Types of greyhound dogs and their characteristics

Greyhounds are a group of hunting and baiting dog breeds renowned for their speed. Unlike other four-legged hunters, they rely not on smell, but on sight. For this reason, they are not used in dense thickets. There is no need for firearms either, since after finding the prey, the dogs catch and strangle it on their own.

Below you can get acquainted not only with the most popular representatives of the breed, but also with little-known ones. Despite some differences, they all have similar character traits and demeanor.

Breed Features

These dogs are easy to recognize by their appearance. The characteristics of the breed are manifested in characteristics common to all representatives:

• long muscular legs;
• dry and fit body with a streamlined shape;
• narrow, neat head.

Greyhounds have a contradictory character. They are always affectionate and obedient with their owner, but are not always friendly towards strangers. They also do not like to share territory with other pets. It takes them some time to get used to having another pet dog. Greyhounds obey only adults unquestioningly. They may show disobedience or even aggression towards children and adolescents.

Caring for a pet does not require much trouble, but you will have to bathe the dog often. Greyhounds are clean dogs and love water treatments. They need to have their nails trimmed once a week, otherwise they will experience discomfort when running. A greyhound's coat needs to be brushed regularly.

In training, greyhounds often show stubbornness, which can be overcome with the help of rewards. Dogs of this breed need an active pastime. Therefore, it is recommended to walk them at every opportunity. They love walks, jogging, and games. Greyhounds are usually in good health, but they often have stomach problems. The dog's diet should be carefully thought out and balanced.

The greyhound is an ancient hunting dog, its origin history goes back several thousand years. It is known that 4 varieties of this breed were previously bred on the territory of Russia: Hortaya greyhound, chestnut, hound and Krymka. Other researchers highlight their classifications. Modern greyhound breeds are spread all over the world, many of them are still developing and improving.

Brief historical background

The history of the origin of greyhounds, like most ancient dog breeds, is not known for certain. There are several versions on this matter, but none of them has found documentary evidence. According to the most common theory, the first greyhounds appeared in the Nile Valley (North-East Africa), where they helped people drive fast antelopes and other local ungulates. Many rock paintings dating back to 7–5 millennia BC have been found, depicting canines of a similar type. In ancient Egyptian tombs, not only drawings and figurines of such dogs were discovered, but also their mummies, as well as bone remains.

Images of dogs with a strong visual resemblance to modern greyhounds are found in rock paintings

Another version of the development of events attributes the right to breed greyhounds to the peoples of Central and Asia Minor, who used these animals when hunting on horseback in steppe and desert areas. Some researchers believe that greyhounds were no less in demand than hunting birds of prey. Gradually, the method of horse hunting and the dogs themselves migrated to the steppes of the Black Sea and Caspian regions through Iran and Afghanistan, and later to the northern regions of the Caucasus.

During the period of the Gallic wars (III-II centuries BC), the first greyhounds came to the European continent. However, these dogs became widespread throughout Europe only in the 11th-13th centuries during the period of the Crusades of conquest . Hunting with dogs independently catching up and squeezing the animal was extremely popular in subsequent centuries among the nobility and nobility.

There is inaccurate and somewhat vague information about hunting with greyhounds in Russia (European part), dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. More definitive data dates back to the 15th century, at which time dogs came to Rus' from the south (Asia, the Caucasus, etc.).

Azawakh

The Azawakh is an African hound. This dog is a born hunter; it quickly overtakes any game in open areas. Long legs allow her to easily catch up with even a lion. Dog breeders note the ability of this dog to hunt in any weather. They are usually delivered to the hunting site on horseback so that the greyhounds do not get tired ahead of time. In addition to hunting, the Azawakh successfully participates in various sports competitions; the dog's speed reaches 60 km/h. This breed has well-expressed qualities as a territory guard.

The disadvantage of the breed is its aloof, withdrawn character. The Azawakh does not interact well with people, does not get along well with children and is not suitable as a pet.

Main characteristics

The greyhound is an aristocratic dog. These animals love comfortable conditions, demand respect for their person and do not accept rude treatment, especially from the owner.

Galgo

The Spanish Galgo is one of the ancient breeds of greyhounds, distinguished by its aristocratic beauty and leanness. These dogs are most often black and white in color. Used for hunting small game. Thanks to its subtle sense of smell and excellent sense of smell, the dog never loses the track of the pursued animal. The character of the galgo necessarily includes kindness, calmness and tender affection for the owner. Galgo does not like confined spaces. These dogs are not recommended to be kept in an apartment. They need space and independent walks.

