It’s helpful to no one, least of all the dog, to pretend that some breeds aren’t suited for everyone. Our own breed (the Puli) is an extravaganza of coat care, and is the worst possible choice for an owner unwilling to spend time bathing, drying, splitting mats, and trimming coat. For those willing to accept the challenge, the reward is an intelligent, humorous, traffic-stopping dog with more personality than a dog has a right to claim.

It is what it is. Some breeds shed copious amounts of hair. Others drool, and with a shake of the head, launch “loogies” up to the rafters. Some breed are barkers, some are cooly independent, and others have so little hair that their winter wardrobe rivals our own.  And yes, we’re going somewhere with this.

Scent hounds are magnificent creatives, marvels of olfactory genius – and as a rule, many of them come with what might be described as a “woodsy” scent. Their personal body odor is stronger and a more distinct fragrance than other breeds, what some folks would describe as a “hound smell” or “hound odor.” It’s a natural smell, very “doggie,” and not unpleasant to a true dog person – but what’s up with this?

Typically, it’s a matter of oils. The oil in the “wash-and-wear” coat of many hound breeds is meant to repel dirt and water, a desirable feature in working dogs out in the field, but not an odorless one. In other breeds, a plethora of skin folds can contribute to a woodsy smell. As they work, these dogs might drool, and sometimes saliva gets trapped in their wrinkles or dewlaps which can cause odors.  Interestingly, the musky smell in many hounds is believed to stem from the fact that these dogs work in packs and need to be aware of each member’s whereabouts throughout the fields. Some houndsmen think that over the years of selective breeding, breeds like, say, the Beagle, have developed a stronger than average level of chemical emitters.

We’ve found that hound owners don’t even notice their dogs’ perfume, as it should be when people have found the right breed for themselves.

Basset Hound by Debra Sisson
http://www.dailypainters.com/artists/artist_gallery/709/Debra-Sisson
www.debrasisson.blogspot.com