HOUNDING INFO ON DOGS

Chase High

MAJOR GROUPS OF DOGS

Sporting Dogs

Developed for hunting game Examples include:

Pointers Setters Spaniels Retrievers

Hounds

Developed for hunting and tracking by sight or scent.

Examples include: Hounds Beagles Dachshunds

Terriers

Developed to hunt underground Examples include:

Terriers Schnauzers

Working Dogs

Developed to perform services such as police and rescue work, guarding property, and pulling sleds.

Examples include: Alaskan malamute Boxers Doberman pinscher Great Dane

Herding Dogs

Developed to assist in managing livestock such as sheep and cattle.

Examples include: Collies German Shepherd Sheepdogs

Toy Dogs

Developed to be of small size for use as house pets and companion animals.

Examples include: Chihuahua Pekingese Pug

Non-Sporting Dogs

Miscellaneous breeds used mainly for companionship.

Examples include: Boston Terriers Dalmatian Poodles

Jack Russell Terrier

Not included in the other groups according to some kennel registrations.

However, the AKC has included the Jack Russell in the Terrier group und the name Parson Russell Terrier.

SPORTING BREEDS

Pointers

Dogs developed about 200 years ago in England that get their name from the stance they take when they find game. Colors: liver, lemon, black, orange either in

combination with white or solid colored. Require less coat care than other breeds

b/c of short hair. Have even temperament, affectionate

nature, intelligent and patient with children.

English Setter

Dog used for bird hunting in England for over 400 years. Setters originated from crossing Pointers and Spaniels and/or Setters. Hunt like pointers-take a stance when they

find their prey. Slightly lighter in weight than pointers. Gaining popularity in the U.S. because of

beauty and usefulness.

Irish Setter

Large setter noted for its solid red color, speed, loyalty, boldness, and toughness. Mahogany or rich chestnut red w/ no trace

of black in the coat color. Slightly taller and heavier than English

setters. Used for all types of game, but train slower

than some other breeds. Ideal show dog, but it can’t be used for

both show and field.

Irish Setter

Brittany Spaniel

May be classed as a setter or spaniel, but works more like a setter than a spaniel. Ticking(mixing of darker colors at the tips

of the hair) is desirable on an orange and white or liver and white coat.

Smaller dog that is an excellent shooting dog that works close in.

Springer Spaniel

The foundation breed for all English hunting spaniels. All spaniels love to chase their game out of cover. About the weight of a small pointer and the

height of a Brittany, it is a compact breed. Larger and faster than other spaniel

breeds, Springer Spaniels are exceptional hunters in thick brambles.

American Cocker Spaniel

Smallest members of the sporting dog family. Often sandy color with elegant appearance

and cheerful dispositions. It is a soft-hearted dog that make an

excellent family pet.

Labrador Retriever

The retriever is an active water dog that was bred to get downed waterfowl Short coupled, strongly built dog with an

alert, friendly disposition, fine temperament, and inquisitive nature.

Very dependable dog that has become one of the best used breeds for guide dogs for the blind or search and rescue.

Short thick, water resistant hair in colors of black, chocolate, or golden

Usually not as tall as pointer.

Labrador Retriever

BREEDS OF HOUNDS

Hounds

Hunt by scent or by sight. The greyhound and Afghan hound hunt by sight, while most others hunt by smell.

Basset Hound

Has an excellent sense of sight. Short-legged dog heavier in bone than any

other breed for its size. Bassets are gentle, devoted dogs that are

good with children, but may be stubborn and difficult to house train.

Usually white with chestnut or sand-colored markings and not over 14” tall and weigh an average of 40-51lbs.

Basset Hound

Beagles

Noted for their rabbit hunting ability, but also make great pets and companions. Beagles range in weight from 18-30lbs. And

are usually about 13-15” at the shoulder. Colors range from a blue w/ black tigering,

white, black, orange, or hound type tri-coloring.

Black and Tan Coonhound

Developed in the U.S. from crossing with the bloodhound and foxhound. Bred especially for hunting raccoons Aggressive breed that is intelligent and a

passionate hunter. Known for its black and tan markings Only exceeded in size among the hounds

by the bloodhound.