How to choose a puppy

Puppies of this breed are adopted after reaching the age of 1 month. During this period, babies begin to eat on their own.

When choosing a pet, pay attention to the following facts:

1. Availability of a hereditary certificate.
2. The baby should be calm, but at the same time energetic and demonstrate slight aggression. The dog is observed during play: when other dogs pester it in a calm state, it should initially not react in any way, and then it should fight back and instantly calm down.
3. A healthy pet will never allow itself to be overcome during play.
4. When feeding, the baby should quickly push away the weaker ones, making his way to the mother's nipples first.
5. A German must have a confident bowel movement and a good appetite.

A mentally balanced Kurzhaar should not express fear at the sight of strangers, but on the contrary, try to get to know them better.

Similar breeds

Greyhound

Greyhound is an English greyhound. The history of its origin is unknown for certain, but the final formation of the breed occurred in Britain. This is a hunting dog, whose characteristic features are short, smooth hair, a long muzzle and a wide head. The dog's height is 70-75 cm, weight ranges from 25 to 40 kg.

Greyhounds were designed to catch hares and are still good at this task due to their high speed. If necessary, these dogs are able to protect their owners.

The Greyhound does not require special care. You can't bathe him often. Special products may cause inflammation or irritation on thin skin. Once a week you need to trim your pet’s nails and comb its fur.

Nutrition

The dog's diet should be varied and balanced. Due to their size, they eat little. Their stomach is small, which is directly related to the physiology of the body and the natural purpose of the hunter.

Afghan Hound on a walk

But, if the diet is not correct, dogs tend to lose weight, strength and shed very quickly. With a lack of vitamins, the hair begins to fall out, its color fades and silkiness is lost. The daily diet should include meat - raw or steamed, with a minimum of salt and spices.

Dogs need both dry food and real food: fresh low-fat cottage cheese, milk, any fish, raw fruits and vegetables, beef, veal, lamb, any cereals and chicken yolk.

It is important that the food is always fresh, not cold and not too hot. An adult needs to be fed 2 times a day, a puppy up to five times. You can give the necessary vitamin complex to keep bones and teeth strong and the coat beautiful and thick.

Well, this is only as prescribed by a veterinarian. It is very important that the food contains the required amount of protein. Some experts recommend feeding your dog only dry, well-balanced food. This is good as a plaque preventative.

Afghan Hound chocolate color

But normal food has a good effect on your pet’s digestive system. The optimal, and best for the dog, would be a combination of dry and natural food. Strictly prohibited products:

• pork;
• sausages;
• sweets;
• bakery and confectionery products;
• legumes

Deerhound

The Deerhound is a beautiful dog whose homeland is considered to be Scotland. The existing two versions of the origin of this breed date this event to the 16th century. These assumptions are confirmed by drawings depicting similar dogs that decorate various products of ancient peoples. The well-developed hunting instinct, speed and courage of dogs were highly valued and used in deer hunting. The breed standard was officially approved in 1892.

The deerhound has an elongated body, a small head, slender legs, and long hair. The hair on the head is soft, on the rest of the body it is hard. Representatives of this breed are peaceful, loyal to their owner, and friendly with strangers. At the same time, when hunting, they are collected, energetic and dexterous.

Feeding

Proper balanced nutrition will allow the Russian greyhound to develop correctly and maintain the achieved physical development throughout its life. The diet can consist of both ready-made specialized food and natural products. Some owners prefer to combine them, but this must be done especially carefully and very skillfully; inexperienced breeders should better try to avoid this method of feeding.

Feeding a balanced dog food is the healthiest way for your Russian Greyhound. It will fully provide your pet with the necessary proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the quantities required by greyhounds. In this case, the owner will not have to worry about cooking, storage, and the possibility of poisoning will be completely eliminated. It is important to follow the dosage and feeding regimen calculated by experts. Another drawback is monotony. You can solve it by periodically purchasing treats.

Feeding with natural products will completely solve the problem with variety, but at the same time it will require the owner time to prepare. In addition, you will have to take care of creating the right balance of different substances and convenient storage. If you still decide to feed your Russian greyhound with natural products, give preference to good meat (beef, lamb), and chicken eggs. Rice and buckwheat. Don't forget about stewed vegetables, such as zucchini, pumpkin, and carrots. Fermented milk products will also be useful. The percentage of protein food to grains and vegetables for dogs should be approximately 75 to 25.

As for the mixed type of food, most of it should still be given in the form of premium food and only one third - in the form of natural products. This will allow the dog to receive the required amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in full.

