Bay dog
Encyclopedia
A Bay dog is a dog that is specially trained to find, chase, and "bay" large animals in hunting
, such as wild boar
s. They're also used in "hog dog" rodeos
.
Bay dogs chase and circle the boar, keeping it cornered in one place, while barking intensely. This behavior is known as "baying" or keeping the boar "at bay". The barking signals the hunters to release the "catch dogs
, " that are used to catch and hold the boar
, allowing hunters to kill the boar with a knife, spear, or a well-placed gunshot. The dogs used for baying are typically curs
, hounds, and various purpose-bred crosses
. Some crossing has occurred between "bay & catch" dogs, due to being raised together for generations, along with purpose-breeding. So, some "hog dogs" have shared traits and abilities (i.e., bay dogs capable of holding, or, catch dogs hunting by scent). But they are usually kept separate (no crossing), and used according to their own unique abilities.
In the United States:
In Australia:
Staghounds are used for hunting wild boars
in Australia's Outback
. They can hunt in a pack, or in combination with regular "bay & catch" dogs. Hunters in the Southwestern United States
use a greyhound
and pitbull
crossbreed called a "bully lurcher," that similarly hunts by sight
.
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
, such as wild boar
Boar
Wild boar, also wild pig, is a species of the pig genus Sus, part of the biological family Suidae. The species includes many subspecies. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig, an animal with which it freely hybridises...
s. They're also used in "hog dog" rodeos
Hog-baiting
Hog-baiting, also known as, hog dogging, is a spectator event that simulates wild boar hunting with dogs. It requires specially bred "hog dogs" that are used to bay a hog or boar...
.
Bay dogs chase and circle the boar, keeping it cornered in one place, while barking intensely. This behavior is known as "baying" or keeping the boar "at bay". The barking signals the hunters to release the "catch dogs
Catch dog
A Catch dog is a specially trained dog that is used to catch large animals in hunting, working livestock, and baiting.As hunters, catch dogs are contrasted with bay dogs...
, " that are used to catch and hold the boar
Boar
Wild boar, also wild pig, is a species of the pig genus Sus, part of the biological family Suidae. The species includes many subspecies. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig, an animal with which it freely hybridises...
, allowing hunters to kill the boar with a knife, spear, or a well-placed gunshot. The dogs used for baying are typically curs
Cur
Cur as slang refers to a type of random-bred, or mixed-breed dog. This article deals with Cur as a breed.-Etymology:The derivation of the word "cur" dates from the 13th century. It is thought to be short for the Middle English "curdogge", which derives from the word "curren", meaning "to growl"...
, hounds, and various purpose-bred crosses
Dog hybrids and crossbreeds
A dog hybrid is a crossbreed of two or more different recognized breeds of dog.-Designer dogs:The Encyclopædia Britannica traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century, when breeders began to cross purebred poodles with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodles'...
. Some crossing has occurred between "bay & catch" dogs, due to being raised together for generations, along with purpose-breeding. So, some "hog dogs" have shared traits and abilities (i.e., bay dogs capable of holding, or, catch dogs hunting by scent). But they are usually kept separate (no crossing), and used according to their own unique abilities.
Bay dog breeds
- Blackmouth CurBlackmouth CurThe Blackmouth Cur is "a dog that is multitalented. Primarily BMCs are herding dogs able to hunt big or small game, and still be loving, gentle family dogs willing to protect the home" that has its origins in the Southern United States of America....
- Mountain CurMountain CurThe Mountain Cur is a type of working dog that are bred specifically for treeing and trailing small game, like squirrel and raccoons. They're also used for hunting and baying big game like bear and wild boar as well as being just an all-purpose farm dog. Curs are a member of the Hound group, and...
- Mountain View CurMountain View CurMountain View Curs is a specific cur founded by Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Bloodgood, of Bonnieville, Kentucky. It is a type of working dog used for treeing and trailing game; mainly squirrel and raccoon, but also large game. It is a member of the Hound group.-History:The Mountain View Cur was...
- Catahoula Cur (Leopard Cur)
- Blue LacyBlue LacyThe Blue Lacy or Lacy Dog is a breed of working dog that originated in Texas in the mid-19th century, the only dog breed to have originated in that state. The Lacy was first recognized in 2001 by the Texas Senate. In Senate Resolution No. 436, the 77th Legislature honored the Lacy as "a true Texas...
- Plott HoundPlott HoundThe Plott Hound is a large scent hound, specifically a coonhound, originally bred for hunting boar.- Description :The Plott Hound is one of the least known breeds of dog in the United States, even though they are the state dog of North Carolina....
In Australia:
- Australian StaghoundAustralian StaghoundThe Australian Staghound is a hybrid of the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound dogs that were brought to Australia by European settlers. They were used for hunting in Australia dating back to the late 18th century, but have not been recognized as a distinct breed...
- Bull ArabBull ArabThe Bull Arab is an Australian dog breed that is bred primarily as a finder and lugger for wild boar hunting. They are also used for catching wild scrub bulls in outback Australia.They are generally a loyal dog, with a great temperament...
- Rhodesian RidgebackRhodesian RidgebackThe Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa, where it was used to hunt Lions. This is most likely why this dog is known for its bravery...
Staghounds are used for hunting wild boars
Boar hunting
Boar hunting is generally the practice of hunting wild boars, but can also extend to feral pigs and peccaries. A full-sized boar is a large animal armed with sharp tusks which it uses to defend itself. Boar hunting has often been a test of bravery....
in Australia's Outback
Outback
The Outback is the vast, remote, arid area of Australia, term colloquially can refer to any lands outside the main urban areas. The term "the outback" is generally used to refer to locations that are comparatively more remote than those areas named "the bush".-Overview:The outback is home to a...
. They can hunt in a pack, or in combination with regular "bay & catch" dogs. Hunters in the Southwestern United States
Southwestern United States
The Southwestern United States is a region defined in different ways by different sources. Broad definitions include nearly a quarter of the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah...
use a greyhound
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a breed of sighthound that has been primarily bred for coursing game and racing, and the breed has also recently seen a resurgence in its popularity as a pedigree show dog and family pet. It is a gentle and intelligent breed...
and pitbull
Pitbull
Pitbull or Pit bull is any of several breeds of dog in the molosser breed group.Pitbull may also refer to:In dog breeds:* American Pit Bull Terrier* American Staffordshire Terrier* Staffordshire Bull TerrierIn entertainment:...
crossbreed called a "bully lurcher," that similarly hunts by sight
Sighthound
Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...
.