However, the pups need to be properly socialized, as being a boar-hunting dog, their temperament can become too intense with time. Males are especially prone to becoming dog-aggressive and overly-protective of the family.

COAT:
- hort and straight coat
- color: black & tan (white markings on the chest, legs, snout and tip of tail are accepted)

SIZE:
- Height: Short-legged variety: 17.7-19.7 inches (45-50 cm); Long-legged variety: 21.7-25.6 inches (55-65 cm)
- Weight: 66-77 pounds (30-35 kg)


ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

The KARELIAN BEAR DOG

Other names: Karelischer Barenhund, Karjalankarhukoira, Karelsk Bjornhund
Origin: Finland 
Use: big-game hunting (bear, wolf, moose, elk, lynx, wild boar etc.)
Recognition: FCI, CKC, AKC, ACR, NAPR, NKC



HISTORY:
This breed of hunting dogs emerged at the begining of the 20th century in Finland, more precisely in a part of Finland that was under the occupation of Soviet Russia at that time. However, dogs displaying the breed`s characteristics were present in the area long before the breed was officially recognized. It is believed that both the KBD`s ancestors as well as those of the Russo-European Laika are the original hardy and versatile hunting dogs that were brought to Finalnd by the first human settlers.

For a long time the KBD was virtually unknown outside Finland, Norway and Sweden, where hunters were keen on breeding these fearless hunting companions. The breed becam more pupular after it was exhibited, for the first time, at a dog show in Helsinki, in 1936. However, like many other European breeds, World War II almost drove it to extinction. As a constant reminder of what almost happened, it is known that almost all of today`s purebred KBDs have lines originating from the 40 pure KBDs selected after the War, as part of an intensive breeding programme.

Nowadays, the KBD is becoming more and more popular, especially in the Nordic European countries and in North America. The breed`s excellent working abilities, prey drive and good nature around humans have captured the attention of big-game hunters worldwide. This is why this breed is used for bear control in Glacier and Yosemite National Parks.

CHARACTERISTICS:
These are extremely intelligent dogs that are valued by hunters and non-hunters alike.
KBDs are loyal pets, hard working and very protective of their family. Being a tenacious hunting breed, they need a firm owner, as well as socialization and training from an early age, as they can become excessively territorial and dominating.

The breed is absolutely NOT recommended for unexperienced dog owners or for living inside. In fact, KBDs will not tolerate living in an apartment and, most likely, will turn into any owner`s nightmare by being destructive. The perfect house for a KBD is a farm or a very big yard. Training is required in order to prevent them from wandering on their own, as their prey drive is formidable.

KBDs may display aggression towards other dogs and animals. Early socialization and firm handling may overcome this problem.

COAT:
- medium short and straight coat with a thick and soft undercoat
- accepted colors: black with white markings (ideally 70% black and 30% white)

SIZE:
- Height: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm)
- Weight: 44-50 pounds (20-23 kg)


ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

The LLEWELLIN SETTER

Other names: Field English Setter
Origin: U.K. (England)
Use: gun dog
Recognition: IPDBA, FDSB, NLGDC



HISTORY:
This dog breed actually evolved from the English Setter which had been recorded as being a prized hunting dog as early as the 1600s. Llewellin Setters started off as a strain of English Setters, but were changed over time to possess other characteristic and working abilities, although both breeds still share their main "features". This is why, event today, some refuse to recognize the Llewellin as a separate breed.

The breed`s starting point dates to the late 1800s, when R. Purcell Llewellin of Pembrokeshire, South Wales, started breeding his dogs to those from Edward Laverack`s kennel. In doing so, he picked only the absolute best males and females, dogs that excelled in field trials, as Llewellin did not consider conformation shows to be relevant in breeding quality hunting dogs. His first best field dogs and, basically, founders of the Llewellin as we know it, were Dashing Bondhu, Wind`em and Gladstone, as well as others.

The purpose of breeding Llewellins was to create the perfect close-range field dog, a gun dog that would perform perfectly in an open field.

After Purcell Llewellin`s death, in 1925, the selection of the breed was continued by William Humphrey (1882 - 1963) who managed to produce 41 field champions in 38 years of carefull selection and breeding.

CHARACTERISTICS:
Llewellin Setters, like all Setters, enjoy human company and are a good play-time partner for children, as they have quite a calm and loving temperamnet. However, being highly inteligent, they will also need a calm but firm owner, especially in the puppy-hood stage, as they can get more free-spirited than one might like.

They have a VERY strong hunting instinct, and, generally, should not be trusted with birds. However they get along just fine with other animals and enjoy playing with other dogs.

Being a "gentleman`s dog", Llewellins are not instinctively aggressive and make poor guard dogs.
They require daily exercise and can actually get depressed if they do not spend enough time outdoors. This is why the breed is recomended only to those that can provide the dog with adequate exercise, and, ideally, the occasional field hunt.

COAT:
- medium-long, silky coat
- colors: white base with black, orange, chestnut ticking or spots

SIZE:
- Height: 21 - 25 (56 - 60 cm)
- Weight: 35 - 65 lbs (15 - 29 kg)


ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

HARVEY

is a NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER from the UK that went missing on the 6th of December 2012, while chasing pheasants at WEST SOMERTON, on BURNLEY HALL ESTATE, HORSEY, NORFOLK.

Tollers are very rare in the UK and liable to being stolen and resold for good money.
So, please, if you can give any kind of information on the matter, do not hesitate!
He is a much loved pet that went missing just before Christmas!

For further information and pictures please visit his FB support page [link]

Thank you and please spread the word!