From the history of the appearance of greyhounds
The homeland of varieties of this breed is Arabia. From there they went to Egypt. The ancestors of the dogs are pariahs, who, as a result of natural selection, formed the traits that are characteristic of the baiting dogs of the desert territory. Dated 4000 BC. e. fragments of ceramics with images of dogs, which have obvious features of these animals, were found in the historical part of Susa.
Additional Information. In Jebel Barkal, rock paintings depict dogs of this breed, which are similar to slugs. And in one of the tombs of Ancient Egypt, mummies of such dogs were found, as well as drawings and sculptures with their silhouettes.
Features of Russian greyhounds
The Russian Longhair dog is similar to a husky and has the following characteristics:
- the height of a greyhound - male and female - is 65-80 cm;
- body weight – 35-47 kg;
- lives up to 10-12 years;
- is a born hunter;
- By nature she is majestic and capricious, calm and devoted to her owner.
Note! A hunting greyhound dog of this breed, along with pointers, gets along well with other breeds, but sometimes perceives others as prey due to its origin.
Cirneco del Etna
The Cirneco dell'Etna is similar to other greyhounds. However, they are smaller. The height at the withers is 46–52 cm. Representatives of this breed are very thin, but look elegant.
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The ears are very large and long. The coat is short. She is straight and tough. Some even compare it to the fur of a horse.
Cirneco del Etna is found mainly in fawn color only. However, white markings that are located on the head are acceptable. This dog gets attached to people. She is friendly and smart. The dog will listen to its owner. They practically do not find a common language with other animals. This is especially true for dogs whose height is smaller.
Rudeness and cruel behavior in education only scares them away.
You can buy puppies of this breed in the following nurseries:
- Mia Santo's
- KOLISTO S
- HOUSE OF HOUNDS
The average price is 45 thousand.
Differences between greyhounds and other dogs
Distinctive characteristics include the following facts:
- The agility that pets are able to demonstrate at a short distance. These dogs need to have time to grab the victim before he disappears into the forest, because the forest belt is unusual for this breed. The animal will not be able to finish the hunt successfully on it.
- One greyhound does not rush sharply and does not track down animals. More often she sits in ambush near the hunter. But in a pack, the pet acts differently; it quickly rushes forward while the rider lifts the animal.
- This breed's instincts are not valued; it has long been considered its shortcoming. When participating in the hunt, these dogs were only required to see, react, speed and attentiveness.
Horse hunting with greyhounds
Hunting by baiting has always been perceived not only as a way to obtain the necessary meat and skins, but also as a kind of sport. Among equestrian peoples this was one of the most common entertainments. And in general, for many centuries it was customary to go hunting on horseback. This kind of entertainment was practiced not only in Europe, but also in Asia and Arab countries. At that time, greyhounds were no less popular than birds.
In Rus', such entertainment was available only to princes and boyars; it was such an expensive hunt that became the main reason why the Russian greyhound received special attention among other hounds.
There are facts in history that suggest that in England there was a time when ordinary people were prohibited from owning this elite breed of dog, so that they would not join in the hunt and interfere with the entertainment of the upper class.
Differences between greyhounds by region
In the open areas of Asia and Africa, hunting was considered as a trade. To catch game, the dogs ran about 1 km alone. For such a hunt they had the following qualities:
- high endurance and agility;
- the ability to independently track prey using sight and smell;
- the ability to wait for the hunter near the prey or deliver it directly to him.
In the east lived representatives of this breed with hanging ears, long hair, and a curled tail. Among them are the following types:
- eastern servants;
- Armenian basins;
- Taigans;
- Crimean and disappeared mountain ones.
Diversity of hound and greyhound breeds in the past
Based on research, such dogs are divided into the following types:
- broad-chested, which occurred as a result of mixing a shepherd with a greyhound;
- canids, distinguished by a wide forehead with a sharp crest;
- Crimean - with drooping ears;
- mountaineers - have a narrow forehead, elongated ears, a straight long neck and drooping ribs;
- pure dogs - this breed was bred by constantly mixing different types of animals;
- Moldavian - do not have agility, but have great endurance and strength;
- Khiva dogs are tall dogs with large ears.
Main types of greyhounds
All greyhound hunters are conventionally divided into several types:
- Busty.
- Canids.
- Crimean.
- Mountaineers.
- Moldavian.
- Khiva.
- Turkmen.
- Kyrgyz.
- Chistops.
Despite the long period of existence of this type of dog, there is still no established classification. It is worth noting that in the modern world, types of greyhound breeds may have different names.
Modern greyhound breeds
The greyhound dog, short-haired or long-haired, can be of different types, each with its own name.
