MyDogBreedsHungarian Hound is originated from Hungary but Kuri is originated from French Polynesia. Hungarian Hound may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Kuri. Hungarian Hound may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Kuri. Both Hungarian Hound and Kuri has almost same life span. Both Hungarian Hound and Kuri has same litter size. Both Hungarian Hound and Kuri requires Low maintenance.
The Hungarian Hound, also known as the Transylvanian Hound, originated in ancient Hungary as a hunting dog. At the time there were Asian Hounds that traveled with Hungarian Magyar tribes into Transylvania. As early as the 9th century it is believed that these Hungarian dogs were crossed with Celtic Hounds and local dogs. The result is the Hungarian Hound. These dogs were incredibly popular throughout Transylvania.
This scent hound almost became extinct but was saved by intense breeding during the latter part of the 21st century. They developed two kinds, short and tall, for different types of hunting. The tall dogs hunted boar, bison, lynx and bear. The short dogs hunted hare, fox and chamois.
Only the tall dogs exist today. Some Hungarians raided parts of Europe and took the dogs with them. There was then a crossing breeding with Polish dogs. The tall dogs exist today in Hungary and Romania. The Hungarian Kennel Club recognized the breed and the United Kennel Club (UKC) from the United States recognizes them. No major clubs such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the British Clubs. The breed was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program
Kurī, also known as Guri or Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, is the Maori name for this dog which was introduced to New Zealand by the Maoris when they migrated from East Polynesia around 1280 AD.
They were in fact Polynesian dogs which died out in New Zealand. The Māoris would use the dog as a food source and the skins would be used to make some form of clothing. The bones were used to make items such as necklaces and fish hooks.
Not surprising then that the dog became extinct in New Zealand, with the last known Kuri specimens being found in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
The Hungarian Hound is a medium sized dog, a scent hound with the same characteristics of the type of hunting hounds found in Mid-Europe. The breed is a hardy one with a long head slightly domed skull. The muzzle is short, and the jaws are strong. The lips are black, and the ears are round and hang. Their eyes are shaped like almonds and dark brown. The breed has large paws with cushioned pads and strong toes.
The Kuri is extinct now but it was a small to medium sized dog with a thick set neck. He stood between 25 and 46cm and weighed about 13 to 15 kilograms.
He had thick medium-length rough textured hair, small head, erect ears, short legs and a bushy tail. The color of their weatherproof coats varied and some were black, some white or cream and some were a mix of colors and patterns.
An interesting feature about them is that they didn’t bark but instead they howled. They were good at hunting birds.
The Kuri wasn’t considered the brightest breed, but he would have benefited from some training and socialization as this just makes a dog a better pet in every sense – more obedient and better behaved in all situations.
Some Kuris were friendly and able to bond with their human owners, while others were independent and somewhat aloof. Their size would have allowed them to be kept in the city or the country as they weren’t particularly energetic dogs, not requiring much ground to run around in.
Children friendliness – This breed is very friendly with children.
Special talents - Hunting independently and at a distance from the hunter.
Adaptability – Not an apartment dog. They need space and land.
Learning ability – They are very independent and intelligent.
It appears as though some Kuris were kept as pets and that they were able to develop loving relationships with their owners.
We don’t know too much about the extinct Kuri, but scientists are now studying and analyzing the hairs of the dog to find out more about it, and specifically why the Maori dog disappeared some time in the 19th century without a trace.
They will also be analyzing Kuri bones salvaged by archaeologists and which were found on rubbish heaps. These bones can be tested to see whether the diet of the Kuri changed much between the days of Maori settlements and the arrival of the European settlers.
Even though this is an ancient breed they do face certain medical issues such as:
Some Kuri dogs scavenged while others were pets and ate well. The lifestyle they led would have determined their health. In those days they would have suffered with dental disease, common in adult dogs. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to dental tartar buildup with gum inflammation and tooth loss.
Dental disease can also lead to other organ diseases. These days brushing your dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste and toothbrush can help to ward off dental disease.
Those Kuris that weren’t pets, tried to survive scavenging, and their homeless situation could well have led to ear infections – caused from a wax- and dirt buildup within the ear. He would have been frantic trying to scratch his ears. In modern times, if your dog showed signs of an ear infection, you would need to get him to the vet.
Feeding the puppy – 1-3 cups of high quality food served in 3-5 meals per day.
Feeding the adult – 3-5 cups of high quality food served in 2-3 meals a day.
Points for Good Health – generally healthy
Games and Exercises – The Hungarian Hound is a hunting dog and therefore accustomed to and bred for a high level of exercise. Their instinct for hunting is really strong so make sure you do not let them off leash outside of a contained area. They excel at tracking, field trials, lure chasing, and fly ball.
The Kuri will have required regular grooming which means a brushing down twice a week. Brushing would have been useful to prevent loose hairs from shedding with the dog. He would have had to have his ears and eyes checked too to avoid infections. Brushing him would have given his owner the chance to check him over for fleas and ticks too.
As the Kuri wasn’t an overly energetic dog, a walk a day would have kept him content and fit.
The Kuri was a dog that essentially formed part of someone else’s diet. Those that managed to escape being a meal for someone no doubt had to scavenge for food. Because they were used to help people catch birds, they themselves were used to catching birds for themselves.
As a small to medium sized dog, if you were to keep such a dog as a pet you would have given him a cup or two of dried kibble a day and tried to vary his diet by including some home-cooked food and raw meat.