Hungarian Hound vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison

The Ariege Pointer is a French hunting dog, coming from the Ariegeois region of France.

Known as the Ariege Pointing Dog, French Pointer or Braque de l’Ariege, these dogs came from the old French Braque dogs that were crossed with the orange and white Southern Braques.

It was in 1990 that a team of breeders decided to devote themselves to the breed’s survival. The Braque de l’Ariege was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

The Hungarian Hound, also known as the Transylvanian Hound, originated in ancient Hungary as a hunting dog. At the time there were Asian Hounds that traveled with Hungarian Magyar tribes into Transylvania. As early as the 9th century it is believed that these Hungarian dogs were crossed with Celtic Hounds and local dogs. The result is the Hungarian Hound. These dogs were incredibly popular throughout Transylvania.

This scent hound almost became extinct but was saved by intense breeding during the latter part of the 21st century. They developed two kinds, short and tall, for different types of hunting. The tall dogs hunted boar, bison, lynx and bear. The short dogs hunted hare, fox and chamois.

Only the tall dogs exist today. Some Hungarians raided parts of Europe and took the dogs with them. There was then a crossing breeding with Polish dogs. The tall dogs exist today in Hungary and Romania. The Hungarian Kennel Club recognized the breed and the United Kennel Club (UKC) from the United States recognizes them. No major clubs such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the British Clubs. The breed was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program

The Ariege Pointer has always been a dog kept essentially for hunting and not as a companion dog. He stands between 55 – 67cm and weighs 25 – 30kg.

He is an attractive looking dog with quite a large head while the body is sleek and slender to look at. The ears are quite large and are floppy while the tail is traditionally docked to give him that distinctive look. These days the tail is often left long and hangs downwards.

The coat is short, single and rough and is white with tan or orange patches. The coat can also be speckled or ticked.

Temperament:

The Ariege Pointer is a hunting dog who is friendly towards strangers and therefore won’t make a particularly good watchdog.

These dog are lively, independent and good natured and they make excellent companion dogs. They are fairly docile and and get on well with children and pets in the home. Just like with any other dog, they need to be trained and socialized early.

The Hungarian Hound is a medium sized dog, a scent hound with the same characteristics of the type of hunting hounds found in Mid-Europe. The breed is a hardy one with a long head slightly domed skull. The muzzle is short, and the jaws are strong. The lips are black, and the ears are round and hang. Their eyes are shaped like almonds and dark brown. The breed has large paws with cushioned pads and strong toes.

The Ariege Pointer has always been an excellent pointing- and hunting dog. When it comes to being a family pet, he puts his hunting skills aside and becomes a loyal, loving, friendly pet.

They are considered to be rare dogs, and were at one time bordering on extinction. Those who have owned one of these hunting dogs will be glad to know that they are no longer considered endangered. They’re not your friendly, social kind of dog that you find in other dog breeds, but with training and socialization he will make a fine companion and family friend.

Children friendliness

Children friendliness – This breed is very friendly with children.

Special talents

Special talents - Hunting independently and at a distance from the hunter.

Adaptability

Adaptability – Not an apartment dog. They need space and land.

Learning ability

Learning ability – They are very independent and intelligent.

The Ariege Pointer is a working dog breed, used for hunting and retrieving prey. With good care the dog can live to be a good 12 – 15 years of age.

However, with every dog breed there are common dog diseases to watch for. This dog has long floppy ears and these can get damp and will need to be cleaned and dried regularly otherwise the long ears can be prone to infection.

Apart from being prone to health issues such as an ear infection, you want to be aware of very common dog ailments such as hip dysplasia which can cause lameness in your dog.

Whatever illness your dog has, and you see he isn’t acting his usual self, get him to the vet for a check-up and then make sure that all treatment and medication prescribed is adhered to.

Even though this is an ancient breed they do face certain medical issues such as:

• Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
• Cancer – can be fatal.
• Entropian – The eyelid folds forward and can injure the eye.
• Bloat – Distension and twisting of digestive organ can cause immediate death.
• Hypothyroidism – medication can control this.
• Ectropia – The eyelids fold outward and can injure the eye.
• Sensitivity to anesthesia – must be careful if have surgery and for teeth cleaning.

Neutering and Spaying an Excellent Choice:

Your attractive Ariege Pointer will give birth to 2 – 8 puppies. If you don’t want puppies, then spaying or neutering is excellent and can actually have many health benefits for your pet.

Grooming:

This dog with its short coat requires very little maintenance, and a good brush twice a week will ensure the coat remains glossy and shiny, giving you the chance to also check for fleas and ticks.

Dental Care:

Don’t just assume every dog has bad breath. Bad breath can be indicative of dental disease, and dental problems can cause all kinds of other illnesses within the body. Make sure that while your pet’s teeth are healthy, that you brush them 2 or 3 times a week with special canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Good Exercise and Diet:

The Ariege Pointer requires regular exercise as it is a lively, energetic dog. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but ideally he needs a place with a large garden.

Wherever you keep him as a pet, make sure you take him for walks every day and that you play ball- or rope games with him. Ignoring his exercise needs will turn him into a bored, frustrated pet, and that isn’t fair towards him.

Make sure you choose good quality commercially manufactured foods for him. Adding in some home-made food to his kibble such as cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken will be wonderfully good for him.

Every dog will require some raw meat added into his diet from time to time. Many skin diseases can be treated by adding in raw meat. After all, before dogs were domesticated they lived on raw meat, and including this ingredient back into their diet guarantees to make a remarkable difference in terms of good health.

Feeding the puppy

Feeding the puppy – 1-3 cups of high quality food served in 3-5 meals per day.

Feeding the adult

Feeding the adult – 3-5 cups of high quality food served in 2-3 meals a day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – generally healthy

Games and Exercises

Games and Exercises – The Hungarian Hound is a hunting dog and therefore accustomed to and bred for a high level of exercise. Their instinct for hunting is really strong so make sure you do not let them off leash outside of a contained area. They excel at tracking, field trials, lure chasing, and fly ball.