THE HOUND (ENGLISH GREYHOUND).
Woodhaven Kennels, Woodhaven, L. I.
Champion Spinaway.
Origin.—Beyond question the oldest breed of dogs known, as on the pyramids of Egypt, obelisks, and ancient carved columns it is found in bold relief, with the same outlines as shown in the above illustration. In its native state it is quite devoid of courage, so the bitches are bred to bulldogs, and that product, showing most greyhound form and bulldog character, is then bred to a greyhound dog, continuing this same last breeding until in the fifth generation we produce the dog of the present day, which has indomitable courage, wonderful speed and endurance, and is possessed of a desire to kill. The name “greyhound” is a corruption of “gazehound,” signifying that the dog hunts its quarry by sight and not by scent. In England and Italy none but the nobility were formerly allowed to own a greyhound, and the killing of one was then considered a felony.
Uses.—Coursing hares and rabbits, and in addition, in our Western States, for killing foxes, coyotes, and wolves, though it is rarely able single-handed to kill the latter, on account of their size and ferocity.
Scale of Points, Etc.
| Value. | |
|---|---|
| Head and eyes | 10 |
| Neck | 10 |
| Chest and fore quarters | 20 |
| Loins and back ribs | 15 |
| Hind quarters | 20 |
| Feet | 15 |
| Coat | 5 |
| Tail | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Head.—Long and narrow, fairly large between the ears, well filled out before the eyes, little or no stop, jaws lean, and eyes bright and tolerably full. Ears small and folding down when at rest, but raised when animated. Teeth must be strong, and mouth level.
Neck.—A trifle arched, and sufficiently long to enable the dog to easily pick up a hare when in full stride.
Shoulders.—Placed as obliquely as possible.
Chest.—Fairly deep, and sufficiently wide to give free action to the heart and lungs.
Fore Legs.—Straight, of good bone, and length from elbow to knee twice that from knee to ground.
Feet.—The cat-foot is considered best.
Loins.—Strong, but not too broad; back powerful and somewhat arched.
Hind Quarters.—Very muscular; stifles strong and well bent; hocks well let down.
Tail.—Rat-like, fine, long, and somewhat curved, and with little hair on it.
Color.—Greyhounds are of any color, parti or solid.
Disposition.—Kind and amiable, rarely otherwise.
Weight.—Dogs, 60 pounds; bitches, 50 pounds.
Objectionable Features.—Yellow or white eyes; prick-ears; dish-face; long, separated toes; lightness of bone; weak back; straight stifles; undershot or overshot.