Sighthound Sightings

[grizabella]

I find it all very disheartening, the amount of issues in the dog world. I think that if everyone went to a really good, responsible breeder, the kind that is happy to offer advice and support throughout the dog's life, and take the dog back if needed, the amount of dogs in rescue would be so much smaller. Many people think of pure breeds and think of the many health issues they have, but the RESPONSIBLE breeders always health test their breeding dogs and try to address the health issues. It's not the sort of thing backyard breeders and puppy mills will be doing! Good breeders breed because they LOVE their breed, not money. Certainly breeders of APBTs and other breeds that are often prejudiced against will be particularly concerned about making sure all the breeding dogs have a great temperament, rather than the people who breed the dogs to be tough, intimidating and aggressive.

I hate how people are influenced by what breeds are 'fashionable' rather than researching properly. Just because a dog looks great in a movie doesn't mean they're right for everyone! In a way I'm glad that Salukis aren't often featured in films.
I think many people are drawn to the 'designer breeds' because they supposedly have 'hybrid vigour'. They are NOT hybrids, they are mixed breeds, it is different. The truth is that unless the breeders (likely to be BBs or puppy farmers as DDs are fashionable and likely to make money) look into the health and genetics of the parents, the puppies may end up with inherited health problems from either or both breeds! There is also no guarantee that a Poodle X will be hypoallergenic. I think some of the 'designer breeds' could be a good idea. It would be nice if there were more breeds suitable for people with allergies, but crossing anything under the sun with a poodle and calling it a breed is not the way to go about it, you have no way of telling what traits it will have. Maybe it would be a good idea to create a breed from the Poodle that will in time have a standard and a set temperament, and be bred in a responsible manner. If only mixed breeds were more often bred responsibly, with thought to the health, temperament and future of the dogs.

That was a VERY long post to respond to! lol You may notice that the board looks a little different since you were last around.

Haha, it's gotten a little bit off topic!

[Gazinghound]

Yes, indeed! *looks at thread title* Oh, gee, it did get a bit derailed somehow, didn't it? WELL, I certainly have had some encounters recently...most of the 160+ breeds recognized by the AKC at Meet the Breeds, including their various sighthounds (plus a bunch of kitties! MROW!!) As usual, they were all just wonderful dogs...and the Afghans, Salukis, Ridgebacks, and Basenjis had particularly spiffy booths. Sadly, the Borzoi didn't seem to be around while I was there, for the second year in a row...and I was there nearly all day. :/ A brindle Whippet won my award for "Longest Mouth-kisser!"

youtu.be/mZALDmi3KoA
Soon I'll have my photos on FB, too, but this year I took mostly video. Last year I'd done a couple of albums full of still photos:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1451571612530.2062714.1330440043&type=1&l=09624e070c
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1451509570979.2062699.1330440043&type=1&l=201da5553c

The amazing Saluki booth, which can be seen in the video starting around 38:25, finally got its due this time around, and won the "Best Booth" contest! We weren't allowed to vote this year, which was weird, but apparently some judges with good taste chose them. ^0^ I saw some people I know there, and wished I could've come back the following day to help run it, as one suggested...maybe in a future year!

And despite my inquiries into Italian Greyhound (and various other) puppies, and the availability of two of those in Rhode Island, we wound up agreeing to get a Beagle puppy in Indiana, to whom I was connected via a New Jersey breeder. He's just now six months of age, and his owner was very eager to place him. I was requested to call the NJ breeder immediately, so it seemed that this was the one that would work out first. I'm THRILLED that it did!! (Even though I do wish I could take one of the Iggies as well, lol.) Jack, previously known as Poncho, is a tiiiiny Beagle, and absolutely the most adorable little thing. Ullie won't have to feel weird anymore about being small for her breed, and she’s still the tallest here. x3 He'd be show-quality if it weren't for an undescended you-know-what (the board would probably censor it, ha), and he's already about halfway housebroken. He's quite perfect. My mom wanted a little dog, the boys wanted a Beagle, and I just wanted a dog!

