|
When looking for a type of lurcher there are many things
to consider;
then there's personal preferences/choice
Below is a list of dog breeds used in the make-up of
lurchers, each has been used at one time or another to add certain qualities to
the breed.
If you are looking for certain qualities in a lurcher, I
hope this list will help you decide which cross would best suit the land you
hunt on.
|
LIST
Afghan Hound
American
Pit Bull Terrier
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie
Beagle
Bearded Collie
Bedlington Terrier
Border Collie
Borzoi
Bull Terrier
Collie (Rough & Smooth)
German Shepherd
Greyhound
Ibezan Hound
Irish Wolfhound
Italian Greyhound
Pharaoh Hound
Saluki
Staghound
Whippet |
|
Afghan Hound |
|
The Afghan Hound is a
sight hound with an aristocratic bearing. Tall and slender with a
long, narrow, refined head, silky topknot and powerful jaws. The
occiput is quite prominent. The muzzle is slightly convex
("Roman nose") with a black nose. There is little or no stop.
The teeth should meet in a level or scissors bite. The dark eyes
are almond shaped. The ears lie flat to the head. The neck is
long and strong. The height at the withers should be almost
level and the abdomen well tucked up. The hipbones are quite
prominent. The front legs are strong and straight and the feet
are large and covered with long hair. The tail has a curl or
ring at the tip, but is not carried over the back. The long,
rich, silky coat is most often the colour of sand with a darker
face and ear fringes, though all colours are permitted. White
markings, however, are discouraged. |
|
Temperament |
Dignified, somewhat
aloof, but very sweet, loyal, affectionate and sensitive, with a
low dominance level. They must be trained kindly. The Afghan has
been described as "a king of dogs." Majestic, elegant, noble
and courageous, suspicious of, but not hostile to, strangers.
Although tough, they will pine if they are deprived of
attention. They will do best with older, considerate children.
At one time, the breed had a reputation for being untrustworthy,
but has now been replaced by a character that, while still
spirited, is said to be more amenable to training and
discipline, as they can be disobedient if it is poorly trained.
This breed can be difficult to housebreak. Some are timid and
high strung. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 27 to 29 inches
(68.58-73.66cm) slightly less for bitches.
Weight: 58-64lb (26-34kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
Generally healthy,
the Afghan has a low pain tolerance, thereby suffering even with
minor injuries. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Afghan Hound is
not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive
indoors and do best with acreage. This breed can live in or
outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping indoors. |
|
Exercise |
Afghan Hounds love
open spaces and must be allowed to run free in a safe area as
well as having long daily walks. It needs a minimum of 30
minutes of free galloping per day. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 14 years. |
|
Grooming |
The long, thick coat
demands a great deal of attention. When showing there is a must
to bath once a week. Do not brush in-between baths in order to
keep coat long and shiny. Brushing a dry coat will damage the
coat and even make it more easily matted. Weekly baths are not
as important if your Afghan is a pet and will not be shown, but
doing so will make the coat less matted and will save you time
in the end. Many wear snoods indoors to protect their ears from
food bowls. A special air-cushioned brush or pinbrush is useful
for grooming. This breed is an average shedder. |
|
Origin |
This is a very
ancient dog, native to Sinai, and mentioned several times in
Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in the caves of northern
Afghanistan more than 4000 years ago. The breed was kept pure
for centuries, and its exportation was always prohibited. It
therefore only reached Europe as contraband early in this
century. This elegant sight hound was used as a shepherd and
hunter of many types of game including deer, wild goats, and
even wolves and snow leopards. They were also used by shepherds
as herders and watchdogs. An extremely fast and agile runner,
the Afghan Hound pursues game by sight. His thick coat protects
against temperature extremes. In Europe and America he has
become a luxurious pet because of his aristocratic beauty. Some
of the Afghan's talents are hunting, sighting, tracking,
herding, watch-dogging, racing, and lure coursing. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
American Pit Bull Terrier |
|
The Pit Bull immediately strikes
one as being a dog of power, passion, and undying willingness.
The brick-like head, which is especially broad between the
cheeks (to house the powerful jaws), is carried upon a thickly
muscled, well-defined neck. The neck runs into a deep, thick,
well-sprung chest. The American Pit Bull is a very muscular,
stocky, yet agile dog which is extremely strong for his
size. The ears are generally cropped, though this is optional.
Docked tails are not accepted by the UKC or the
ADBA. The eyes are round, and any colour is acceptable.
The teeth should form a scissors bite. Its coat is made up of
thick, short, shiny hair. All colours are admissible. The tail
tapers to a point. |
|
Temperament |
That sly smile, those determined
eyes, that unwaning pleasure to please... the mere quality and
characteristics of the APBT have evoked more human emotional,
rational, and irrational response than any other breed that
exists today. By no means are these dogs people-haters or
people-eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are toward
other dogs and animals, not people. However if they are properly
socialized they will not even be aggressive with them. These are
truly quality companions for quality owners only! The American
Pit Bull Terrier is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and
affectionate family pet, which is good with children and
adults. Almost always obedient, it is always eager to please its
master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog
that is very full of vitality. Highly protective of his owners
and the owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death.
It is usually very friendly, but has an uncanny ability to know
when it needs to protect and when everything is okay. The
American Pit Bull Terrier can be wilful and needs a firm hand.
They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with
them from puppy hood. For the most part they are very friendly,
but not recommended for most people. Excellent with children in
the family, they have a high pain tolerance and will happily put
up with rough child play. As with any breed, they should not be
left alone with unfamiliar children. Originally used as fighting
dogs, the powerful American Pit Bull may go for the throat of
strange dogs. A minimum of training will produce a tranquil,
obedient dog. Socialize very thoroughly when young to combat
aggressive tendencies and be sure to keep the dog under control
when other dogs are present. It has given outstanding results as
a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a
companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, this is a
very good dog and a great family companion. Unfortunately, some
choose to promote the fighting instinct in the breed, giving it
a bad name. |
|
Height, weight |
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)
Weight: 22 -110 pounds (10-50 kg)
Please Note: The APBT ranges in size from 22 pounds to 110
pounds (rare), with the most common being between 35 - 55 pounds
(16-25 kg.), in fact the original APBT's were between 20 - 40
pounds (9-18 kg.) and were bred small for their main purpose,
fighting, These dogs are varying from small to extra large. A
very common misconception is that APBT's are muscle bound
(viscous) hulks that weigh in around 85 pounds (39 kg.) and this
is generally not the majority, Most of the APBT's that
Are that large have been crossed with another breeds. |
|
Health Problems |
A generally healthy breed,
although some are prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts,
allergies to grass and congenital heart disease. |
|
Living Conditions |
It will do okay in an apartment if
it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and
will do alright without a yard provided they get enough
exercise. Prefers warm climates. |
|
Exercise |
American Pit Bull Terriers must
have plenty of regular exercise, but keep them leashed in public
to avoid fights with other dogs. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12 years. |
|
Grooming |
The smooth, short-haired coat is
easy to groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and
bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. A rub with a piece of
towelling or chamois will make the coat gleam. This breed is an
average shedder. |
|
Origin |
Developed from the Bull and
Terrier types of yesteryear, the American Pit Bull Terrier comes
from an indisputable history of pit-fighting. The breed's
tenacity and accompanying strength are unmatched in the canine
world. As rich and captivating as the breed's history is, the
Pit Bull's future is more worthy of commentary. Some proponents
of the breed argue that this breed is the original bulldog of
the past. Old prints and woodcarvings show reason to believe
this. They show dogs that look exactly like the breed today,
doing things the dog is still capable of doing. For more
information on this theory you can read books by Richard
F Stratton. The APBT, as registered by the UKC, is an individual
breed of dog and does not refer to just any ill-bred, mindless
warrior-type mongrel. At one time, the Pit Bull was a much
loved, trustworthy companion. People who chose to train these
dogs to fight are chiefly responsible for the banning and
witch-hunting that has been sweeping the U.S. The media,
however, should not go unmentioned, for it is also responsible
for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and
attention-getting way. In a lot of cases when the media is
reporting about a Pit Bull attacking, it is indeed not even a
Pit Bull at all, but a mixed breed of some sort, or another bull
breed all together. In fact, one time there was a report on KYW
news in Philadelphia about two Pit Bulls attacking a person. I
called the news station and asked if they knew the dogs were in
fact a pure bred American Pit Bull Terriers, or another bull
breed of some sort, or a mutt for that matter. They told me they
did not know, I would have to call the police station to verify
that information. I asked them how they could report something
that they were not sure of. They had no answer for me and they
were not sure of the dog's breed. Even after admitting that to
me on the phone, they kept calling it a Pit Bull. The Pit Bull's
future has been perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to
blame except the dog itself. This very loyal dog is too set on
pleasing his owner, and ironically this is the root of his own
undoing. Accompanying this need to please are remarkable
abilities of all kinds. Jack Dempsy, Teddy Roosevelt and Jack
Johnson are just a few people who have owned Pit Bulls. Pit
Bulls excel in practically every canine task including herding,
guarding, hunting, policing, cart pulling and ratting. A Pit
Bull, named Banddog Dread, holds more canine working titles than
ANY other breed. The owner's name is Diane Jessup and you can
reference her book, "The Working Pit Bull." It tells you all of
Dread's accomplishments. These dogs are truly capable of many
tasks. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Australian Cattle Dog |
|
The Australian Cattle Dog, also
known as the Australian Heeler, Hall's Heeler, Queensland Heeler
and the Blue Heeler, is a sturdy, compact working dog,
well-muscled, powerful, yet very agile. The body is a bit longer
than high with a slightly curved tail reaching approximately to
the hock. The front legs should be perfectly straight when
viewed from the front. The head is broad and slightly rounded
between the widely set, moderately pointed pricked ears. The
oval eyes are dark brown. The teeth should meet in a scissors
bite. The weather-resistant double coat consists of a short
dense undercoat and a short straight outer coat. It comes in
blue or red speckled. The blue speckled is
with or without black, blue or tan markings on the head with tan
points. Black markings on the body are not desirable. The red
speckle variety should be evenly speckled all over, but may have
darker markings on the head. |
|
Temperament |
A working, herding breed, the
Australian Cattle Dog is not suited to life alone in the
backyard. One of the most intelligent breeds, it can become
easily bored, leading to serious behaviour problems. These dogs
need to be part of the action! They are loyal, protective and
alert. An excellent guard dog. Brave and trustworthy. Very good
in the obedience ring and in herding and agility. Firm training
from the start and lot of daily attention will produce a fine
and happy pet. It is absolutely loyal and obedient to its
master, but it is something of a one-person dog. They are
sometimes suspicious of people and dogs they don't know. It can
be very dog aggressive, for its dominance level is high. Not
good with children except for family members it has known since
puppy hood. Some tend to nip at people's heels in an attempt to
herd them. If you are buying a pet, avoid strictly working
lines, as these dogs may be too active and intense for home
life. Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train. Puppies are
born white (inherited from the early Dalmatian crosses), but the
adult colour can be seen in the paw pads. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 17-20 inches
(43-51cm) Bitches 17-19 inches (43-48cm)
Weight: Dogs 32-35 pounds (15-16kg) Bitches 30-35 pounds
(14-16kg) |
|
Health Problems |
Prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and
deafness. |
|
Living Conditions |
Not recommended for apartment life
and does best with at least a large yard. |
|
Exercise |
These animals have incredible
stamina and will enjoy all the activity you can give them.
