Dalbo dog
Also known as: Dalbo hound
The Dalbo is a rare Swedish dog breed originating from Dalarna region. The Dalbo dog comes from Sweden. Individual Dalbo dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Sweden
- Other names
- Dalbo hound
About the Dalbo dog
The Dalbo is a rare Swedish dog breed originating from Dalarna region. It is a medium-sized herding dog with distinctive physical characteristics.
History
From the Icelandic Sagas , there are indications to suggest that the Vikings had acquired large cattle/guard/war dogs from their invasion of Britain. In Njals Saga , the Viking "Gunnar from Hlidarende" is given a large Irish Wolfhound as a gift. In Olaf Tryggvasson ''s Saga " Heimskringla ", there is a mention of his dog, and it seems to have been a very large herding dog. There is a preserved large brown skin of a Dalbo dog in HindÄs, Sweden. The skin clearly shows livestock guardian-type characteristics. There are some photos and paintings that might show the breed. A stuffed dog at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm was thought to have been a Dalbo dog, but it proved in fact to be an English Mastiff . The first time the breed is mentioned is in Gunno Brynolphi Blutherus'' (*1609-+1657) book Dalia printed in 1632 AD. The breed got its name in print again in 1843 AD, when Axel Emanuel Holmberg (*1817-+1861) published his book "BohuslÀns Historia och Beskrifning", or "BohuslÀn''s History and Description." Oral history of the breed dates back to around A.D. 1700. The stories that remain tell of a legendary giant dog who killed wolves, took on marauding brown bears , and defended small children who had got lost in the deep Swedish forests. There are also stories of Dalbo dogs who fought to the death saving humans from wolfpacks. One local priest claimed in A.D. 1833 that his "Dalbo dog has a bite of a crocodile" in his diary.
Extinction
The Dalbo dog was largely used to protect free-roaming cattle, sheep, horses, and goats from wolves, brown bears, and cattle thieves. It was also used to herd cattle and as a protection/guard dog. It became extinct around 1870. No dogs of this breed were found when an inventory was done in 1913. This breed was never common in Sweden, but it did occur in the following Swedish counties: VĂ€stergötland , BohuslĂ€n , Dalsland , VĂ€rmland and the Norwegian county of Ăstfold . The extinction of the Dalbo dog is linked to the nearby wipeout of wolves and bears in Scandinavia in around 1890. It was then considered too expensive to continue to have large dogs that did not seem to fill a clear purpose. An ill-fated outbreak of rabies in 1854 might have contributed to the downfall of the breed. Another reason might have been the great Swedish famine of 1867-1868 .
Description
The Dalbo dog was a large, heavy dog with a long furry coat. The shoulder height for males was reported to have been 80 cm. Their fur was brown or dark, and some individuals were reported to have big white fur patches much like a St. Bernard dog . It has been said that the Dalbo dog closely resembled the living Portuguese breed of CĂŁo da Serra da estrela . Others claim it was more like the modern day Leonberger , Hovawart or the English Mastiff .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Dalbo dog?
The Dalbo dog is an extinct breed, but based on historical records, it was a medium-sized livestock guardian dog with a sturdy build, short coat, and a distinctive appearance. However, as the breed is extinct, specific characteristics may vary depending on the source. Generally, livestock guardian dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature.
Is the Dalbo dog a good family dog?
As the Dalbo dog is extinct, it's difficult to determine its suitability as a family dog. However, livestock guardian dogs are often wary of strangers and may be protective of their family. With proper socialization and training, they can be gentle and loving companions. However, their natural instincts may make them unsuitable for families with small children.
What health problems do Dalbo dogs have?
Since the Dalbo dog is extinct, there is limited information on its specific health issues. However, livestock guardian dogs are generally prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues in related breeds.
How much does a Dalbo dog puppy cost?
Unfortunately, it's not possible to purchase a Dalbo dog puppy as the breed is extinct. If you're interested in a similar breed, prices can vary depending on the specific breed, breeder, and location. Generally, livestock guardian dog puppies can range from $500 to $2,000 or more.
Where do Dalbo dogs come from?
The Dalbo dog comes from Sweden. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Dalbo dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.