Split-nosed Dogs (Dogs with a double nose)

Introduction

Three breeds of split-nosed or double-nosed dogs have been identified: the Pachon Navarro, the Catalburun and the double-nosed Andean Tiger hound, even though the split or double nose is mentioned in the breed histories of other European hunting dogs, such as the German Shorthair. The Catalburun is the only breed to require a split nose, probably based on the believe that the double nose increases their scent discrimination abilities. However, no scientific studies exist to support this theory. The Catalburun is considered an independent breed in its home country and is quite uniform in type.

The standard of the Navarro Pointer mentions the occurence of split-nosed dogs, but the double nose is not a sine qua non requirement of the breed.
The same goes for the Andean Tiger hound.

Contrary to general belief split-nosed dogs dog not have a higher occurence of cleft palates and hare lips, nor do they show associated morphological, anatomical or physical anomalies as usually seen in cleft-palated and hare-lipped dogs. Purebred Çatalburun or Navarro dogs usually produce split-nosed puppies, whereas parent dogs with hare lips generally have normal puppies.

Appearance

The "double nose" appears to be a normal dog's nose, but with the nostrils separated by a band of skin and fur dividing the nose in half at the center all the way to the dog's upper lip.

Breeds

Pachon Navarro (also known as Navarrra Pointer, Perdiguero Navarro, Old Spanish Pointer, Bracco Navarone, Pachon de Vitoria):
Although the Navarro is an ancient breed, it was on the verge of extinction in the beginning of the 1900s until the breed was revived by a group of breeders in Navarra and Alava. The origin of the Pachon Navarro is unknown, but the breed has always been known in two varieties: short-haired or long-haired. The hair texture of the latter is silky, hence why they are commonly referred to as "sedeños" (literally: silkies). Some believe the Pachon Iberico and the Sabueso Hound formed the basis of the breed. For the re-creation program of the Navarro an ancient stock of Old Spanish Pointers has been used. The Pachon Navarro itself contributed to the early development of other European feathered setting dogs and braques. Like the Perdiguero de Burgos, the Pachon Navarro is used to hunt Perdiz. The Navarro is a very sociable dog that gets along well with other dogs. Males mesure 55 - 64 cm (22 to 25 inches) and females 53 - 60 cm (21 to 24 inches).

Catalburun (Turkish Pointer, Tarsus Pointer, Turkish Pointer, Türk Pointeri, Tarsuslu çatalburun, çatal Burun):
The Catalburun is also Turkey's only native pointing breed. The breed is unique to the Tarsus-Mersin region of Turkey. The basis of the breed is unknown, but European pointers and hounds imported by Turkish noblemen as well as a number of Greek pointing breeds probably played a part in the Catalburun's genetic pool. Due to the limited gene pool, the breed is heavily inbred, but modern specimens are quite sound and no important hereditary defects have been reported. Like the other double-nosed breeds, the Turkish Pointer is not recognized, but the breed is fairly uniform in type. Catalburuns are short haired with a strong body structure, strong legs, deep chest, powerful muzzle with scissor bite and exceptional scent. The coat comes in a variety of colors, the most common being a white base with darker patches, ranging from yellow, orange and wheaten to red, brown and black shades. Tricolored dogs also occur. The nose can be either black, brown or pink in color. Despite their heavy, well-boned body structure, they are surprisingly agile and fast. Their morphology makes them particularly suited for partridge hunting in difficult areas. They will quarter for a long period without getting tired. Usually employed as a single dog when hunting, the Catalburun does not get along well with other dogs, although they are friendly with children. Devoted to their master, Turkish Pointers make a calm and loyal companion dog, but they can be aloof with strangers and quite alert and territorial. They require a great amount of excercise and are happiest when working. Their life span is rather long for this kind of breed, ranging from 12 to 17 years.

Andean Tiger Hound:

The double-nosed Andean Tiger Hound probably descends from the Spanish Pachon Navarro, which were brought to South America by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500s.

External links and further reading:
Catalburun.com
KIRMIZIBAYRAK T, TAKCI I (Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey) : Body weight and morphological characteristics of tarsus catalburun dogs. Indian Veterinary Journal 2006, 83(8), 914-5.
CONTERA, C., Recuperacion Pachon Octubre 79 mas de 2.000 km de busqueda tras la primitiva raza de muestra española, "El Mundo del Perro", n° 3, junio 1980.
WILCOX B., WALKOWICZ, The Atlas of Dog Breeds, TFH Publications, 1995