Exercise is of paramount importance - without enough they can
become bored and destructive. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
The short-haired,
weather-resistant coat needs little care and is very easy to
groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe
only when necessary. This breed tends
to shed their coats once or twice per year (depending on sex
status and region). |
|
Origin |
The Australian Cattle Dog was
developed by pioneer settlers in the 19th century to herd cattle
on large ranches. Dogs the settlers brought with them from
Europe, called Smithfield and the Old
Smooth Collie (not the smooth collie known today), were
not able to handle the long distances and inhospitable climate
of the new continent. So ranchers began experimenting with new
crosses. The Australian Cattle Dog primarily derived from a mix
of smooth, blue speckled Collie imports
from Scotland and wild Australian Dingoes. Australian Kelpie,
Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier were also added. The result was an
excellent herding dog, with few equals, who worked the stock
quietly yet forcefully, willing and able to drive cattle across
vast distances under harsh, hot dusty conditions. With superior
stamina, it was well suited to Queensland. Both its guarding and
herding instincts are very strong and may extend to people and
other animals. Robert Kaleski drew up a standard for the breed
in 1893, which was finally approved in Australia in 1903. The
Australian Cattle Dog was fully recognized by the AKC in 1980.
The Australian Cattle Dog has also been known as the Australian
Heeler, Hall's Heeler, Queensland Heeler or Blue Heeler.
"Heeler" refers to its herding skill of snapping and biting
cattle's heels. Its talents are retrieving, herding, guarding,
agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Australian Kelpie |
|
The Australian Kelpie has a
compact body and well-developed limbs. Slightly longer than he
is tall, the Kelpie has a broad chest and firm hind quarters
that contribute to his flexible, energized appearance. The head
is long and narrow. The medium length tail is low set. The
short, compact feet have well arched toes. The double coat
consists of a short and dense undercoat and a hard, straight and
weather-repellent outer coat. Colour possibilities include black
and red, each with or without out tan; and fawn, chocolate and
blue. Kelpie owners are more interested in the breed's working
ability then their appearance. |
|
Temperament |
A compact, robust, enthusiastic,
and tireless working dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian
Kelpie is the most popular and successful working dog. Kelpies
are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic
for a house or apartment existence. Their easy trainability and
keenness on the job make them a fundamental component of the
Australian work force. They are ready to respond immediately to
any signal given by its master, even from a great distance. They
are good with children when they are raised with them from puppy
hood. Kelpies will try to herd other dogs, pets and animals
whether they want to be herded or not. This workaholic will work
until it drops. They are independent and in business for
themselves rather than for pleasing a handler. Boredom is the
breed's doom and the owner's as well. In their native country of
Australia, Kelpies work all day even in intense heat, covering
1,000 to 4,000-plus acres. The breed uses "eye" similar to the
Border Collie's on the tractable stock, but utilizes its nipping
ability to turn more stubborn cattle. Kelpies can muster
thousands of sheep from pasture to pen to truck. When a flock of
sheep is packed as tight as Times Square on New Year's Eve, they
will look for the shortest way to the other side, which is
usually in a straight line. This very clever Kelpie will jump on
the back of the nearest sheep and run lightly across the flock
to reach the other side. They make excellent watchdogs and can
also be trained as seeing-eye dogs. The Australian Kelpie is not
an aggressive dog, but he can be protective when needed, and
will guard his family and their belongings when necessary,
regardless of the risk to himself. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm.)
Weight: 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
Beware of PRA= Progressive Retinal
Atrophy - retinal degeneration causing partial to total
blindness. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Australian Kelpie is not
recommended for apartment life. They are working dogs that need
plenty of open space to run and will be happiest with a job to
do. Their all-weather coat allows them to live where it is hot
as well as where it is cold. They will be content to live
outdoors with adequate shelter. |
|
Exercise |
The Australian Kelpie is a working
dog that demands a great deal of exercise, preferably with some
kind of job to do. Their energy levels are extremely high!! They
are workaholics and will run until they drop!! |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-14 years. |
|
Grooming |
This breed is easy to groom. An
occasional combing and brushing is all that it needs. Bathe only
when necessary as it will remove the natural oils in the
weather-resistant coat and dry out the skin. This breed is an
average shedder. |
|
Origin |
Although many still believe the
Kelpie is a Dingo crossed with the Border Collie, more accurate
documentation reveals the breed's development from English North
Country Collies of the Rutherford strain. These hardy British
working herders, like many sheepdogs, were imported to Australia
during the latter half of the 19th century. Today nearly 100,000
Kelpies are employed on that continent. Despite their relatively
small size, Kelpies are without limitations, capable of working
cattle, goats, poultry and reindeer. They will excel in
competitive obedience. The name "Kelpie" comes from the water
kelpie mentioned by Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish writer,
in the novel Kidnapped. This breed has been known since
1870. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Beagle |
|
A hardy, sturdy squarely-built,
small hound, the Beagle has a sleek, easy-care, short coat in
tri-colour, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white.
The coat is close, hard and of medium length. The beagle looks
like a small English Foxhound. The skull is broad and slightly
rounded, and the muzzle is straight and square. The feet are
round and strong. The black nose has full nostrils for scenting.
The long, wide ears are pendant. The brown or hazel eyes have a
characteristic pleading expression. The tail is carried gaily,
but never curled over the back. |
|
Temperament |
The Beagle is a gentle, sweet,
lively and curious dog that just loves everyone! A happy little
tail-wagger! Sociable, brave and intelligent. Calm and loving.
Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but
should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are
socialized with cats and other household animals when they are
young. Beagles have minds of their own. They are determined and
watchful and require patient, firm training. This breed doesn't
like being left alone. Consider buying two if you will be gone a
lot. A Beagle has a loud baying cry that was a delight to
hunting horsemen, but can be disturbing to family and
neighbours. Beagles have a tendency to follow their own noses.
They may take off on their own exploration if let off their
leash in an unfenced area. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 14-16 inches
(36-41cm) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38cm)
There are two height classes, 13-15 inches (33-38cm) and under
13 inches (33cm).
Weight: Dogs 22-25 pounds (10-11kg) Bitches 20-23 pounds
(9-10kg) |
|
Health Problems |
Some lines can be prone to heart
disease, epilepsy, eye and back problems. Also prone to
chondroplasia, aka dwarfism (warped front legs, like a
Basset's). You can see an example of his condition by looking at
Bently's photo at the top of this page. |
|
Living Conditions |
Beagles will do okay in an
apartment if they get plenty of chances to be outdoors. They are
very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. |
|
Exercise |
Energetic and possessing great
stamina, the Beagle needs plenty of exercise, but a yard of
reasonable size will take care of most of its requirements. A
brisk daily walk will cover the rest. Always use a lead when
walking this breed or you will be running the risk of it
disappearing in search of wild game. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
The Beagle's smooth short-haired
coat is easy to look after. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and
bathe with mild soap only when necessary. Dry shampoo
occasionally. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of
infection and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average
shedder. |
|
Origin |
The Beagle is one of the most
popular scent hounds because of his energy, willingness, and
merry, sweet disposition. The breed probably originated as a
cross between the Harrier and other hounds in England. The
Beagle has been used in packs, alone, and in pairs, for hunting
hare, pheasant and quail. He has also served as an excellent
narcotics detection dog and makes a fine family companion.
Unfortunately, because they are fairly uniform in size and
small, Beagles are often used for medical experimentation. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Bearded Collie |
|
The Bearded Collie, or "Beardie"
as he is known to his fanciers, is a medium-sized, agile,
herding dog with a shaggy coat and an ever-wagging tail. He is
an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog, and the family
resemblance is obvious. The Beardie has a broad head, short
muzzle and a shaggy coat all over his body, even under the chin
(hence the name "Beardie"). Beneath the dense, weatherproof
outer coat lies a thick, soft undercoat. Its head and teeth are
large. The eyes are wide set and harmonious in colour with its
coat, set high on its head and pendent. The ears lie close to
the head and the tail is long and carried low unless the dog is
excited. The Beardie is robust, hardy and active, but not
massive. The colour of the coat changes several times over the
life of the dog. Puppies are generally born black, brown, fawn
or blue. The puppy coat then fades to light grey or cream. As
the dogs reach maturity, they darken again to their adult coat
in any of the four colours, black, brown, blue, or fawn. The
final coat colour is somewhere between the puppy coat and the
yearling coat. |
|
Temperament |
Known for his "bounce," the
exuberant Beardie will charm you with his joyous, affectionate,
happy-go-lucky ways. He is playful and lively with an always
wagging tail. The perfect companion for children. Enthusiastic,
stable and self-confident. Males tend to be more bold and
outgoing, while females tend to be calmer and more submissive.
