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January's !RARE! Breed of the Month
February's !RARE! Breed of the Month

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Featuring March's !RARE! Breed of the Month
the Lancashire Heeler





What is a Lancashire Heeler?

The Lancashire Heeler; also known as the Ormskirk Heeler, is hailed as the smallest breed of herding dog that was developed and implemented as, not only a herder, but a drover of its master's cattle. Uncharacteristic of most of its fellow herding breeds, this pint sized canine has an ancestry that infuses the joining of two polar opposites in the dog world; herder meets terrier, which aided in giving the breed that wily terrier grin and makes it a fairly versatile breed in function. Its uniqueness is enhanced by its rarity, with only an estimated 5,000 living individuals worldwide.



History & Origin

Akin to many of the modern day herding breeds, the Lancashire's roots can be traced to a European heritage. The humble beginnings of this petite pooch can be traced back as far as the year 1797. Near the duration of the 18th century, the exportation of sheep via Ireland increased in necessity for their English neighbors. This in turn, boosted the use of the port in Liverpool, located in northwest England. It was from these voyages that the predecessors of the Lancashire Heeler came to English shores; their purpose, to aid in driving flocks of sheep off of the boats, nipping at their heels as they exited. These fore bearers of the breed brought about a new method of herding that separated them from other herding breeds that had been developed thus far. This new subcategory of herding dogs, the heelers; were bred to be a specialty herder whose instinct included nipping at the lower legs and heels of livestock and to corral their herbivorous quarry. In some cases, lead them to their master's slaughterhouses. The method behind nipping at the heels was to ensure as little damage as possible to the hides of the prey animals. As a result, not only were these varieties of dogs sought out by farmers, but also by industrial meat packagers.



In regard to the Lancashire's family tree, one would almost instantly think of a corgi heritage given its short stubby legs and long low riding body. Yet, as with many dog breed origins, there are always a few naysayers that point to another source of ancestry. In one instance, there is a theory that there may have been a Norse influence in the breed correlating with an ancestry from the Swedish Vallhund. In her publication, Herding Dogs: Their Origins and Development in Britain, author Iris Combe's thoughts on the Lancashire's pedigree are as stated. "I feel the heeler is most likely a local variety of corgi or spitz dog which has been kept for generations within one particular district, in the same way as the Cardigan and Pembroke corgis." (Combe) In addition, the inclusion of local Manchester Terriers mingled with the herders which resulted in a dog that was a hybrid of two entirely different types of domestic dog. That being, having the intelligence and precision of a herder, but also possess the tenacity, ruthlessness, and ratting abilities of a terrier.

If one were to go back in time around sixty years ago, the Lancashire would be a prevalent breed to see in farmsteads throughout northwestern England. Thanks to their compact size and multi-functioning purpose as a herder and a ratter, these dogs found their niche and seemed quite comfortable in this highly agrarian environment. However, as farming practices began to radically change via industrial farming, droving fell out of practice, and more specialized herding breeds gained more interest, the Lancashire found itself adrift.



Fortunately, there were a handful of fanciers of the breed which worried about the decrease in population. Led by enthusiast Gwen Mackintosh of Norfolk, the remaining Lancashire Heeler breeders banned together and formed the Lancashire Heeler Club in 1978. Their hard work paid off when the little heelers were recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB) a few years later in 1981 and by the end of 1988; seven hundred fifty one Lancashire Heelers were recorded in the KCGB's registry. The breed also received recognition with the prestigious Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1995. Despite these major steps forward, the marginal population maintained was still in great jeopardy and by 2003; the Lancashire was added to the KCGB's list of vulnerable breeds.


On the other side of the Atlantic, the Lancashire was accepted into the American Kennel Club's (AKC) Foundation Stock Service (FSS) in 2001. The first registered dog in the states also came into pruition the same year. Six years later in 2007, the United States Lancashire Heeler Club was born. According to statistics taken as recently as 2012, ninety two Lancashire Heelers were registered through the FSS, eighty seven of them had a three generation pedigree in their ancestry. Today, the Lancashire is recognized in other kennel clubs as well including the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), the American Canine Registry (ACR), and the North American Purebred Registry, Inc. (NAPR).



Appearance & Structure

Akin to its Corgi predecessors, the Lancashire Heeler is set low to the ground; as its legs are very short in relative proportion to the rest of its body. Large, widely set, erect ears sit atop its small skull; dropped ears being an incredible fault. The head is to be in proportion with the body with bright eyes set wide apart from one another. The eyes themselves, are almond in shape, medium in size, and must be have very dark colored irises. The only exception to this rule is only applicable in liver colored dogs. In that instance the eye color may be lighter in order to correspond with the lighter coat coloration.



