The Colombian Fine Hound is now an official breed: the story of the dog born in the countryside
Long before dog shows or international standards existed, a dog with long ears, tireless scent, prominent bark, and a swagger ran through the mountains and plains of Colombia. And when we say long before, we are talking centuries ago, since the time of the conquest when the Spanish, English, and Americans brought their hunting dogs to the country, which mixed with each other (and with criollos) and gave rise to its own breed that adapted to the needs of these lands and our environment. That breed is the Colombian Fine Hound, which has just received provisional recognition from the International Cynological Federation, a historic step that makes this dog a living heritage of the country.
TL;DR
- The Colombian Fine Hound has received provisional recognition from the International Cynological Federation (FCI).
- The breed has a history dating back centuries in Colombia, originating from the mixing of European hunting dogs with local canines.
- A collaborative effort involving students, enthusiasts, and the ACCC led to extensive research, genetic studies, and documentation of the breed's characteristics.
- The FCI's recognition involved rigorous evaluation by international judges and experts over approximately 10 years.
- Beyond hunting, the breed is recognized for its friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility, serving as companion dogs, rescue dogs, and detection dogs.
- The breed's genetic makeup includes influences from North American hounds (47.3%), European continental hounds (20.3%), English hounds (10.5%), and a diverse mixture (22%).
- This provisional recognition is a significant step towards definitive approval, highlighting the breed's historical, patrimonial, and cultural value to Colombia.