Which breed is considered a national treasure in Finland? Which rare dog can keep deadly cobras at bay? Which dog with dreadlocks is talented at herding sheep?
Which breed is considered a national treasure in Finland? Which rare dog can keep deadly cobras at bay? Which dog with dreadlocks is talented at herding sheep? Which breed is the foundation stock for all water dogs? Which dog can turn their head 360 degrees? Find out the answers on this episode of Dogs 101, where we'll meet the Puli, the Thai Ridgeback, the Lagotto Romagnolo, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the New Guinea Singing Dog, and the Karelian Bear Dog.
For even more dog content, stream full episodes of Dogs 101 on discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/dogs101 to start your free trial today. Terms apply.
Find episode transcript here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/rare-breeds
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HOST VO Is this the rarest dog breed of all? Can this dog sniff out 5,000 dollars worth of truffles? Is this a pile of yarn? How does this dog take on bears? Was this breed used as a hot water bottle? And how can this dog tame a cobra? Dogs 101 celebrates man’s best friend. Today we focus on some of the rarest breeds in the world. The Lagotta Romagnolo, the Puli, the Karelian Bear Dog, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Thai Ridgeback, and the New Guinea Singing Dog. And they call them rare breeds. Man’s best friend, the canine, has been evolving over thousands of years.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC Domestic dogs originally started out from wolves that were sitting around the campfires of ancient man and, gradually…
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…the more friendly ones were trained inwards. |
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HOST VO From there dogs were bred to help us do just about everything.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC |
They would breed different dogs together to produce an animal that excelled at whatever task they were breeding for.
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HOST VO These first working dogs look drastically different from each other based on geography. Siberian Huskies developed thick, dense coats to pull sleds in arctic conditions. Whereas the Thai Ridgebacks sported a short, dense coat to haul carts in tropical Thailand. And it is from these and many other older breeds that all of our purebreds arose.
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HOST VO It was during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800’s that changing social and economic conditions led to the emergence of dogs as companions, not just working dogs. Breeds were developed solely for looks, companionship, or whatever was stylish…
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…like fox hunting. |
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DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC They became more interested in having a dog that suited them in terms of their appearance and making a fashion statement. |
HOST VO It was because of this preference for appearance over function, as well as shifts in trends and changes in the environment, that many breeds fell out of favor. Many cultural trends and hundreds of years later, breeds like the American Foxhound, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the Norwegian Lundehound have all but disappeared. And whether they are the foundation of our modern dogs or a breed that simply didn’t catch on, these rare breeds are still an important part of canine heritage to be cherished.
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HOST VO For today’s special episode, Dogs 101 has scoured the Earth to find the rarest, most obscure breeds on the planet. And we start with the precious Puli. It’s one of the most unusual looking dogs in the world.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC It looks like a mop, a big, giant moving mop.
JONATHAN DAVID OC/VO There’s no sight like seeing this dog run across a field. These cords are swinging all over the place.
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HOST VO The Puli is a bona fide head turner. So rare that less than 150 new Puli pups are registered every year in the U.S., compared to over 60,000 Golden Retriever pups. The Puli is an ancient dog. And |
records show they were working the Hungarian plains during the 9th century.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO The Puli was originally bred in Hungary as a dog that would assist sheep farmers to herd the sheep.
HOST VO The Puli’s herding style is very different from many other herding dogs. The Border Collie uses eye control…
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…to stare down sheep. And, an Australian Cattle dog will typically nip at their heels.
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But a Puli uses assertive, bouncy movements and a high pitched bark.
ANDREA ARDEN VO They are dogs that have a lot of drive and a lot of intensity.
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HOST VO Puli come in solid black, rusty black, gray, and white.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC Most of these dogs are black. There’s only about two percent that come in a light, white color. And the reason for this is simply because sheep respond better…
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| …to dark colored dogs. |
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HOST VO Puli are incredibly fast and are able to change direction in an instant.
ANDREA ARDEN OC They’re very agile dogs.
HOST VO The Puli actually has great eyesight despite what it may look like from the outside. And when viewed from the side, the body and legs actually look like a square.
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HOST VO And most distinctive of all is the weather resistant dreadlock adorned coat.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They have a very soft, plush undercoat with a very profuse top layer. And as those two kind of a tangle with one another, they form these circular little cords that look very much like dreadlocks.
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HOST VO Those…
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…profuse cords served a purpose on the Hungarian plains.
JONATHAN DAVID OC/VO |
The cords actually create a barrier from the elements and from predators.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Imagine a wolf who tries to attack a Puli. All he’d really get a mouthful of is corded hair.
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HOST VO And it’s that dreadlock adorned coat that got knitting enthusiast Mary Carol Jehn instantly hooked.