On the topic of the color of a dog's coat, the black and tan smooth coat seen today was first bred in Ormskrik and over the years became the preferred color combination for the breed. However, a liver and tan variation can be found among individuals as well. The topcoat is short, thick and weather resistant to all conditions. In addition, there is a fine undercoat that can be found underneath the thick exterior but should never be visible to the surface. The Lancashire’s coat changes as the seasons change; being that in the warm summer months, the coat is reduced in thickness and in the bitter winter the coat will thicken and a handsome neck ruff becomes an added characteristic to the dog’s exterior.



Looking at the body cavity of this breed, well sprung ribbing is an integral part of the dog's build, extending well back with close coupling. A firm, level topline is apparent, never to dip at the withers or fall at the croup. An individual's forequarters include well laid shoulders, elbows firmly placed at the ribs, and pasterns can allow the forefeet to turn slightly outwards, but not to the point of compromising a dog's movement or render them weak. Likewise, the hindquarters are also muscular with well turned stifles. From the rear, the hind legs should be parallel when in motion or standing still. The result being a natural and brisk gait. A dog's tail is set high and never should be docked. While it can be carried over the back in a slight curve, the tail should never form a complete ring.



Temperament

As with all herding dogs, the Lancashire has a hard wired instinct to do what it was born to accomplish. Early intervention to prevent unwanted ankle nipping is essential as well as having proper stimulation for a high energy breed. Obedience training is a staple for this strong willed breed and extensive exercises regarding self-control and redirecting of energy are critical if one is to have a mentally sound companion. The Lancashire, while not often used as a herding dog in present times, can still perform well if instructed by one who has an extensive history training dogs to herd. These pint sized canines can also perform well in agility, flyball, and even frisbee competitions. The key to keeping this breed happy is essentially the same as all herders; by providing immense stimulation, exercise, and a clear and devoted equal partnership.



In the homestead, the Lancashire is an alert and friendly dog with its immediate family. However, it might be in the best interest of the dog that only older children with proper dog cohabitation skills share its residence. Younger children often show less restraint in respecting a dog's personal boundaries as they themselves discover their place in the world. As a result, a dog like the Lanchashire can either be frightened by the invasiveness of a toddler, or take advantage of their naiveté and herd them around one's home.



In the event an intruder makes an entrance, the Lancashire is innately wary of strangers and will alert their family immediately. With other animals, proper socialization at a tender age is always encouraged with any dog. In the case of the Lancashire, this is even more relevant given the breed's strong herding and prey drive. Future prospecting owners should keep this in mind if prey animals currently reside. While cases of dog to dog aggression seldom are reported in the breed, early socialization with other canine companions should always be encouraged. In the event an intruder makes an entrance, the Lancashire is innately wary of strangers and will alert their family immediately. With other animalskeep this in mind if prey animals currently reside. While cases of dog to dog aggression seldom are reported in the breed, early socialization with other canine companions should always be encouraged.



In the right setting, the Lancashire is a remarkable little firecracker which has warmed the hearts of those who have ever owned one. Despite its diminutive size, this rare gem of the herding world can be just as enjoyable for herding breed enthusiasts as its more popular contemporaries.

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January's !RARE! Breed of the Month

2011 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
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Featuring February's !RARE! Breed of the Month
the Ca de Bou





What is a Ca de Bou?

The Ca de Bou, also known as the Perro de Pressa Mallorquin or the Mallorquin Bulldog, is a medium to large size Mollisian breed whose origin is riddled with controversy. The breed is also subject to confusion in regard to the translation of its very name. Many mistake the Spanish name of the breed to be ‘fighting (or combat) dog of Mallorquin’. In Spanish, ‘pressa’ actually translates to ‘prey’ in English. This is in relation to the dog’s function which is to have a strong biting instinct to ensnare prey with said bite. On the contrary, the Spanish term for fighting is ‘pelea’ which is clearly not seen in the Ca de Bou’s Spanish name. Further confusion is often found when people mistake the Ca de Bou for similar breeds such as the Perro de Toro and the Presa Canario. All three are separate breeds with their own distinct differences and should not be confused with one another. Two forms of Ca de Bou are often seen in different parts of the world. One who bears more similarity with other bully breeds is favored in Eastern Europe while one which retains more qualities from the Spanish Mastiff is more commonly found in North America.