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a true giant among greyhounds. The dog's height reaches 86 cm, and it can weigh up to 55 kg. Representatives of this breed have a long head, a narrowed muzzle, and ears pulled back. The wolfhound's fur is coarse, and has long protected it from thorny bushes and rain. The coat color can be grey, black, white, brindle, red or fawn.

The name of the breed gives away its purpose. But now it is not used for hunting wolves. The Irish Wolfhound currently lives with people only as a companion. Its friendly nature makes it easy for the dog to get along with other pets and children. The wolfhound becomes very attached to its owners, does not like quarrels and scandals in the house, and may be offended by a rude shout.

Despite its enormous size, the Irish Wolfhound is best kept in a house or apartment. The dog will feel lonely in the enclosure. Maintenance is required quite simple. Regular bathing and daily walks, a balanced diet (800 g of food per day) and a place to sleep.

Appearance

The height of the dog at the withers is: for males from 70 to 83 cm, for females from 65 to 78 cm. Impressive and stately, the Russian Greyhound has a tapered build. It is considered both a hunting dog and a hound - it can compete in terms of hunting even with the Estonian or Russian hound. The difference between males is a kind of hump on the back, due to protruding vertebrae. Greyhounds, the dogs were nicknamed for their agility and agility.

The elongated body gradually tapers towards the head, which continues to taper to the very tip of the nose. The nose itself protrudes slightly forward, it is always black, regardless of color.

• The eyes are large, almond-shaped, dark in color, with a friendly look.
• The ears are set high; in their normal state they are turned back. And when the dog listens or acts wary, the ears go up.
• The teeth are strong, healthy, the jaws are well developed. The incisors have a scissor bite.
• The neck is graceful, slightly muscular, and there is no dewlap.
• The chest is elongated, strongly extended towards the front legs.
• The tail is low-set, sickle-shaped or saber-shaped.
• The front legs are straight.

The upper part of the hind legs is wide. The hind legs are long, muscular, ending in an oval with tightly clenched toes.

The coat is long, silky with beautiful waves.

The color is most often white with a golden tint, ranging from light to dark tones. The color is white with a fiery tint, diluted with an admixture of black.

Magyar agar

The Magyar Agar is a Hungarian greyhound that is used as a companion, racing and hunting dog. They are distinguished by their endurance and ability to run for a long time over rough terrain. By nature, Magyars are kind and affectionate animals that are unlikely to bite a person. They get along well with all household members, even cats. Representatives of this breed sleep a lot during the day, but this does not mean that they do not need exercise. It is necessary to walk your pet and jog with it.

Price

The price of an Afghan hound depends on many indicators. You can buy a pet second-hand, without documents, vaccinations and with a dubious pedigree, for 15,000-2,000 rubles. But a purebred Afghan, which was raised in a nursery, vaccinated, has all the documents, meets all the standards of its breed, and can boast of its famous parents, will cost much more. For such a puppy you will have to pay from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles. The color of the Afghan hound also influences the cost of your future furry friend. Dark individuals will cost a little more.

Polish Hart

The Polish Hart is a greyhound originally from Poland. It is believed to have been created by crossing Asian greyhounds that were given as gifts to kings or brought as trophies. The breed was intended for hunting various animals. Currently rarely used for hunting. More often the hart acts as a companion.

The Polish Hart has a peaceful character, he gets along well with pets, and can perceive unfamiliar cats as prey. This dog is not difficult to train, but you have to be patient. The Harts practically never get sick. Like all greyhounds, they need intense exercise in the form of runs and long walks.

Combing

Long hair needs combing 1-2 times a week. During the molting period, this is especially necessary to maintain a neat appearance. When combing with a brush or furminator , all fallen hairs and pellets are removed. This also helps get rid of hair that falls on the floor.

By caring for the fur, you save the animal from infection with parasites. After all, fleas and scabies mites can appear faster in tangled hair.

For prevention, it is necessary to use special products sold in every veterinary pharmacy. This could be a collar, drops, powder or spray. When bathing, use a specialized flea shampoo.

Russian greyhound

The development of the Russian greyhound breed was carried out by nobles. They were needed to hunt various animals, most often wolves. These dogs have a narrow and long head, small ears covered with hair and pressed to the neck. The legs are long and muscular. The coat is short, but longer and wavy on the back and neck. Russian greyhounds have the following colors:

• pale yellow;
• black and fawn;
• ginger;
• golden;
• white;
• white-red;
• black and white;
• brindle.

