(A version of this article previously appeared as several Breed Columns in the AKC Gazette.)

My name is Patti Clark and I have been involved in various aspects of the sport of dogs since 1978. My interest in the Greyhound began almost 35 years ago and, in 1991, I co-bred my first Greyhound litter under the Willomoor prefix with June Matarazzo. Professionally, I have been a clinical microbiologist, laboratory administrator, professor, and dog handler, juggling these careers simultaneously. I have recently retired from the role of full-time laboratorian and have some time to write about the things I love, so let’s get to it!

What Makes a Greyhound a Greyhound?

People often ask why a Greyhound is shaped the way it is and why they look like baby dinosaurs when they themselves are babies. Here is why. The outline of a Greyhound shows us the parts and pieces that allow the Greyhound to do his unique job of hunting and chasing prey of various sizes and speeds, and over varied terrain, for long periods of time. The parts and pieces must come together in a single unit that speaks to balance, symmetry, and oneness. That’s a mouthful, but let’s break it down a bit.

We know from various writings dating back to the ancient Greeks that the Greyhound was used to course a wide variety of game. We know Greyhounds were found inhabiting areas of sand, mountain, rocky hills, and terrain in between. We see in canine art through the centuries that the dogs were used in these places and for these purposes. How fortunate we are to have this documentation of an ancient breed!

So, back to the outline; so smooth and with seamless transitions from head to tail and brisket to loin, often described as the shape of a pair of “S” curves. Our Breed Standard calls for a slight rise over the loin that is both a curvature of the spine and muscling. This configuration allows for the contraction and expansion of the double suspension gait, acting almost as a hinge. No breed does this better, in my opinion; a deep chest that allows for good lung capacity and a tuck-up to the loin that allows the rear and front legs to pull up tightly under the body and then explode out, propelling the Greyhound forward.

A functional Greyhound has a strong neck which transitions into the shoulders, allowing for capture of game on the move. This neck is not only functional but adds to the elegance of this breed with its length and arch. At the other end, a long, sweeping tail that curves slight upward on the move completes the outline. Add to this long legs under the body, forelegs that are as long from the elbow to the ground as the length from the withers to the elbow, and a strong, moderately angled rear to match. Hopefully, you can see a picture of an elegant, functional, well-muscled Greyhound in your mind from this description.

Greyhound Judging Priorities

I would like to focus on judging priorities as seen by members of the Greyhound Club of America’s Education Committee. Contributors include June Matarazzo, Pamela Noll, Cynthia Swanson, and myself. These committee members have over 125 years of Greyhound experience combined and have these thoughts to share. While the term judging priorities indicate that this information is for judges, it is also for breeders, exhibitors, and the public that may be choosing their first Greyhound.

There was total agreement in the first item to be considered and that is the Outline of the Greyhound. The Greyhound has a distinct silhouette, with smooth, flowing curves from nose to tail, including a slight rise over the loin. The Greyhound is both elegant and substantial, with the appearance of great power, agility, and speed. This athlete has an overall appearance of balance, with nothing extreme. Said another way, the appearance of a curvaceous body is the hallmark of the breed. Every good Greyhound is a collection of curves and powerful muscling from neck, topline, underline, front and rear angulation, and tail. All must be curved properly and with muscle. Curves and muscling in the right places are necessary characteristics for this breed to function as the fastest sighthound, coursing after all types of game in all types of terrain. What is incorrect and should be considered faulty? The lack of proper curves, ewe necks, completely level toplines, flatness across the loin, straight up-and-down shoulder angles, forearm assemblies set on forward of the breast bone, straight underlines from brisket to loin, straight stifles and hocks, and a stiff, straight tail are all faulty and should be penalized according to the severity.

Movement. The Greyhound is the fastest of all sighthounds. Greyhound movement is characterized by the double suspension gait, not the trot. That gait is not practical for the ring, so to that end, what should you see at the trot? You should see smooth, long, and low strides with the appearance of moving effortlessly. Movement in the ring must be purposeful, elastic, and light. The topline is relaxed and not rigid. Tremendous reach and drive should not be rewarded. Incorrect movement that can be seen in the ring today includes short, stiff, or choppy strides, pounding on the forehand, single-tracking, hindquarters tucked-under so the dog lacks drive, and a hackney gait.

