This breed was originally bred to be a a large-game hunter wolves, wild cats, deer, boar, etc. but when imported the U.S. it became more used as a bird dog. Before the breed was brought to the U.S. you had to be a member of the breed's club inorder to purchase one. They are fairly new to the AKC. It's also said they may have bloodhound in their lines. And there was one in the White House.