Despite their apparent fragility, these are hardy and strong animals. Their standard sizes:

• height – from 75 to 86 cm;
• elongation – up to 102 cm;
• weight – varies from 25 to 55 kg.

Representatives of this breed are characterized by aggressiveness towards other dogs, stubbornness during training, and a constant desire to chase someone. Therefore, the owner should keep the pet under control. Early socialization of the puppy will help make the dog more flexible.

Modern representatives

This group of dogs is considered one of the oldest - the appearance of the greyhound dog has been formed over the centuries. Nowadays, the number of such breeds amounts to dozens, and sometimes it seems that they are all alike. But a closer look gives a different picture - each of these lines has its own “zest”.

Let's take a closer look at the representatives of the most popular greyhound breeds.

Azawakh

An Azawakh running after prey resembles a spring in its movements.

The striking thinness of these dogs is striking, which has become their distinctive feature. Brave and somewhat stubborn, they recognize only the owner, adhering to neutrality in relation to the rest of the family.

Important! The character of a puppy largely depends on its parents. The offspring of show-class dogs are more flexible, while the offspring of “working” animals without real hunting will have a hard time.

Sensitive, although they rarely show emotions. The Azawakh also makes a good guard.

Afghan Hound

They have a sharp mind - they master commands on the fly. Excellent assistants in hunting on any terrain: the Afghan line is very hardy and weather conditions are not important for them.
Proud character, rudeness is not forgiven. At a young age they can be stubborn, but with proper training they become the best friends of the family and faithful watchdogs.

Find out more about the Afghan Hound breed.

Bakhmul

Harmoniously built dogs with long, silky hair. Mobility and excitement are combined with kindness and calmness. They rarely speak out and get along well with children.

The hunting specialization is driving ungulate game, and the nature of the terrain does not play a role.

Galgo

Real aristocrats with pronounced thinness - the belly is very tucked in, which, coupled with the elongated muzzle, seems to lengthen the dog.

The coat can be either short or medium length. Unlike other greyhounds, such a dog does not hide his devotion to his owner and follows him like a “tail”. And he treats family well too.

Greyhound

The classic greyhound line is an elegant and strong dog for which constant movement is extremely important. They are considered one of the fastest breeds, so the game has little chance of escaping.

Did you know? Britain is considered the homeland of greyhounds - the ancestors of today's greyhounds appeared on the islands back in the 6th century. BC.

They are very inquisitive, although at home they prefer to sit in silence and sleep. They are loyal to their owners, but require early socialization. Training greyhounds is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task, but all costs are compensated when the dog goes out into the field.

Familiarize yourself with the features of caring for an English greyhound dog.

Deerhound

Large animals with strong paws and a powerful body. Medium-length shaggy hair hangs from the body.

One of the hardiest breeds with a somewhat contradictory disposition. On the hunt, the Deerhound is a threat to all game, but at home such a pet is the very peaceful one. They are very attached to their owners, patient with the antics of children, and sometimes show affection towards guests.

Irish Wolfhound

The breed received its name for its outstanding size (height at the withers reaches 80-90 cm) and thick coat.

Find out what famous breeds the wolfhound dog is divided into?

In fact, these shaggy good-natured dogs are very friendly and strive in every possible way to emphasize their devotion to the owner and his family.

Training requires endurance - they learn easily, although the dog perceives any load as a game and often improvises. An ideal partner for big game hunting.

Italian Greyhound

Medium in size (maximum 40 cm at the withers), graceful dog with an elongated body.

Learn how to care for and train an Italian greyhound.

Italian Greyhounds are distinguished by their playfulness and subtle sense of tact - they capture the owner’s mood without words, and when necessary, leave him alone.

They get along well with large animals, but they perceive smaller pets as prey.

My favorite activity in nature is chasing a hare.

Important! It is recommended to thoroughly bathe Italian Greyhounds only when absolutely necessary (preferably no more than 2 times a year).

Magyar agar

Magyar Greyhounds are strongly built, with dense short fur.

Excellent guards and hunters, they easily get excited, sometimes forgetting about the sense of self-preservation. They are also good as family dogs (a family is perceived as a pack led by a leader-owner).

They are very attentive and capable of learning, but training is somewhat complicated by their independent nature.

Podenco Ibicenco

They are slender greyhounds with long limbs and a conical muzzle. Due to their short fur, they do not tolerate cold weather well.

They stand out for their intelligence and mobility - it costs nothing for such a pet to escape from the yard. They love to look for all sorts of loopholes and secluded places.

They become attached to people once and for all, and they have a hard time enduring loneliness. The main thing for the owner of such a miracle is not to lose the pet’s trust and to be patient when raising a puppy: the socialization process is quite complicated due to the developed hunting instinct.

