For a hunting dog that is fast, powerful and hunts by sight instead of smell, the kangaroo hound does not disappoint. What may be disappointing to those who desire a kangaroo hound is the rarity of this breed, which is little known outside of his homeland of Australia. The kangaroo dog was developed in Australia during the 1800s by crossing other hunting dogs. English greyhounds and Scottish deerhounds were the dogs most commonly used in their development. The greyhounds contributed their unsurpassed running speed and their exceptionally keen eyesight, and the deerhounds added a thicker coat and greater stamina and endurance. The result was a powerful hunting sight hound that was capable of traversing Australia’s rugged terrain. Various other dogs were interbred with the greyhounds and deerhounds to produce the kangaroo hound, including the Irish Wolfhound, Lurcher, Staghound, Russian Wolfhound and English Foxhound. The resulting kangaroo hound was used to hunt boars, dingoes, kangaroos, wallabies, hares, foxes and deer. Today, kangaroo hunting with sight hounds is prohibited. The kangaroo hound is still utilized primarily as a hunting dog and remains fairly unknown outside of his native continent, and the breed is not officially recognized by any major kennel club.
The Kangaroo dog’s sturdy, lean and muscular physique stands 17.5 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 70 pounds. The silhouette of his narrow head resembles that of a kangaroo. He has a long, tapered muzzle and pointed ears that stand erect. His tail is long and thin. From his neck to his thighs, the Kangaroo hound is a powerhouse of muscle. His coat may be rough or smooth, and it may display any color except black. The most commonly seen colors include fawn, brown brindle or gray.
Personality
First and foremost, Kangaroo Hounds are hunters. Their hunting instincts are strong. A secure fence around their property is imperative, and these dogs must be kept on a leash during excursions away from home. Like all sight hounds, once a Kangaroo hound catches sight of the slightest movement, no matter how far away the object of his attention is, he is off and running in hot pursuit after his prey. Kangaroo hounds can get along with other dogs in the household. Since they view living things that are smaller than themselves as potential prey, Kangaroo hounds are not good candidates for families with small children or other pets. Kangaroo hounds need daily opportunities to run hard and exercise. They are not ideal residents for apartment dwellings.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 12 years |
| Nicknames: | Kangaroo Dog, Australian Greyhound |
Kangaroo Hound Build Information
The Kangaroo dog’s sturdy, lean and muscular physique stands 17.5 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 70 pounds. The silhouette of his narrow head resembles that of a kangaroo. He has a long, tapered muzzle and pointed ears that stand erect. His tail is long and thin. From his neck to his thighs, the Kangaroo hound is a powerhouse of muscle. His coat may be rough or smooth, and it may display any color except black. The most commonly seen colors include fawn, brown brindle or gray.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
First and foremost, Kangaroo Hounds are hunters. Their hunting instincts are strong. A secure fence around their property is imperative, and these dogs must be kept on a leash during excursions away from home. Like all sight hounds, once a Kangaroo hound catches sight of the slightest movement, no matter how far away the object of his attention is, he is off and running in hot pursuit after his prey. Kangaroo hounds can get along with other dogs in the household. Since they view living things that are smaller than themselves as potential prey, Kangaroo hounds are not good candidates for families with small children or other pets. Kangaroo hounds need daily opportunities to run hard and exercise. They are not ideal residents for apartment dwellings.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Not very friendly |
Appearance
A Kangaroo Hound’s coat requires minimal grooming. Brushing the coat occasionally will remove any dead hairs. A regular home dental care routine of brushing his teeth every other day will be helpful in preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease, which will maintain better health overall.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Kangaroo Hound Common Health Conditions
There are no genetic health conditions to which the kangaroo hound is particularly prone. Owners should monitor the dog’s weight to prevent obesity, and be aware of the potential for gastric dilatation volvulus, or bloat, which is a life-threatening emergency. Kangaroo hounds live an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Kangaroo Hound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Kangaroo Hound, originated in Australia, is also called a Kangaroo Dog and an Australian Greyhound. The Kangaroo Hound is a free spirit with keen hunting instincts. The Kangaroo Hound stands 17.5 to 30 inches tall and weighs 65 to 70 pounds. This dog breed has a moderate energy level and it requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Kangaroo Hound is 10 to 12 years.
| Training: | Easy to train |