MARY CAROL JEHN VO/OC I went to a dog show and I saw Pulis being shown. And I went, oh. And the texture and the color and the, the way their cords move. Three months later we have Andy. Andy is a gift to our family.
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He’s always around our grand children. He’s a huge part of our lives. And I can’t imagine not having him around. |
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HOST VO He also got Mary Carol thinking nonstop about her passion, knitting.
MARY CAROL JEHN OC/VO Andy looks like yarn to me. He looks as if I could knit him. Andy came into my life and I found that I was knitting more and it became my passion again. And a few months later, darned if I didn’t have a yarn shop. And, I…
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…do believe it was because of Andy. |
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MARY CAROL JEHN OC/VO Okay, Andy. Let’s go to work. Come on. Truck, truck. Good boy.
HOST VO That was three years ago. And today Lamb Shop is a huge success.
MARY CAROL JEHN VO/OC Andy’s been coming to the shop since the day it opened. He is the mascot for the store. People come into the shop and Andy greets them.
FEMALE WEARING WHITE SWEATER OC Oh, you’ve got to love this.
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HOST VO Mary Carol says Andy has a lot of nicknames.
MARY CAROL JEHN VO/OC People are always calling him Bob Marley Mon. Mop Dog, the Dog With No Eyes, the Rasta Dog. Most people have never seen a dog with dreads.
ANITA MEYER VO/OC I think Andy’s a bigger attraction than the knit store. He’ll sit at the front door and watch people as they walk by and encourage them to come in.
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FEMALE WEARING GREEN SHIRT VO Andy.
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GIRL WEARING PINK SHIRT VO Hi, Andy. |
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HOST VO Is it a pile of yarn on the floor? Mary Carol says new people are quite surprised when Andy stirs.
MARY CAROL JEHN VO/OC They’re new to the store and they don’t know Andy. All of a sudden he moves, they will look at him and say, he moved. Because he looks like he is a knitted animal or he’s a display piece.
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HOST VO Andy loves being at the yarn shop with Mary Carol. And it looks like he’ll be here for life.
MARY CAROL JEHN VO/OC Andy will always be the mascot here.
FEMALE WEARING GREEN SHIRT OC He’s a really good buddy.
FEMALE WEARING BLACK SHIRT OC Bye, Andy. See you soon.
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HOST VO Puli love being the center of attention and can make excellent family pets. But, in some cases, |
may not be as easy going with small children as Andy.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC A Puli is a dog that probably does best in a family without younger children.
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HOST VO Their intelligence and willingness to work make them fairly easy to train if you start early. The Puli adapts well to all climates and, like most dogs, requires daily exercise. Overall, the Puli is a hearty breed. But, they can get eye infections if the hair around the eye gets matted.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO They do have issues with hip dysplasia. They do have some eye issues.
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HOST VO Those with little time for grooming should not get this breed. Those dreadlocks are a lot of work to maintain.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC One by one, individually, you split each cord down to the skin. And then, after you’ve done that, which could take hours, you’ve got to bathe the dog.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC It can take them up to three days for all of the cords to dry.
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HOST VO In general, the Puli is well suited to all climates and is a sturdy breed. They are one of the most high maintenance dogs to groom. Their intelligence makes them easy to train. And they fair best as family pets with more experienced dog owners with older, gentle children.
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HOST VO Still ahead on our rare breed special. This dog’s nose can bring its owner thousands of dollars. This rare breed loves to surf. This 60 pound dog scares the daylights out of 500 pound bears. Why is this hairless breed called an Orchid? And this is probably the rarest breed of dog on the planet. | |
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HOST VO The Thai Ridgeback was trained to keep deadly snakes at bay. Even known to attack and kill cobras.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC It’s strong. It’s powerful, fearless.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC Nobody’s going to mess with you with a Thai Ridgeback. | |
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HOST VO The Thai Ridgeback is a primitive breed which evolved from the Asian wolf in eastern Thailand.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC The Thai Ridgeback has been depicted in cave drawings in Cambodia and Thailand from as early as 3,000 years ago.
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HOST VO It’s also an extremely rare breed. They have only been in the U.S. since 1994.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO There is believed to be only about a thousand of them outside of Thailand and only about 100 in the United States.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC They were bred to be working dogs for cart pulling. They were bred for guard dogs. They were bred for hunting.
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HOST VO And in Thailand today they’re primarily companion dogs that are highly protective of their family and property.
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ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC And for the people of Thailand a point of pride that they have a dog who is as beautiful and courageous and brave as this…
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… as their national dog. |
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HOST VO This royal dog of Thailand is known for several remarkable characteristics.
ANDREA ARDEN VO The Thai Ridgeback is one of three purebred dogs that have a ridge going down their back, which has the hair growing in the opposite direction.
JONATHAN DAVID VO They’re known for their big ears that stands straight up.
ANDREA ARDEN VO It gives it kind of a, an adorable look when you’re looking at it straight on.
