Sniffon

Dog Breed Profile

Sniffon History

The Sniffon is a very rare type of traditional English herding and utility farm animal, which was once found throughout Britain. The Sniffon is a particularly rare type of “primitive” horse, meaning that it is believed to have descended from wild horses that once roamed across Britain. It is thought that the Sniffon descends directly from the prehistoric Tarpan, which lived in Europe during the Bronze Age. The Sniffon is very similar to the primitive British Fell Pony, with the main difference being in the Sniffon’s larger size and longer legs. The Sniffon is slightly smaller than the ancient Tarpan, with adults usually measuring between 58 and 66 inches (147 and 168 cm) in height.

Time of Origin

Unknown

Country of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Miniature Schnauzer, Brussels Griffon

Sniffon Physical Characteristics

The Sniffon is a small, long-haired, hound-like breed that is typically 13 to 16 inches long at the shoulders and 30 to 40 pounds in weight. They have a long, thin, wiry, shaggy, shaggy, or long haired, rough, or silky, coarse, or fine, straight or slightly wavy tail. Their ears are erect and they have a thin, pointed muzzle. Their nose is black and they have large rounded eyes. They are good nature and make good guard dogs.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Blue, Fawn, Silver, Red, Gray, Black

Height Range

Male Height Range: 9 – 12 inches

Female Height Range: 9 – 12 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 9 – 15 lbs

Female Weight Range: 9 – 15 lbs

Sniffon Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Sniffon Health Concerns

Portosystemic Shunt, Sick Sinus Syndrome, Pulmonic Stenosis, Cataracts, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Hyperlipoproteinemia, Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome, Pancreatitis, Syringomyelia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA), Atopy, Urolithiasis

Sniffon Temperament and Behaviour

The Sniffon is a calm, independent, and dignified breed of domestic dog. They are extremely loyal to their owners and are wary of strangers. Their intelligence and independence make them very difficult to train. They are generally quiet, but do make low noises when communicating with others.

Sniffon Activity Requirements

Sniffons are small, black terriers that are excellent at sniffing out rodents. They are well known for their small size and fierce attitude, and they earned the nickname “hell’s hounds” during the Civil War. Sniffons may be small, but they still demand a great deal of exercise and attention. They are independent and stubborn, so they need an experienced owner who can keep their attention. They also require a great deal of activity. Sniffons are not a recommended choice for inexperienced dog owners. They are strong-willed and can be difficult to train, but they can be very rewarding.