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History of the American Foxhound                                 

As its name suggests, the American Foxhound was developed in colonial America, using the English Foxhound as a base. Irish, French and other hounds are thought to have been used in the breed's refinement.

The American Foxhound's origins date back to the early 1700's in Virginia and Maryland.

The American Foxhound is an ideal choice for those who live in rural areas or on large farms.

It was in November 1852 that a black and tan hound was stolen out of Tennessee and taken to Madison County, Kentucky. This hound was called "Tennessee Lead" and he became the foundation sire of all Walker, Trigg and Goodman foxhounds. These three strains make up the major portion of what is called American Foxhounds by AKC today.

Characteristics                                                          

The American Foxhound is an ideal choice for those who live in rural areas or on large farms.

The American Foxhound's short glossy coat is easy to keep clean.

The American Foxhound needs exercise. Foxhounds usually enjoy the company of other dogs and can become bored if kept alone.

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History of the Basset Hound                                      

The Basset Hound originated in France, possibly as early as 1585. After the French Revolution, the breed again rose in popularity among the peasants. Before the Revolution, hunting hounds were used only by the nobility. The peasants could not hunt from horseback, only on foot, so they required a shorter-legged, slower hound. The Basset Hound was also ideal for hunting in heavy cover due to its shape and size.

The breed found its way to England in the 1860's, the initial dogs were gifts from Comte de Tuornow to Lord Galway.

The Basset Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1928.

Characteristics                                                          

Friendly disposition. If used as a house dog, overfeeding can be a problem. Exercise is important. May be stubborn in accepting formal training as most hounds have an independent character, but a steady, firm hand will overcome any training problem. Generally good as a child's pet, as well as a hunter, if care is given to the hunt ancestry when selecting a pup. This includes the typical musical hound "voice".

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History of the Beagle                                             

There is considerable doubt as to the origin of the Beagle. Beagles are known throughout Europe and are the smallest of the scent hunting hounds. In literature, they were mentioned as far back as 1475.

Their popularity has been greater in the United States and Canada. Beagles have been in the "Top Ten" of most popular breeds for over 30 years and are one of the most popular breeds in America.

The U.K.C. Hunting Beagle is a "total" dog, excelling as a hunter while possessing excellent conformation. Looks and ability go hand-in-hand in developing the ideal U.K.C. Hunting Beagle.

Characteristics                                                          

An independent personality is a generalization of most hounds, although individuals may vary. Has a good hound voice. Usually friendly disposition. Can make a good house pet or outside dog.

The Beagle's coat is short and requires minimal grooming. A regular brushing and bath will help control the shedding process.

No Beagle should be allowed to roam free, as its nose will surely get it into trouble.

Future Beagle owners should be aware that Beagles are known to bark as part of their hunting heritage.

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History of the Black & Tan Coonhound               

The Black & Tan is one of many tracking breeds that was developed in the south of the United States. The breed can trace its immediate ancestry to the American Foxhound and the Virginia Foxhound of colonial days, with probably the introduction of some Bloodhound stock. This latter would explain not only the coloration of the Black & Tan, but its tendency toward being larger-boned than other breeds, its long ears, and its famous cold nose.

The American Black & Tan can probably be traced to the English Foxhounds, and before that to the Tolbot Hounds and St. Hubert hounds of France. These hounds were first brought to England following the Norman invasion in the 11th century.

The American Black & Tan was the first coonhound breed to be admitted into registry with U.K.C. When they were first registered in 1900, and for several years after that, they were registered as American Black & Tan Fox & Coonhounds.

Characteristics                                                           

Active, fast, bright, kind, confident, courageous, with open trailing and treeing instinct and ability.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is first and fundamentally a working dog used to track and tree raccoons.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a powerful and agile dog with the courage and stamina enabling him to hunt deer, bear, and mountain lion.

The Black and Tan Coonhound's coat tends to shed all year long and requires regular brushing.

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History of the Bloodhound                                        

The Bloodhound is a trailing scenthound, tracing its origins to the ancient French St. Hubert Hound, a type of hound raised for their tracking and hunting ability. They are experts at cold-trailing (following an old, "cold" trail), making them exceptional tracking dogs.

The Bloodhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1914.

 

Characteristics                                                          

The Bloodhound's expression is noble and dignified, and is characterized by solemnity, wisdom and power.

The breed is extremely affectionate, and not quarrelsome with companions or other dogs. Their nature is somewhat shy, and they are sensitive to both kindness and correction from their master.

The Bloodhound is a superb tracker, having an extremely advanced scenting ability. Being an independent hound, obedience work takes much patience and dedication.

