Cajun Squirrel Dog

		Cajun Squirrel Dog
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

The Cajun Squirrel Dog, originally called the Cajun Squirrel Dog, was bred by Mr. Robert Kemmer. He bred them by crossing Bounce Mountain Feists with some of his own Kemmer Stock Mountain Curs pups. They were originally bred to hunt squirrels and raccoons. This breed is eligible for DRA registration in the hunting category. While this may mean little to the average hunter or family, registration is important to the breeder or those interested in competing with the dogs.

The Cajun Squirrel Dog is a stocky dog with a gentle face, similar to that of the Labrador Retriever. The body is well muscled and proportioned. The ears are erect and held in a drooping position. The eyes are dark with an alert, intelligent yet sensitive expression. The nose is dark and the muzzle slightly long. The tail is long and tapering. According to breed standards, the dog should be between 30.5 and 46 centimeters tall, when measured at the withers, and should weigh between 9 and 14 kilos.

The dog's coat is of medium length and double-coated. The undercoat is soft, while the coat is denser and harder. The most common coat color is yellow, but they can also come in red, black and white, brindle, blue brindle, or yellow with white. They are medium excretors and their grooming is fairly easy, requiring only a thorough brushing once a week to make sure there are no mats, nothing stuck in the coat, and to remove loose hairs.

The temperament of the Cajun Squirrel Dog is well suited to being a hunting partner or for life as a family pet. They are highly intelligent, energetic and curious, which means they should have plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. If they're not kept busy enough, they'll be prone to obsessive or destructive barking. They are very loyal to their family and do well with children in general. The breed is very social and will want to spend a lot of time with you and the rest of its "family".

Training should be consistent, with the human establishing his "pack leader" position from the outset. If you are firm, steady and calm, the dog will respond well to training and learn quickly, as the breed is very intelligent. It really is a wonderful all-round dog, whether for work or as a family member. The cheerful, gentle temperament will quickly endear them to you, and you'll have a friendship that will last a lifetime.