The Beardie needs to be with people and not left alone without
anything to do. They are humorous and high-energy dogs. Very
trainable for many activities. Obedience training is a must as
Beardies think a lot and can be headstrong at times. The Beardie
is a natural herder of people and animals. They are noisy
barkers, but are not watch dogs. They should not be shy or
aggressive. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)
Weight: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
Generally healthy. Beware of hip
dysplasia. Their dense coat may conceal external parasite
infestation. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Bearded Collie is not
recommended for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors
and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Beardies
can sleep outdoors and make excellent farm dogs. They are also
good in windy, rugged or wet areas since the dogs will go out in
all weather conditions. It does not like to be confined and
should have a place to run off of its lead. The Beardie prefers
to be outdoors. |
|
Exercise |
This is an active dog that needs
lots of exercise, preferably running free. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 14-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
Daily brushing of the long, shaggy
coat is important. Mist the coat lightly with water before you
begin. Tease out mats before they get bad, and give extra
attention when the dog is shedding. Use the comb sparingly. If
you prefer, the coat can be professionally machine-clipped every
two months or so. Eyes, ears and paws should be checked daily.
Bath or dry shampoo when necessary. It is difficult to locate
ticks in the thick undercoat, so check regularly. This breed is
an average shedder. |
|
Origin |
The Bearded Collie is a descendant
of the Polish Sheepdog (the Polski Owczarek Nizinny or PON)
which was first introduced into Scotland in 1514 by a Polish sea
captain who traded three of his dogs to a Scottish shepherd for
a valuable ram and ewe. The dogs were bred with local herding
stock and this formed the foundation for the Bearded Collie
breed. For Centuries, the Beardie was used in Scotland as a
herder of both sheep and cattle, and was known variously as the
"Highland Sheepdog," the "Highland Collie," and the "Hairy Moved
Collie." Collie is the Scottish word for herding dog, derived
from the "colley" or "coaley" black-faced sheep. The name
Bearded Collie comes from the long hair under the Beardie's chin
which flows into the chest, forming a "beard." The Beardie's
lovable personality and appearance makes him an ideal companion
and family dog. The breed almost disappeared in the early part
of the twentieth century, but was rescued through mating a pair
in 1944. It is still not very widespread. Still fairly rare in
the United States, the first US litter of Beardies was whelped
in 1967. The Bearded Collie is in all likelihood related to the
bobtail (Old English Sheepdog). It is very similar although the
Beardie is smaller, leaner and has an undocked tail. Some of the
Beardie's talents are tracking, herding, agility, competitive
obedience, and performing tricks. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Bedlington Terrier |
|
It has been described as a dog
with the heart of a lion and the appearance of a lamb. With his
pear-shaped head, arched back and curly coat, the Bedlington
Terrier in fact does look like a little sheep. The head has no
stop, descending in an unbroken line from crown to nose. The
eyes are small and deep set. It has a pointed tail and straight
front legs with hare-like feet. The thick double coat is a
mixture of soft and harsher hairs and comes in blue, liver or
sandy. The dog may have tan markings over the eyes and on the
legs, chest and rear. The Bedlington has a unique springy gait,
particularly when moving slowly. |
|
Temperament |
Careful breeding has resulted in a
more companionable and affectionate personality in today's
Bedlington Terriers. Playful and cheerful, the Bedlington
Terrier is loving with children and fairly friendly with
strangers. They are loyal, lively and headstrong. This breed
needs to learn to like cats and other household animals when
they are young. Usually they can get along with other dogs but
keep them away from those that want to dominate, as once
challenged they are terrifying fighters, despite their gentle
appearance. A little powerhouse, it is courageous and energetic,
with the ability to run very fast. It is an enthusiastic digger.
Bedlingtons like to bark and can be high-stung. Only let this
breed off its lead in an enclosed area. Like the Whippet, he is
fast and loves to chase! |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 16-17 inches
(41-43cm) Bitches 15-16 inches (38-41cm)
Weight: Dogs 18-23 pounds (8-10kg) Bitches 18-23 pounds (8-10kg) |
|
Health Problems |
Bedlington Terriers may have a
serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease.
They are also prone to hereditary kidney disease, PRA, thyroid
problems and eye problems, such as cataracts and retinal
disease. |
|
Living Conditions |
This breed will do okay in an
apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly
active indoors and will do okay without a yard. |
|
Exercise |
These active dogs need plenty of
exercise and, like other terriers, will be bored and mischievous
without it. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
|
Grooming |
The coat sheds little to no hair
and requires specialized clipping every six weeks, so it is
probably best if you learn to do it yourself. The coat is
thinned and clipped close to the head and body to accentuate the
shape. Shave the ears closely leaving a tassel on the tips. On
the legs, the hair is left slightly longer. Have a professional
groomer show you how to do it. Brush the dog regularly and clean
the pluck inside the ears. Although frequent bathing will not
dry out skin as it does on so many other breeds, it should not
be washed too often or the coat will become lank, which is not
considered appropriate for the breed. Dogs which are to be shown
require higher levels of grooming. This breed is considered good
for allergy sufferers. |
|
Origin |
The Bedlington Terrier was
originally named the Rothbury Terrier, after the district of
Rothbury on the English border. Gypsy nail makers in Rothbury
prized the breed as a hunter of various game including foxes,
hares and badgers. In about 1825, a Rothbury dog was mated to a
Bedlington bitch, resulting in the Bedlington Terrier. Some
sources mention the Otterhound and Dandie Dinmont Terrier as
some possible contributors to the breed. Today there are some
breeders, especially in England, that will cross Bedlingtons
with Whippets and Greyhounds to produce what they call Lurchers.
The Bedlington was used as a vermin hunter by the miners of
Bedlington who also exploited its gameness as a fighting dog in
the pits. Hunters also used them as retrievers. The Bedlington
was first exhibited as a separate breed in 1877. Originally it
was developed for the hunting of rats and small game in lairs or
on open ground (talents it has certainly not forgotten). Today
the Bedlington is a good apartment dog. It is also an attentive
and barking watchdog. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Border Collie |
|
The Border Collie is a medium
sized bundle of energy, looking rather like a lightly built
Australian Shepherd without a bob-tail. The body is slightly
longer than the height at the withers. The skull is fairly wide
with a distinct stop. The muzzle tapers to the black nose. The
ears are usually half-perked. The oval eyes are generally dark
brown, except in merles where one or more eyes may be blue. The
teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The tail reaches at least
to the hock and is sometimes raised when the dog is excited, but
is never carried over the back. There are two varieties of
Border Collie: one with coarse hair (thick, straight, about 3
inches (7.6 cm.) long), and one with sleek hair (about 1 inch
(2.5 cm.) long. The coat colours come in black and white,
tri-colour, red & white, black & grey, and all black. White
should never be the main colour. The longer haired variety
should have a mane and tail brush. The hair on the face, ears
and front legs is always short and sleek. Since Border Collies
are bred for working ability and intelligence rather than for
physical beauty, conformation varies widely. |
|
Temperament |
The Border Collie is a very
intelligent and responsive dog. It excels at obedience, agility
and Frisbee (TM). They thrive on praise, are sensitive and very
trainable. The Border Collies are commonly used in the agility
competitions, as sports like agility are right the this
intelligent dogs alley. The Border Collie is highly energetic
with great stamina. Provided it gets sufficient activity to keep
it occupied and ample exercise, the Border Collie will get along
quite happily with other dogs, and children, however the Border
Collie may be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. They
should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there
are plenty of Border Collies that live and get along with family
cats. This breed should be very well socialized as a puppy to
prevent shyness. To be truly happy, it needs a lot of: ongoing
attention, extensive daily exercise, and a job to do. For those
who wish to reach high levels in dog sports, the Border Collie
is a gift from heaven. Farmers (for whom the dogs perform work
for which they were bred) are also happy with them. It is not
surprising that at competitive levels in various sports such as:
agility skills, obedience, and sheepdog trials, the Border
Collie is represented among the leaders in the sport. They are
perfectionist with a permanent will to please. This breed lives
for serving you day in and day out. They are not ideal pets for
people who have no plans to spend a lot of time with them. These
dogs are too intelligent to lie around the house all day with
nothing to do. Prospective owners who are looking for just a
family pet should consider other similar but calmer breeds, like
show line Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs. If there
is insufficient activity then it will find its own work to do,
and that may not be what YOU had in mind when we say the word
WORK. They can become destructive if they get bored or if they
are ignored. They can become neurotic if they are left alone for
long periods, leading to many behaviour problems. This breed is
known as an escape artist. Because of his strong herding
instincts, the Border Collie may be snappish with children and
strangers. They do best with an experienced owner that has lots
of time to spend with the dog. The adolescent Border Collie
often goes through a phase where he challenges his master's
authority. Some are highly reactive and sound sensitive, making
them a poor choice for families with young children. Dominance
level is highly variable in Border Collies. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 19-22 inches (48-56
cm.) Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg.) Bitches 27-42 pounds
(12-19 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
They are generally a hardy breed,
but some are prone to hip dysplasia, PRA and an eye disease
common to Collies known as Collie Eye Anomaly. Many Border
Collies are allergic to fleas and some are prone to epilepsy and
deafness. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Border Collie is not
recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and
do best with acreage. This breed will do fine in a kennel
provided it has daily activity and sees plenty of its handler.
This breed is not suited to life chained up in the back yard all
day. |
|
Exercise |
Physical exercise alone is not
sufficient for this very intelligent and highly energetic dog.