And then as to everything you said in that last post: MY OPINIONS 100% EXACTLY. I don't know how many times I have said such things to people.
Popularity can certainly be a curse on a breed. I discovered in my puppy search that a rarer one, such as the Norwich Terrier, has little to worry about in that regard. With them, litter sizes are small, puppies are born relatively infrequently and typically cost around $2500--and they aren't easy for people to find and obtain quickly, being protected by the breed's smaller "community" of devotees. You'd most likely need to go on a waiting list while being screened by the concerned breeder. Much of that is also true for other uncommon breeds. Extreme popularity causes serious issues for many breeds, while many others suffer the opposite dilemma--being held away from the brink of extinction by the devotion of a handful of breeders.
And absolutely--great breeds are created by the planned mixing of others, but that's just it. The people orchestrating the development shouldn't be crossing dogs willy-nilly and without a clue as to their soundness, genetics, standards, health, and all of the other intricate factors that go into the science of breeding. Successful new breeds tend to form when there's a clear vision and reasons for wanting to create them in a specific way. From what I understand, the Labradoodle is the nearest one to "breeding true" and *possibly* being on the road to actual purebred-dom. (And they, along with others, ARE cool dogs. Problems are always the fault of foolish, arrogant, and greedy humans, not dogs--all of whom are awesome creatures.) Additionally, truly "hypoallergenic" dogs don't even exist...so simply crossing ones that are better for allergy sufferers, such as the Poodle, with everything else you find isn't going to help much or produce consistent, desirable, predictable results. =/

Annnnd now that I've gone on for a while again, I should share this New York Times article I just read before dropping by:
www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/can-the-bulldog-be-saved.html

It's nine pages long but goes fast, and is very thought-provoking...and of especial concern to Mr. Francis.
I'd still like to give the Bulldog Club of America the opportunity to defend themselves: www.thebca.org/
The whole topic of dog breed controversy relates to this Media Journalism assignment I did earlier this year: michellekti.blogspot.com/2011/02/radio-actuality.html

At any rate, as utterly adorable as Bulldogs are, I can't help but feel grateful that none of my favorite breeds are plagued by such extreme and volatile debates. Still, I love all dogs, and what concerns one type should ultimately concern every dog person.

(I also have to wonder whether the Saluki might not be an even more ideal Marine Corps mascot, heh. (Especially since their little "Ooh-rah!" chant sounds like "Ul-la!" being mispronounced.) Wouldn't my brother be surprised... I loved their little Bully mascot who attended his boot camp graduation, though. <3)
The Southern University of Illinois Carbondale had a great idea with the unique naming of their athletic teams. And then there's the Bedlington Terriers football (soccer to us Americans) team in England! :3

(OMD, that was also horrendously long--there was just so much stuff to share! ;D)

[grizabella]

I read the Bulldog article, really interesting, so many ethical issues around the breed, I'm glad Salukis are such a healthy breed. I too would like to hear a response, I know that there are many breeders out there that want the best for their Bulldogs.

[Gazinghound]

I agree; Salukis have relatively few specific health issues to worry about. Hip dysplasia, which is such a common problem, is virtually nonexistent in them and other sighthounds. I have read that certain sighthounds have seemed to become more susceptible to certain cancers, but then, that appears to be a general dog issue more than a breed-specific one. =( So many dogs contract cancer eventually, including several of mine…although some believe that the rate of it isn’t actually increasing. According to them, we’re only noticing it more because dogs are living longer and not dying sooner of other causes. Hmmm. Possible.

A little while ago, the Bulldog Club had a response on their homepage to the accusations set forth in that article. Now, it’s back to being a more general summary of their purpose, which would pretty much describe every breed club. Without personally knowing any Bulldog owners or breeders, I feel certain that the majority of them are honestly working toward the betterment of their dogs, and care deeply for their health, happiness, and well-being.

[grizabella]

Back on topic,
Yesterday we went to a farmers' market and were lucky enough to see a beautiful little Greyhound (a GAP graduate) and later a stunning Irish Wolfhound girl. I got to give her a pat, so exciting as I'd never met one before. The owner also had an Airedale with him, another breed I'd never met in person! There were a few other interesting non-sighthound dogs around too, including a beautiful Rough Collie, Shetland Sheepdog Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog and a gorgeous big Newfoundland. A great day for dog spotting!!! ;D
Recently I've seen quite a few Italian Greyhounds around, I didn't realise how popular they are!

[rockabillygoaty]

It seems that the more you keep your eyesopen, you are noticing more and more around you!
They have probably been around all the time, but its only since Bella came into your life that you start noticing them!
Its the same for me, I havehad sighthounds around all my life, living in Wales, although never of my own.
Since Aladdin came to live with me, I seem to notice them while driving, walking etc.
Its great, its like since I have had Aladdin in my life, I seem to notice nature in general more now.
Used to just 4x4 over it, now I respect it, as I walk through it slower nowdays with the dogs.

[Gazinghound]

Ooh, I love farmer's markets! But woah--what were so many dogs doing at that one?! *lol* I gotta find one like that! In October I brought Ulla to one on the way back from a show, but she had to wait in the car (into which I unfortunately locked her for almost an hour when I dropped my keys into the drunk and shut it...yeah, that whole story. Poor confused girl took the front seat, stared at the box of French fries on the dashboard, looked at me like, "WTF, Mom?", and curled up for a nap. Thank Bob for roadside assistance!)