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HOST VO Adorable, yes. But, also one lean, mean doggy machine.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC This is a dog’s dog, if ever there was one. A real Schwarzer-dog
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HOST VO These dogs are active, agile, and versatile, excelling at jumping and climbing.
JONATHAN DAVID OC Very, very well developed dog.
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So, these dogs can be extremely athletic. |
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HOST VO And Chris Koerner of Capistrano Beach, California knows first hand just how athletic a Thai Ridgeback can be.
CHRIS KOERNER VO/OC Magic is very, very agile. He’s, he does some amazing things. The way he can spring and jump and land. He’s almost like a cat.
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HOST VO Even more astonishing is Magic’s skill on a paddleboard. Paddle boarding is a surface water sport where a person stands on a large surfboard with a single paddle and paddles out through the surf. Then rides the waves back to shore. It requires great balance.
CHRIS KOERNER VO/OC Magic can do just about anything on a paddleboard. About the only thing that he can do that I can’t is hang 20. |
| HOST VO |
Chris’s children Kameron and Hayden….
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…agree.
KAMERON KOERNER VO/OC Magic does things that I’ve never seen any other dog do in my life.
HAYDEN KOERNER OC He’s a really adventurous dog. And, he’s a good swimmer.
KAMERON KOERNER OC Magic is magical. |
CHRIS KOERNER OC Okay, sit.
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HOST VO Magic’s athletic, beach lifestyle today is a huge contrast to the first five years of his life.
CHRIS KOERNER OC The gentleman that had Magic he was traveling a bit.
HOST VO So, Magic spent most days alone. When Chris and his wife Shirley heard of Magic’s predicament they made arrangements to adopt Magic from his former owner and give him a family life. Their lives have been full of magical moments ever since.
SHIRLEY KOERNER OC Magic, there’s a squirrel up here.
CHRIS KOERNER VO Magic’s life now is fantastic. He’s a very happy |
dog.
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HOST VO A happy dog who fit right in almost instantly with the Koerner’s beach lifestyle. About six months after adopting Magic, the dog began crying at the beach while Chris was paddle boarding.
CHRIS KOERNER OC/VO He would sit there and just whine. I went down there one day with one of my bigger boards that could hold two people and put it in the water and let Magic out of the car. He just ran down and hopped on the board like he’s been doing it his whole life. He was on the board with me for at least 45 minutes. He didn’t fall off once. And we’ve been paddling ever since that day.
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HOST VO Now Chris can’t keep Magic out of the water.
CHRIS KOERNER VO/OC Magic is very aware when I’m ready to go paddling. And he gets very upset if I go without him. We have a group that we paddle with some times and they all have dogs and we get out and paddle together.
HOST VO And Magic knows he’s good.
CHRIS KOERNER VO/OC He can hop on a surfboard and grip on it without even falling off. |
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HOST VO And after a long day on the paddleboard, Magic likes to end the day in song.
CHRIS KOERNER VO/OC He’s just fantastic. He’s, he’s does everything with us. He’s really enriched our lives.
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HOST VO Like Magic, Thai Ridgebacks bond closely with their families. But, they can be a territorial breed that’s very cautious around unfamiliar people, especially on their property.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO It’s a dog who is very likely to have aggression issues with other dogs.
HOST VO So early training and socialization are a must with this breed.
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HOST VO They thrive in warm climates and are intolerant of cold weather. The Thai Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but prone to a congenital defect called dermoid sinus.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC Which is a rare skin condition that can be fatal. |
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HOST VO Grooming couldn’t be easier with these dogs.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC A little brushing during the shedding season, an occasional bath...
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…will do them fine. |
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HOST VO While every dog is unique, generally Thai Ridgebacks thrive in warmer climates. They’re a sturdy breed, but are prone to dermoid sinus. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but can be high maintenance when it comes to training and socialization. So, only experienced dog owners should consider owning this breed.
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HOST VO The Lagotto Romagnolo can really mambo Italiano.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO I just like the name. Lagotto Romagnolo. I would consider getting one just so I could say that |
name again and again.
HOST VO The breed is so rare there are only about 500 Lagotto in the U.S.
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HOST VO But, the breed is famous in its native Italy as a seeker of a rare mushroom called truffles, a delicacy more expensive than even caviar. Lagotto may be rare, but they are a very old breed.
GIRL WEARING PRINT SHIRT OC It’s a bone.
HOST VO In fact, the Lagotto is the foundation dog for all water dogs. That means the Lagotto is the great grandfather to Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Gold Retrievers to name a few.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO Lagottos do like to run and hunt and swim and dig. |
HOST VO Though medium sized the Lagotto is robust …
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… with powerful, long, straight legs. Like the Poodle…
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…and the Portuguese Water Dog the Lagotto is...