History & Origin

To better understand the origins of the Ca de Bou, it is vital to not only get a bit of a history lesson, but to understand the skeletal structure of a broader expanse of dogs. Starting at the root of the mollosser family tree; a line that brought about the mastiff-type breeds, the Ca de Bou's origins can be traced as far back as the first millennium BC during the age of the Phoenicians. Back then, the acts of trade between Egypt and other groups of people throughout the Mediterranean were highly apparent and thanks to rich mercantile of exchange and distribution many goods were being exported and imported to these various places. Everything from agricultural goods, materials for clothing such as cotton, and in this case, dogs picked up in Egypt.



The Balearic Isles (specifically the island of Mallorca), the cradle of the breed's development, was adjoined in this commute of trade and became an asset to mariners traveling and distributing goods from port to port. The dogs that left Egypt at this time would be the precursor to the mastiff which would lead to others of this lineage of molloser breeds due to introduction of dogs from the Phoenicians’ lands, being Neolithic dogs. However, from around 800 BC onward, the Phoenicians were displaced by their Greek counterparts who in turn took over the island and in short succession, the dogs which resided on it. From this exploitation came the true mollossus dogs; which would later be re-coined as molosser in the present day mastiff-type breeds. Among this array of diversity, the Ca de Bou would take its first steps into existence.



By the third century BC, the Carthagian Empire expanded throughout the Mediterranean and spread its supremacy as far as the Iberian Peninsula in what is now modern day Spain. Two Punic Wars took place during this takeover, which; once the dust settled, left the Roman occupancy in shambles. Taking advantage of the military discourse, the residents of the Balearic Isles took up piracy to gain profits until Rome restored trade order in 123 BC. For the next five hundred years afterward, the Balearics were succumb to Roman rule. Fortunately, there were a few perks for the inhabitants of the islands. As the tyrannical Caesars of Rome found the necessity to develop dogs designed to be implemented in war, the pirates of the Balearic Islands found a similar niche for these dogs in their plundering escapades.


An illustration of the primitive mastiff archetypes that would give rise to the modern mastiff breeds and others influenced by said breeds seen today.

Like all great dynasties though, the Roman Empire would fall prey to decline and eventually fell into oblivion. In its place, the tribes of Vandals and Alans of central Asia migrated into lands once ruled by the Romans and by 425 AD had spread as far as the Iberian Peninsula and the Balaerics. With them came dogs to further the development of today's modern Mollossers. The Alaunt, as they were referred to (akin to the modern day Tibetan Mastiff) added to the pre-existing pool of Greco-Roman dogs and had a predisposed function in relation to their counterparts. From this union came the further development of many of the mastiff breeds seen today and as a result began the true development of the Ca de Bou.


An early illustration of a primitive rendition of the Ca de Bou.

The first written account of the Ca de Bou; or most likely a primitive rendition of the breed is found in accounts regarding King Jacob the first in relation to his arrival and conquest of the Balearics in the year 1230. It wasn’t until the 17th century though, thanks to the influence of British supremacy a la the Treaty of Utrecht, did the breed come into the existence we see today. The introduction of bull baiting dogs in the Isles, such as the Bull Terrier and English Bulldog mingled with the native mastiff population of the Iberian Peninsula and by the 18th century, the sport which coined the previously mentioned British breeds became great fancy for the island inhabitants. Previous to this time, two lines of Ca de Bou had evolved; a taller, more streamline animal used for various tasks including hunting and even herding, and a stockier model which would be implemented in the realm of dog fighting. The nature of the sport actually explains the breed’s name as “Ca de Bou” translates literally to “bull-dog” in the native Catalan language.


An illustration of bull baiting in 1800's Spain.


Photos of Ca de Bou dogs around 1890 and the turn of the century.

In 1923, the Ca de Bou was established in the Spanish Stud Book and the first official breed entry was in 1928 where it was exhibited in a Barcelona dog show. By 1946, the standard was created but it would take until 1964 for the breed to be recognized by a kennel club, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Alas, as with many rare breeds, the Ca de Bou fell into obscurity with the transition of mindsets. Other breeds gaining more popularity, dog fighting became illegal in its native land in 1940, and in other reaches of the world where dog fighting remained in legal practice, the pit bull type breeds reigned supreme. By the time the breed became recognized by the FCI, there were believed to be no pure specimens left in existence.

Resurgence of interest in the breed started in the 1970’s when aspiring local breeders sought after a close relative of the Ca de Bou, the Ca de Bestiar. From these dogs, came specimens that bore a striking similarity to their Ca de Bou brethren and with great scrutiny, a small pool of dogs were found in Mallorca that were said to be actual individuals of the supposed lost Ca de Bou. Between the cross breeding of the lost relics and their Ca de Bestiar relatives, the standard put into practice all those years ago was maintained and number of Ca de Bou rose and are still on the rise today. On an international level, the breed has gained appreciation in countries such as Poland, Russia, France, and in most recent years, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Ca de Bou is also recognized by a few more kennel clubs, specifically the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), the National Kennel Club (NKC), and the American Canine Registry (ACR).