Podenco Canario

A lean and hardy short-haired dog, it can go without water for a long time.

They are excellent companions, although they are not suitable for protection (canarios are not inherently suspicious or aggressive towards strangers).

Their element is hunting hares and rabbits, and the presence of other dogs will not cause conflict. In “peaceful life” it is better to keep him on a leash: if your hunting instincts kick in during a walk, it will be difficult to catch the nimble beauty.

Polish Hart

Tall (up to 80 cm at the withers) and graceful dogs with powerful paws.

Kind and balanced, they rarely show emotions. An excellent pet for families with older children.

Did you know? The longer a dog's nose, the better the internal organs of the animal are cooled.

They are wary of strangers - guests are greeted by barking (puppies can be scared).

Provided there are constant long walks, problems with education do not arise. Favorite objects for pursuit are hares, foxes and game birds like bustards.

Russian greyhound

Large animals with a proportional build.
The body is completely covered with hanging long hair. The Russian Greyhound amazes with its aristocratic appearance.

They are very sociable and adapt well to apartments. They are easy to train and are good neighbors for other pets (with the exception of rodents, in which the dog sees game).

Brave hunters, ready to pursue prey in almost any conditions.

Saluki

Graceful dogs with broom ears. They are smart and balanced. They usually become close to one person, but they also relate well to the owner’s environment. At the same time, Salukis are not very affectionate and are a little capricious.

We advise you to learn more about Saluki dogs.

When dealing with them, you need to show your character gently - these handsome people are very sensitive and do not forgive harsh measures.

Born hunters, when they see game, they forget about everything in the world. Such tendencies require painstaking training and caution during walks.

Slugi

Arabian greyhounds show with all their appearance that this is a four-legged aristocrat. Friendly, although rather reserved. They love to play, but can show character.

Important! Smooth-coated greyhounds tend to have dry skin that is very sensitive to harsh scrubbing and strong shampoos.

Very hardy, can withstand heat and long runs. Usually not prone to aggression, servants immediately go on the attack upon noticing a suitable target.

The established daily routine is extremely important - any changes in the usual rhythm are perceived painfully, so you will have to work on this from the first days of your arrival in the house.

Basins

Graceful dogs with a strong, lean body and well-developed muscles.

Courage and passion are about them. The best pastime for such a pet is an unrestrained pursuit of game (it could be a badger or a hare, a fox or even a wolf). At such moments, he shows anger, which sets Tazy apart from other greyhounds. An ideal assistant for hunting in forests and rough terrain.

At home, he is friendly towards his own people and uncompromising towards strangers - the dog takes security service for granted.

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Taigan

The Kyrgyz mountain hound is harmoniously built and captivates with the mere sight of its woolen curls falling from its legs and belly.

They have very sharp eyesight and enviable health. They are unpretentious in care, which somewhat contrasts with a pronounced sense of self-esteem. This is not a living toy, but a full-fledged companion without a shadow of servility.

They are well trained and are distinctly calm at home. But during the hunt they are transformed - in the excitement of chasing game (from marmot to wild boar), they even forget about their wounds.

Whippet

These are the real intellectuals among greyhounds.

A graceful, almost airy build is complemented by a good-natured disposition. For such a dog, it is important to be close to the owner and know that he is not forgotten.

Did you know? In terms of their intellectual development, adult dogs are comparable to 2-year-old toddlers.

Very sensitive to the atmosphere in the house.

Obedient and easy to train - working with puppies is necessary due to their strong pursuit instinct. It is best demonstrated in hunting small field or feathered game: the dog is not afraid of either water or dirt, and can scurry through swamps for a long time.

It would be interesting to learn more about the peculiarities of keeping a whippet at home.

Pharaoh Hound

The medium-sized “saffron milk caps” also stand apart. Many are captivated by their smile in the form of stretched lips or a funny wrinkled nose.

These cute dogs need a gentle but firm hand: only the owner’s commands are recognized, although the dog will not refuse to play with the children. Socialization is important in relationships with other animals.

They learn commands well, but do not always begin to carry them out - due to their natural intelligence, they first think about the order and find the optimal way to solve the problem (the dog does not tolerate stupid commands).

Hortaya

There are two types within the line:

• southern - with a lighter, dry build and shorter stature;
• northern - with a wider body, heavy bones and large sizes.

These dogs are very freedom-loving and independent. They cannot stand idleness, and their developed intelligence sometimes complicates upbringing.