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… covered with a dense, curly coat of hair. Color varieties includes brown, gray, and white. Coats can be solid or have patches of color. |
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO You really want to run your fingers through this dog’s coat because it’s just soft and curly.
HOST VO A thick neck and wide chest complete the picture of a small, but strong dog.
JONATHAN DAVID OC So their digging ability is unbelievable. |
HOST VO The origins of the Lagotto go deep into Italian history, predating even the Romans. Images of the Lagotto can be found in art that is centuries old. Like all water retrievers they were first used to hunt water fowl. In fact, lago means lake in Italian.
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ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO They are a dog that probably couldn’t think of anything they’d rather do than go swimming. |
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FEMALE VOICE VO Come on, baby.
HOST VO |
In the 19th century, the marshlands in the Lagottos’ native Emilia-Romagna were drained. Water fowling ceased and the Lagotto nearly went extinct. But luckily, the few remaining Lagotto found favor among truffle hunters. Thanks to the truffle hunters there was enough breeding stock left to bring the Lagotto back from the brink of extinction.
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GILBERTO GRANDI VO/OC Preserving the Lagotto means reserving a piece of Italy, a piece of our history. The Lagotto has always been a working dog and it is today a working dog.
HOST VO That’s something that people here in Aquilonia, Italy have known for generations. This is one of the richest truffle producing regions in the world.
ELISA RENZI OC The Lagotto breed is very important in Italy because of the business around the truffle.
HOST VO Elisa and her husband, Lorenzo, hunt truffles. They rely on their Lagotto to seek out this rare, delicious delicacy. In some seasons the price of one pound of white truffles reaches over 2500 dollars. Black truffles can be around 400 per pound.
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ELISA RENZI OC/VO If you have good dogs you are sure that you will find truffle. |
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LORENZO RENZI VO Elisa, did you like?
HOST VO Tom is Elisa and Lorenzo’s most experienced truffle hunting Lagotto. Two young dogs, Millie and Mitzie are hoping to get their first taste of virgin truffles.
LORENZO RENZI VO Millie.
HOST VO For Elisa, truffle hunting is inspired by a love of nature and the Lagotto.
ELISA RENZI VO/OC You can have a special feeling with your dog because he understands that you are asking him to search something. And it’s very exciting.
LORENZO RENZI VO All right, Millie…
ELISA RENZI VO For them the, the hunting is like play.
HOST VO The dog starts out slowly. The young dogs are unfocused. Truffle hunting is a boom or bust business. Sometimes weeks go by without finding anything.
LORENZO RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian>
HOST VO But, just as Lorenzo and Elisa are about to call it a day…
LORENZO RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian> |
HOST VO …Tom hits on something.
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LORENZO RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian> |
HOST VO It’s a huge black truffle.
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Now the young dogs start to get in on the action.
LORENZO RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian>
HOST VO They find another truffle. Then, another.
LORENZO RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian>
HOST VO Elisa and Lorenzo’s Lagottos have struck truffle gold.
LORENZO RENZI OC <Speaking In Italian>
HOST VO These dogs are trained from birth to use their keen noses to seek out truffles, but have no desire to eat them. When they dig out a truffle, they get a doggie treat.
ELISA RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian>
HOST VO What looked like a tough day at first has turned |
into a bonanza. They may not know how much truffles are worth, but pleasing their owners is priceless.
LORENZO RENZI VO <Speaking In Italian>
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ELISA RENZI OC/VO They are very happy because they understand that you are happy. They want that you are happy.
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LORENZO RENZI OC <Speaking In Italian> |
HOST VO The Lagotto’s well honed nose has made it a staple with Italian truffle hunters for generations. Recently, the rest of the world has gotten to…
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…know the Lagotto as a family pet.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The Lagotto is also a great family dog. They have a strong affinity for children. |
HOST VO This is a very versatile dog, but it will do better with space to roam.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO This is a breed that has a high propensity for digging. So, either supervise them or give them a special little digging pit, like a sandbox for kids. |
HOST VO Like the poodle, the Lagotto has a non-shedding coat that must be cut regularly.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC You need to keep them brushed because you do need to keep the coat from matting.
HOST VO This is generally considered a healthy and robust dog. But, there are problems with hip dysplasia and epilepsy among some breeding lines. The Lagotto is born to please.
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FEMALE WEARING BLUE JEANS VO Paw. Do you want to give me the other paw? Good girl. There you go. |
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HOST VO The Lagotta Romagnolo is a versatile breed that will need space to run and dig. It’s generally healthy, though. Some breeding lines have issues. Lagotto require regular grooming. They’re an easy dog to train and do well with children.
ELISA RENZI VO The Lagotto is a very special dog. I fell in love with this breed.
