Greyhound dogs: description, types and rules of keeping

Greyhounds of dogs are a large group of hunting tetrapods, which are indispensable for tracking small animals. They have super-sharp vision and are able to develop increased speed. Such dogs have rather long muscular legs, which is why these breeds are usually used for corral of foxes and hares.

Some researchers are of the opinion that greyhounds are one of the first dogs that helped ancient people track down and drive their prey. However, this judgment has no basis. Just think about it, even in the ice age, which ended only 10 thousand years ago, the main prey of man was the mammoth. Hunting this giant animal was extremely beneficial, since it was possible to get a large amount of meat from it at once, and a faithful dog for hunters would be very helpful.

However, given the dimensions of the mammoth, it can be assumed that for its corral, strength was required, and not running speed at all, and therefore it makes no sense to search 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 the appearance of greyhounds. Ancient Egyptian images are considered the only evidence indirectly indicating the taming of such dogs - it can be argued that It was in Ancient Egypt that the first ancestors of these amazing animals appeared. However, some scientists argue that the images of that period are more reminiscent of hounds or Spitz. Most often they were borzoi dogs or half spitzs.

In 1891, the book of the domestic researcher G. Rosen, “An Essay on the History of the Greyhound Dog,” was published, where he talked about ancient hunting dogs. The scientist claimed that the images dating back to the times of ancient civilizations resemble a rather unusual and strange greyhound - with large erect ears and a tail bent 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 appear before a man tamed horses - pedestrian hunting as a fishing could hardly be effective, and it did not make sense as an entertainment. According to reports, horses were tamed about 5 millennia ago in Central Asia. 2000 years BC e. they spread to Arabia, Egypt and Mesopotamia - that is, to those places where, according to existing data, greyhounds appeared.

It is known that nothing in the world happens on its own - the emergence of any dog ​​breed 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 necessary to take into account the fact that in ancient times the lands of the Middle East and North Africa were not deserted. They had a favorable climate, rich flora and fauna - there were lions, as well as rhinos and antelopes. Therefore, there was simply no particular need to use fast dogs for hunting, it was much easier to arrange a mass raid or capture prey by ambush.

Centuries passed and under the influence of man, the terrain changed its appearance. Numerous herds devastated pastures, uprooted the surface of the soil, and erosion caused the formation of deserts. So, gradually, over thousands of years, the flora and fauna became increasingly scarce. At that moment, a man was forced to start hunting small, but very mobile animals in open territories - it was for this purpose that a breed of dogs was created that can very quickly and briskly overtake prey. So there were greyhounds, different high speed, exceptional agility and agility.

Greyhounds are one of the types of hounds, they have unique features that distinguish them from other groups of dogs.

• Playfulness - they can develop a fairly high running speed and overcome 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 do not have developed sense of smell, but vision, and they are unsuitable for searching in arrays with trees.
• The behavior of such dogs varies significantly depending on whether he works alone or with the pack. In the first case, the dog will patiently sit next to its breeder and will not rush sharply in pursuit of the beast, and in the second, it will arrange a raid.
• Animals have a balanced character and attractive appearance. Such dogs are optimal for people leading an active lifestyle, doing morning jogging, long walks and cycling.
• Four-legged people are very willing to compose a company for their owner but they are never overly intrusive.

In general, the nature of these dogs is rather controversial - they are very attached to their master, have true love for members of his family, but with respect to outsiders they are quite capable of showing decisiveness, audacity and even aggression.During training and trainings, they often demonstrate a fair stubbornness that can be broken only with rewards - the whip method does not work with such animals.

These dogs easily tolerate the short-term absence of owners, so they will not become dirty because of a lack of attention or idleness.

Another feature 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 the territory with other dogs or cats, then they need a long time for moral getting used to such living conditions. But acquaintances with rodents and birds are best avoided - the ancestral genes do their job, and the dogs open a real hunt.

Greyhounds are very nice to babies and will become great babysitters for them who look after children responsibly and protect them from all sorts of dangers. Depending on climatic features, the appearance of greyhounds can vary significantly.

Today, there are a huge number of breeds of greyhound dogs. Let's consider some of them in more detail.