They want to work and must do so with body and mind as one,
carrying out different tasks. Fast and agile, these lively
little dogs have boundless energy and thrive on hard work and
play. They are a delight to see streaking after a ball or
bringing straying sheep back to the fold. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
The Border Collie needs regular
combing and brushing to keep the coat gleaming. Extra care is
needed when the soft, dense undercoat is shedding. Bathe or dry
shampoo only when necessary. Check the ears and coat regularly
for ticks. This breed is an average shedder. |
|
Origin |
The Border Collie originated in
Northumberland on the Scottish/English border. The breed is
descended from old British droving breeds with some spaniel
added. An outstanding herder, this hardy, agile, untiring
sheepdog, is capable of mastering any type of herd. It is said
that the Border Collie has an eye that can hypnotize cattle. He
crouches down and mesmerizes the animals with its intense stare.
One of the most trainable breeds, the Border Collie also serves
well as a narcotics and bomb detection dog and is a frequent
high performer in obedience, agility, FrisbeeTM
trials, police work, search & rescue, Flyball, performing tricks
and competitive obedience. Some Border Collies have been trained
very successfully as blind guide dogs. Currently very good
results are obtained with them for general assistance to the
handicapped in The Netherlands. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Borzoi |
|
The Borzoi is a tall, aristocratic
dog with a long, thin, narrow head. A slightly arched muzzle and
a long, low-hanging curved tail. Heavy-necked ruff is
characteristic. The nose is black and the eyes are oblong and
dark. The ears lie back on the neck but may prick up partially
when the dog is alert. The back is gracefully curved. The chest
is narrow, but very deep. The longish silky coat may be wavy or
with large curls, with a heavy mane at the neck. The colours are
white, golden, tan or grey with black markings, in either solid
or mixed colours. |
|
Temperament |
The Borzoi is a sweet, undemanding
and undemonstrative dog. They are proud and self aware dogs that
are extremely loyal to their family. When necessary they will
protect their family. Intelligent and easy to train. The
training of this breed has to be based upon mutual respect. They
cannot be trained to perform, but they can learn basic
requirements for living with you. Cat-like, silent and docile,
but can be wilful and snappish if pushed too far. They like to
roam and are incredibly fast. Good with other dogs but should
not be trusted with small non-canine pets such as cats and
rabbits! His lightening snap can kill a small animal in a
second. Socialize them very well with cats and other pets at as
young an age as possible, but remember the Borzoi will always be
a hunter that will race after a fleeing animal. The Borzoi are
noble dogs that get along fairly well with children, but it is
not ideally suited for being a child's companion as it does not
take kindly to teasing and are certainly not playmates. They
prize their rest and do not like rough play. They do not like
intrusive strangers. During the growing stage, these dogs need a
highly nutritional diet. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs at least 28 inches
(71cm) Bitches at least 26 inches (66cm)
Weight: Dogs 75-105 pounds (34-48kg) Bitches 60-90 pounds
(27-41kg) |
|
Health Problems |
They are sensitive to drugs. May
be a picky eater and is prone to bloat. It is best to feed the
Borzoi small meals two or three times a day. Avoid exercise
after meals. |
|
Living Conditions |
Will do okay in an apartment if
sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and
are so peaceful it might escape notice, but outside they need
plenty of space to walk and run - so it will do best with at
least an average-sized yard. In the city he should only be let
off the lead in a safe, enclosed space. |
|
Exercise |
To Maintain their fitness these
dogs need plenty of exercise, including regular opportunities to
run off the leash, however in some countries it is forbidden to
allow all the dogs in this fleet-footed hunting category off the
leash. The Borzoi make excellent jogging companions and usually
enjoy running alongside a bicycle but beware, a Borzoi is quite
likely to shoot off after any prey it catches site of. If this
happens you will need to react very quickly. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
|
Grooming |
The long silky coat is easy to
groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and dry
shampoo when necessary. Bathing presents a problem with such a
tall dog but shouldn't be required very often. Clip the hair
between the toes to keep the feet comfortable and to stop them
from spreading. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder. |
|
Origin |
The Borzoi was probably first
brought from Arabia to Russia in about 1600. There, this elegant
sight hound was adopted by the nobility, crossed with longer
haired sheepdogs and used as a fierce and brave wolf hunter,
earning the name Russian Wolfhound. The Russian nobility bred
and hunted with these dogs for hundreds of years. Eventually the
Borzoi's popularity spread throughout Europe. Queen Victoria
owned Borzoi's, and many of the British aristocracy soon
followed suit. The breed became favoured for gifts among
royalty. The Borzoi became more docile as his use as a companion
dog increased. The name comes from the Russian word 'borzii'
which means swift. The Borzois talents include hunting, sighting
and lure coursing. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Bull Terrier |
|
A thick-set muscular,
well-proportioned animal, the Bull Terrier has a short, dense
coat that comes in pure white, black, brindle, red, fawn and
tri-colour. Its most distinctive feature is its head, which is
almost flat at the top, sloping evenly down to the end of the
nose with no stop. The eyes are small, dark, almond-shaped and
closely set. The body is full and round, while the shoulders are
robust and muscular and the tail is carried horizontally. |
|
Temperament |
Though this breed was once a
fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now.
A Bull
Terrier might have a preventive effect and it might defend it's
owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn't breed to be a
guard dog.
Courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and
fearless. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog.
They become very attached to their owners. The Bull
Terrier thrives on affection and makes a fine family pet. Bull
Terriers like to be doing something and fit in well with active
families where they receive a great deal of companionship and
supervision. They do not do well in situations where they are
left alone for 8 hours a day. This breed can be a wonderful pet
if very thoroughly socialized and trained, but not recommended
for most households. Fond of both grown-ups and children, but
may be too energetic for small children. They cannot
tolerate teasing and children should be taught to respect the
dog. They can be very protective and wilful. Do not encourage
this breed to be possessive or jealous. Bull Terriers may try to
join into family rough housing or quarrel. They need very firm
training and lots of exercise. Bull Terriers must be given a lot
of companionship, or they may become destructive. Be sure to
socialize them well. They can be extremely aggressive with other
dogs. Unaltered males usually do not get along with other male
dogs. Males and females can live together happily and two
females can also be a good combination with care and
supervision. They are not recommended with other pets. They make
excellent watch dogs. This breed can be somewhat difficult to
train. |
|
Height, Weight |
Standard Bull Terrier
Height: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) Weight: 45-80 pounds (20-36
kg.)
Miniature Bull Terrier
Height: 10-14 inches (25-33 cm) Weight: up to 24-33 pounds
(11-15 kg) |
|
Health Problems |
Bull Terriers are generally
healthy, but some are prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency,
which can cause death. Some pups are born deaf. Some suffer from
obsessive compulsive behaviours, such as tail chasing. Some
bloodlines are prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the
kneecaps). Some male Bull Terriers have an overabundance of
testosterone, which makes them too territorial. Neutering often
fixes the problem - mellowing the dog
out some. Can be sensitive to fleas or other parasites. Prone to
weight gain allergy troubles and bad knees. White Bull Terriers
are prone to deafness. |
|
Living Conditions |
Bull Terriers will do okay in an
apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are fairly
active indoors and a small yard will do. They prefer warm
climates. |
|
Exercise |
This breed needs vigorous daily
exercise, but they should always be on a lead in public at all
times, because they will fight with other dogs. The Bull Terrier
has a tendency to become overweight and lazy if it is not
properly exercised. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years |
|
Grooming |
The Bull Terrier is easy to groom.
An occasional combing and brushing will do. This breed is an
average shedder, shedding twice a year. You can remove loose
hair by a daily rubdown with a special rubber glove. White hairs
are more noticeable than the coloured ones on furniture and
clothes. |
|
Origin |
In 1830, when combats between
Bulldogs and bulls were at there height, lovers of this "sport"
decided to create a dog that would attack even more agilely. By
crossing the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier and adding a
bit of Spanish Pointer blood, they came up with the Bull
Terrier. However, Bull Terriers were not the most successful
fighters. In 1850 the white-coated variety (nicknamed the "White
Cavalier") was obtained and soon became a fashionable pet of the
gentry. The breed has been used as a guard, ratter, herder and
watchdog. The Miniature was developed to have the same qualities
in a dog of more manageable size. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Collie (Rough & Smooth) |
|
A lovely, active, and agile,
long-coated sheepdog made famous by the movie star, Lassie. The
lean, blunted, wedge-shaped head gives an impression of
lightness. The top of the head is flat. The face is chiselled.
The long, smooth, well-rounded, blunt muzzle tapers to a black
nose. The ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. The
eyes are almond-shaped and dark except in the case of blue
merles that may have blue or merle eyes. The trim, but muscular,
body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is strong and
fairly wide. The tailbone hangs down to the dog's hocks. In the
Rough variety, an abundant double coat forms a mane around the
neck and chest. The coat needs regular weekly grooming to look
its best. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat that needs very
little grooming. With both varieties the hair on the head and
legs is short and smooth. They both come in sable and white,
tri-colour (black, white & tan), blue merle or predominantly
white with sable, tri-colour or blue merle markings. |
|
Temperament |
A noble, highly intelligent dog.
Sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. Usually good
with other pets and friendly with other dogs. Very devoted to
and protective of his loved ones. One Collie travelled 2000
miles to find his family after he became lost. Collies have
received the Ken-L-Ration Hero Dog award 5 times. An excellent
children's companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions.
Can be wilful and must be trained gently or he will refuse to
cooperate. Some exhibit herding behaviour as puppies, nipping at
people's heels. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behaviour.
Collie puppies housetrain quickly, generally in about a week
(after about 10-12 weeks old). They are good-natured, friendly,
dogs. They are energetic outdoors. They can be wary of
strangers, stubborn and indolent. It has a fairly good sense of
protectiveness for its master, especially for children. They are
not aggressive, but they do tend to be suspicious of people they
do not like. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 24-26 inches
(61-66cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-61cm.)