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HOST VO When our special Dogs 101 continues meet the dog made famous as a hot water bottle. This rare breed has one mission in life, scare the daylights |
| out of bears. And the best place to find this dog is in the jungles of New Guinea. |
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HOST VO The Peruvian Inca Orchid is one of the rarest dogs in the world. Only a thousand are thought to exist worldwide.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC The Peruvian Inca Orchid is also called the Moon Flower Dog and has an alternative name, the Perro Sin Pelo del Perú, which means the…
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…dog without hair from Peru. |
HOST VO The Spanish conquerors…
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…of Peru call these dogs Perro Flora or Flower Dog. Perhaps because they found the dogs in the caves where the orchids grew. They may have many names, but their look is unmistakable.
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HOST VO Not all Inca Orchid are hairless. In some litters you’ll find the better known bald dogs alongside their fully furry siblings.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The hairless has prick ears where the ears stand |
straight up, whereas the coated version because of the hair is heavy…
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… causes the ears to flop over. |
HOST VO The Peruvian Inca Orchid…
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…is the national dog of Peru. Because of its historic significance it’s impossible to know how these dogs first made it to Peru. But, they appear depicted in ancient ceramics from thousands of years ago. Incan royalty prize them as bed warmers.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI OC Some people say that these hairless dogs have certain healing properties.
HOST VO Although their body temperature is no warmer than any other dog, their hairless skin irradiates heat and can bring comfort to people in pain…
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…sort of like a hot water bottle. |
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HOST VO A sight hound, like a Greyhound, these muscular dogs were also used for hunting and were able to run very fast to catch their prey, as well as to traverse the great distances between the mountain settlements.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC The Inca Orchid was bred to run messages from |
various Inca tribes. You know one to the other. So it was like the postal service in those days.
HOST VO Today there is a debate as to the size a Peruvian Inca Orchid should be.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The big controversy was that the United States recognizes only one size. Whereas in Peru there are different sizes.
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HOST VO Whether small, medium, or large, this breed has many unique characteristics in common. They can range in color from pink to black and often come with a striking spotted skin.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC Typically, they are born basically all black or in all pink. Then they develop these huge freckles, which can be an assortment of colors in that the freckles sort of grow and sort of blend together to create a sort of final color coat of the dog.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The Peruvian Inca Orchid has what’s known as a hair foot that’s most pronounced on the hairless dog where they have very long toes and a webbed foot.
HOST VO Just as with other hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested, the Inca Orchid may actually have small patches of hair primarily on its head, tail, and |
feet, but will remain hairless overall. 20 years ago…
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…in Peru, many dogs lived on the street.
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…and scavenged for food. People thought the Inca Orchids they saw on the street were sick because they were hairless. Little did they know that these dogs were a rare breed native to Peru. The Inca Orchid faced extinction due to neglect.
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HOST VO But, 25 miles outside of Lima, Peru, an accident for Alfredo Jeanneau Tartini
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After breaking his arm, a friend gave him an Inca Orchid. He used the dog like a hot water bottle, just as the ancient Incas did, allowing the heat from its skin to alleviate his pain.
ALFREDO OC <Speaking In Spanish>
HOST VO Alfredo was so moved by his experience, he developed a refuge called Chaclas Camp in order to care for Inca Orchids and rescue them from the streets. His nephew Raul grew up with Alfredo and the Inca Orchids.
RAUL GUTIERREZ JEANNEAU VO/OC These dogs have give us not only happiness. They cure my uncle. That was really the most important part of everything. |
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ALFREDO OC
HOST VO The dogs live with Alfred and his family.
RAUL GUTIERREZ JEANNEAU VO/OC We really rescue the dogs. Right now we breed them and we export them around the world. |
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HOST VO Today in this small Peruvian town Alfredo is hosting a party to celebrate the 24th anniversary of breed recognition. Artifacts are on display, champions are preening, and the guests have their dogs for an afternoon in the countryside. Alfredo, as an ambassador of the breed, founded the Inca Orchid Club of Peru. He helped it become the national dog of Peru. Alfredo has taken this former street dog and made it into a national treasure. And the breed is now guaranteed a place in Peru’s future, as well as its past.
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HOST VO Inca Orchids can be great for families. But, keep in mind, the spirited sight hound is in their heritage. These rambunctious dogs need supervision with small children who they might knock over, and they may chase the family cat. As for training, treat them gingerly.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC They need to be vested in positive training |
techniques recognizing the sensitivity of this dog, and slowly and positively exposing it to various aspects of his environment.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO The Peruvian Inca Orchid would be fine for an apartment as long as they got exercise because they do need to exert themselves on a daily basis to be happy.
HOST VO Special attention must be paid in harsh climates. Their exposed skin makes them susceptible to sunburn and exposure to cold temperatures. Health wise they are prone to skin problems, epilepsy, and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. With so little hair, grooming is minimal.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They’re as bald as a coot, with just a tuft of hair sticking out at the top.
