Greyhounds: description, types and rules of maintenance

Greyhound dog breeds are a large group of hunting tetrapods that are indispensable for tracking down small animals. They have super-sharp eyesight and are capable of increased speed. Such dogs have rather long, muscular legs, which is why these breeds are usually used to feed foxes and hares.

Some researchers argue that greyhounds are one of the first dogs that helped ancient people track and drive prey. However, this judgment has no basis at all. Just think, even in the ice age, which ended only 10 thousand years ago, the mammoth was the main prey of man. It was extremely profitable to hunt this giant animal, since a large amount of meat could be obtained from it at once, and a loyal dog would be very useful to hunters.

However, given the size of the mammoth, it can be assumed that strength was required for its corral, and not at all the speed of running, and therefore it makes no sense to look for the ancestors of modern greyhounds in the Stone Age.

That is why it is not possible to determine the exact time and place of appearance of greyhounds. The only evidence that indirectly indicates the domestication of such dogs is considered to be ancient Egyptian images - it can be argued that it was in Ancient Egypt that the first ancestors of these amazing animals appeared. However, some scholars argue that the images of that period are more reminiscent of hounds or Spitz. Most often these were greyhound-like dogs or half-hairs.

In 1891, a book by the Russian researcher G. Rosen "An Essay on the History of a Greyhound Dog" was published, where he talked about the ancient hunting dogs. The scientist argued that images dating back to the times of ancient civilizations resemble a rather unusual and strange greyhound - with large erect ears and a tail curled into a ring, which does not indicate their close relationship with modern representatives of the breed.

In any case, most experts agree that, most likely, real greyhounds could not have appeared before a man tamed horses - hunting on foot as a trade could hardly be effective, and it didn’t make sense as an entertainment either. According to reports, horses were domesticated about 5 millennia ago in Central Asia. 2000 BC. NS. they spread to Arabia, Egypt and Mesopotamia - that is, to those places where, according to existing data, the greyhounds appeared.

It is known that nothing in the world happens by itself - the emergence of any breed of dogs was primarily determined by the needs of people, the need for a certain specialization and was subject to changing external conditions. This is exactly what happened with hunting dogs.

It is also necessary to take into account the fact that in ancient times the lands of the Middle East and North Africa were not deserted. They were distinguished by a favorable climate, rich flora and fauna - lions, as well as rhinos and antelopes were found here. Therefore, there was simply no special need to use swift dogs for hunting, it was much easier to arrange a massive raid or capture prey by ambush.

Centuries passed and under the influence of man, the area changed its appearance. Numerous herds devastated pastures, plowed up the soil surface, and the resulting erosion led to the formation of deserts. So, gradually, over thousands of years, the flora and fauna became more and more scarce. At that moment, a person was forced to start hunting small, but at the same time very mobile animals in open areas - it was for this purpose that a breed of dogs was created, which can very quickly and briskly overtake prey. So greyhounds appeared, differing high speed, exceptional agility and agility.

Greyhounds belong to one of the types of hounds, they have unique characteristics that distinguish them from other groups of dogs.

• Agility - they can develop a fairly high running speed and cover short distances in a few seconds. The main task of such animals is to overtake prey before it crosses the forest belt - the fact is that animals of this breed have developed not a sense of smell, but vision, and they are unsuitable for searching in massifs with trees.
• The behavior of such dogs varies significantly depending on whether he works alone or together with a pack. In the first case, the dog will patiently sit next to its breeder and will not suddenly rush in pursuit of the animal, and in the second, it will arrange a round-up.
• Animals have a balanced character and attractive appearance. These dogs are optimal for people with an active lifestyle, making morning jogs, long walks and cycling.
• The tetrapods are eager to keep company with their owner, but they are never overly intrusive.

In general, the character of these dogs is rather contradictory - they are very attached to their master, have real love for members of his family, but in relation to strangers they are quite capable of showing decisiveness, insolence and even aggression.During training and training, they often demonstrate a fair amount of stubbornness that can only be broken by rewards - the whip method does not work with such animals.