The overall controversy in the breed lies in its resurrection. Many dog fanciers believe the Ca de Bou to be extinct and scoff at the revival of the breed as a failed attempt to revive a breed long lost. According to naysayers, the individuals claimed as modern Ca de Bou lack some of the physical characteristics of the breed documented in the standard and lean far too much with their counterpart, the Ca de Bestier and other bully breeds. Rather the notion these skeptics believe in, is that these dogs have no genetic influence from the original stock animals as there were believed to be none left in existence and were merely ‘Ca de Bastier in Ca de Bou clothing’. Despite the criticism though, breeding of the modern Ca de Bou continues on and is currently one of many niche breeds in further development. Other such members include the Olde English Bulldogge, the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge, and the Buldogue Campiero.



Appearance & Structure

Obvious sexual dimorphism is apparent between male and female counterparts of the Ca de Bou. Most prominently, is the breed’s massive head that is noticeably larger in males where the circumference of a male’s skull should be greater than the dog’s chest when measured at the withers. In both the sexes, the forehead is to be broad and flat with the frontal furrow being well-defined and the eyebrow arches as well. When looking straight on, the back of the skull is indistinguishable due to the shape of the skull.


A comparison between male and female representatives of the breed in that order respectively.

One of the most pronounced features aside from the mass of the skull is the breed’s massive jaw. The muscles within the jaw are strong, well developed, and protrude from the jaw itself. With the exception of some folds which appear sideways over muscles involved in the chewing mechanism, there are to be no folds of skin on the head of the dog.

At first glance, a dog’s eyes are to be large and oval in shape. The coloration of the irises are to be as dark as possible in accordance to the coat color of the dog. Its characteristic “rose ears” are small and set high on the side of the skull. Over the years, cropping was once implemented on this breed, but has since fallen out of favor for its natural ear shape. The nose of the Ca de Bou is black and broad with the philtrum located between the nostrils being well-defined. Reminiscent of a blunt cone, the muzzle is set at the inner corner of the eyes, and is conical in profile. The upper lip covers its lower counterpart as the middle of the muzzle where the corner of the mouth is visible. On the opposite end of the animal, the tail is set low and tapers towards the tip. When a dog is active or stimulated, it is noted that the tail becomes slightly curved. As with the past implementation of cropping the ears of the Ca de Bou, docking used to be practiced in the breed, but this trait has also fallen out of favor.


A past Ca de Bou exhibiting the once favored docked tail.

The skin is thick in density and close fitting to the form with the exception of the neck, where a slight dewlap might occur. The texture of the fur is rough to the touch and short in length, lying close to the skin. Accepted colors of fur vary but in order of preference include brindle, fawn and black. In the case of both brindle and fawn individuals, dark tones and deeper shades are preferred respectively. White patches are allowed on the chest, front feet, and muzzle so long as the patches do not cover more than 30% of the body. Black masks are also permitted but any other color that does not fit any of these previously listed parameters is prohibited and considered disqualifying faults.



Temperament

Despite its present rarity, the Ca de Bou is gaining immense popularity in recent years due to its desirable personality. Uncharacteristic of many bully breeds, this specimen is commonly laid back and is often reserved. As many fanciers have described it, the breed is not an ‘attention seeker’. However, one must note that like all bully breeds, the Ca de Bou is by nature a dog that was designed to be immensely powerful and has an innate territorial and independent nature. Akin to other bully breeds, this dog will not back down to any challenge and has the tenacity to keep up the attack while provocation is in place. While respectful of its immediate family, the Ca de Bou is not hesitant to spring into guard dog mode when strangers cross their path. It must strongly be noted that harsh training methods will only enable this breed to increase its aggression which can lead to cataclysmic results. Early socialization and obedience from puppyhood is critical for any prospecting owner as the dog must learn how to approach its family, children, other animals, and frequent visitors with tolerance and respect. It is also strongly encouraged that a new owner should collaborate with an experienced trainer, especially one specializing in powerful breeds similar to the Ca de Bou.



This is a high energy breed that needs stimulation every day. A large, securely fenced backyard is the minimum requirement for this breed with plenty of room to romp and frolic and enjoy a long game of fetch or several throws of a frisbee. If one has immense property, the implementation of double fetch is also beneficial in that the dog has to work twice as hard to retrieve two objects. In the realm of activities outside of the home, the Ca de Bou can partake in competitions such as weight pulling and vertical jumping alongside fellow bully breeds. The bottom line is that this is a breed that will need more than a fifteen minute walk once a day to be satiated.