Black and Tan Coonhound

Bloodhounds

One of the most docile of all breeds. Bloodhounds can track a scent that several

hrs. old. They are affectionate, but shy, non

aggressive, and sensitive to correction and kindness good for children.

Colors range from tawny to black and tan or red and tan.

Bloodhounds are the largest of the hound group.

Bloodhounds

Dachshund

Perfected in the 1800s in Germany for hunting badgers. Dachshunds are short legged, long bodied

muscular dogs that range from about 8-20lbs and from 5-9” at the shoulder, depending of the style.

Lively and courageous the dachshund is a barker that makes a good watchdog

Good with children and used mainly as a companion dog.

Dachshund

American Foxhound

Were bred from English hound and later French hounds sent to George Washington. Affectionate dog, but not often used as

pets, they primarily hunt in packs and are bold and aggressive in the field.

They are slightly shorter than the bloodhound or black and tan.

Greyhounds

Favorites of Egyptian royalty Greyhounds are good at hunting all types of

game. Because of its speed, greyhounds were used in packs to catch their quarry and pull it down.

Best known for speed, greyhounds are mainly used in the U.S. for racing

Valuable as a show dog, but greyhounds need lots of exercise and are not suited for apartments.

Not recommended as a companion dog for children.

Greyhounds

TERRIER GROUPS

Terrier Group

Was developed to hunt “underground”. It’s name is derived for the Latin word terra meaning earth. There are two subgroups: Long-legged Short-legged

Airedale Terriers

In the large long-legged group Head and ears are tan with the sides and

upper parts of the body being black or grizzle.

Very docile, obedient dog that gets along well with children.

Bull Terrier

Cross of the Bulldog, Old English Terrier, and Spanish Pointer that were used for dogfights. Bull terriers may be loving and affectionate,

but they will readily fight to protect themselves or their master

Color is white (may have some black markings about the head) or colored. Colored bull terriers are any color but white, with brindle being the preferred color.

Bull Terrier

Fox Terrier

May be either smooth or wired, depending on the type of hair coat. One of the Best known and most widely

distributed purebred dogs noted for their courage in hunting animals that den in the ground.

Easy to train, affectionate, and good companions.

White should be dominant color. Brindle, red or liver are to be avoided.

Fox Terrier

Miniature Schnauzer

German breed developed to hunt badger, fox, weasel, etc. Good apartment dog and pet that is fond of

children Intelligent, hardy and healthy Less than 20 pounds and only 12-14” in

height at shoulder, stocky, and wire-haired.

Parson Russell Terrier

Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as part of the Terrier group. This dog was formerly the Jack Russell Terrier and is still recognized in other nations as a separate breed.

WORKING DOGS

Working Dogs

Perform services to humans such as pulling sleds, protecting property, doing rescue work, and carrying messages.

Alaskan Malamute

An Artic sled dog noted for their cleanliness and being odorless. They do not bark Always has a white underbody and white on

parts of the legs, feet, and part of the mask markings.

Boxers

Descended from fighting dogs of Tibet. Somewhat suspicious of strangers, but a

good natured dog. Requires regular exercise to prevent

rheumatism and has a short lifespan of less than 10 yrs.

Colors are fawn and brindle with white markings possible on the chest and face.

Doberman Pinscher

A German breed that is a result of crossing Great Danes, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Pinschers. Female Dobermans are cautious around

strangers, but are affectionate and calm with family.

Male Dobermans are extremely intelligent but are often very aggressive and need a strong owner who is good at managing the dog.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans often live as long as 20 yrs. of age.

Great Dane

One of two largest breeds of dogs and is a friendly companion or watchdog. Weight average: 110-115lbs. for females,

120-150lbs. for males. Height at the shoulder: more than 28” for

females and 30” for males.

Standard Schnauzer

Uses include family pet, watchdog, and bodyguard.

Very clean and almost odor free, the breed is noted for a long life span.

Color: Salt and pepper, or pure black

Rottweiler

Came from the Mastiff type dogs of Rome and was used to drive cattle to market. Massive and powerful, but peaceful,

obedient, and extremely intelligent dogs that are very protective of their owners.

Very good companions, used as bodyguards, watchdogs, police dogs, and herd dogs.