These dogs easily tolerate the short-term absence of their owners, therefore they will not play dirty tricks from lack of attention or idleness.

Another trait of greyhounds is natural curiosity, these dogs need to constantly explore new spaces and territories. Developed hunting instincts make them unfriendly towards other pets. If greyhounds are forced to share territory with other dogs or cats, then they need a long time for moral getting used to such living conditions. But it is better to avoid acquaintance with rodents and birds - the genes of the ancestors do their job, and the dogs open up a real hunt.

Greyhounds treat babies very well and will become great nannies for them, who responsibly look after children and protect them from all kinds of dangers. Depending on climatic conditions, the appearance of greyhound dogs can vary significantly.

Today there are a huge number of sighthound dog breeds. Let's consider some of them in more detail.

This animal is better known under the name "kangaroo". The breed was created in Australia and for a long time served for hunting kangaroos, the rapidly increasing population of which caused significant damage to agriculture. The dogs were characterized by ingenuity, instinct and dexterity.

Nowadays, they are most often taken as companions or as effective hunters for small animals. They work exclusively on flat lands, withstand high temperatures with resistance, due to their exceptional endurance they can pursue their prey for several hours. Now the breed is not popular and is rarely kept in city apartments. The animal is too aggressive and demands long training in the process of education and training.

As the name suggests, this dog originated in the valley of the same name in the Old World. These creatures were brought in by nomads from the Middle East as hunters and guards. Animals can easily drive any small animal, they are especially effective on plains and in fields.

A characteristic feature of the dogs of this breed is very high and muscular paws, due to which they easily catch up with even lions and can run for several hours even under the scorching sun. Dogs are completely non-contact, they are characterized by aloof and wild behavior, therefore they cannot be bred in residential buildings.

The second name of this breed is slugs. The animal is widespread on the African continent, specializes in the corral of hares, fennec foots and wild boars, and can act as a guard.

This dog is distinguished by its agility of movements - while running, the animal puts its front paws quite far forward and can make very sharp turns. They are friendly, well-mannered and reserved pets, but they are adapted only for working in warm countries - these dogs tolerate cold very badly.

The dog appeared in Afghanistan to feed foxes, wild boars and small game. The animal is able to withstand a wide variety of climatic conditions.

Greyhound develops higher speeds and overcomes any obstacles, therefore it can work both on flat terrain and in thickets. By nature, it is independent dogs, but at the same time, in any situation, always loyal to their owner.

This dog belongs to the category of oriental greyhounds.Initially, the breed was bred for hunting ungulates, today it is more often used to corral wolves, as well as foxes and hares.

The animal is adapted to work in mountainous, flat or wooded areas, the dog shows exceptional speed and agility, has a good sense of smell and excellent eyesight... The character of the Afghan hounds is calm, self-possessed and obedient, but in the process of hunting, animals become very reckless and even aggressive.

It belongs to a hunting breed, but lags significantly behind its counterparts in terms of endurance and physical capability of prolonged pursuit. But in the race for short distances they have no equal, therefore Greyhounds are mainly bred for hunting foxes and hares.

This breed was originally introduced in Scotland, where dogs were widely bred to hunt deer - the dog is quite capable of catching up and even killing this animal alone.

Deerhounds are active dogs that are characterized by inexhaustible energy and exceptional strength. To keep in shape, they need constant training and high physical activity every day. The character of these greyhounds is non-aggressive, submissive and extremely trusting.

It is one of the largest hunting dogs in the entire world. The animals originated in Ireland, where they were used for paddocking in fields and woodlands. In work, the animal is helped by keen eyesight and perfect instinct. The character of the wolfhound is very peaceful, pets are distinguished by their loyalty, kindness and affection for all members of their family.

Known as one of the oldest breeds that has long served as a running dog. This animal has exceptional scent, therefore almost never gets off the track... Galgo is a kind calm dog, however it should not be kept in an apartment, since the animal needs the ability to walk on its own in an open street space.

