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Hunting Family Companion or Kennel Dogby David Krassler David Krassler Let’s first annualize the old wives tale “ if you have a hunting dog it should stay outside in a kennel”. This fallacy goes back as far as I can research. I would venture to say that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton had this very discussion about hunting dogs on the porch at Mt. Vernon, Virginia. The origination of this misconception probably has its roots as far back as when early indigenous peoples first started to domesticate the wolf as a hunting dog! Early man’s relationship with our modern day’s canine cousins was probably a symbiotic one; the dogs helped in the hunting and were feed part of the harvest. They were welcomed into the family unit and cared for; the dogs provided protection and an early warning system against invaders and other animals. Naturally, they stayed outside the cave or dwelling to provide this service. Thus, the old wives tale begins! This attitude held fast even through to the 1950’s. However, bear in mind that in the generations previous to the 1950’s, dogs were not viewed in the same light back then as they are now. Back in those days hunting dogs were view as a tool and used only for that purpose, thus staying consistent with the caveman analogue. The hunting dog was not commonly considered a family companion and was rarely allowed any personal socializing with the family unit, instead being treated as a piece of equipment much like horses were in the 1900’s. As the 1960’s came around with the popularity of canines becoming “man’s best friend” also brought a revelation of knowledge of the sporting dog’s natural gentle demeanor. It was inevitable that the attitude about housing and caring for the hunting dogs would change dramatically from this time forward. Leaders of the household had begun to build quite a close relationship with their hunting dog; realizing their true demeanor and making them a hunting companion.  The fallacy that a hunting dog should stay outside, goes back as far as anyone can remember. Photo by: R. Michael DiLullo | ||
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