Color: Always black w/ rust to mahogany markings about the face and feet.

Rottweilers

Saint Bernards

One of the two largest breeds Excellent sense of smell and coat made it

suitable to perform rescue in extreme mnt. climates

Peaceful, quiet, and gentle dog, that loves company of humans and makes a good companion

Color: Red w/ white markings or white w/ red markings

Samoyed Breed of Siberia

Excellent companion and watchdog that likes to bark, but is very gentle, kind, and especially loving of children.

Many believe it’s the most beautiful breed in existence.

Color: Pure White

Siberian Husky

Originated in Asia as an endurance sled dog, but found its home in Alaska when it began to wine the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race in the early 1900s. Friendly, gentle dog, but may be stubborn

and ill around children. Doesn’t have the aggressiveness or

protective qualities to be a watchdog. Color: Pure white to all other colors

including black.

Siberian Husky

HERDING DOGS

Herding Dogs

Developed to assist the herdsman manage various livestock species.

Collies

One of the older breeds and were used for sheepherding. Used mainly today as pets and are devoted

family dogs that are wary and very protective.

Either rough or smooth coated, w/ the long-haired collie requiring frequent brushing to remove burrs and knotted hair.

Color: Sable and white, Tri-colored, blue and merle, and white

Collies

German Shepherd

May have been crossed between herding dogs and wolves; their uses today include rescue, police, guard, guide, and pets. Courageous, loyal, obedient, and

affectionate to family, but leery of strangers.

Color: Black nose w/ various shades of gray, brown, and yellow.

Old English Sheepdog

A large, muscular dog that has a gait that makes it look like a bear when it moves. Excellent herd dogs, companion dogs, and

pets, also have been used as guards, sled dogs, and retrievers.

The dogs are friendly and affectionate.

Shetland Sheepdog

Basically a small version of the collie that are excellent family pets and companions. Noted for being a docile, devoted dog that

is very intelligent. Color: miniature collie with black, blue

merle, and sable with white and or tan coloring.

TOY DOG

Toy Dogs

So named because of their small size, and is most often used as house pets and companion.

Chihuahua

Named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, is the smallest breed of dog in the world and the oldest breed on the American Continent. Noted as a clannish breed that doesn’t like

other breeds of dogs. Dogs are courageous, energetic, lively,

alert, and intelligent.

Italian Greyhound

Smallest of dogs that hunt by sight, and is mainly used as a companion and pet. The breed is odorless and has a short,

smooth hair coat that sheds little and easy to maintain.

Breed is playful and alert around friends, but wary of strangers.

Affectionate dog that needs attention to thrive.

Manchester Terrier or Rat Terrier Originally known for its rat and rodent

hunting skills, but is primarily used today as a companion.

Color: Jet black with rich mahogany tan markings about the face and lower legs.

Pekingnese

Breed from China that is extremely affectionate with its owner and that make good watchdogs or lapdogs for apartment dwellers. Not afraid of larger adversaries and will

show great courage. Require teeth care to prevent decay and

frequent coat care to keep its long, fine hair well-groomed

Pug

Very old breed noted for its prominent eyes; short, square muzzle; deep wrinkled forehead; and large, massive head. Intelligent and affectionate dogs that enjoy

lots of attention. Pugs are easily trained and love children.

Shih Tzu

A Chinese breed with a long, flowing hair coat that requires constant care to prevent matting and knotting. Color: Eyes and nose are rim black with

any coat color Looks like a miniature lion and has an

aristocratic, arrogant carriage.

NON-SPORTING DOGS

Non-sporting Dogs

Miscellaneous breeds used mainly for companionship.

Boston Terrier

American breed that originated from crossing the English Bulldog and white English Terrier. Clean cut dog that has the body and

conformation of a terrier. Make excellent house or companion dogs

because they are even tempered, intelligent, and get along with children.

Color: Black or Brindle with white markings.

Boston Terrier

Bulldog

Originally a ferocious dog bred for bull baiting and fighting and noted to be almost insensitive to pain. Today bulldogs have been selectively bred

to be good natured. Bulldogs may have problems at whelping

due to the large size of the puppy’s head. Color: Solid white, solid red, fawn or fallow,

red or other colors of brindle, and piebald.