Balance. Our dogs are called the long dogs and are said to stand over ground. A Greyhound is a rectangle, slightly longer than tall but not a lot longer than tall. A Greyhound should be up-on-leg with a medium-sized body on long, strong legs. A Greyhound with a very long mid-piece, or body mass, compared to his leg length is losing breed type. A well-laid-back shoulder, consistent for a sighthound, with a humerus of sufficient length to avoid the straight-up look, and balanced angulation in the rear are all necessary components of balance. Greyhound angulation, front and rear, is moderate and should never give the impression of being extreme. Evaluating the outline, the movement, and balance, in both what you see on the stack and on the move, tells you what you need to know!

Greyhound Toplines

There are many things that have been said about Greyhound toplines over the years. One of the questions I am asked as the Greyhound Club of America’s Judge’s Education Coordinator is how much topline is too much and how much is not enough. Recently, a GCA member reported to me that a judge told her that her dog, with a truly moderate topline, had too much for her and looked like a Whippet. This leads me to believe that there is a genuine gap in the understanding in this important feature of the Greyhound.

The topline of the Greyhound is all about the curves, from the arch in the neck, through the smooth transition into the withers which should not be steep, into the lumbar vertebrae that start to slowly rise from the anticlinal vertebrae through the lumbar vertebrae, to the croup which slopes gently down into the tail vertebrae. By the way, if you think the previous sentence runs on, it illustrates the continuous flow of the topline of a Greyhound! None of this flow should be abrupt or steep, nor should it be angular or flat. If you dropped an imaginary droplet of water onto the head of a Greyhound, it should flow nonstop from the head to the tip of the tail.

A flat topline can only be met by angles at the shoulders and the croup, disrupting the flowing curvaceous outline. Now, what makes the topline flat on a Greyhound? Usually, it is too much length in the loin or lack of muscling, which is not unusual in puppies. The dogs appear long, even for a dog that is rectangularly shaped, and out of balance. This excess length and imbalance make the dog work harder to propel itself forward in the double suspension gallop. Energy is not efficiently passed from the rear to the front through that short spinous process vertebra, known as the anticlinal.1 This area between the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is a hinge for the double suspension gallop. Let’s not forget the good muscling of the loin that contributes to the rise over the lumbar vertebrae and assists to propel the dog in the gallop.

The GCA Standard describes the loins as such: good depth of muscle, well arched, and well cut up in the flanks, referring to underline. So, what is the appropriate amount of curvature in the topline? Excessive curvature can be seen on the move. I often refer to these dogs as looking like a croquet wicket, an exaggerated rise over the loin that is immovable as you watch them go around. There is very little flexion in these spines, ruining the smooth, balanced look of Greyhound side movement. These dogs also exhibit too little drive behind.

In a Greyhound that has the correct topline, you will see flexibility in the topline as it goes, remembering that this dog’s working gait is a double suspension gallop. As you assess the dog in front of you, for judging and breeding, ask yourself, “Does this Greyhound look like he could course for hours with the topline that he has? Is he smooth and flowing, with the “S” curves typical of the breed? Does he move with balance and fluidity?” If so, you have a Greyhound with a correct topline and an animal of extraordinary beauty and grace.

REFERENCES

1. Brown, CM, “Dog Locomotion and Gait Analysis,” Wheat Ridge, CO: Hoflin, 1986

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Any good dog parent knows that ALL dogs have the potential to help us stay active. That being said, we love this list from our friends at The American Kennel Club. Having shared our lives with some of these breeds, we can attest to their energy!

The exercise needs of these ten active breeds would keep any owner in shape! Walking, jogging, biking, hiking, swimming and playing Frisbee with your dog are all fun workouts you can take part in together.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. The conditioning required for these different sports would make the Am Staff a great workout partner! This people-oriented dog thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do.

Border Collie

The high-drive Border Collie would help keep any owner fit – its energetic nature requires more exercise than just a walk around the block or playing in the yard. If owners don’t have cows or sheep available for herding practice, running would be a great activity to tire out the BC.

Brittany

This strong, quick and agile dog can hunt all day in the field. Brittanys thrive on activities like running, hiking and swimming, and the breed possesses a willing attitude to participate in any activity with its family.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is an alert, high-energy breed and is used regularly as a police and military working dog. Since both professions require the dog to be active and in-shape, the Belgian Malinois would gladly accompany its owner out for a run or a romp in the yard. This breed is happiest with something stimulating to do!