Weight: Dogs 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.) Bitches 50-65 pounds
(23-29kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
Generally healthy dogs. Some lines
are prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems leading to acute
lameness and arthritis. Seeing your veterinarian is advisable
for a clearance certificate before purchasing a puppy. The tip
of a Collies nose can be sensitive to the sun. Buy only from a
reputable breeder. The Collie is a very popular breed resulting
in the sale of many inferior animals with poor health and/or
temperaments. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Collie will dog okay in an
apartment as long as they are sufficiently exercised. They are
relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least an
average-sized yard. Sensitive to the heat. Provide plenty of
shade and fresh water in warm weather. |
|
Exercise |
The Collie needs plenty of
exercise, preferably some of it off the leash. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 14-16 years |
|
Grooming |
The spectacular stiff coat sheds
dirt readily and a thorough weekly brushing will keep it in good
condition. Take extra care when the soft dense undercoat is
being shed. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat and should be
brushed every one to two weeks. If the long coated
variety has a BIG matt, and the dog is not being used for show,
the matt may need to be cut out, as opposed to combed out, as to
avoid pain to the dog. Bathe or dry shampoo as
necessary. This breed sheds heavily twice a year. |
|
Origin |
For centuries the Rough Coated
Collie was hardly known outside Scotland, but it is now one of
the world's most popular breeds. Descended from generations of
hard- working herding dogs, it is a conscientious creature of
immense intelligence. They are used as water rescue dogs and
have served man as sheepdogs for centuries, guarding and herding
flocks. The breed's name probably comes from its charge; the
Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Early Rough
Collies were smaller, with broader heads and shorter muzzles.
The Collie is so intelligent that he has been trained for many
purposes, as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star, and
as a guard dog. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle
in Scotland and her interest launched the breed's subsequent
popularity. J.P. Morgan and other members of the upper class
have owned Collies. At this point Collies were mixed with the
Borzoi, and *ALL* show dogs had to have the Borzoi influence for
them to win in the show ring. The working dogs separated,
branched out and became the different breeds (with the Scotch
Collie remaining) and the show type became what we see now, the
large dogs with flatter faces. The Collies great beauty has made
them a favourite show dog and family companion. The Smooth
Collie is more popular as a companion dog in Great Britain than
in the United States, though he is gaining popularity in the
U.S. today. The Smooth Collie is the same as the Rough Collie,
but without the long coat. The AKC considers the Rough and
Smooth Collies as varieties of the same breed. They are judged
by the same standard with the exception of the coat. The first
Collie was presented at a dog show in 1860. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
German Shepherd |
|
The German Shepherd Dog is also
known as the Alsatian. It is handsome, well proportioned and
very strong. The coat most often comes in black with tan, sable
or all black, but also can come in blue, liver and white, but
those colours are considered a fault according to most
standards. White is not an acceptable colour for the German
Shepherd, however they are now being recognized as a separate
breed, called the American White Shepherd. The nose is black
most often black but, blue or liver still do sometimes occur,
but is considered a fault can not be shown. It has a sturdy,
muscular, slightly elongated body with a light but solid bone
structure. Its head should be in proportion to its body, and the
forehead a little convex. It has a strong scissors bite, ears
wide at the base, pointed, upright, and turned forward (the ears
of puppies under six months may droop slightly). The eyes are
almond-shaped, never protruding, dark, with a lively,
intelligent expression. Its bushy tail reaches almost to its
hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. Its front legs and
shoulders are muscular; its thighs thick and sturdy. It has
round feet with very hard soles. There are three varieties of
the German Shepherd: rough-coated, long rough-coated, and the
long-haired. |
|
Temperament |
Often used as working dogs, German
Shepherds are direct and fearless, eager and alert. Bold,
cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Known for their
tremendous loyalty and courage. Calmly confident, but not
hostile. Serious and almost human in his intelligence. They have
a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to
their families, but they are very wary of strangers. This breed
needs his people and should not be left isolated for long
periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. German
Shepherds have a very strong protective instinct, so they should
be extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding when they are
an adult. Aggression and attacks on people are largely due to
poor breeding, handling and training. A well bred,
well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally
good with other pets and excellent with children in the family.
They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. It
is extremely important to purchase your German Shepherd from a
reputable breeder. Some are timid and skittish and may be prone
to fear biting. Research a puppy's lineage carefully. To be
successful pets, these dogs should be trained and socialized
from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coercive or angry
training does not succeed well with these dogs. To be truly
happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life. The breed is so
intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a
sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind,
in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German
Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including
schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring
sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can
alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to
avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet
underground. The German Shepherd is also a popular show and
family companion. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 24-26 inches
(60-65cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (55-60cm.)
Weight: 77-85 pounds (35-40kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
Indiscriminate breeding has lead
to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, (be sure
both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA good)
blood disorders, digestive problems (probably due to nerves),
epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the
cornea), dwarfism and flea allergies. |
|
Living Conditions |
The German Shepherd will do okay
in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively
inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. |
|
Exercise |
German Shepherd Dogs love
strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some
kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good
challenge. |
|
Life Expectancy |
Around 13 years. |
|
Grooming |
This breed sheds bits of hair
constantly and is a seasonally heavy shedder. A quick daily
brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They
should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin
oil depletion. |
|
Origin |
Using long-haired, short-haired,
and wire-haired local shepherd dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia,
and Bavaria, von Stephanitz and other dedicated breeders
produced a responsive, obedient, and handsome German Shepherd.
In April 1899, Capt. Max von Stephanitz registered a dog named
Horan as the first Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means German
Shepherd Dog in English. Until 1915, both
long-haired and wire-haired varieties were exhibited. Today, in
most countries, only the short coat is recognized for show
purposes. It was presented at Hanover in 1882, and the
short-haired variety was first presented in Berlin in 1889. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Greyhound |
|
A sleek, contoured dog built for
speed with a very deep chest and an extraordinarily flexible,
curved spine. The head is long with almost no stop and the
muzzle tapers. The skull is wide between the ears. The small
rose ears are folded back. The eyes are dark and the neck is
long and graceful. The front legs are absolutely straight. The
hindquarters are very powerful and muscular with an arched loin.
The long tail is carried low and has a slight upward curve at
the end. The short, smooth coat comes in all dog colours. |
|
Temperament |
Sensitive, sweet and elegant.
Brave and loyal, but can be wilful. The Greyhound is very
intelligent, but its character is often undervalued because of
its reserved behaviour toward its master and toward strangers.
Socialize them at an early age to prevent timidity. As a rule,
they are gentle and even-tempered - both racing lines and show
lines. Here's a comment from the book "THE GREYHOUND," by
D.Stern:
"Of course, no matter what type of
Greyhound you choose, your are in for a treat. The Greyhound is
an affectionate, gentle, graceful creature that has kept human
beings company for thousands of years."
Most Greyhounds have a definite
prey instinct. It is instinctive for these dogs to chase
anything that moves quickly. They are extremely fast and some
will kill cats and other domestic animals, although this is not
the majority (only about 20% of ex-racers are too "keen" on
chasing prey to ever be safe with small animals). About 10% are
immediately okay due to low prey instinct, and the rest can be
trained to leave cats and other small pets in the home alone.
They seldom present difficulties with other dogs and are
normally good with children. Indoors, these dogs are calm and
sociable to a point where they can even be considered lazy. They
bond strongly with their own people, have tremendous stamina,
and do not bark much. Greyhounds are not particularly vigilant.
Show lines tend to be a bit heavier and bred more for
temperament than racing lines, therefore dogs from show lines
often make better pets, but racing lines can also make wonderful
pets. Ex-racing Greyhounds are not usually difficult to
housebreak. They are already crate trained from the track, so it
doesn't take them long to learn that they are not to "go" in the
house. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 28-30 inches
(71-76cm) Bitches 27-28 inches (68-71cm)
Weight: Dogs 65-70 pounds (29-32kg) Bitches 60-65 pounds
(27-29kg) |
|
Health Problems |
May be prone to bloat. It is
better to feed them 2 or 3 small meals rather than one large
one. They are sensitive to drugs, including insecticides. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Greyhound will do okay in an
apartment if they get enough exercise. They are relatively
inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Greyhounds are
sensitive to the cold but do well in cold climates as long as
they wear a coat outside. |
|
Exercise |
Greyhounds that are kept as pets
should have regular opportunities to run free on open ground as
well as have long, brisk walks, preferably at the same time
every day. Greyhounds love a regular routine. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
|
Grooming |
The smooth, short-haired coat is
very easy to groom. Simply comb and brush with a firm bristle
brush, and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an
average shedder. |
|
Origin |
This very ancient breed is the
fastest dog in the world and can reach speeds of over 40 miles
per hour (65 km/h). Its greatest gift is its speed. They are
thought to have originally descended from the Arabian Sloughi
and brought to England by traders before 900 AD. Centuries ago
it was used in the hunting of deer and wild boar. It could catch
them and pull them down without stopping. It is also an
incorrigible enemy of domestic animals, especially cats and
geese. Today they are used primarily in dog racing (where they
chase mechanical rabbits). This sport is especially popular in
Anglo-Saxon countries. After retiring from a racing career,
these dogs are often destroyed. Greyhound Rescue groups select
the most even-tempered, gentle racers for placement into homes,
with excellent success. Their talents include hunting, sighting,
watch dogging, racing, agility, and lure coursing. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Ibezan Hound |
|
The Ibezan Hound, also called
Podenco Ibicenco, is an agile, deer-like, elegant and athletic
hound that has a long, arched neck, long wedge-shaped head,
amber eyes and very large, triangular ears which stand up when
the dog is alert. The teeth are exceptionally healthy. The rose
or flesh-collared nose has a slightly convex shape called "Roman
nose." The body is fine-boned, but not as slender as in many
other sight hounds. The Ibezan Hound has flat, sleek muscles
without any heaviness. The front legs are perfectly straight all
the way from the elbows to the ground. Dewclaws may be removed
or left natural. The tail is long and slender, hanging low when
the dog is relaxed and carried a bit higher when the dog is
alert. The Ibezan Hound is "hare-footed," with long toes. There
are three varieties of Ibezan: smooth-haired, long-haired, and
wire-haired. The most common is the smooth-haired and the
long-haired is very rare. The wire-haired has a longer coat of
rough hair that is softer textured than the other two varieties.
