Talk and Act
The Swedish Elkhound is a very old breed believed to have been around during the 1000s. Ancestors of this breed are speculated to be the dogs kept by the Stone Age people. Jamtland, a province in the northwestern part of Sweden is the place of origin of this breed. It is believed that this breed noted for its magnificent stature has been raised by the Jamtland people during the later period of the last Ice Age. This is the reason why the breed gained the name Jamthund.
The Swedish Elkhound is a spitz type breed with a wolf-like appearance. A Swedish Elkhound’s longer than tall body is smoothly covered by a light to dark close lying hair. Cream and gray marking on the dog’s cheeks, muzzle, chest, belly and legs enhances the striking appearance of the thick double coat. A tightly curled tail in the shape of a scimitar add to the already striking appearance of the dog
Obviously, a Swedish Elkhound’s job is to hunt elks. A Swedish Elkhound is a strong, courageous and energetic hunter. This breed is meant to be a working dog. The breeding was aimed at creating a taller and bigger dog with a strong constitution . The dog has to have remarkable ability to adapt to the densely forested areas, to have the ability to climb steep rocky ledges and to easily negotiate deep snow when trailing a prey. Indeed, the Swedish Elkhound, the breed that was developed is a remarkable hunter of elk, moose, lynx, bear and other game. The name Jamthund in fact is a local dialect that means bear dog.
The Swedish Elkhound is a versatile breed. Although specifically developed to be a hunter, the dog has remarkable abilities to perform other jobs as well. The Jamthund apart from being a utility dog has become a herding dog, a guard dog and a sled dog as well . This brave and intelligent dog has become an army dog as well and was honored by being chosen as the national dog of the Swedish Marine. The Swedish Elkhound was designated as the official service canine of the Swedish Air Force.
In spite of the bold and aggressive nature shown when hunting, the dog has a stoic behavior. A Swedish Elkhound makes a wonderful companion dog as apart from an affectionate and friendly nature, this dog also has a stable and calm temperament. A Swedish Elkhound is a breed that makes an ideal family pet as it has lots of love to give the family and noted to be gentle and kind with the children.
Learn more about the Swedish Elkhound breed at Sarah’s Dogs.
Tags: dog breed, Dogs, jamthund, pets, swedish elkhound
Posted in Dogs · July 29th, 2010 · Comments (0)
Anyone watching a large dog at a mad dash between the cattle to herd a runaway would surely be impressed. Obviously, the dog has the courage of an outstanding herding dog. The square shaped muscular body is covered with short sleek fur that can be grey, brindled or fawn in color. This herding dog is larger as compared to other breeds of the same classification but it is very agile. The dog’s elegant and efficient working ability is not seen in other dogs. The Azores Cattle Dog – the very rare breed of herding dog hails from Portugal.
The Azores Cattle Dog has always been viewed as an important aide in herding unmanageable herds of cattle. During the 15th century, Sao Miguel Island, the largest of the Azorean Islands was covered in impenetrable vegetation. To take advantage of the abundant life plant Prince Henry’s sailors have brought cattle and left the herds on the island. After fourteen years, the cattle that has proliferated have become unruly. To address this concern, an intelligent and courageous breed has to be developed.
The Azores Cattle Dog, otherwise known as Cao Fila de Sao Miguel was developed from a breed called Fila de Terceira. The Fila de Terceira was crossed with molosser and resulted to the creation of the outstanding herding breed, the Azores Cattle Dog. It was widely accepted that the breed is already in existence in the 1800s.
This dog has an inherent herding ability thus very little training is necessary to make the dog learn the ropes of herding. An Azores Cattle Dog’s aggressive personality is a valuable asset that makes this breed an outstanding guard dog. The dog is first and foremost a herder. An aggressive temperament is therefore necessary in the performance of its duties hence, breeders have made no efforts to tone down its ferociousness.
This breed is a remarkable herder and makes a mean guard dog as well but an Azores Cattle Dog would not be a wise choice of dog for a first time dog owner. To be able to handle this tough guy, an owner has to be firm, dominant and has to have a fair knowledge of the dog’s special needs. An Azores Cattle Dog is a working breed. This working dog is obviously not an apartment dweller. This dog would be happiest if allowed to do the jobs it was specifically developed for – to guard its masters and to manage the cattle.
Tags: azores cattle dog, cao de fila de sao miguel, dog breeds, Dogs, pets
Posted in Dogs · July 25th, 2010 · Comments (0)