Important! All greyhounds are susceptible to articular dysplasia to one degree or another. An alarming symptom in this case is a barely noticeable lameness or the dog’s refusal to perform its usual activities.

The owner must control the dog, especially when hunting—horts are very addicted, and in the heat of the chase they can get injured or injure their “colleagues.”

The main targets are fur-bearing animals, foxes and ungulates. Prepared animals can even go after a wolf.

Cirneco del Etna

With prominent, pointed ears, Sicilian Greyhounds are very intelligent and easy-going. They get along with everyone around them, so they are not suitable for the role of a watchman. True, the only other animal that can be tolerated is the company of cats.

The Cirneco dell'Etna is a rare breed of dog.

An active dog is easy to train: even puppies are able to master complex commands (if the training takes place in the form of a game).

Gambling hunters, during a walk they require control - well-developed hunting inclinations can result in troubles both for the spotted animals and for the dog itself.

Saluki

Saluki is a Persian greyhound, one of the most ancient breeds, known since the times of Ancient Egypt.

Breed characteristics:

1. Constantly active, need physical activity, running. When walking, you should wear a leash, as it is difficult for a dog to overcome the instinct of pursuit.
2. If there was no early socialization, they remain timid and fearful of strangers.
3. They should not be left with children or kept in the same house as small animals.
4. When training, you must use only positive methods.
5. The price for puppies varies from 35,000 to 50,000 rubles. It is not worth saving on the purchase, as you can get an animal with genetic diseases or unstable psyche.
6. They do not like noise, unnecessary touches and pranks of children.

The Saluki is not suitable as a guard dog. But their hunting instinct is developed in a way that none of the greyhounds have.

Vaccinations

Regular examination by an experienced veterinarian and timely vaccinations will protect your dog from serious diseases. Puppies are vaccinated against parvovirus three times - at 6, 9 and 13 weeks. At the 8th week, vaccinations against glanders, hepatitis, and leptospirosis are given, then the injection is repeated at 3 months.

The rabies vaccination is given no earlier than 6 months. Vaccinations are then recommended to be repeated annually.

Prevention against worms is mandatory. The drug is taken on the 20th day of life, repeated after about 2 weeks.

You can learn more about how to properly give a dog a pill from the article

Slugi

The Arabian Slughihound was used for hunting by the Arab Bedouins. Such dog qualities as excellent eyesight, hunting skills and devotion to the owner were highly valued. The appearance of these greyhounds is aristocratic, sophisticated, but strength and power are hidden behind the graceful lines. Life in the harsh desert conditions made them hardy, ascetic, able to do their work, despite the difficulties. Beginning dog breeders are not recommended to have a Slugi; she has a rather capricious and independent character.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The hunting dog breed, known as the shorthaired pointer, began to emerge in the 17th century. English and Spanish pointers took part in this process, passing on their ability to work both on water and on land.

The shorthaired pointer is a relatively tall dog, whose height is 55–65 cm at the withers and weighs 23–35 kg. On a well-proportioned head with a moderately pronounced nape and powerful jaws, there are small dark eyes and drooping, rounded ears. Not overly stretched, the athletic body with a broad chest, well-developed muscles and a strong topline is covered with a short, smooth, spotted coat.

Good nature, intelligence and sensitivity to training are not a complete list of positive qualities characteristic of German Shorthaired Pointers. Hunting dogs, photos of which can be seen in today’s article, can be not only excellent assistants in work. They make excellent companions on long walks. They will chase prey with equal pleasure and simply run after a ball thrown by the owner. Given proper upbringing and timely socialization, they easily adapt to life in urban conditions and do not cause any special problems. But a bored German shorthaired pointer hunting dog, whose photo does not convey all its beauty, can become nervous and even aggressive. Therefore, when getting such an animal, you need to remember that it cannot be left alone for a long time.

Greyhound basins

This breed was bred by Turkmen nomads for use in the difficult climate of the Asian steppes. They succeeded in instilling endurance and performance in dogs even in hot sand.

In Turkmenistan, dog lovers are famous for the excellent care they take for their pets. It is thanks to this that dogs of the Tazy breed look great and have retained almost complete external resemblance to their ancestors. They also inherited their persistence in hunting and great speed from their ancestors, the Salukis. Kazakh basins cannot boast of the same working qualities as Turkmen ones, but they are also highly valued and used as a companion. There are not very many purebred Kazakh Tazy left in the country; those wishing to purchase a puppy stand in line.

What is FCI?