Azawakh
This African breed has the chiseled body of an Egyptian figurine and the free soul of a wild wolf. This is one of the oldest dogs.
African breed
Afghan Hound
She is quite large, hardy and elegant, and is a real aristocrat in the dog world.
Note! These dogs have a majestic posture, a measured step and a dignified look.
Bakhmul
The Afghan Aboriginal dog is an ideal hunter in mountainous and desert areas. These dogs easily tolerate harsh natural conditions in the form of temperature changes and strong winds.
Galgo
The Spanish Galgo is a sociable dog that prefers to spend time with its family. The dog is comfortable in a warm, friendly environment. Conversely, in a house where people rarely communicate or quarrel, the dog experiences constant stress, which affects his health.
Greyhound
The English Greyhound runs quickly over short distances and is a hunting breed. Such dogs have a strong physique and high intelligence. They are easy to care for and do not require long walks.
Representative of a large purebred dog
Deerhound
The long-haired greyhound is a natural hunter and the largest member of the family. She needs long walks. The dog has a calm and friendly character.
Irish Wolfhound
A representative of this type of greyhound has the ability to make friends and be loyal. He was born for dangerous and difficult work.
Great Irish Wolfhound
Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhound is a small representative of the small Italian greyhound dog breed, bred in Italy. This smooth-haired greyhound dog is cautious, prone to active games, and friendly to people.
Magyar agar
This is a Hungarian short-haired dog designed for hunting hares and deer. She has high endurance.
Podenco Ibicenco
The Ibizan Greyhound has an athletic figure and is an excellent companion dog. There are types of such pets with long and short hair.
Podenco Canario
This is a small purebred dog with a strong build and an elongated head, with a slight transition from the forehead to a sharp muzzle.
Polish Hart
This breed of dog needs regular active physical activity, but is not picky about food.
Russian greyhound
This is a calm and sensitive dog, an ideal field hunting assistant. In color it can be black and tan or light. The dog responds to his owner's love.
On a note! This discreet and noble dog is not designed for rough handling or aggressive training.
Saluki
This dog is tall at the withers and can look elegantly lean. It was bred for unarmed hunting of small game and participation in long-distance dog racing.
Salukis have elongated ears with long hair in contrast to the covering on the body.
Slugi
This Arabian Greyhound has a slightly aloof character. She is sensitive and does not trust strangers.
Basins
The Central Asian breed is ancient and rare. Its representatives are independent and independent.
Taigan
An important feature of the Kyrgyz hound is the ability to hunt in mountainous areas at an altitude of 2-4 thousand meters above sea level.
Whippet
This small, smooth-haired dog can reach speeds of up to 60 km per hour, and in a straight line - up to 70 km per hour.
Pharaoh Hound
This dog is elegant, slender and muscular. Its body is covered with short fur of a bright red color.
The Pharaoh Hound has a beautiful red color
Hortaya
This breed was formed in Kievan Rus. The dog has a strongly built body, large thin bones and elongated proportions.
Cirneco del Etna
The Sicilian Greyhound has a clearly defined guarding instinct. Representatives of this breed cannot stand loneliness.
Exterior, behavior and features
Greyhounds have distinct external features, making them difficult to confuse with another group or breed of dog. They have very high legs, and the body and head are smooth and streamlined. The skin of greyhound breeds fits tightly to the body.
These dogs seem to be created for very fast running. They have large hearts and lungs, necessary for serious physical exertion, muscular legs and large hind legs, so that they can move in a quarry.
These dogs have a strong and balanced character, they never show aggression towards humans. Greyhounds have a pronounced hunting instinct, but quickly calm down after catching game. They live exclusively in flocks.
Who is a greyhound dog suitable for?
Such a pet cannot be called flexible and fulfills all the owner’s commands. Only stress-resistant people who lack thrills and adrenaline in life will be able to cope with representatives of this breed. The owner must be a fan of adventure and love wandering around the steppes with his dog in search of prey.
Important! It is not recommended to press on your pet; you need to be on an equal footing with it.
Whether it is a German greyhound (Drathaar or shorthaired pointer) or a French greyhound, such a pet is not intrusive and is often lazy. But this does not prevent him from being a loyal friend to his owner.
Photo and video review
In order not to confuse greyhound dog breeds, before purchasing you need to carefully read the descriptions of the representatives and photographs. After all, in a future pet, not only the character of a hunter is important, but also its appearance and size.
Despite the versatility of greyhound dogs, each of them first of all needs a moral attachment to the owner and careful care. Before getting a dog, you should familiarize yourself with the basic behavioral traits of your pet.