Anyways, what an array of beauties! Wow. So impressive. I don't think I've ever seen a Wolfhound, Airedale, Kelpie, ACD, or Iggie just out randomly--although I'd absolutely LOVE to! Only at dog shows & Meet the Breeds have I encountered them. I do remember being greeted (as well as moistened, shed upon, and almost bowled over!) as a kid by not one but two sweet, friendly, enthusiastic Newfs at some boat rental joint. It was awesome.

You probably are more open to noticing other sighthounds now. And it's beautiful how dogs can help bring us closer to nature, isn't it?
I saw a Borzoi this morning--well, on TV, at least. He was representing Russia at a Pound Puppy conference in a new episode on the Hub. xD Had a really nice snowflake pendant and fuzzy hat and everything. :3

[grizabella]

Being in Australia we see lots of ACDs and Kelpies about, they're very common here. Sadly there are a lot of them in rescue quite often, and mixes as well. I do love Newfs- I have a bit of a soft spot for giant fluffies!
Ah, the Borzoi is the perfect pooch to represent Russia. Sounds very cute.

[Gazinghound]

Aw, it's great that they're still plentiful in their homeland, though sad that many end up in rescues. :[ Definitely not dogs for everyone, which I'm sure is partly why they're so rare here.
=) Yep, nothing like a giant living fluffy! ^w^

[Gazinghound]

And there shall be plenty more sightings of televised sighthounds on the 13-14th (Westminster, whooohoo!)

Oh, here's the Borzoi from Pound Puppies (along with the French Bulldog, Shiba Inu, Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky, and African Painted Dog, representing France, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Kenya, respectively!) Plus General Dolly, the Standard Poodle leader heading up the meeting.

[grizabella]

That's so cool that they've got a Painted Dog in there! I might have to watch this show...

[Gazinghound]

So far these dogs (except for Dolly) have only appeared in one episode, but I did think it was pretty amazing and admirable of them to include a Painted Dog. The show is seriously underrated (all of The Hub's other series are overshadowed by My Little Pony, lol), but I think someone has recently started to upload it to YouTube. (Poor quality, though...but then, I wouldn't know how to upload a TV episode without simply recording the TV screen, either.) The animation's not the best, but the dialog's quite funny and the characterizations & voice work are good...it uses a lot of "dog movie" conventions and allusions that anyone like us would recognize. One episode features a dog who looks and acts VERY much like Tramp, and even steals a chain of sausages à la Dodger. There's tension between domestic dogs and wild ones (coyotes), a lot of "pet life versus stray freedom" conflict, many different scenarios involving a lot of different breeds (such as an Afghan in a dog show!)...I really enjoy it. Strudel the smooth Dachshund would have to be my favorite Pound Puppy. =3

[Gazinghound]

Another cartoon sighting...woke up this morning to see Twiggy the Afghan on my screen. ;D I've seen this episode of Pound Puppies numerous times, so I guess I somehow always missed her opening scene (in which she was adopted by a hairstylist.) I noted that, for whatever reason, her movement was considerably better and more realistic than that of most characters (I sometimes think that this show's animators should take a lesson from those of MLP and get the anatomies and gaits looking a lot better!)

[grizabella]

Pretty! Perfect breed for a hairstylist, lol!

[Gazinghound]

Yeah, right? She'll get all kinds of cool hairdos. ^.^ I'd like her or the Borzoi or the other show-dog Affie to pop up again in the second season that just began, but so far the sighthounds all seem to be one-time or small-scene charries.

Oh, and then in the newest episode, Agatha McLeish (voiced by Betty White!) is revealed to own a golden Afghan statuette...guess somebody working on the show likes Affies, too.



Her little dog there, Rebound, reminds me of the Berenstain Bears' puppy, Little Lady. She's also the most severely ADHD-inflicted creature on the planet. ;D

Edit #2: Speak of the devil--the dog show episode was just on. Another Afghan (and another case of dogs resembling their owners!):



The episode portrayed a dog show incredibly unrealistically (as usually happens because no one seems to really understand them, or thinks they need to somehow "spice it up" by tossing in other silly stuff or making it a beauty pageant)...but it was good enough to forgive. The "Duchess of Afghania"'s competitors were a Pug, Chow Chow, Bergamasco (wow), Airedale Terrier, and a puppy of a new breed called the Australian Reboundo.

Hearing the irresistible squeak of the entrancing rubber duck...



Edit #3: ANOTHER sighthound guest star! He's a highly esteemed, VERY threatening and drill sergeant-like Whippet by the name of...DASH! Not an uncommon Greyhound and Whippet name, it seems--and now the second Dash on the Hub. Sheesh...poor Dolly. ; The whole episode was quite good, actually, with a country-western theme.


Yowza--has he been taking "angry face" lessons from Rita?! ;D