Colombian Fino Hound

The Colombian Fino Hound (Spanish: Sabueso Fino Colombiano) is a breed of scent hound and is the only recognized breed of dog native to Colombia.

Colombian Fino Hound
Other names	Sabueso Fino Colombiano, Tinajero, Chapolo, Bramador, Aullador[1]
Origin	Colombia
Traits Height Standard - 43–50 cm (17–20 in) Grande — 51–60 cm (20–24 in) Weight Standard - 15–25 kg (33–55 lb) Grande — 25–35 kg (55–77 lb) Coat Short Colour Any shade, pattern or combination of red, black, white, brown or brindle
Kennel club standards Asociación Club Canino Colombiano standard
Dog (domestic dog)

History

It is believed the Colombian Fino Hound descends from scent hounds imported into Colombia, the breed has been known in the country for at least two centuries although there is some evidence that some of the breed's ancestors have been in the country for up to 350 years.^[2] The colonial chronicle El Carnero and other historical documents suggest that between 1550 and 1800, Spanish-origin bloodhounds were brought to Colombia and other Andean countries to hunt rodents, greyhounds were introduced for deer hunting, and retrievers were brought in for duck hunting. Later, during the Colombian War of Independence, British soldiers introduced Foxhounds as well as Pointers to the region for bird hunting.^[1] Adapted to roaming through jungles and mountains in temperatures of up to 30 °C (86 °F), the dogs are found throughout rural communities, particularly in the north of the country, and are considered part of peasant culture where poverty necessitates having a dog that can provide meat for the family.^[2][3][1][4] The breed is recognized by Colombia's national kennel club, the Asociación Club Canino Colombiano and is the only dog breed native to Colombia, and in 2015 it was estimated there were as many as 10,000 examples of the breed within Colombia.^[5][2][6][4]

Description

The Colombian Fino Hound is a medium-sized, short haired, long eared breed which displays many typical scent hound traits.^[2][3] The Asociación Club Canino Colombiano's breed standard states the breed comes in two sizes, the standard size stands between 43 and 50 centimetres (17 and 20 in), whilst the larger grande size stands between 51 and 60 centimetres (20 and 24 in).^[5] The breed standard states the standard sized variety weighs between 15 and 25 kilograms (33 and 55 lb) and the grande variety weighs between 25 and 35 kilograms (55 and 77 lb).^[5]

The Colombian Fino Hound has a short haired coat that comes in a broad range of colors. According to the breed standard, their coat can be any shade, pattern or combination of red, black, white, brown or brindle. The breed has a long tail.^[2][3][5] Known for their exceptional sense of smell, these dogs are affectionate, friendly, patient, and highly intelligent.^[2][7] Historically, they have excelled in sport hunting, an activity banned in Colombia since 2019.^[7][8] As a result, many experts and organizations have suggested that these dogs could be ideal for search and rescue operations, particularly in locating missing persons.^[7]

See also

• Dogs portal
• List of dog breeds