Australia is well known for boomerangs and kangaroos but not as well known for dog breeds. Australia's first contribution to the dog world, according to the Australian Kangaroo Dog and Staghound website, is the kangaroo dog. Also known as the staghound, Australian greyhound, and kangaroo hound, the kangaroo dog is a type of sighthound used for hunting with a history dating back to the early 19th century.
Physical Appearance
Kangaroo dogs tend to resemble larger greyhounds. The males weigh more and are taller than the females of the breed. The dogs range in height from 18 to 32 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 65 and 70 lb. The body of a kangaroo dog is usually muscular and lean. Their heads resemble that of a kangaroo, giving them their name. Coats for kangaroo dogs come in any number of colors, but black is usually not accepted as a breed standard color. Common colors for the coat include gray, fawn and brown brindle. The coat can be smooth or rough, with short, fine hairs. Some kangaroo hounds feature a coat between a smooth and rough coat, known as a broken coat.
History
During the 1800s, hunters began crossbreeding the Scottish deerhound and English greyhound with other hunting breeds like the Irish wolfhound and Australian cattle dog. If a dog was proven to be a strong hunter, it was very likely used within the breeding of kangaroo hounds. The new hybrid dog was designed to help hunt kangaroos, bears, dingoes and other Australian marsupials. Farmers around Australia used the dogs to keep away any intruders and nuisances on the farm. The kangaroo hounds also allowed farmers and hunters to conserve gunpowder, making them a great asset. While not widely known outside of Australia, the dogs still enjoy popularity as pets and hunting companions.
Temperament
Kangaroo hounds are built for hunting, which means they may occasionally attempt to hunt unfamiliar animals and must be watched carefully. They tend to get along well with other dogs but should be kept on-leash in public to prevent them from running off to try and hunt. They are gentle dogs and work well in homes with older children. Because they are so active, kangaroo dogs fit best in a family that has enough room for them to run and can handle a more active dog.
Grooming and Diet
Kangaroo dogs shed very little under normal circumstances. They require the occasional brushing to keep their coats clean, but beyond that, grooming can be kept to a minimum. They are omnivores like most dogs and need to be fed at least twice a day because of the amount of energy they burn.
Health and Life Span
Sighthounds are occasionally susceptible to problems due to their lack of body fat but generally are a healthy breed. Kangaroo hounds encounter obesity problems if they are fed too often or eat overly rich foods. Because they lack most major health problems, kangaroo hounds are expected to live between 10 and 12 years.
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