Tag: Dog Breed Information

Do you have a “Man’s Man” in your family? An all-around example of what being a man is supposed to be? Well, get ready to meet the “Hound’s Hound”. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is commonly referred to the best hound breed because they exhibit all the best qualities of its relative breeds. Whether on the hunt or in the home, the Treeing Walker Hound is one of best! Read more about this hound in BestBullySticks.com’s Spotlight on the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

History & Background: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are descendants of the Walker Foxhound, which is from the family of English Foxhounds that came to America. After Thomas Walker imported the English Foxhound to Virginia in 1742 and the breed didn’t change until the 1800s when a stolen dog was bred to create a new breed called the Walker Hound or “Tennessee Lead.” However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that the Treeing Walker Coonhound was recognized as a distinct breed. Through selective breeding, this dog has excellent hunting abilities, including it’s signature move to “tree” game.

“Treeing” means the dog will track game, then follow it to the tree where the game has run, usually accompanied by placing the front paws up on the tree trunk. A fast, smart hunter that is able to find game quickly and has incredible endurance, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has been called a trailing hound with treeing instinct. Usually this dog goes after small game such as raccoons and opossums. Though this dog is still used as a reliable hunting dog, it’s also known as a wonderful family pet.

This year marks the first time the Treeing Walker Coonhound be at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Watch the Treeing Walker compete in the show ring on February 11^th at 8 pm est on CNBC. Read more

Independent, a little rugged yet very beautiful, the Lhasa Apso shares these characteristics with its native home of Tibet. This little dog was thought to bring luck in ancient times and now graces many home with its joyful disposition and mischievous personality.  Learn more about the Lhasa Apso in the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight!

History & Background: The Lhasa Apso, or Apso Seng Kyi meaning “Bearded Lion Dog” hails from Tibet. This rugged country produced a rugged little dog that was kept in the home to as a special guard to the family. It’s said Lhasa’s hearing was so acute that the dog could distinguish a friend from a stranger. These dogs were mainly kept by nobility and Buddhist monks in the holy city that shares its name, Lhasa. It was even believed that the dogs themselves were sacred. The thought was when a Lhasa Apso’s master died, their soul entered the body of the dog.

In 1933, the first pair of Lhasa Apso’s came to America as a gift from the 13^th Dalai Lama to C. Suydam Cutting. At the time, the only other Lhasa outside of Tibet was registered in England. First called the Lhasa Apso Terrier, this breed started in the Terrier group and was moved to the Non-Sporting Group. Through DNA testing, it’s thought that the Lhasa is one of the 14 most ancient dog breeds. Read more

Referred to as the “barkless” dog, BestBullySticks.com thinks the Basenji doesn’t need a bark to get someone’s attention. The Basenji is a stealthy creature that could sneak right up to you, both on the hunt and into your heart. Read more about this beautiful dog’s ancient past and interesting characteristics in the BBS Breed Spotlight on the Basenji.

History & Background: The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds and can be seen in Egyptian tombs and wall drawings dating back 5,000 years. Another ancestor of the modern Basenji originated in Central Africa and this “type” dog has been living with humans for thousands of years. Mostly confined to the Congo, this dog was known as the “dogs of the savages,” “dogs of the villagers,” and “dog of the bush.” This breed was once prized for its intelligence, speed and silent hunting ability in many African villages. In the late 1800s Basenjis were taken to England in an effort to build up the breed, but many of these dogs died from distemper. After many attempts, Basenjis were being bred successfully in America by 1941 and soon after this breed was recognized by the AKC in 1944.

Height: 16 to 17 inches

Weight: 22 to 24 pounds

Coat & Color: The coat on a Basenji is very short and fine with elastic skin. Coloring can be chestnut red, pure black, tricolor (black or red) or brindle. White feet, legs, chest or blaze, collar and tail tip are common.

Appearance: Basenjis exude alertness. With their small frame, tight but smooth muscles and balanced frame, this dog is the portrait of agility and readiness. This dog has a wrinkled around the forehead and a short muzzle. Facial features include small, almond shaped eyes, and small, erect ears. The back is short in length, but level. Basenjis have straight legs and a tightly curled tail that sits on top of the back. Read more