HOST VO But, they will require sunscreen and protection…
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…from the elements. |
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HOST VO While the Peruvian Orchid is rare and we are still learning out them, we do know that they require protection from the elements. Their hairless skin is prone to skin cancer. Inca Orchids need sunscreen. Being sensitive, they benefit from early socialization. And they need supervision |
with small children and small household pets.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC Good looking, if you like that kind of thing, which I personally do.
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HOST VO There are more rare breeds ahead on this Dogs 101 special. If you’re a bear, you hate to see this guy coming. And, is this dog more ancient than the dingo?
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HOST VO Now it’s time to play Pick The Pooch. Which rare Irish Terrier with its short legs and strong body was originally bred to turn spits of roasting meat over the fire? Can you guess which breed it is? The answer, when we come back. |
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HOST VO Which rare breed of dog from Ireland was perfectly designed to turn spits of roasting meat over the fire? It’s the Glen Of Imaal Terrier. The Glen’s unique bowed front legs, combined with its strong hindquarters, made it the perfect canine for the job of turn spit dog. And they use their front paws to turn the spit. Today there are fewer than 500 of these hearty and stoic terriers in America.
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HOST VO From the dingo in Australia to the jackal in Africa, the canine family is spread all over the world. But, what is the world’s rarest breed? It’s a dog discovered in the jungles of Asia. In the 1950’s, an expedition to the remote highlands of New Guinea discovered what is probably the world’s rarest dog.
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HOST VO Meet the New Guinea Singing Dog.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC New Guinea Singing Dog is one of the rarest dogs in the world, if not the rarest. |
HOST VO Affectionately called singers, there are only an estimated 100 in captivity.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO This is such a rare, beautiful, fox-like dog that it’s a shame there aren’t more.
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HOST VO Not only are they uncommon, they’re one of the most primitive canines in the world…
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…landing them the nickname Stone Age Dog.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC |
These dogs have been separated from the domestic dog going back to as long as 30,000 years. They have a separate mutation that the dingo doesn’t have suggesting that they are older than the dingo.
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HOST VO But, it’s the New Guinea Singing Dog’s voice that is its signature quality.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC Singing is really a kind of howling with a single note. When there’s a group of them together, they can all sing in slightly different pitches and the sound is almost like a, a barber shop chorus.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC American Idol, watch out. |
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HOST VO These dogs are native to the highlands of Papua, New Guinea and have remained virtually unchanged from their ancestors thanks to their isolated habitat.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC In New Guinea they really do see these dogs in the wild. And where the tribesmen report hearing the dogs are up in such rugged terrain and it’s like 6,000 feet up in the mountains. |
HOST VO In 1957, Sir Edward Hallstrom brought the first New Guinea Singing Dogs out of the wild to an Australian zoo. Almost all the New Guinea |
Singing Dogs in North America had descended from this pair. The U.S. got its first singers…
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…in 1958. |
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HOST VO The head and teeth are distinguishing traits of this rare breed. The wedge shaped head is the widest part of this dog’s body and houses the four carnassial teeth that are much larger and sharper than those of a domestic dog. Used for sheering flesh and bone, the carnassials are commonly found in wild carnivores.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They are kind of cat-like in that they can squeeze through small openings. So their spine and their muscles are put together a little differently than most dogs.
HOST VO Thanks to their flexibility, the New Guinea Singing Dogs can toss their head 360 degrees. Their short, double coat is dense and ranges in color from red to brown. And because these dogs are wild they’re not usually recommended as house pets. But, it’s not always the case.
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HOST VO Meet Pan, one of the few New Guinea Singing Dogs in captivity. He is a pet to our very own |
Dogs 101 expert, Dr. Alice Moon-Fanelli, who has dedicated years of her life to the study of wild canines.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC The New Guinea Singing Dogs aren’t for everyone. They are a tremendous responsibility.
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HOST VO It was about seven years ago when a conservation group approached Alice to observe New Guinea Singing Dog behavior.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC I didn’t happen to have a dog. Jan Kolomaznik Dog Conservation Society contacted me to ask if I would be interested in taking a Singer pup so that I could provide direct…
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…behavioral observations. |
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HOST VO Alice had not worked with Singers before, or even met one. So she was understandably a little nervous about her new roommate.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC I was a bit reluctant because she was saying I might need bars on the windows and telling me about how predatory he was.
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HOST VO So has Pan adapted to his life as a pet? Well…
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC Life with a New Guinea Singing Dog means that the people have to adapt. Not so much that the Singing dog adapts to the human environment.
HOST VO Like any other dog, he does go on walks. But, with his wild instincts, Alice always has to be on her toes.
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HOST VO Over the past six years, the experiment of bringing a wild dog into Alice’s home has proven successful and educational.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI OC He’s just fascinating to observe and fascinating to listen to.