This animal is better known as the "kangaroo." The breed was created in Australia and for a long time served for hunting kangaroos, whose rapidly growing population caused significant damage to agriculture. Dogs were characterized ingenuity, instinct, and dexterity.

Nowadays, they are most often brought on as companions or as effective hunters of small animals. They work exclusively on flat lands, tolerate 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 found in urban apartments. The animal is too aggressive and requires lengthy training in the process of education and training.

As the name implies, this dog originated in the eponymous valley in the Old World. Nomads from the Middle East started these creatures as hunters and guards. Animals easily drive any small animal, they are especially effective on the plains and in the fields.

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

The second name of this breed is sluts. The animal is common on the African continent, specializing in the corral of a hare, fenech and boar, and can act as a guard.

This dog is distinguished by agility of movements - while running, the animal puts its forepaws quite far forward and can make very sharp turns. These are friendly, well-mannered and restrained pets, but they are adapted only for work in warm countries - these dogs tolerate cold very poorly.

The dog appeared in Afghanistan for the corral of foxes, wild boars and small game. The animal is able to tolerate a wide variety of climatic conditions.

The greyhound develops increased 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 always loyal to their master in any situation.

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

The animal is adapted to work in mountainous, flat or wooded areas, the dog exhibits exceptional speed and agility, differs in good scent and excellent sight. The character of the Afghan hounds is calm, restrained and obedient, but in the process of hunting animals become very gambling and even aggressive.

It belongs to the hunting breeds, but significantly lags behind its counterparts in terms of endurance and physical ability to pursue for a long time. But in the race for short distances they have no equal, because mostly Greyhounds are bred for fox and hare hunting.

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

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

This is one of the largest hunting dogs in the world. Animals arose in Ireland, where they were used for corral in the fields and in forests. In work, the animal helps sharp vision and perfect flair. The character of the wolfhound is very peaceful, the pets are loyal, kind and affectionate to all members of their family.

Known as one of the oldest breeds, which has long served as a running dog. This animal has exceptional scent, because it almost never stray from 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 open street space.

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

The breed is widespread in Kyrgyzstan, where it is used for work in forest and mountain lands to capture wolves, badgers, foxes and even a mountain goat. Particularly effective work of the Taigans in a pair.

This is one of the shortest greyhounds. It was first introduced in Italy. 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-bred animals that do not show aggression towards people. It is desirable to keep dogs in rural areas since they need frequent and very long walks.

A species of Hungarian greyhounds, which to this day continues to form. The animal is able to develop increased speed and during hunting to leave its owner for several kilometers.

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

The breed was introduced in Russia, therefore, it tolerates a wide variety of climatic conditions. The dog preys on small animals and large prey. In his work he uses his sharp eyesight and excellent instinct, in business he is aggressive and too reckless. Pets are faithful and loyal, for maintenance in urban conditions are not suitable.

Greyhound is a native of Great Britain, intended for corral in a wooded and flat area in a temperate climate. Dogs have strong paws, therefore they can develop quite high speeds, have good eyesight and instinct.

This breed was bred in southern 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 it can get sick in severe frosts. It is most effective when running for short distances, it is easy to train. In apartments such greyhounds do not contain.

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

Puppies and adult greyhounds are undemanding in care, although they need special attention from the 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 part of the cares upon itself, which cannot but please its owner. Nevertheless, it is not worth completely shifting responsibility to the animal.

• The dog must be combed at least once a week with a special brush. Please note that pets of this breed molt quite strongly, so this procedure should not be neglected.
• Dogs bathe infrequently - 3-4 times a year or if necessary. For washing you need to use special shampoos and conditioners.
• A very important component of the general care of the pet is taking care of its paws - the hair between the fingers needs to be cut 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 sulfur, and you should also regularly rub your eyes with chamomile infusion or a weak solution of furatsilin.
• Greyhound claws usually grind 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 proper nutrition. At least 80% of the animal's diet should be meat, the remaining 30% are cereals, vegetables, greens. If the owner prefers to give dry feed, then you should make a choice in favor of premium or super-premium formulations.

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

In the next video you will find a fascinating report about the Russian canine greyhound.