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian has a working heritage as a “coach dog,” where it ran alongside horse-drawn carriages for miles. Today, many Dalmatians take part in an activity called a “road trial” that mimics this historic usage. It requires Dals to run alongside a horse in a staged situation, a perfect environment for this high-energy breed. The breed’s endurance makes it a great running companion.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a muscular dog that possesses endurance and speed. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog.Energetic, obedient and loyal, the Doberman enjoys exercising and spending time with its owner.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, eager to please dog that historically was used to hunt all day in the field. GSPs thrive on exercise like most other pointing breeds and love being involved in outdoor activities with their families. Running, swimming or dog sports would be a great choice for this active breed.

Greyhound

The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog and was originally bred to use its vision and speed to chase after deer, stag, fox and hare in its native England. Although today the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion, the breed’s athleticism makes it a great running partner.

Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound was bred to hunt and swim over varied terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility. The breed developed great endurance and tenacity tracking game ranging from raccoons to cougars. During its downtime, Redbones have plenty of energy to spend exercising with their owners.

Vizsla

The Vizsla thrives as part of an active family that provides daily exercise. He is happy and affectionate with his people, very trainable in the house, but also able to go all day while out hunting.

Ten Dog Breeds That Will Help You Stay Fit – ShowSight Magazine July 2014 Issue

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Interview with Hound Group Breeder D. Scott Pfeil – Wynsyr Kennels 

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

D. Scott Pfeil: We live in Ingleside, Illinois, about forty miles northwest of Chicago on 10 beautiful acres with a pond. I have been involved in the sport of purebred dogs for over 35 years and have been breeding for 30 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

D. Scott Pfeil: Our kennel name is Wynsyr. Our original breed is the Afghan Hound, and we also breed Salukis and Italian Greyhounds, and have most recently been involved in Greyhounds. We currently keep 13 dogs between our various breeds.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

D. Scott Pfeil: Two Afghan Hounds immediately come to mind. One of our best-known was MBIS GCH Wynsyr China Doll, our beautiful white bitch who won 22 Best in Specialty Show awards. She won her last BISS at 12 years of age and lived to be nearly 17. Another was BIS MBISS CH Wynsyr Scimitar’s Tyson who was the top-winning Afghan in 2008. “Tyson” was co-owned with Debbie and JW Rogers and piloted by Mark Bettis. In Afghans, the Specialty ring was always our focus and we have bred over a dozen individual BISS winners.

I must also mention our spectacular Saluki bitch, MBIS MBISS GCHS Baghdad A MissDemeanor. “Demi” was bred in Australia by Paula Bockman-Chato of the legendary Baghdad Salukis, and was a multiple all-breed Best in Show winner in Australia, the United States, and Canada. She was the top-winning Saluki (Breed System) in 2016, winning the National plus ten other major Specialties that year. She was universally admired by both breeder-judges and all-rounders, which makes her analogous to a unicorn in the Saluki world!

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

D. Scott Pfeil: In Afghans, our foundation bitch was CH Charlemagne Kiara, a daughter of the legendary CH Elmo’s Tutankhamun. “Kiara” was bred by Barb Wayne and is behind every Wynsyr Afghan bred to this day. We believe firmly in the importance of linebreeding and maintaining pedigrees.

We have also bred three times (between 1998 and 2012) to the dog we consider to be Tutankhamun’s greatest son, CH Paladin the Darkman V Isameh. “Mo” has had a tremendous influence in
our kennel.

BISS CH Wynsyr Out of Africa was also a remarkable sire who consistently stamped his progeny with incredible breed type, sound beautiful, movement, and incredible temperaments. He has produced Group and Specialty winners in each of his litters to date.

Our foundation Saluki bitch, CH Karista’s Tickled Pink, was the dam of 14 champions and won the American Saluki Association’s Brood Bitch trophy in 2015.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

D. Scott Pfeil: We live on ten acres and have a kennel facility attached to our home. Our kennel hastwelve large indoor/outdoor runs. The kennel has one skylight for every two runs, which brings in a lot of natural light. The dogs are rotated through the exercise yards during the day and are also allowed in the house. We believe that plenty of room for running, fresh air, and natural sunlight are crucial to the dogs’ physical and psychological well-being. Puppies are whelped in our family room so that they can be exposed to all the sounds and hustle & bustle that goes on. Once they are old enough, we invite people over for puppy socialization parties.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

D. Scott Pfeil: We always make our evaluations at 8 weeks of age. At that age, we feel they display the balance and construction that they will possess at maturity, and they are also old enough to have an idea of their temperament and aptitude for the show ring.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

D. Scott Pfeil: Socialization is crucial with Sighthounds. Breeds that can be naturally aloof really need to be exposed from a very early age to being approached by strangers, crowded venues, and all the noises that can go along with a dog show. Beyond that they just need a lot of patience, and over-training should be avoided as it makes it boring for the puppy down the road.

