Majestic Tree Hound facts for kids
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Breed status | Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club. |
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |
The Majestic Tree Hound is a fairly new type of dog. It's a mix of different coonhound and bloodhound breeds. These dogs are quite large, with male Majestic Tree Hounds often weighing over 100 pounds. They have long, low-hanging ears and loose skin around their neck and lips, much like their ancestors from the Ardennes region. Because it's a newer mix, it's not yet officially recognized by big dog organizations like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
History of the Majestic Tree Hound
The Majestic Tree Hound is a very modern dog breed. However, its family tree goes way back to the Middle Ages in northern France. This is where the famous hounds of St. Hubert lived.
Large hunting dogs, similar to old Bloodhounds and Talbots, came to America many years ago. These dogs were then mixed with other hounds to help with "coldtrailing" work. This means tracking animals even when their scent is old. The people who created the Majestic Tree Hound say they mixed these Bloodhounds with "western big-game hounds." These western dogs might have been like the Gascon type or even strains from the old Porcelaine dogs.
Lee Newhart, Jr., along with others, started the National Majestic Tree Hound Association in 1980. They registered the very first Majestic Tree Hounds in that same year.
Health and Care
Like many large dog breeds, Majestic Tree Hounds can sometimes have hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint doesn't form correctly. Also, because they have long, floppy ears, their ears need to be cleaned often to keep them healthy.
Activities and Purpose
Majestic Tree Hounds are bred for tough environments and long hunts. They are best at tracking large animals like lions, bears, bobcats, and jaguars. Their strong sense of smell and endurance make them excellent hunting partners.
