Now that Ollie has found his new home (thanks to everyone who shared his post; as usual that was the key), we thought we would build on this success by highlighting some of the dogs at the ScPA who are often dismissed as family pets due to one obvious physical attribute; their long ears!

These dogs are often overlooked by visitors to the refuge, as many people immediately assume that these dogs are only good for hunting. It is true that some of them have indeed been used as hunt dogs, but this does not mean that is the only way of life that suits them. In fact, if they were that good at hunting, why would their hunter-owners not have collected them? Good hunters are very valuable, so surely any dog at the refuge is by definition a failed hunt dog!

Having owned several hunt-type dogs over the years, I can vouch for the fact that they are no different from any other dog. They might indeed have their noses to the ground more often, but this does not mean that they don’t make great pets, or like spending time on the sofa, just like their canine pals.

It is true that some of them can be a bit timid at first, but as with most things in life, love and patience pays off, and then you have a friend for life.

Of course every dog has his or her own personality, so whereas one can generalise about hunt-type dogs, they are as varied and individual as all other breeds.

We have chosen to highlight just four here, but if none of these appeals to you, then why not have a look at the other dogs for adoption at the ScPA.

https://www.refuge-scpa11.fr/chien-a-ladoption/

And of course feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need any advice.

Vincente

Vincente is a male Bruno de Jura who was born in April 23. He was found as a stray in a local town. He is gradually becoming more confident, largely thanks to sharing his kennel with another dog at the refuge. Walking with the volunteers is also helping, and Vincente has started to enjoy contact with people far more than he did when he first arrived.

Vincente would like a calm home with kind and patient people. Ideally his family would have another dog or take regular walks with other dogs.

Kiwi

Kiwi is on the small size for a griffon Nivernais, anther ancient French breed traditionally used for hunting but again, perfect for so much else!

On walks Kiwi does hold his nose close to the ground to see if anything exciting is in the neighbourhood. But if there is a chance of a belly rub he is more than happy to ignore the call of the wild in favour of affection. He loves other dogs and would make a great pet.

Kiwi was born in February 2018

Saphir

Now onto the girls. We know lots of people prefer girls, thinking, rightly or wrongly, that they are gentler than boys.

Well, one dog who couldn’t be any more gentle is Saphir. She was adopted some 2 years ago and has been brought back as her family situation has become “complicated”. This is usually a euphemism for divorce, and it goes to show that even a dog who proves to be a perfect family pet can end up back at the refuge due to external factors.

Saphir was born in April 2020 and has already lived in a family, so she is definitely ready for a new home. She is good with other dogs and is very affectionate and well-behaved.

Stone

Stone is the eldest of the four dogs we have selected to highlight here, and at 10 years old, she counts as a “senior” dog as far as adoption fees are concerned. However that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have plenty of happy, healthy years ahead of her.

Stone was found in a nearby village after straying for some time, and arrived in an emaciated state. She is now looking much better and has turned into a loving, affectionate dog. She is looking for a family as calm and gentle as she is herself. She will happily share her life with another dog.

As mentioned, these are far from the only long-eared dogs at the refuge, so if you would like something in a different size or colour, it’s worth having a look at the dog-alogue (the canine version of a catalogue)


http://www.refuge-scpa11.fr/chien-a-ladoption