Although all hunting dogs can prove to be good hounds, there are still some breeds that, after having passed selections over centuries, prove to be gifted with an exceptional flair: the dachshund, the Bavarian hound and the Annoveriano deserve the first places in the standings.
Each breed has its own particular aptitude and ability, but it took centuries and considerable effort to select those from trace or blood. In any case, yesterday's fatigue guaranteed today the presence of five-star dogs capable of following even the faintest tracks. Although in general it can be said that track dogs can potentially be all hunting dogs, whether they are pointing or following, purebred or mestizos, in reality there are species particularly suitable for history and instinct, for this task.
If you are looking for your next hound it is good to remember that the dogs most used in this type of job are the Bavarian hound, the Noverian hound and the German dachshund. All three breeds come directly from Germany, perhaps because hunting ungulates has been particularly popular in that region since the earliest past.
The Bavarian Hound proves to be a light and equally agile dog yet this does not prevent its musculature from being particularly powerful. The coat is characterized by a dark red color and can tend to brown or ocher yellow. The female does not exceed my 50 cm in stature while the male can exceed 52 cm.
The Annoveriano is also a medium-sized dog, complete with a sturdy and muscular build. The color of the hair varies from brown-gray to black, it adheres to the body, is dense, shiny and above all short. If the female does not exceed 50 cm in height, the male can reach up to 55 cm.
Finally, we cannot forget the Dachshund. There are at least three variants but the one that best suits this kind of technique is certainly the wirehaired dachshund. If selected as a track dog, its weight does not exceed 10 kg and surprisingly it proves to be excellent in following large wild boars or very agile deer. On the other hand, it is a fast, low and above all agile dog, which glides well in the thick wood. The coat is coarse and compact with a color that can vary from gray to black. Its very high diffusion in Europe allows us to imagine the qualities of this exceptional hound.
Yet these three breeds of hounds ideal for large game, are not the only tracks that can serve as auxiliaries to the hunter. In fact, the continental and English terriers are enjoying a certain interest and success, but also the French hounds that prove to be excellent track animals when it comes to recovering wounded game.
The hunter who decides to adopt a follow-up dog, train it and use it during the hunts will necessarily have to equip himself with a particular equipment that, although it is neither too expensive nor too complicated, however, it is particular and necessary.
For example, it is impossible to do without the training leash or the long one. One is a maximum of 4 meters long and will be used during exercises, the other reaches up to 8 meters and due to its length is more often used in outdoor areas. In fact, inside the dense forest it often proves to be more of a hindrance than anything else.
It is also important to equip your dog with a particular collar that must be between 3 and 4 cm wide. It will allow a good grip and avoid any kind of kinking given the presence of a swivel. As a rule, it is recommended to cover it with red, orange or fluorescent material since it is really complicated to distinguish between wild and dog, in areas of low wood or Mediterranean scrub.
The hunter will have to carry with him a knife with a wide or triangular blade, a particularly light firearm and above all protections (gloves, leg loops, hat) in case the hunt takes place among the particularly tough and scratchy Mediterranean scrub.