Fortunately, this breed has a restricted genetic pool as of now which has allowed the overall personality to be fine-tuned and become relatively psychologically sound from a genetic viewpoint. All the same, when searching for a breeder, desire one whose dogs are mentally sound; being that both sire and bitch are not overly aggressive and possess that signature laid back persona that sets this breed apart from other bully breeds. With the correct training and limitations placed on it and a sound genetic background, one will end up with a faithful companion who will protect its family from any would-be intruder.


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Australian Shepherd Club of America,
Please Ban Merle To Merle Breeding

by Keller's Cause @ www.change.org

Sign the Petition Here

29,450 supporters thus far, with 5,550 signatures still needed to reach 35,000

About the Petition:

By signing, you accept Change.org’s terms of service and privacy policy, and agree to receive occasional emails about campaigns on Change.org. You can unsubscribe at any time.

This petition was put together by Keller's Cause on Change.org; you can read about Keller here, a double merle Australian Shepherd, the product of merle to merle breeding causing deafness and vision impairment.


Above: Keller the double merle Australian Shepherd
Image © Facebook.com/KellerTtheDM


The Australian Shepherd Club of America was established in 1957 as the parent club for the Australian Shepherd Breed. They are the largest single breed dog registry in North America and are currently allowing a breeding practice that creates deaf and blind puppies.

These puppies are known as double merles, and they, along with their disabilities are 100% preventable. ASCA has the power to take a stand and prevent puppies from being born with disabilities.

A double merle is created when two merle dogs are bred together.

In a merle dog you will see a beautiful marbled coat. The merle gene takes what began as a solid coat and strips some of the color, this gives you different splotches of the original coat (black or red) along with lighter areas all throughout the coat. Merle is very flashy, beautiful, and popular.

When this breeding occurs (merle to merle), each of the resulting offspring have a 25% chance of being a double merle. A double merle inherits the merle gene twice and because of this the marbling and stripping is doubled. The doubling of the merle gene pulls most of the color and pigment from the dog and leaves them with an almost all white coat (in most cases.) The stripping of pigment also puts these dogs at a very high risk for varying degrees of hearing and vision impairments. Many of them are born completely deaf, blind, or both.

These dogs, double merles, are so special. They are brought into the world a little different, but they don't let that slow them down. Keller's Cause and this petition exist because of my special little dog, Keller. Keller is a double merle and was born completely deaf and vision impaired. Keller was also facing death at 5 weeks old because of this. She is the inspiration behind all of this and the dogs out there like her deserve someone to speak for them. No dog should be brought into the world with preventable disabilities, no matter how much they will be loved.

Our idea for this petition stems from the United Kingdom Kennel Club and The Australian Shepherd Club of the UK. Both of these organizations have banned merle to merle breeding. If such breeding occurs, the offspring cannot be registered through their clubs. The idea behind this is that if a breeder cannot register their dogs, they will not perform such breeding.

This is a huge step in the world of dog breeding and we should take note and do the same. Breeding should occur when one is trying to improve or better the breed and that certainly cannot be accomplished with deaf and/or blind puppies.

Currently, the ASCA, recommends to avoid merle to merle breeding, or EUTHANIZE any white puppies in said breeding. This is unacceptable as no dog should be euthanized due to disabilities that were 100% preventable. Help us reach the ASCA and ask them follow behind the UK KC and ASCUK in banning merle to merle breeding.

For more information on double merles please visit: www.doublemerles.info


Above: Keller the double merle Australian Shepherd
Image © Facebook.com/KellerTtheDM




What is "Double Merle"?

A double or homozygous merle is created when two merle dogs are bred together. It doesn’t matter what color merle or what breed they are. If two merle dogs are bred together, EACH puppy in the litter has a 25% chance of being born a double merle. A double merle inherits the merle gene twice.

One copy of the merle gene causes a marbling effect on the coat and creates lighter spots throughout the solid color coat. In a double merle, the marbling/lightening effect is doubled and the coat becomes predominantly white.

Double merles also run the risk of being deaf or having other varying degrees of hearing loss. Eye abnormalities and blindness are also common.



Figure 1: Left

This shows the genetic possibilities of EACH puppy in a litter bred from two merle dogs. As you can see each puppy has a 50% chance of being born merle, a 25% of being born a solid, or non merle, and a 25% chance of being born a double merle. When breeding merle to merle there are no odds or statistics. For each puppy you are practically rolling a 4 sided dice to see what you get. You can have a litter of all merles just as easily as you can no merles, or just as easily as you can have all double merles.