To understand what standards exist for different dog breeds, you need to understand what characteristics unite them into the concept of “breed”. This definition refers to a large group of animals, in this case dogs, that have the same type of constitution and exterior that is consistently transmitted from generation to generation and has common roots of origin.

To ensure that dogs have the appearance and qualities that people need, breeds are constantly being improved. This is done by selecting the most promising puppies and breeding dogs with the most pronounced traits characteristic of this type of animal. In Russia, extensive work has long been carried out to preserve existing ones, as well as to create new breeds of service dogs that can bring invaluable help to humans. For example, the following truly Russian national breeds have become: Moscow Watchdog, Black Terrier, etc.

Dogs that belong to the same breed must have many common characteristics, properties and qualities. For this purpose, the so-called dog breed standards were designated. The standard is one of the most important documents determining whether a dog belongs to a specific breed.

All deviations from existing breed standards are divided into shortcomings and vices. The shortcomings do not interfere with the service use and breeding of dogs, since deviations from the standard are insignificant and do not have a negative impact on the genotype of the animal. Significant deviations from the standards are called “disqualifying faults” or “defects”, and serve as grounds for disqualifying the animal from shows and clubs, as well as prohibiting it from breeding or service use.

At the moment, the largest standardizing association is the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) (French Fédération Cynologique Internationale) - an international association of cynological federations, created for the purpose of developing and protecting cynology and purebred dog breeding. It is located in the city of Thuin, Belgium. The federation includes national cynological federations of 83 countries, including the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF).

Breed

is a group of animals of the same species, obtained through artificial selection and possessing a number of external, internal and behavioral characteristics that are persistently passed on from generation to generation.

Purebred dogs were bred by man to solve a variety of tasks: search and protection, military needs, herding and protecting livestock, for hunting, etc. Many of them were bred simply for beauty. Pedigree dogs differ from outbred dogs, first of all, in the “predictability of the result” - when getting a puppy, a person can quite fully imagine what it will grow out of. Both in appearance - “exterior”, and in character.

Today, most purebred dogs are bred as companions: the “work” of many breeds comes down to participation in exhibitions, sports competitions and competitions.

The first attempts to classify dogs were carried out in ancient times. The ancient Romans, in addition to the dogs described by Aristotle, named many new breeds: Phoenician, Soletine, Egyptian greyhounds, and so on. In the Middle Ages, the number of breeds continuously increased, especially during the Renaissance. The aristocracy was mainly involved in dog breeding, so most of the breeds known at that time were hunting ones. The same were the early classifications of dogs: hunting and all others.

Today there are about 400 dog breeds in the world. Conventionally, they can be divided into three large subgroups: service (including sports), hunting and decorative. This division is very arbitrary and modern cynology offers options for more detailed classifications of dog breeds. The most famous of them are the classifications of the English Keppel Club, the American Kenisle Club (AKC) and the classification of the International Canine Federation (FCI). The English and American systems operate only within the framework of their respective organizations. A more complete and scientifically based classification of dog breeds has been developed by the FCI. This classification is accepted in all countries that are part of the Federation, including Russia, a member of the FCI. Let's try to briefly characterize each group of breeds.

Taigan

Taigan is a Kyrgyz greyhound that is on the verge of extinction. This is the pride of the Kyrgyz people. Thanks to its high speed, the taigan can successfully hunt badgers, foxes, hares, and jackals. The taigan is called second in the world after the cheetah in running.

Another unsurpassed quality of these dogs is their keen sense of smell. They guard herds well; wolves do not dare to attack animals near taigans. A dog is never afraid of a wolf. She does not touch pets. But outsiders are afraid of him. Taigan is not only an excellent hunter who can easily strangle two jackals at once, but he is also an indispensable assistant for nomads in everyday life.

Possible diseases

Dogs have excellent immunity, thanks to their Afghan habit and the conditions of their development. But, life expectancy is 10-12 years.

The Afghan Hound's coat requires constant care.

With the necessary vaccinations and proper care, it is possible to protect your pet from diseases. Some diseases that are characteristic of the African Greyhound breed due to its physiology:

• intestinal volvulus. It happens due to weakening of the abdominal muscles;
• cardiomyopathy. The disease is associated with constant stress;
• skin diseases. This happens to a dog if it does not receive the necessary grooming. The hair gets tangled, clumps, parasites appear and air does not pass to the skin;
• eye diseases;
• filling of the pleural cavity with fluid;
• myelopathy. May be congenital or acquired during life. This is a spinal cord lesion;
• disorders of the thyroid gland.

Whippet

This greyhound from England is a sprinter among similar breeds. Dexterity and endurance, as well as keen vision, help her not to miss her prey. In addition to hunting hares, the Whippet participates in sports racing, where it looks great over short distances.

