The Tahltan bear dog was bred and raised by the Tahltan natives of northwest British Columbia to hunt large game such as bears, elk and big cats. These dogs were a common site around Tahltan campgrounds in the 19th Century, and despite being about the size of a fox they were fearless hunters. They were well-known for their short, high-pitched barking that would be used to annoy their prey while another dog came from behind to make the kill. The Tahltan bear dog became recognized as its own distinct breed in 1915, although the dogs were common long before that. By the 1930s, relatively few remained. They still managed to thrive until the 1990s when most authorities agree the breed went extinct. Tahltan bear dogs are still officially extinct, but a few breeders have claimed to breed new dogs. Some say this is a hoax, however.
The Tahltan bear dog is a small dog about the size of a fox. It weighs between 15 and 20 pounds and measures 12 to 15 inches at the shoulders. It is lean in appearance and is bred to be athletic and agile.
Personality
The Tahltan bear dog is a fierce and effective hunter, but they are also loyal and friendly to their owners and with children. They were often kept as house dogs by Tahltan natives. They are said to be very easy to train, and as pack animals they get along well with other dogs. The Tahltan bear dog is also very energetic, and while it does make a good house dog due to its friendly nature it does need to be let outside for regular exercise.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 -12 years |
| Nicknames: | Chien d'ours de Tahltan, Tahltan |
Tahltan Bear Dog Build Information
The Tahltan bear dog is a small dog about the size of a fox. It weighs between 15 and 20 pounds and measures 12 to 15 inches at the shoulders. It is lean in appearance and is bred to be athletic and agile.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The Tahltan bear dog is a fierce and effective hunter, but they are also loyal and friendly to their owners and with children. They were often kept as house dogs by Tahltan natives. They are said to be very easy to train, and as pack animals they get along well with other dogs. The Tahltan bear dog is also very energetic, and while it does make a good house dog due to its friendly nature it does need to be let outside for regular exercise.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Moderately affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Like most hunting dogs, the Tahltan bear dog was double coated with a coarse outer coat and a denser undercoat. It would need to be brushed frequently to prevent excessive shedding if the dog were to live inside a home.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Tahltan Bear Dog Common Health Conditions
Not much is known about common health problems faced by the Tahltan bear dog as it is officially extinct. Common health problems would be similar to those of other hunting dogs and can include exercise-induced exhaustion, heat stroke, limber tail syndrome and lyme disease caused by ticks.
Tahltan Bear Dog 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 Tahltan bear dog is named after the Tahlman natives found in Canada. It was used primarily to hunt bears. Two Tahltan bear dogs were used while hunting. Before a hunt, they underwent a ritual in which they were ceremonially bled by being stabbed in the hindquarters by the fibula of a fox or wolf. Tahltan bear dogs are very energetic and intelligent. They get along well with other dogs and with their owners. However, they aren't recommended for smaller homes. The Tahltan bear dog is a primitive breed of dog native to Canada. It is thought to be extinct by most experts, although some individuals claim that they've been able to breed new dogs using the original bloodlines. The Tahltan bear dog was used primarily as a hunting dog by the Tahltan natives of Canada. The Thaltan Bear Dog, also called Chien d'ours de Tahltan and Tahltan, has a life expectancy of ten to twelve years.
| Training: | Very easy to train |