People that are uneducated on the consequences of merle to merle breeding will do such a pair in the hopes of getting more merle puppies. Merle is very beautiful and very popular. Breeding merle to merle does not increase the chance of merle puppies (see figure 2).

Figure 2: Right

This image shows the genetic possibility for each puppy in a merle to non merle breeding. Each puppy in the litter has a 50% chance of being born a merle and 50% chance of being a non merle or solid. As you can see, there chance of having a merle puppy is the exact same as breeding merle to merle. Merle to merle breeding does not increase the chance of having merle puppies.


Double merles are 100% preventable by not breeding merle to merle.

These dogs cannot be produced any other way.

The following breeds carry merle and are recognized by the AKC: Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Collie (rough or smooth), Dachshund (called dapple), Great Dane (harlequin acts the same), Mudi, Old English Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Pyrenean Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog.


Left: Keeley, a Catahoula mix, was born with no vision in her left eye & only about 5% in her right eye. Right: Jessie, a double merle Australian Shepherd, has severe micophthalmia in this eye.


Left: Ralph, a double merle Australian Shepherd, has microphthalmia in this eye. You can see the edge of the very small eye and how the third eye lid covers it.
Right: Forrest, a double merle Australian Shepherd, was born blind.

Images @ doublemerles.info/eye-abnormalities.html

To learn more about double merle dogs, see here: www.doublemerles.info/home.html


o Double Merle FAQ
o Deafness in Double Merles
o Eye Abnormalities in Double Merles
o Double Merle Dog Rescue Organizations
o Stores of Double Merle Dogs





Thank you to ChaosBetween for bringing this to our attention!

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Welcome to Our !RARE! Breed of the Month Feature!


2011 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
2012 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
2013 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
2014 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
2015 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap

Featuring January's !RARE! Breed of the Month
the Smaland Hound





What is a Smaland Hound?

The Smaland Hound (or Smålandsstövare as it is referred to in its native land) is a medium sized breed of scenthound developed in Sweden back in the 16th century. It is believed to be the oldest breed of scenthound in Sweden and is surprisingly confused as a variation of Rottweiler due to its black and tan coloring. Despite the noticible similarity in color though, the Smaland Hound shares no obvious relation with the renowned German working breed.



History & Origin

Historic records show that the Smaland (pronounced smo:land) Hound has existed since the days of the 16th century. Its name is derived from the historic province, Småland, located in Southern Sweden where the breed was initially developed. Amid the days of the Swedish Empire, epic wars were fought and in due process, soldiers brought back a vast array of Continental Hounds from countries that were pillaged; in particular Germany, Poland, and England. Breeding them with perhaps the uncanny choice of local spitz type canines, these became the direct ancestors and foundation stock to the modern Smaland Hound seen today.



Bred to hunt a vast variety of game, the Smaland Hound was sought out by farmers as its versatility and easy-going nature were an asset to those who could afford the upkeep of one dog. Not to mention that this was one of few hound breeds that worked independently rather than be apart of a conglomerate pack. Hunting everything from scampering squirrels, swift hares and foxes, to battling behemoth herbivores like moose, these dogs were adaptable and could take on any quarry. Ultimately though, these dogs did deliver the killing blow. Rather, they would drive the prey item to the hunter lying in wait. A highly intelligent breed and one that shows strong adoration and devotion to its master and family, there was no dog more ideal than the Smaland Hound.



Despite the immense popularity that the breed received, it would have been difficult to pinpoint that one even owned a Smaland Hound at this point in time. That was due to the fact that little to no selective breeding was practiced in the early years of this scenthound's existence. Initially, the Smaland Hound came in a vast diversity of colors, sizes and varying tail lengths. By the time the 19th century took heed, Swedish breeders began to breed for specific physical characteristics due in part that pedigree dog shows became the latest craze in all of Europe. When the first dog show was held in Sweden back in 1889, 444 dogs were registered to compete. Of that number of participants, 189 were of the hound variety, the Smaland Hound being thoroughly represented. In time, more tweaking to the breed's genetics were implemented at the turn of the 20th century including the solidification of the breed's naturally short tail; which was believed to have existed in the original stock. This was due to Baron Frederik von Essen, a breeder who sought the look of the original dogs from centuries' past.