The Whippet is a smooth-haired dog, the coat is thin and can come in a variety of colors. By nature, he is a cheerful, cheerful and obedient dog who will quickly become a family favorite. Has good watchdog qualities.

He who seeks will find

“Dog owners are sociable people,” says Louise. Take, for example, this dog, which the publisher of the photo album, Christian Ortner, remembered from his walks in Venice, because it willingly sits on the shoulders of its owner. While searching for this cheerful couple, the photographer quickly and easily found out that they often visit the Enoteca Rio Martin wine bar.

Italian Greyhound

The greyhound breed is usually associated with long-legged and handsome handsome dogs. But there is a variety of this breed that looks more like a cat than a dog. This is the Italian greyhound, an Italian greyhound whose history goes back about 2,000 years. A refined and graceful dog, intended for baiting hares, became a palace dog thanks to its appearance. Subsequently, breeders developed precisely these qualities in her: small size and weight, beautiful and elegant appearance. Even though the Italian greyhound has become a domestic dog, it can still run at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

Fun for a journalist

Christian Ortner, the author of the photo album “Dogs of Venice,” actually has a very distant relationship with man’s four-legged friends. The Austrian journalist lives in Vienna and specializes in economics and politics. "In this area, all the topics are very serious," he told DW. This is not the first year he has been spending winters in Venice. Over time, he noticed one curious specificity of life in this city.

• The dogs of Venice are charming and unusual

Hound and greyhound: difference between breeds

There is a significant difference between a hound and a greyhound:

1. The hound simply chases down prey for the hunter, and the greyhound almost always catches it. Also, a greyhound runs much faster than a hound, but it is not as durable.
2. Greyhounds have keen eyesight and need to see their prey. Hounds hunt using their excellent sense of smell.
3. The greyhound hunts well in flat and open areas, while forests and mountains are more suitable for hounds.

Regardless of their working qualities, these dogs can become reliable companions and loyal friends.

Pekingese

Among the breeds of small fluffy dogs, the Pekingese occupies a special place. Chinese legend says that the breed is the result of a relationship between a lion and a monkey. From its “ancestors” the Pekingese inherited a flexible, lively mind and a very non-standard appearance.

The cuteness of these snub-nosed kids is simply off the charts, but behind such a funny appearance hides a real gentleman with self-esteem. Sometimes this feeling is even slightly exaggerated, so the Pekingese will not tolerate being squeezed and will not rush to do what you told him.

The breed is perfect for apartments with European-quality renovation. A true Pekingese will never allow himself to spoil any of his owner’s property, not because he loves his owner so much and does not want to upset him, but because he has the blood of aristocrats in him and such behavior is completely unacceptable for a noble dog. The aristocrat is indifferent to walks and physical activity.

The Pekingese gets along well with cats, rodents and birds, but cannot stand other dogs. Perhaps the “Napoleon complex” is at play in this little one, so he is aggressive even towards his largest brothers.

Preface

Greyhounds belong to the hunting group and are intended for unarmed hunting. The word “borzoi” is translated as fast, speedy, zealous, dexterous, playful, agile. The main advantage of greyhounds is their high-speed running; due to their long paws, they are able to reach high speeds in a matter of seconds, while they are very hardy and can track prey for a long time. During pursuit they can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.

The main difference between greyhounds and hounds is the ability to see a target in an open area, and not just blindly pursue it. The elongated shape of the head provides a wide visual perspective. Greyhounds are used to hunt small fur-bearing animals, wolves, foxes and large ungulates.

Greyhounds are characterized by an elongated body, long limbs, an elongated muzzle, thin, light bones, and lean muscles. Today, greyhounds are used both for hunting and as participants in sport dog racing. In addition, they can be companions and true friends. Distinctive qualities: flexibility and elegance.

Is it worth getting a dog with fighting qualities?

All fighting dogs have a complex and independent disposition, which not everyone can cope with. Having a pet with fighting qualities only makes sense for an experienced dog breeder with a strong character, who has enough time to work with the animal and is ready to take responsibility for it. It is highly not recommended for inexperienced people who have no experience communicating with canines to adopt a fighting dog.

In the hands of an inexperienced person, fighting dogs become extremely dangerous.

My friend has an American bulldog at home. Of course, he doesn’t attack everyone, but his whole appearance suggests that you can’t joke with him. As soon as someone raises their voice at the owner, not to mention the physical impact, the dog’s bar instantly drops and he rushes into battle.