Hounds on new stamps by Belarus

On November 10, 2010 the Republic of Belarus is issuing a series of stamps featuring a Russian spaniel, an Irish setter and a Russian European laika.

The Russian Spaniel is a type of spaniel first standardized in 1951 in the Soviet Union after World War II by cross breeding English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels and other spaniel breeds. Physically it is similar to a Cocker Spaniel, but has a shorter, tighter coat and a longer body. Developed and used as hunting dogs, this breed does not suffer from any major health complaints other than those normally associated with spaniels.

The Irish, also known as the Red Setter, is a setter, a breed of gun dog and family dog. His coat is moderately long and silky and of a deep red color. The undercoat is abundant in winter weather. Irish Setters get along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets, and will enthusiastically greet visitors. Even though they do well with household pets, small animals may pose a problem for this breed, as they are a hunting breed.

Russian European Laika is the name of a breed of hunting dog that originated in the forested region of northern Europe and Russia, one of several breeds developed from landrace Laika dogs of very ancient Spitz type. The Russo-European Laika is described as being of medium size, the breed has prick ears and a sickle tail carried over the back. Temperament should be non aggressive.