Colours are white & red, white & tan, or solid white or red. |
|
Temperament |
The Ibezan Hounds, sometimes called
"Beezers" by their fanciers, are quiet, clean, playful and
polite. Good with children, gentle, sensible and sensitive.
Protective and somewhat independent. They will hold back
watchfully with strangers. Once they decide the stranger means
no harm, they will relax very quickly. Be careful with small
pets such as rabbits, cats and rodents; the Ibezan Hound is bred
to hunt these creatures. Cats that are raised with the Ibezan
Hound will fit in just fine as part of the "family pack," but it
will chase and possibly kill a cat it does not know. As in all
breeds, the Ibezan Hound should be well socialized with other
dogs, other animals, adults, and children. If you have an adult
Ibezan Hound and would like another dog, it is suggested that
you get a puppy. Beezers are pack animals by nature, so
introducing a puppy to the household is easier. An Ibezan thinks
its humans are their pack, so any addition (human or baby) must
be introduced slowly. Ibezans are members of the family. They
cannot be kept as kennel dogs. They love their humans, are as
clean as a cat, and respect the rules of a household. This breed
blushes when they get excited, as does the
Pharaoh Hound.
Ibezans like to learn and do so very quickly. They are
trainable, but tend to be wilful and get bored easily. Provided
they have been properly trained, they can participate in many
types of dog sports. These dogs are very sensitive to the voice
of their handler and a friendly request will always achieve more
than a gruff command. This breed tends to have large litters. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: 22-29 inches (56-74 cm.)
Weight: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
The Ibezan Hound is hardy and
strong, but can have allergic reactions to drugs, including
insecticides and flea powders. Some lines seem to be prone to
seizures. The Ibezan Hound has a genetic propensity for Axonal
Dystrophy, nerve and muscle disease. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Ibezan Hound will do okay in
an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are
moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large
yard. The Ibezan Hound can jump very high from a complete
standstill, enabling him to easily jump most fences. An
incredibly fast dog, the Ibezan Hound can be extremely difficult
to re-capture. They are sight hounds, meaning they hunt by sight
rather than scent. Ibezans have selective hearing and an
independent nature. They will take off running and WILL NOT come
back until they feel like it. The strong chase instinct and lack
of caution in traffic can lead to disaster. A large fenced area
is best for regular exercise. Breed Club literature suggests at
least 40X60 feet. The breed is quite sensitive to cold, as his
coat is not very protective. |
|
Exercise |
This breed requires a great deal
of exercise. If there is not a good-sized fenced-in area for
them to run, it should have at least two to three long walks a
day. This breed should get a chance to stretch its legs with a
nice run once a day. They will highly enjoy retrieving for you
and will also enjoy running alongside your bicycle, but don't do
this until your dog is fully grown as it can harm a young puppy.
Do not let this breed off the lead unless you are in a secure
area. This independent sight hound is extremely fast and it will
take off and not come back until it is good and ready to. They
are extremely hard to recapture. Keep in mind that the Ibezan
Hound can jump very high from a complete standstill, enabling
him to easily jump most fences. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
|
Grooming |
There are three varieties of
Ibezan: smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. Neither
variety requires much attention. The shine on the coat of the
smooth-haired can be kept in good condition by occasionally
running a rubber glove over it. The wire-haired do not need
hand-plucking. All can be groomed by an occasional brushing.
Check at frequent intervals that the ear passages are clean and
keep the claws short. This breed is an average shedder. |
|
Origin |
Several examples of Ancient Egyptian art,
some from 5000 years ago, depict dogs closely resembling today's
Ibezan Hound. This sleek hunting Greyhound may have been brought
to the islands off the coast of Spain from Egypt by Phoenician
traders in about 700-900 BC. The breed became common on the
island of Ibiza and other nearby islands and were used there to
hunt rabbit and other small game. The Ibezan Hound is a very
fast dog that can hunt on all types of terrain - working by
sight, hearing and smell. It can also be used in nocturnal
hunting. He is a steady pointer when he discovers game, and can
also retrieve very well. Spanish hunters run these dogs in
packs. Today the breed's chasing instincts can flourish in the
sport of lure coursing. The Ibezan Hound is also a delightful
companion and show dog. This breed is very similar to the
Pharaoh Hound,
but the Ibezan Hound is larger and can have a multi-collared
coat. The Ibezan Hound was fully recognized by the AKC in 1979. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Irish Wolfhound |
|
A massive, muscular dog, the Irish
Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds in the world. This gentle
giant can reach the size of a small pony. Standing on his hind
legs the Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 7 feet tall! He has a
rough, shaggy coat and wiry bushy eyebrows. Colours include
grey, brindle, red, black or white. Gray is the most common
colour. The paws are large and round, with markedly arched toes
and strong, curved nails. It has a long head with a moderately
pointed muzzle and a muscular arched neck. The chest is very
deep and it has a well retracted abdomen. The shoulders are
strong. The Irish Wolfhound gives the appearance of both
strength and grace. The tail hangs down with a slight curve. The
ears are carried back against the head except when the animal is
excited, when they my prick up part-way. |
|
Temperament |
Irish Wolfhounds are
sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful and very
intelligent. Excellent, and can be trusted with, children.
Dignified and willing, they are unconditionally loyal to their
owner and family. Not a guard dog by nature, but may be a
deterrent simply due to his size. They tend to greet everyone as
a friend, so do not count on them being a watch dog. This giant
breed can be clumsy. Slow to mature, it takes two whole years
before they are full grown. However, they grow rapidly and
high-qualify food is essential. Let a puppy decide for itself
how much exercise it wants. Forced exercise and long distance
walks are too taxing for this dog's body when it is young. The
Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. He responds well to
firm, but gentle training. This approach with plenty of
understanding will go a long way because this dog quickly grasps
what you intend. Make sure the young dog is given as much
self-confidence as possible and that you are always consistent
with it, so that it grows into an equable, confident dog. Teach
it not to pull on its leash before it gets too strong. This calm
dog gets along well with other dogs. This is also true with
other animals if the dog has gotten to know them when it was
still young. However, it might "course" a smaller dog in an
open yard. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: 28-35 inches (71-90 cm.)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
These dogs are prone to
cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, bloat, PRA, Von Willebrands, and
hip dysplasia. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Irish Wolfhound is not
recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive
indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. You must
have a lot of room in your home, heart, yard and car to
successfully own this giant breed. They need to be part of the
family and would be very unhappy in a kennel. Being sight hounds,
they will chase and so need a secure, fenced area for exercise. |
|
Exercise |
These giant dogs need lots of
space to run, but do not need any more exercise than smaller
breeds. They will adapt to their families situation, but would
love to go for long walks with its family. Puppies should be
allowed to choose how much exercise it needs. Too much forced
exercise is not good for its growth and development. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 6-8 years |
|
Grooming |
The rough, medium-length coat
needs regular and thorough grooming with a brush and comb. This
with keep the coat in good condition. About once or twice a year
pluck the coat to remove excess dead hair. This breed is an
average shedder. |
|
Origin |
Their ancestors were the Cu, a
massive shaggy-coated dog used for the pursuit of wolves, elk
and wild boar. Irish Wolfhounds were often given as royal
presents and eventually became such popular gifts that Oliver
Cromwell had to stop their export from Britain. The last wolf
was killed in Scotland in the early eighteenth century, and the
Wolfhound disappeared from Ireland in 1766. This breed was later
brought back to Ireland by the Romans. There it was carefully
breed in the second half of the 19th century by a British army
officer, Captain George Graham. The breed was revitalized by the
influx of Great Dane and Deerhound blood. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Italian Greyhound |
|
The Italian Greyhound is an
elegant, miniature fine-boned Greyhound with a long head
thinning gradually to a pointed muzzle. It has a dark nose, thin
lips and a healthy scissors bite. Like his larger cousins, the
brisket is deep, the abdomen tucked-in, and the back arched. The
fine narrow ears fold back along the head, but rise
perpendicular to the head when the dog is alert. The neck is
long and thin. The expressive eyes are large and dark. The tail
is straight ending in a slight curve. The Italian Greyhound has
an easy-care short, sleek coat in solid grey, slate grey, cream,
red, fawn, black, or blue - often broken up with white markings
on the chest and feet, or white with colour markings. A flecked
version also exists but are not accepted in all countries. The
Italian Greyhound has a high-stepping gait. |
|
Temperament |
The Italian Greyhound is a gentle,
submissive and affectionate dog. They become very attached to
their masters and can be reserved with strangers. Playful and
intelligent, generally these dogs are not difficult to train
provided their handler is consistent with them. They are often
naughty and are aware of it. It is important that you can see
the funny side when things go wrong but this does not mean
allowing them to take advantage of you. This dog can be high
strung and timid and must be handled very gently. This is a pet
for a quiet household where there are no lively children,
although they do get along well with behaved children and other
dogs and cats. In a stressful situation it needs constant
reassurance by stroking. They are very dependent and peaceful.
It can be snappish if it is frightened. This breed can be
difficult to housebreak. They are generally easy to get along
with and take care of. This dog is extremely fast! Young Italian
Greyhounds are very active. They can climb wire fencing and are
very inquisitive - jumping from chair to table tops to nearby
furniture. They are not good companions for large dogs. They do
get along well with other Italian Greyhounds and some recommend
that you have more than one of this fine breed. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm.)
Weight: 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg.)