HOST VO As an animal behaviorist what has Alice learned by living with Pan?
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC One of the things that strikes me about Singing dogs is that they are so persistent. They just don’t take no for an answer. They’re more exaggerated than what you would see in a domestic dog. The thing that would make him different from other wild canines is that he shows absolutely no fear and his life is sort of ruled by his curiosity. Then bow.
HOST VO Through her research, Alice believes that the |
New Guinea Singing Dog should be classified as its own unique subspecies, which will help preserve this endangered canine.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC When a Singer looks at you it’s almost as if they’re looking into your soul. There’s so much history in those eyes.
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HOST VO The New Guinea Singing Dog is a wild animal and not recommended as a pet. They should be kept in areas where they can jump and run.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They need lots of exercise.
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HOST VO They’re healthy dogs with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. In terms of grooming, they take care of themselves. However they shed during warmer months. Training a Singer is like training a cat. They can be taught specific behavior, but usually perform on their own terms.
DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC They learn extremely quickly, particularly when they’re young.
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HOST VO These dogs are independent. And because |
they’re wild they have a strong predatory instinct. And they don’t play with other animals. They are not recommended as family pets.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC It’s definitely not a dog you would want to have in a house full of children or other dogs.
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HOST VO So, in general, the Singer needs a lot of room to roam and constant supervision. They live a long time with virtually no inherited health issues. Grooming is a snap. This dog lives in the wild, so training one could present a challenge. And, finally, the New Guinea Singing Dog is not recommended for families.
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HOST VO When Dogs 101 continues, this dog is probably the bravest breed on the planet. |
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HOST VO You’d be thirsty too if you’d been doing what this rare dog is bred to do.
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DR. ALICE MOON-FANELLI VO/OC The Karelian Bear Dog was originally bred to hunt bear. |
HOST VO Sure, they’ve been domesticated. But, these courageous creatures are still considered primitive dogs.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They’re much more like a kind of wild type, much more sort of wolfy.
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HOST VO And they look that way, too.
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ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They look sort of like a slighter boned Akita. But, they only come in black and white. |
HOST VO This natural born hunter hails from a part of Finland claimed by the former Soviet Union. The breed was near extinction after World War II. But, it’s a national treasure in Finland today. You just won’t see too many of them at the local dog park. In fact, there are only 300 of these dogs in the United States.
DR. KEITH MURPHY VO/OC I only have seen them in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington.
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HOST VO But, if you do see these medium sized, hearty dogs, identifying them is relatively easy. Just look for a black and white double coat that’s not only striking, but functional.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC That dense, plush coat protects them from frostbite.
HOST VO And if you spot upward pointy ears and small eyes with an intense focus, you may be in the presence of a Karelian. But, you wouldn’t want to be in his grip.
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JONATHAN DAVID OC When they lock in on one of their prey…
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…they’re not letting go until their hunter counterpart comes to free them.
HOST VO That’s because they have an extremely powerful jaw. The Karelian Bear Dog can exert 230 pounds of bite pressure to hold its prey in place, almost twice what a human can muster.
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HOST VO The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is so impressed with this rare breed’s special gifts that it’s put Karelian Bear Dogs on staff.
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO/OC These dogs very definitely aid us in saving bears’ |
lives.
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HOST VO Every year the department fields hundreds of calls about bears encroaching on human populated areas looking for food. In the past, problem bears were rarely found, enabling them to reoffend. And when they did, lethal removal was sometimes the unfortunate result. Now when problem bears are captured and set back into the wild, they are tagged with radio collars so the Department of Fish and Wildlife can track their movements.
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HOST VO These dogs are helping wildlife officers give the bears a second chance.
BRUCE RICHARDS VO/OC Now that we have Karelian Bear Dogs I will find that bear because that dog is going to find that bear no matter where it goes.
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HOST VO Member of this rare breed are carefully selected to work with officers because they possess a combination of specific characteristics.
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO/OC What we’re looking for is a dog that has physical |
stamina, has a keen sense of smell, is aggressive, and has the propensity to be a good hunter.
HOST VO And a high pitched, relentless bark doesn’t hurt. In fact, barking is another way Karelian Bear Dogs help wildlife officers save bears’ lives. The technique is called hard release.
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO/OC Our whole idea here is to, to scare the bear and never to want contact with humans again.
HOST VO This bear was injured and living in a rehabilitation center. But now, it’s time to release him into the wild. And Mishka |
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BRUCE RICHARDS OC I want a dog on either side of the trap.
HOST VO Karelian Bear Dogs help the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife locate problem bears. But, they also recondition bears to fear humans when they’re released into the wild. The technique is called hard release. And if all goes as planned this bear will never want contact with |
humans ever again. When the trapdoor finally opens the bear is unsure. But, the dogs know just what to do.