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

D. Scott Pfeil: Salukis and Greyhounds are straightforward when it comes to presentation. Afghans are more prone to flights of fad and fashion. Right now, I think we are in a place where the majority of exhibits are properly presented. We will occasionally see excessive trimming/styling and over-stretching on the stack, which emphasizes rear angulation and makes the topline slope.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

D. Scott Pfeil: Afghans are basically a healthy breed, and breeders are good about checking for hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, and auto-immune thyroiditis.

In Salukis, I wish more people would do health testing. The breed does not currently participate in the CHIC program. The primary concerns are heart issues and hemangiosarcoma.

Greyhounds have a very concerning new neurological condition which has been identified in recent years. In a rare breed where the gene pool is fairly limited, this can be problematic. Fortunately, this is being studied and more information is coming to light. It is something that needs attention from breeders.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

D. Scott Pfeil: In Afghans, I worry that too many people are sacrificing basic soundness and functionality for extreme side movement. The breed is sharply declining in numbers, with many longtime breeders retiring or passing away while very few new people come into the breed. While there are some gorgeous, correct specimens out there, it does seem like quality is not as strong as it has been in the past. Perhaps it just seems this way because the numbers are so much smaller.

Quality in Salukis tends to stay generally the same as time goes by. I have not seen much change in the condition of the breed during my time in dogs.

Greyhounds are certainly a breed where exaggeration and extremes can easily take over. Too often the leggy, curvy, moderate, classic Greyhound is replaced by examples that are too long in body, low on leg, flat, and over-angulated—often with a huge side gait the breed has not been traditionally known for.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

D. Scott Pfeil: All of our breeds can make fantastic pets for the right families. The Greyhounds, in particular, are perfect companions in our eyes! They are low maintenance and very people-oriented when well-socialized.

Salukis, and particularly Afghans, need a lot of patience. They can be quite independent and manipulative! They do require extra care in socialization and positive training methods. And did I
mention patience?

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

D. Scott Pfeil: I worry that we are losing too many great Afghan breeders before their knowledge can be passed on to the few newcomers we have coming into the breed. These days, it’s not just about breeding great dogs. We have the onus of making sure that we preserve our history and breed culture by mentoring the younger generation of fanciers. Newer breeders have the responsibility of absorbing this knowledge like a sponge. There is much more to “preservation breeding” than just producing quality puppies!

Most Saluki breeders fit the definition of preservation breeder. While there are different camps and different viewpoints, the breed culture is one truly dedicated to preserving this wonderful
Desert Hound.

The Greyhound community may be small but it is loyal to the breed! In light of the new neurological disease that has been identified, it has been especially wonderful to see the community rally around breeding healthy dogs that are sound in mind and body. With the decline of the racing industry, many people who have fallen in love with the breed via their retired racing hounds will now need to turn to breeders of AKC dogs when looking for their next companion. This places great responsibility on breeders to ensure that their dogs meet the Standard and have the health and temperament that families want in a pet, and I believe that there are some great breeders doing exactly that!

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

D. Scott Pfeil: I had a very promising young Afghan Hound male. I had been working with him every day and taking him to conformation classes. I thought he was amazing and wanted him to be perfect in the ring. He loved doing it and was the perfect show dog. He wanted to please me so badly. I decided we would take a weekend off and go coursing. I wanted to show everyone how great this dog was and I just knew he would be amazing in the field! It was his turn and I made sure EVERYONE was watching this amazing dog. The call came and I released him. He took off! Well, he took off for about 50 feet or so before he realized I wasn’t alongside him. He abruptly stopped, turned around, looked at me, and did the perfect show trot right back to me. He was so very proud of himself. Everyone was watching and everyone was laughing. I was humiliated for about five seconds until I realized that if I was going to spend the rest of my life with this amazing breed, I’d better learn humility fast!

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