There are two weight varieties: 8 pounds (4 kg.) maximum, and
over 8 pounds (4 kg.). |
|
Health Problems |
The Italian Greyhound is hardier
than it appears. The adult dog is certainly not delicate but
until they are about eighteen months old, their bones are quite
fragile and they can break a leg rather easily. Italian
Greyhounds are prone to slipped stifle, fractures, PRA and
epilepsy. Bitches whelp easily and are well-suited to
motherhood. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Italian Greyhound is good for
apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay
without a yard. This breed is very sensitive to cold
temperatures and should wear a sweater to go out in the cold
weather. |
|
Exercise |
Italian Greyhounds are active
little dogs who enjoy a good walk and love to run free and play.
Because Italian Greyhounds like to play by running and bumping
into each other, play with groups of other Italian Greyhounds
should always be supervised to prevent accidental injury. Play
with other large dogs is not recommended. Italian Greyhounds may
be a good jogging companion for short distances, but they do
better as a walking companion. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
The Italian Greyhound is one of
the easiest dogs to groom. All that is needed to keep the fine,
silky coat gleaming is a rubdown with a piece of towelling or
chamois. Only bathe when absolutely necessary. After bathing
make sure the dogs is thoroughly dry and warm. The teeth should
be brushed regularly to keep tarter from building up, and the
toenails should be kept trimmed. This breed sheds little to no
hair. |
|
Origin |
The Italian Greyhound is a very
old Greyhound. Interestingly, a dog similar to the Italian
Greyhound of today was found in a 6000 year old Egyptian tomb.
Like the Greyhound, this breed was brought to Europe by the
Phoenicians. The breed was later developed by the Romans. As
evidence, a small Greyhound was found in an ancient lava flow in
Pompeii. During the sixteenth century, this delicate dog became
popular with European nobility, and is portrayed in many
paintings of that time. The breed was favoured by Catherine the
Great of Russia, James I of England, Anne of Denmark and Queen
Victoria, among others. Frederick the Great of Prussia liked his
little Italian Greyhound so much, he even took one to war with
him. When his Italian Greyhound died, he buried him with his own
hands on the grounds of his Sands Souci Palace. In 1991,
Frederick's family granted his dying wishes and transferred his
remains to Sans Souci, and placed them beside his little Italian
Greyhound. A nineteenth century African chieftain was so taken
with these graceful dogs that he offered 200 cattle in exchange
for a single specimen. The Italian Greyhound is an excellent
companion dog. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Pharaoh Hound |
|
The Pharaoh Hound is a graceful,
athletic sight hound. The muscles are lithe, never heavy. The
head is wedge-shaped and chiselled. The flat skull and muzzle
are long and slim. The small eyes are amber or light brown. The
ears are very large and stand erect. The nose is tan and
speckled with pink. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite.
The jaw is powerful. The neck is fairly long and slightly
arched. The brisket is deep and the abdomen moderately tucked
up. The whip-like tail is carried down, thick at the root,
tapering to a point. The front legs are straight. Removal of the
dewclaws is optional. The coat is short and glossy in red or
tan, often with white markings. A white tip on the tail is
preferred. A white star on the chest, white on toes and/or a
thin white line down the centre of the face are permitted. Any
white on the back of the dog is a disqualification.
|
|
Temperament
|
The Pharaoh Hound is reasonably
independent and a most pleasant companion dog. It is peaceful in
the house, loves to play, is calm, loyal, brave and loving.
Quiet, naturally well-behaved and intelligent. This breed loves
children, but treats strangers with reserve. When the dog is
excited, it blushes, with his nose and ears turning a glowing
deep rose. The Pharaoh Hound should not be too difficult to
train. The handler needs to be understanding of the dog's
character and to be consistent in approach. It can do well in
competitive obedience. Socialize the Pharaoh well at an early
age to avoid timidity. Generally good with other dogs, but can
be rather dominant toward other male dogs. This breed is very
fast and likes to chase things. A fast hunter, it should not be
trusted with rabbits, cats and other small non-canine pets.
Don't let this dog off the leash except in a safely contained
area. |
|
Height, Weight
|
Height: Dogs 23-25 inches (59-63
cm.) Bitches 21-24 inches (53-61 cm.)
Weight: 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
This is a very healthy and hardy
breed, but beware, the Pharaoh can be highly sensitive to
insecticides and medicines. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Pharaoh Hound will be okay in
an apartment if sufficiently exercised. It is relatively
inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. It
needs soft bedding and warmth and generally should not be
expected to sleep outside except in warm climates... but it
would still prefer to sleep with its family. This breed likes to
chase things and should not be let off the leash unless it is in
a safe area. They can go far away from you if they spy or scent
wild game because they never loose their instinct to hunt alone.
To prevent this you will need a secure, high fence around your
yard. They can jump very high to get out of a space.
|
|
Exercise |
The Pharaoh Hound relishes the
opportunity to stretch its legs in a safe area - with frequent
long runs. Try to set aside an hour each day to bicycle while
the dog runs alongside you on a leash, although it can manage
with a long daily walk on the leash and occasional sprints.
|
|
Life Expectancy |
About 11-14 years. |
|
Grooming |
The Pharaoh Hound needs little
grooming. It is only necessary to remove dead and loose hair
with a rubber brush. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary.
The Pharaoh Hound is a clean dog with no doggy odour. This breed
is an average shedder. |
|
Origin |
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest
domesticated dog breeds in the world (estimated to have
originated around 4000 to 3000 B.C.) The breed's exact origin
has been lost in the sands of time, but one belief is it began
in Ancient Egypt, where a lithe, red, prick-eared sight hound,
undeniably the close and direct ancestor of today's Pharaoh
Hound, was used to hunt and chase down small game using its keen
eyesight, sense of smell, and acute hearing. Through numerous
Egyptian artefacts and writings, we have learned that this
unique dog was treasured not only as an adept and able hunter,
but also as a loyal and intelligent companion to the royal
pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. For the past 2000 years, however, the
Mediterranean island of Malta has been exclusively responsible
for preserving and developing the breed into the Pharaoh Hound
we know today. Since it has been living exclusively
in the islands of Malta since time immemorial, the breed's
origin is internationally recognized as Malta. The Maltese
Islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean about 50
miles south of Sicily. In Malta the hound is known as the Kelb
Tal-Fenek which literally translated means "Dog of the rabbit."
The main task of the Kelb Tal-Fenek is to hunt wild rabbits.
Ancient Maltese farmers and hunters highly appreciated the Kelb
Tal-Fenek as an outstanding rabbit hunter, and still today, many
farmers and hunters in Malta take immense pride in owning the
Kelb Tal-Fenek. The Kelb Tal-Fenek is both a sight hound as well
as a scent hound. His way of hunting its prey is unique,
together with its Mediterranean cousins- the Ibezan Hound, the
Cirneco Dell Etna, the Portuguese Podengo, and the Podenco
Canario. The Kelb Tal-Fenek uses its sense of smell to a marked
degree (scent hound) when searching for its prey. When the prey
bolts, its sight hound instincts come into play and the hound is
in full flight in strong pursuit of its prey. The versatility of
the breed does not, however, end here. The Kelb Tal-Fenek is a
good guard dog, and also accompanies goats and sheep on their
way to the pasture. The Kelb Tal-Fenek occasionally is also used
as a gundog to flush and retrieve quail and woodcock. In honour
of its importance and heritage, the dog was officially declared
Malta's national hound in 1974. Maltese Lira coins were minted
in 1977 depicting the Kelb Tal-Fenek on the reverse. During the
1960's Kelb Tal-Feneks were imported to England and to the
United States. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1983. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Saluki |
|
The appearance of the Saluki is
one of total grace and balance. They have an unusual gait when
they are at top speed: all four of their legs are in the air at
the same time. It has a slim, Greyhound-like body with long
silky feathering on the ears and tail. There is also a rarer
smooth variety with no feathering. The Smooth coat is generally
a bit coarser than the feathered variety's silky coat. The coat
comes in black & tan, fawn, white, cream, gold and red, as well
as various combinations of these. Salukis with a patch of white
in the middle of the forehead are thought by Bedouin tribes to
have "the kiss of Allah" and is regarded as special. The head is
narrow and well-proportioned, tapering gradually toward the
nose. The ears are long and hanging. It has sturdy jaws and
large skinny eyes that are either light or dark brown with a
sweet, dignified expression. The Saluki's neck is elegant and
flexible. Its body is very elongated, with oblique muscular
shoulders. The feet are thickly haired between the toes for
protection from rough terrain. |
|
Temperament |
The Saluki are even-tempered and
sensitive. Gentle, affectionate, but not demonstrative. This
loyal dog may become attached to one person. Good with gentle
older children. They are too slim for roughhousing. The breed
can't take harsh discipline or strictness. They can be trained
only with love and consistency. This breed will never be
perfectly obedient so do not set your expectations too high.
Sensitive and friendly, but somewhat aloof, even with his
family. They are fairly submissive to dominant people and dogs
and are easily distracted and somewhat skittish (especially with
other dogs). The Saluki do best with another Saluki. They are a
pleasant and calm companion and make a good watchdog. Though not
aggressive with people, the Saluki's natural instinct is to
chase and kill non-canine animals. This is a proper function and
this trait should not be discouraged within the breed. They may
need obedience training to keep their deep-rooted hunting
instincts under control, however with few exceptions it has
proven impossible to train these dogs not to hunt at all. As a
result, many pets such as birds, guinea pigs and rabbits are not
recommended for Saluki owners. They can be good with cats if the
cat is left to its own instinctive abilities. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: 23-28 inches (58-71cm.)