The same year that its first breed standard was written, the Smaland Hound was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921. The first dog to be registered by the kennel club was Sko av Myren 789 V, owned by a woman named Mary Stephens from the Torne valley. The standard for the breed would be modified yet again in 1952 due to dogs of a similar type but unknown ancestry or identification being implemented in an effort to put new blood into the breed. To this day, it remains an enigma as to what dogs were utilized in these breeding programs. Nevertheless, these unidentified individuals were yet another aid in the Smaland Hounds seen today.

Since that first dog was registered back in 1921, the Smaland Hound has made some progress to be recognized by other kennel clubs. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) being the first outside its native Sweden in 1955 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) only recognized the breed in more recent years; back in 2006. It has yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in any fashion as well as any other kennel club. This lack of presence could be due to many circumstances; most notably that the Smaland Hound is hardly known outside of its native land and that its population remains very small. Even in its home country, only 60 puppies are registered with the Swedish Kennel Club on an average annual basis.

Appearance & Structure

There is little sexual dimorphism between male and female Smaland Hounds especially in concerns regarding height and overall physical appearance.


(c) SaNNaS

The coat of the Smaland Hound is medium in length and its texture is hard and tight. A well developed undercoat should also be present. The black and tan coloring is uniform in all specimens but minimal white markings on the chest and toes are permitted if present. Furthermore, the fur can be slightly longer when located on the back of the thighs and under the dog's characteristically short tail. On the topic of the tail itself, the Smaland Hound's tail is not docked. Rather, this supposed anomaly is a natural attribute to the breed and is the end result of artificial selection.



According to the breed's standard, the skull is medium in width and considered lean from the base to the muzzle. Broadest between the ears, the head also has a well defined stop. Its muzzle is to be the same length as the skull with the nasal bridge parallel to the top of the head. The cheeks are lean as well and the upper lips have a slight overhang on the lower lips. A Smaland Hound's eyes are to be dark brown with a calm expression about them while the ears are to be set fairly high and hanging flat along the skull. When pulled forward, these vestiges are to only reach halfway along the muzzle and should raise slightly when the dog is alert.

The overview of the dog's form should show a body that is square in proportion with a soundly developed chest and ribs that are well sprung. A dog's withers should be defined and its back is short and powerful. Case in point, the loin is to be muscular and slightly arched and a dog's group is to be broad and have a slight slope. Its underbelly though is to be only slight tucked up.



Temperament

Looking at the Smaland Hound's overall temperament, there is no disputing why farmers of the 16th century sought out these dogs to be a part of their lives. The Smaland Hound is a canine that shows unwavering devotion and love towards its master, forming an incredibly invincible bond with that individual. It also makes a brilliant candidate for a pet as its gentle and kind nature makes it a great family dog. This unwavering devotion also makes it an ideal guard dog as it will defend its home valiantly. However, these are dogs that absolutely need a task in their lives. An intelligent dog, especially by hound standards, active stimulation is crucial to have a happy and spiritually sound canine companion. At the least, this breeds need a nice large yard to romp about in and have a few hours a week of stimulated exercise either at the home or through some sort outside stimuli (i.e. field testing, hunting trials, etc.). It's also important to mention that this is a dog that will stay active in a given role until well into its senior years, with its zeal to perform tapering after age 12. With that said, this is not a dog meant to live in an apartment with little to no daily activity.



Alongside other dogs, the Smaland Hound, while an independent worker in the field, thrives off of canine companionship and shows little to no dog aggression. All the same, proper socialization is vital for all dogs in order for them to understand what it means to be one of their on species and how to properly co-habitate. Due to its innate hunting drive, this scenthound will need additional socialization lessons in order to share its home with smaller animals such as cats, poultry, rabbits, etc. In the right home though, this is a dog that will give you unwavering dedication and be a devoted member of a family throughout its life.


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!RARE! Breed of the Month 2015 Recap

So yet another year of stopBSL's !RARE! Breed of the Month has come to an end, and again here is the recap looking back on all of the amazing rare breeds that we had the absolute pleasure of sharing with our group members!

January – Skye Terrier



"A loyal, confident & fearless breed of Scotland and one of the oldest of the terrier breeds, the Skye Terrier originated on the Isle of Skye where it was bred by farmers to destroy the fox, badger & otter preying on livestock."
Skye Terrier Breed Feature by sassawj

February – Bergamasco



"The Bergamasco was bred to be a self-sufficient herder that instinctively herded and guarded the flock independently rather than getting constant verbal instructions by its master."
Bergamasco Breed Feature by Miss-Whoa-Back-Off

March – Drever



"The Drever is a short-legged scenthound from Sweden used for hunting deer and other game."
Drever Breed Feature by t3hsilentone