Bulldog

Dalmatian

Calm, quiet dog noted for its intelligence and adaptability that has been used as a trail hounds for tracking, for hunting birds, boar, and bear, retrieving game, but most notably as a coach or carriage dog (fire trucks)

Dalmatians

They will follow their master if at all possible regardless of the mode of the master’s travel

Dalmatians are natural as guardians and love children.

Color: White with black spots ore white with liver brown spots.

Lhasa apso

Known for its small size and heavy hair coat and was used as guard dogs in Tibet. Most suited for adults who will spend time

with them. Intelligent, quick hearing, and can readily

distinguish between strangers and close associates

Very obedient if they trust you and respond readily to kindness.

Poodle

Very intelligent, good natured dog, known as the national dog of France where it was used as a retriever, duck dog, and circus trick dog. Poodles are more used today as companion

and show dogs. Color: all colors with an even solid coat

color at the skin.

Poodle

Weight: Standards average 35-45lbs. for females and 40-50lbs. For males; Miniature varieties average 16-35lbs. for females and 18-30lbs. for males. Toy poodles average 14-16lbs. For females and 15-18lbs. For males.

Height at the shoulder: Standards are >15” for females and males; miniature varieties average 10-15” for females and males; Toy poodles are <10” for females and males.

SELECTING A BREED

Size

Large or small breed based on space requirements both for the dog and what you have available.

Will it be inside or outside? Home w/ yard vs. apartment/no yard.

Toy dogs are fragile and best as apartment dwellers. A Mastiff may weigh 220lbs. And needs a yard for exercise.

Temperament

Active or quiet breed-a fox terrier is a small but very active dog while a Labrador and a sheepdog can adapt to apartment living well.

Hair Coat-Type of Coat

Type determines grooming requirements and should be considered along with time one desires to spend.

Longhaired, wirehaired, or curly haired are similar: More grooming time needed for brushing,

detangling, and dematting of hair. Long haired dogs are more prone to skin diseases and parasites.

Hair Coat-Type of Coat

Short haired dogs: not as much brushing, if any, is required. They are not as prone to skin diseases and bring less dirt inside.

Purpose and Price

Purpose: is the dog going to be used as a sporting, hunting, service, companion, show guard, or racing dog?

Price: depends on demand, more common breeds are typically less expensive, while less common breeds are more expensive.

SELECTING AN INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL

What Source to Buy From?

Pet Store: buys from local breeders Kennel: purebreds and mixed breeds Breeder: if wanting a purebred for show,

hunting field trials etc., excellent conformation, and pedigree should be considered.

What Source to Buy From?

Shelter: good inexpensive source for a companion dog or family dog.

Friends and neighbors: good source of pets

Considerations When Selecting an Individual Breed How is the dog going to be used? This

affects all other considerations. Cost of the animal—common breeds or

mixed breed animals are less expensive than a purebred.

What’s the animals pedigree or ancestry? Pedigree: tells the line an animal came

from and is very important for show and hunting field trials.

Considerations When Selecting an Individual Breed Male or Female: Will it be spayed or

neutered? Do you want to use the animal for breeding?

How old? Puppy or adult, puppies need lots of training and will grow out of their cute stage. Puppies may get bigger in size than expected, whereas adults are full grown so you know what size it is.

Considerations When Selecting an Individual Animal Conformation: general structure, look,

make-up of animal, more important if animal is for show to meet breed requirements.

Will the dog be able to swim and run after game?

Considerations When Selecting an Individual Animal Family History: deformities,

temperament, show winners, field trial champions.

Personal Preference: what color do you like? What sort of markings do you like on an animal?

GROOMING

Hair

Daily Brushing is recommended to remove dead hair, distribute skin’s oils, and remove dandruff.

Longhaired dogs may have matted hair. Tease out mats with a comb or cut out if teasing will not work. Longhaired dogs also need burrs cut out of their hair coats. To avoid injury to skin, a comb should be placed between matted hair or burr and the skin prior to cutting.

Hair

Terriers and wirehaired breeds accumulate dead hair which must be plucked. A stripping knife is used to remove dead hair and trim live hair.

