Chris, that's why dachsunds are popular! Blood trackers should be following the exact trail. If you have a long enough line, you can sometimes drop it and pick it up on the other side of the brush. Sometimes!

I use a German shepherd for blood-tracking deer. In NYS, b/t dogs also need to be leashed. You have to train the dog to hit on blood only. Otherwise you may just end up chasing live quarry. Not sure if you are wanting the dog to go in on the bear (I assume not), so a less gritty breed like a lab ...

Those of you who have Catahoulas in colder climates, are you able to kennel them outside during winter months? Can they stay outside for long amounts of time in frigid conditions? Thanks for any info.

My neighbor once told me she always checked when my ridgeback barked. That dog never barked at anyone she knew, just strangers. Steve, thanks for sharing your insight. i would love dog show people to focus on poodles and chihuahas and leave the "real" dogs alone. In the US, it isn't unusual to see ...

Ridgebacks have alot of similar history as the curs, particularly the catahoula, from my reading. Similar builds altho the AKC/show influence has made the ridgeback way too big. I admire those folks trying to bring back the hunting ridgeback.

In terms of nose, I thought my ridgeback was awesome. She'd hit from far away and never look back to see if I was following. Good stamina. One reason I switched to shepherds was the coat (or lack thereof). My ridgeback suffered not only in the winter (which was actually easier to solve) but the ...

I had a neighbor who was a former cop turned attorney who complained about every dog in the neighborhood. He complained about my dogs before I even moved in. When he cut his grass, he dumped the clippings into a blind woman's yard. He was famous for having his cop buddies over for (illegal) bonfires ...

She was my SAR dog who just happened to nail a guy who tried to carjack my truck! She had his arm so tight I actually had to pry it off! She was an amazing dog with great presence.

Just a guy who loves dogs with jobs. Not a hunter. Love the curs of which I believe the ridgeback is a cur. Done search-and-rescue with my dogs and protection sports. I've had one ridgeback, two German shepherds and now a Dutch shepherd. Would love to go on a hog hunt!