Present Day
Although quite rare, "roo dogs" still persist as a type in rural communities where hunting rabbits and foxes remains a popular pastime. Apart from being bred to continue the type, Roo Dogs are also often cross-bred with molosser and bulldog breeds to add speed and stamina in some lines of hog dog.
The smooth-coated Kangaroo Dogs are better suited to warmer parts of Australia as they have less protection from the elements. Because they are generally more greyhound-like than their staghound cousins and lack the thick protective coat, they are also prone to skin tears when hunting dangerous game such as dingoes and feral pigs, and despite their powerful stature are probably more suitable for smaller game such as rabbits, foxes and hares. The hunting of native animals such as kangaroos with sighthounds is now strictly illegal.
The ability of Kangaroo Dogs to use their scenting abilities while hunting is variable from bloodline to bloodline, although most seem to have an average nose and rely much more on sight to hunt their prey. Staghounds or Kangaroo dogs with an infusion of Great Dane or Wolfhound tend to display better scenting abilities.
Read more about this topic: Kangaroo Dog
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