In plucking, a section of dead hair is grasped between the thumb and stripping knife then pulled away with a twisting motion.

Hair

Bathe only when extremely dirty! Some good products to use are baby shampoo, mild soap, and coconut oil shampoo.

DO NOT use detergent soaps, which can lead to skin reactions. Keep shampoo out of the dog’s eyes and use medicated shampoo to help prevent parasites. Use an ophthalmic ointment to soothe eye irritation.

Ears

Clean once a month and check for ticks and mites on a regular basis.

To remove ear wax and/or mites use a cotton swab or soft cloth soaked in mineral oil, peroxide, or alcohol, lukewarm water, or approved ear cleaners.

Ears

Only ear parts that can be seen should be cleaned

One may use a finger, but never a sharp or pointed object to clean the dog’s ears.

Eyes

Use approved boric acid or other eyewash solutions to remove any irritating substance.

Check for any redness or puffiness.

Teeth

Clean once or twice a week to remove tartar and plaque, which may cause painful periodontal disease.

When cleaning, use a small toothbrush with soft bristles or a gauze pad.

Teeth

Use a mix of salt water and baking soda solution or toothpaste.

Clean from the gum line to the tips of teeth.

Hard dog biscuits, dibbled food, rawhide, synthetic bones, etc. help maintain healthy teeth and remove tartar.

Nails

Dogs that are kept inside need their nails trimmed with sharp clippers that do not crush nail when cutting.

Avoid cutting into the nail bed, which will cause bleeding. Black nails present the most problems since the nail bed is harder to see. The nail bed is easily seen on white or clear nails.

Nails

Have styptic powder on hand to stop any bleeding.

The dew claw should always be checked because it does not wear down.

Never use sharp, pointed scissors to trim nails. Injury may result should the animal move in an unexpected manner.

BASIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Infectious Diseases

Group of diseases caused by pathogenic diseases

Canine Distemper

Caused by inhalation of airborne virus Symptoms: early vomiting and diarrhea,

later: tremors (epileptic fits)

Canine Parvovirus Infection

Viral contact of materials contaminated with feces from infected dogs (affects mostly young pups)

Symptoms: vomiting, bloody diarrhea, refusal to eat.

Kennel Cough and SalmonellosisKennel Cough (tracheobronchitis) Respiratory disease contracted in

confinement (pet shops, dog shows, kennels)

Symptoms: coughingSalmonellosis Bacterial disease spread by ingestion of

food contaminated by feces.

Rabies

Viral disease that attacks the central nervous system All warm-blooded animals can transmit rabies Symptoms occur 2 weeks to 3 months after

bite. Severe can be within 10 days. “furious” rabies: animal may act strange then

walk off, attack and bite anything in its path, commonly seen frothing at the mouth.

“dumb” rabies: no wandering but paralysis of lower jaw followed by paralysis of body and death.

Canine Brucellosis

Bacterial disease spread through breeding. In females it causes abortion, failure to whelp, and enlargement of lymph nodes. In males it causes swelling of the scrotum and testicles.

BASIC NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Heart Disease

2 types: congenital (birth) and contracted. Most common symptoms are coughing at night during sleep coughing during exercise, inability to exercise, open mouth breathing at rest.

Cataracts

Cause cloudy, white opacity of the lens. Can be heredity or not, can cause blindness, more often affects the sight of older dogs.

Arthritis

Degenerative joint disease that causes pain, lameness, and stiffness in the joints. Large, old and obese dogs are more prone to the disease.

Tetanus

Caused by bacteria whose spores are present in the soil and feces of various animals. The organism produces toxins that cause over stimulation of the dog’s nervous system.

Symptoms: spasms of facial muscles, paralysis, lockjaw, inability to stand, prolapse of the 3rd eyelid.

BASIC FUNGUS DISEASES

Ringworm

Most common fungal disease. Symptoms begin as broken hairs around the face, ears, or feet. Reddened skin and scaly skin develop, followed by crusting and scaling in severe cases.

Blastomycosis

Inhaling infected spores of soil enriched with bird or bat droppings.

Symptoms: coughing, rapid breathing, pneumonia and fever.