It is impossible not to dwell on the cases of cruelty with these dogs existing in Spain. In this country, animals are brought in exclusively for the hunting season, and then the owners themselves abandon or even kill them - for the Spaniards, dogs are only a mechanism that facilitates hunting. Actions aimed at protecting pets are carried out by activists in all countries, but so far they have not yielded any results.

The breed became widespread in Kyrgyzstan, where it is used for work in forest and mountainous lands to catch wolves, badgers, foxes and even a mountain goat. The work of taigans in pairs is especially effective.

This is one of the shortest greyhounds. It was first presented in Italy. The Italian greyhound has a highly developed hunting instinct, the animal has excellent eyesight and all the instincts necessary for hunting.

If we talk about character, then this gentle and well-mannered animals that do not show aggressiveness towards people. Dogs are desirable to keep in rural areas, since they need frequent and very long walks.

A variety of Hungarian greyhounds, which continues to form to this day. The animal is capable of developing an increased speed and, during the hunt, move away from its owner for several kilometers.

Greyhounds easily overcome obstacles, possess ingenuity, passion and contact. Animals are easy to train.

The breed was presented in Russia, therefore it endures a wide variety of natural and climatic conditions. The dog hunts small animals and large prey. In his work he uses his keen eyesight and excellent instinct, in business he is aggressive and too recklessly. Pets are loyal and loyal; they are not suitable for keeping in an urban environment.

A greyhound native to the UK, designed for paddock in wooded and flat areas in temperate climates. Dogs have strong paws, so they can develop fairly high speeds, have good eyesight and flair.

This breed was developed in the south of Russia and is intended for hunting saigas and wolves, the animal works in the steppe, on the plain and in the fields. It easily withstands both cold and heat, but in severe frosts it can get sick. It is most effective when running over short distances, it is easy to train. Such greyhounds are not kept in apartments.

Summing up, we can say that representatives of all sighthound breeds, be it Estonian, Moscow or any other, can have a different appearance. Dogs are short-haired, long-haired, smooth-haired, bald, dwarf, they have their own characteristics of character and temperament, various hunting methods, but in any case all they are united by exceptional flair and keen eyesight.

Puppies and adult greyhounds are undemanding in grooming, although they need special attention from their owners. The fact is that these are very beautiful dogs, so all owners want them to look well-groomed and spectacular. However, the greyhound easily takes on some of the worries, which cannot but please its owner. Nevertheless, you should not completely shift the responsibility onto the animal.

• The dog should be brushed at least once a week with a special brush. Please note that pets of this breed shed quite a lot, so this procedure should not be neglected.
• Dogs are bathed infrequently - 3-4 times a year or if necessary. For washing, you need to use special shampoos and conditioners.
• A very important part of the general care of a pet is taking care of its paws - the hair between the toes needs to be trimmed from time to time.
• Dogs with developed hound instincts require space and the ability to play regularly, they need a lot of physical activity, so the pet must be provided with a large number of a wide variety of exercises. Otherwise, the physical form of the dog will deteriorate, and this often leads to illness.
• At least once every 7-10 days, you need to treat the dog's ears with boric acid to clean out the sulfur, and you should also regularly wipe your eyes with chamomile infusion or a weak furacilin solution.
• Greyhound's claws usually grind off on their own, but if this does not happen, you need to process them with a nail clipper.

If caring for a dog does not require special efforts from its breeder, then in terms of feeding this animal is very demanding. The greyhound is distinguished by a strong bone structure and developed muscles, therefore it requires the highest quality and nutritious food. At least 80% of the animal's diet should be meat, the remaining 30% should be cereals, vegetables, herbs. If the owner prefers to give dry food, then it is worth making a choice in favor of premium or super-premium formulations.

Unlike other breeds of dogs, it is better to feed greyhounds not 1-2 times a day, but in fractional portions in several doses throughout the day - it significantly improves the digestion of the pet.

In the next video, you will find a fascinating reportage about the Russian greyhound dog.