Weight: 29-66 pounds (13-30kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
The Saluki is prone to some
genetic eye diseases and cancer. They can get sunburn especially
on the nose. |
|
Living Conditions |
The Saluki is not recommended for
apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do
best with acreage. This breed should sleep indoors. Warm
temperatures are most comfortable, but very hot weather can be
uncomfortable. |
|
Exercise |
The Saluki is a natural athlete
that needs a lot of exercise. They are happiest when running,
however many are lost or killed when they are allowed to get
free. This very independent dog can never be off its lead except
in an isolated, scouted area. These dogs hunt on sight. They
will pay no attention to their handler's calls if they are
chasing something. In some countries they are not permitted to
be left off of their lead at all. Saluki run at top speeds of 40
mph (55km./h) or more with their feet barely touching the
ground. These top speeds are reached in short spurts, but they
also have exceptional endurance. They are not great for jogging
because they will run faster than humans. An excellent way to
exercise them is to trot them alongside your bike. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
|
Grooming |
This odour-free dog's coat is easy
to groom. Just occasionally brush and comb, especially on the
longer-haired parts of the dog. The ears should be checked
regularly to make sure they are clean. The Saluki is an average
shedder. |
|
Origin |
The royal dog of Egypt, the Saluki
may be as old as the oldest known civilization. They were named
after the Arabian city "Saluki" in the Middle East, which is now
vanished beneath the sands. Their bodies were often found
mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves, and their
pictures appear in ancient Egyptian tombs dating from 2100 BC.
This breed is thought of by the Muslims as a sacred gift of
Allah, so these dogs were never sold but only offered as gift of
friendship or homage. The Saluki is also known as the Gazelle
Hound, Arabian Hound, or Persian Greyhound, and as its
appearance suggests, it is probably quite closely related to
another ancient breed: the Afghan Hound. It is native to the
area from eastern Turkestan to Turkey. The Saluki is a brilliant
desert sight hunter capable of incredible speed and agility over
rough terrain. The Saluki was used to course gazelle, the
fastest of the antelopes. They have also been used to hunt fox,
jackal, and hare. In the West, this breed is primarily a
companion pet and show dog, although they have also been
successful as racing dogs. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Staghound |
|
The American Staghound is not
recognized as a breed, but is a type of sight hound that is used
to pursue (course) a variety of quarry (game). Although he is
not recognized as a breed, some "lines" have been bred together
longer than some recognized modern breeds. The best way to
visualize the American Staghound is to blend together the
characteristics of the Scottish Deerhound with the
Greyhound.
He is a running dog with the physical characteristics that would
be referred to as the Greyhound prototype. He has long legs,
deep chest, and strong muscles. The Staghound has great visual
acuity, and some have been bred for some scenting ability while
on course. He can be found in any assortment of colour or
colour patterns that can be found in the Greyhound and Scottish
Deerhound. There are three coat types: the "shag" which more
closely resembles the Scottish Deerhound, the "slick" which more
closely resembles the Greyhound, and the broken which is in
between the two. The American Staghound has all of the physical
and mental characteristics needed for running down his quarry.
He is known for having speeds that approach that of a Greyhound,
but unlike a Greyhound, some specimens have incredible
endurance. |
|
Temperament |
Very calm around the home. They crave
the attention of humans and are very affectionate to their
owner. Although he is primarily used for coursing quarry, the
American Staghound makes a wonderful companion. In recent years
there appears to be more interest in the Staghound as a pet. He
is good with children, but his size can pose a problem to the
young. Most Staghounds are wonderful watchdogs due to their
excellent vision, but they are not guardians or protective.
Staghounds are very fast but are not hyper active. To some
people the Staghound even appears to be a bit lazy around the
home once mature. The coursing instinct in the American
Staghound is unsurpassed, so anything that runs may be
considered quarry. In the field he is courageous, tenacious,
and very determined that will course anything from a rabbit to a
deer. The Staghound is pack orientated so it may accept other
dogs he knows, but pets such as cats are a challenge that may
not ever be overcome, however other Staghounds live happily
with cats. Staghounds throughout history have been bred for one
purpose, TO HUNT!! Only the best hunters are bred, therefore
even puppies raised in a home grow into some very strong hunting
instincts. Most Staghounds are used for hunting predators not
prey. Rather than hunt something like a rabbit that will not
fight back when caught, they are instinctively hunting something
like a coyote that acts like a wild buzz saw when caught. They
have to be muzzled when unsupervised or running off leash. They
require a special pen to keep them separate from the other
animals when the owner is not able to supervise. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Males 26-30 inches (67-77 cm.)
Females 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.)
Weight: Males 55-90 pounds (25-41 kg.) Females 45-75 pounds
(20-34 kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
There are no known genetic health
problems, because most Staghounds have hybrid vigour. Being
bred for countless generations for function, the American
Staghound is very healthy. Due to their low percentage of body
fat to muscle ratio, the Staghound is sensitive to anaesthesia.
They should not be run after eating a big portion of food due to
torsion bloat concerns. |
|
Living Conditions |
Not an apartment dog, but can do well
in an urban setting if giving time to exercise in a fenced in
yard or taken on walks. Best suited for rural areas. The shag
variety can acclimate to harsh winter condition, while the slick
requires extra attention during cold winter. Most are kept
outdoors, but all prefer the comforts of living in the home. |
|
Exercise |
The Staghound requires daily exercise
to mature physically and mentally. Being a calm animal the
Staghound doesn’t require exercise to burn off excess energy,
but he lives to run. A daily walk is sufficient, but it is
better to obtain a safe place that will provide free running.
The Staghound would be a perfect companion for a person who jogs
or rides bike often. |
|
Life Expectancy |
12-14 years or more if properly cared
for. A true confirmed story of one particular Staghound states
that a male sired two litters at 16 years of age! |
|
Grooming |
Just a periodic brushing from time to
time, depending on type of coat. |
|
Origin |
The American Staghound is primarily the
result of Scottish Deerhound and Greyhound genetics of unknown
genetic percentages. For the most part, the Staghound has been
bred Staghound to Staghound since the 1700’s. He is not the
direct progeny of a pure Scottish Deerhound crossed with a pure
Greyhound. When America was settled
the Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound, and possibly their crosses
found their way to the New World. Coursing quarry was used for
sport, food, and fur. For the first time ever, the coyote was
coursed with running dogs. Coursing dogs have been used for
wolf in other countries as well as in America, but the coyote
posed a new challenge. The coyote is faster than the wolf, and
pound for pound fights as hard as a wolf. Over the course of
settlement and Westward expansion it was found that the cross
between the very fast fine boned Greyhound with the more robust
Scottish Deerhound gave a mighty fine coursing animal used for
coyote in difficult terrain. The Scottish Deerhound also
contributed his rough jacket and better scenting abilities.
Staghound was bred to Staghound and was most often culled
specifically for characteristics that favoured the pursuit of
coyote. A few hundred generations of this sort of breeding lead
to what many refer to as the epitome of coyote coursing
sight hounds. In essence, the American Staghound was born.
General George A. Custer used the Staghound in 1846 as part of
his dog pack that he used to course on a variety of North
American animals. The Staghound has always been in the hands of
huntsmen, and without the right to pursue quarry with running
dogs the Staghound will go extinct |
|
|
Back to List |
|
Whippet |
|
The Whippet looks like a small
Greyhound. He is graceful and slender, but actually quite hardy.
The fine dense coat comes in many colours: brindle, black, red,
fawn, tigered white or slate blue, either solid-collared or
mixed. The muzzle is long and slender and the overall impression
is one of streamlined elegance. This miniature-looking Greyhound
has small rose-shaped ears, an elegantly arched neck, a deep
chest, and its back is long and broad. The abdomen is retracted,
and the tail is pointed. |
|
Temperament |
The Whippet is intelligent,
lively, affectionate, sweet, and docile. This very devoted
companion is quiet and calm in the home. This breed should never
be roughly trained, for they are extremely sensitive both
physically and mentally. Be sure to introduce plenty of variety
when training this breed. The best results will be achieved by
including games and running but remember, although they are very
intelligent and will learn quickly, you will never achieve
"perfect" obedience from this breed due to their independent
nature. They are good with children of all ages as long as the
children do not roughhouse or tease the dog. Whippets are clean,
virtually odour free, easy to care for and easy to travel with.
They are good watchdogs and may be reserved with strangers. They
will pursue and kill cats and other small animals if given the
opportunity, but are good with other dogs. Household cats that
they are raised with and have become accustom to will be left
along. They can be used to hunt. The Whippet's sweet personality
makes him a fine companion dog. The Whippet is the ultimate
sprinter, unsurpassed by any other breed in its ability to
accelerate to top speed and to twist and turn with matchless
dexterity. Some can be difficult to housebreak while others
housebreak quickly. |
|
Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 19 inches (47cm.)
Bitches 17 inches (44cm.)
Weight: Dogs 18-28 pounds (8-12kg.) Bitches 12-20 pounds
(5-9kg.) |
|
Health Problems |
Prone to stomach upset and skin
problems. |
|
Living Conditions |
This breed is sensitive to the
cold. Wearing a coat is advised in the winter. They will do okay
in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. Whippets are
calm indoors and a small yard will do. |
|
Exercise |
The Whippet kept as a pet should
have regular opportunities to run free on open ground (in a safe
area) as well as a brisk daily walk on a leash. They are
sight hound and will chase and kill small animals so a fenced
yard is essential. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
The Whippet's smooth, fine,
short-haired coat is easy to groom. A regular rub all over with
a damp chamois will keep the coat gleaming. Brush with a firm
bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat of the
Whippet is virtually free of "doggie odour." This breed is an
average shedder. |
|
Origin |
The Whippet was developed at the
end of the 19th century through crossing among the Greyhound,
the Italian Greyhound, and the Terrier. Its name derives from
the expression "whip it" meaning to move quickly. The Whippet is
an outstanding track racer over short distances reaching speeds
of up to 37 miles per hour (60km. per hour) - in seconds!
Coursing these dogs was an entertaining form of gambling for the
lower classes in England. Some of the Whippet's talents include:
hunting, sighting, watch dogging, racing, agility, and lure
coursing. |
|
|
Back to List |
|