INTERNAL PARASITES

Ascarids or Roundworms

May grow to 8” in length when mature. Affect mainly puppies and deprive them of

nutrients and they become unthrifty. Roundworms live in small intestines of dogs

less than 6 months old. Transmitted by female dogs to puppies Severe infestation causes puppies to have

a potbellied appearance Dangerous to children as well

Hookworms

Blood-sucking parasites that attach to the small intestine, causing small spots of bleeding Adult worms are about 1” long and digest a

plug of tissue from the S.I. Heavy infestations make the animal appear

weak, listless, and anemic as a result of blood loss.

Affects older dogs as well as puppies.

Whipworms

Broad at one end and narrow at the other. They use the narrow end to attach to the cecum and lower digesting tract. Adults are about 2 ½” long and produce

shell protected eggs that may live in soil for years.

Produce watery feces and may result in dehydration or death

Tapeworms

Usually the largest worms affecting dogs, and most depend on a host such as a flea or wild rabbit to develop. Flat and segmented worms that live in the

S.I. Shed terminal segments in feces. Not harmful to dogs but may cause serious

injury to humans.

Heartworms

Thin worms that grow to a length of 14” and live in the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. Serious threat to dogs causing injury to vital

organs. Symptoms: coughing, labored breath, fainting

in severe cases. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes Prevention is preferred to treatment and if

treatment is to be successful, it must occur early in the infestation

Heartworms

EXTERNAL PARASITES

Fleas

Brown, blood sucking insects of small size that move rapidly over the skin. Fleas may develop from eggs to adult in as

little as 16 days Cat fleas and dog fleas infest dogs and may

be detected in the groin and rump area of the animal

Fleas

Cause irritation and extreme itching, but may be controlled with powders, dips, shampoos, collars, oral insecticides, foggers and sprays.

Ticks

Blood sucking arthropods of the skin. 2 main families of ticks: hard and soft

ticks.Hard Ticks American dog tick lives in grass and on

shrubs Brown dog tick can survive indoors

Ticks

Soft Ticks The main soft tick is the Spirose Ear Tick.

The larvae and nymph stage live in and

cause irritation to the outer ear canal

Lice

Wingless insects that may bite or suck blood from the host Not common on dogs but if infestation

occurs, the dog will experience severe hair loss from scratching and rubbing.

2 treatments 12 days apart with dips, dusts, or spray can control.

Mites

Tiny eight-legged arachnids. 5 species cause the most problem for dogs.

Demodectic mites don’t usually cause problems, but a severe infestation may result in hair loss, reddening of the skin, and encrusting either in spots or over the entire body.

Mites

2 types of Sarcoptic mites burrow within the outer layer of skin, are highly contagious, and result in mange or scabies…which could result in the dog injuring themselves.

Ear Mites are highly contagious and are found in the outer ear canal and other areas of dogs. Flea products are an effective treatment.

Mites

Cheyletiella mites are contagious and cause a condition known as “walking dandruff” Severe scaling on the back may occur, but itching is not as severe as with other mite infestations.

Chiggers

Orange-red larvae stages of Trombicula mites that cause an itchy, red rash on the belly, face, feet and legs. Picked up from underbrush Remain on the skin for a short time and

usually do not require treatment other than something to stop the itching.

POISONS

Insecticides

May cause poisoning if ingested in sufficient amts. Organophosphates and carbonate

compounds are the main source of insecticidal poisoning.

Boric acid from roach bait and arsenic from ant traps can also poison animals.

Plants

Philodendron, dieffenbachia, pothos, and caladium contain insoluble calcium oxadate crystals that cause irritation to the mouth and intestinal tract.

Plants

Poinsettia, Japanese yew, azalea, and flower bulbs may also cause mild intestinal upset.

Household Chemicals

Cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, borates, hydroxides, pine oil, and phenol can cause sickness if pets ingest them

Rodenticides and Glyphosphate Strychaine and warfarin can cause

internal bleeding and death if ingested in sufficient quantaties

Glyphosphate Herbicides and arsenic-based weed

killers can poison pets.

Antifreeze

A common source of poisoning because it has a sugary taste that animal readily ingest if the opportunity presents itself.

Animals suffering from antifreeze poisoning may appear drunk and depressed.