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History of the Dachshund                                         

Germany is recognized as the country of origin of the Dachshund. The breed's rootstock is thought to be a dwarf mutation of the taller hounds of the true German type. As early as the 17th century, the name "Dachshund" was applied to a breed type that encompassed smooth- and long-haired varieties. A third variety, the wirehair, was recognized in 1890. The name Dachshund is from "dachs," which means "badger," and "hund," which means "dog." Not only was the dog used to hunt badgers (as well as other small game), it's appearance was much like the badger's, being sturdy and short-legged.

In medieval books on hunting dogs, "Dachshund" was applied to those dogs that were similar in their tracking and trailing ability, and which possessed the proportions and temperaments of terriers.

The United Kennel Club has recognized the Dachshund since 1919.

Characteristics                                                          

Hardy, vigorous, tireless, alert and responsive. Often described as "half-a-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long." Excellent hunting dog for small ground game.

He should be clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work, both above and below the ground. All senses are well developed.

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History of the English Foxhound                         

Hardy, vigorous, tireless, alert and responsive. Often described as "half-a-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long." Excellent hunting dog for small ground game.

He should be clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work, both above and below the ground. All senses are well developed.

Characteristics                                                         

The English Foxhound's coat is short, hard, and glossy and comes in colors of black, tan, and white or any combination.

The English Foxhound needs exercise. He is happiest with those who live in rural areas or on large farms. Foxhounds enjoy the company of other dogs and can become bored if kept alone.

The English Foxhound is an intelligent courageous pack-hound with a cheerful determined disposition.

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History of the Harrier Hound                                    

The breed stands midway between the Beagle and the Fox-hound in height. It is assumed that they are descended from the Greek hounds brought to Britain; they have been known as a distinct breed since 1130. In the past few centuries, when hunting from horseback came about, a small foxhound was crossed into the breed to increase its speed. It was bred to hunt hare. The breed is a pack animal and usually prefers the company of the pack to humans.

The Harrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1949.

Characteristics                                                          

A hound pack animal, usually preferring the company of the pack to humans. Being a pack breed, aggressiveness toward other dogs cannot be tolerated.

The Harrier is an outgoing and friendly dog who gets along well with people and other dogs.

The Harrier's coat is short, dense, and glossy.

The Harrier is a scent hound who was developed in England to hunt hare in packs.
 

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History of the Norwegian Elkhound                              
 
Since before 4000 B.C., the Norwegian Elkhound has faced icy weather, rugged terrain, dangerous animals... and still performed as a superior hunter, herder, guard and companion. Comrade to the Vikings, guardian of lonely farms and saeters, herder of flocks and defender from wolves and bear, a hunter always and roamer with hardy men, the Norwegian Elkhound comes down to us through more than six millennia with all his Nordic traits untainted, a fearless dog and friendly, devoted to man and the chase. A very rugged and robust dog built for endurance, bred and trained as a hunter and tracker, the Elkhound displays a keen and very acute sense of smell and hearing. Every physical characteristic is the expression of a need. His compactness, his muscled robustness, his squareness, his width and depth are true expressions of nature's requirements for a dog that would hunt day after day, all day long, in rugged country, where stamina rather than extreme speed is called for. The words brave, independent, dependable and determined describe their personalities. As pets, they are intelligent, friendly and reliable.
 
Characteristics                                                          
 
The Norwegian Elkhound's coat needs a good brushing once a week and a periodic bath.

The Norwegian Elkhound is bold and energetic.

The Norwegian Elkhound thrives on companionship and will prove to be a lifelong loyal friend.

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History of the Otterhound                                         

As the breed name suggests, Otterhounds were developed to hunt the large European otters, which are considered predators as they decimate fish.

The Otterhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1985.

Characteristics                                                          

They have an open and amiable expression. Their temperament is amiable, boisterous and even tempered. The Otterhound has an extremely sensitive nose, and is inquisitive and persevering in investigating scents.

Since the Otterhound hunts on both land and water, it requires a combination of characteristics that is unique among hounds. These include a rough, double coat and substantial, webbed feet.

The Otterhound should never be penalized when shown in working condition. Any departure from the breed standard is to be penalized according to the degree of deviation.

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History of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen    

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) is a trailing Scenthound, developed to hunt small game over the rough and difficult terrain of the La Vendee district, located on the western coast of France. It is one of the four ancient Griffon Vendeens breeds. The others include the Grand Griffon Vendeen, the Briquet Griffon Vendeen and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1992.

Characteristics                                                          

To fulfill his hunting heritage, the PBGV must be bold and vivacious in character, compact, tough and robust in construction.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a scent hound, who uses its nose to hunt small game over rough and difficult terrain.

Bold and vivacious in character, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a good voice which he uses freely.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a happy extroverted dog who is independent, but willing to please.