BRUCE RICHARDS OC/VO The Karelian Bear Dog is very good at standing their ground and telling the bear don’t come my way. Head for the woods.
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BRUCE RICHARDS VO Good dog. Get him. Catch that bear.
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO Good dog.
HOST VO It might look cruel…
BRUCE RICHARDS VO Get him. Good Dog. Get that bear.
HOST VO …but beanbag shot shells and firecrackers frighten the bear even more.
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BRUCE RICHARDS VO Get him. Go.
HOST VO Reconditioning it to fear people…
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO Get that bear. Get the bear.
HOST VO …is the ultimate goal.
BRUCE RICHARDS VO/OC Get that bear. |
HOST VO And Mishka did. In a matter of moments, the 250 pound creature lumbered away.
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With the help of…
BRUCE RICHARDS VO Get him. Get him. There dog. Get him. Good dog. Get that bear. There you go.
HOST VO …Karelian Bear Dogs, 80 percent of problem bears don’t return to human populated areas after a hard release. |
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO/OC Good dog, Colter.
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Good dog. Do you want to get that bear?
HOST VO The department’s newest employee, six months old Colter, is still a little young to participate in the action. But, the department is making sure he observes his mentors at work. It won’t be long before young Colter begins participating in hard releases, too. But first, he has to learn the ropes.
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CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO Oh, get that.
NICHOLAS JONG VO Oh yeah, get those.
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO Get it. Get it. |
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HOST VO Today Mishka and Cash are helping train Colter to track bear scent.
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO Get that bear. Oh….
HOST VO The officers give…
CAPT. BILL HEBRER VO Get that bear.
HOST VO …all the dogs a good whiff, hide the pouch containing the scent, and then Colter…
NICHOLAS JONG VO That’s it. Get the bear. Get the bear.
HOST VO …and his mentors get to work. He’s a bit stumped at times. But, Colter eventually lands on target and…
NICHOLAS JONG VO I knew you could do it.
HOST VO …savors the sweet smell of success.
NICHOLAS JONG VO All right.
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Good job. Woo-hoo. |
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NICHOLAS JONG VO Yeah.
HOST VO If they keep working together well, Colter’s handler is optimistic about the future.
NICHOLAS JONG VO/OC My hope for Colter is, is that we’ll be able to save hundreds of bears. And we’ll be able to teach the general public how to live with bears in a more harmonious fashion.
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HOST VO As you might imagine, Karelian Bear Dogs are outdoor creatures that don’t like to be confined. So, apartment life is out of the question. But, in the health department they get high marks.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC It’s a pretty sturdy dog that really harks back to its ancestors who were able to survive in pretty tough conditions.
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HOST VO Occasional brushing keeps their short coats looking fine. And they don’t need as much bathing as other breeds.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC They don’t tend to have that doggy odor that a lot of dogs have. |
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If you’re going to train these independent pooches, you better know what you’re doing.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC The Karelian Bear Dog is really only for somebody who is a very experienced trainer.
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HOST VO Their bravery and aggression make them excellent hunters. But, when it comes to family life, they’re actually out of their element.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC Not necessarily the best temperament for a dog that you want as a house pet. |
HOST VO Here’s the bottom line. The Karelian Bear Dog needs a lot of space. So apartment life is not an option. The good news is that they get an A+ in the health department and have minimal grooming requirements. But, you’d better have an experienced hand if you’re going to train these hunting dogs, which are not recommended for families with children. Still, if you need a fierce, protective dog and you have the tools to train it, the Karelian Bear Dog could be the one for you.
NICHOLAS JONG OC That’s a good boy. That’s a good Colter.
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HOST VO So, to recap. The Thai Ridgeback is a primitive breed that’s so tough they were trained to kill |
| cobras. Descended from the Asian Wolf, there are only 100 of these dogs in the United States. |
HOST VO The New Guinea Singing Dog may be the rarest dog breed on the planet. It might be the oldest breed as well. Today, there are only a handful in captivity, and for good reason. They’re a wild breed of dog. And, they have an amazing singing voice. |
HOST VO The Puli is a wonderful looking dog with a pile of densely knotted dreads. It was bred to mingle with the sheep herds of eastern Europe. |
HOST VO The Lagotto was the original water dog, bred centuries ago in Italy. The few remaining Lagottos help find truffles in the forest north of Bologna. |
HOST VO The Peruvian Inca Orchid is one of those fascinating hairless South American breeds. Legend has it they were once used as water bottles. |
HOST VO Today only a handful remain to maintain the breed. |
HOST VO The Karelian Bear Dog comes from the high latitudes of Finland. It was bred to hunt bear and they are still one of the bravest dogs on the planet. Some of these rare breeds make good pets. Others, because of their wild nature, are not recommended for the average home. If you’re thinking of bringing a dog into your home, do your homework. Check out Petfinder.com and choose your next best friend wisely. |
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