April – Eurasier



"The Eurasier, sometimes referred to as Eurasian, is a breed of dog of spitz type that originated in Germany. It is widely known as a wonderful companion that maintains its own personality, has a dignified reserve to strangers, a strong bond to its family and that is relatively easy to train."
EurasierBreed Feature by CrystalbrookAussies

May – Portuguese Podengo



"The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient multi-sensory hound breed of dog from Portugal. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred: small, medium and large."
Portuguese Podengo Breed Feature by t3hsilentone

June – Kangal Dog



"The Kangal is an early mastiff type breed of livestock guardian dog, originating from the Kangal district in Sivas Province, Turkey."
Kangal Dog Breed Feature by CrystalbrookAussies

July – Azawakh



"An African sighthound of Afro-Asiatic type used as guardians, hunters and companions, the Azawakh originated in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Raised in the Sahel region of the Sahara desert, they are named for the Azawakh valley."
Azawakh Breed Feature by EverlastingWolf

August – Estrela Mountain Dog



"The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large breed of guard dog bred and utilized for centuries in the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. This dog is renowned in the area for being a guardian to flocks of livestock and to their master’s homesteads. "
Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Feature by Miss-Whoa-Back-Off

September – Slovensky Cuvac



"The Slovensky Cuvac, a Slovakian breed of herding dog, was a canine developed as a livestock guard dog."
Slovensky Cuvac Breed Feature by :devmiss-whoa-back:

October – Kromfohrlander



"The Kromfohrlander (pronounced “krome-fore-lahn-dair”) is a German breed of companion dog developed at the close of World War II. Nicknamed, the Kromi, by fanciers, this medium sized dog is considered the youngest breed developed in its home country. "
Kromfohrlander Breed Feature by Miss-Whoa-Back-Off

November – Deutscher Wachtelhund



"The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium sized gundog that was developed in its native Germany around 1890. Like all sporting breeds, it was bred to be a dependable asset to track down game and offer a hunter companionship"
Deutscher Wachtelhund Breed Feature by Miss-Whoa-Back-Off

December – Chart Polski



"The Chart Polski or Polish Greyhound is an ancient, short haired sighthound, which were historically used for hunting hare, fox, roe-deer, bustard and wolf. The Chart Polski once faced near extinction during the 19th and 20th centuries, until lovers of the breed began to repopulate them in Poland in the 1980s."
Chart Polski Breed Feature by sassawj

o 2011 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
o 2012 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
o 2013 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap
o 2014 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap

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!RARE! BotM 2016
• January - Smaland Hound
• February - Ca de Bou





!RARE! BotM 2015
• January - Skye Terrier
• February - Bergamasco
• March - Drever
• April - Eurasier
• May - Port. Podengo
• June - Kangal
• July - Azawakh
• August - Estrela Mnt. Dog
• September - Slovensky Cuvac
• October - Kromfohrlander
• November - Deutscher Wachtelhund
• December - Chart Polski
o 2015 RBotM Recap


!RARE! BotM 2014
• January - Lagotto Romagnolo
• February - Munsterlander
• March - Swedish Vallhund
• April - Pyrenean Shepherd
• May - Kishu Ken
• June - Kai Ken
• July - East Siberian Laika
• August - Schapendoes
• September - Transylvanian Hound
• October - Appenzeller Mnt Dog
• November - Pumi
• December - Chinook
o 2014 !RARE! BotM Recap


!RARE! BotM 2013
• January - Bohemian Shepherd
• February - Alaskan Klee Kai
• March - Beauceron
• April - Komondor
• May - Hamilton Hound
• June - Himalayan Sheepdog
• July - Karelian Bear Dog
• August - New Zealand Huntaway
• September - Silken Windhound
• October - Blue Picardy Spaniel
• November - Plott Hound
• December - Russian Toy Terrier
o 2013 !RARE! BotM Recap


!RARE! BotM 2012
• January - Aidi
• February - Kooikerhondje
• March - Procelaine
• April - Hovawart
• May - Shikoku Dog
• June - Stabyhoun
• July - Broholmer
• August - Azores Cattle Dog
• September - Catahoula
• October - Bavarian Mountain Dog
• November - Cirneco dell'Etna
• December - Rafeiro do Alentejo
o 2012 !RARE! BotM Recap



!RARE! BotM 2011
• April - Xoloitzcuintli
• May - Hungarian Mudi
• June - ASTCD
• July - Norwegian Lundehund
• August - Tibetan Mastiff
• September - Berger Picard
• October - Fila Brasileiro
• November - Tamaskan Dog
• December - Thai Dog
o 2011 !RARE! BotM Recap


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