We had an off the track greyhound we took riding a few
times. They tell you never to let them off leash, but ours was so nervous and
bonded to people I truly doubt she would have left our side. Problem was
that her skin was just like tissue paper, extremely thin and tore too easily on
brush and rocks. Also...I wonder if since they are built to be sprinters,
that endurance might not be the right activity. Ours was so darn thin, we tried
everything to get some weight on her so she didn't look like a rack of
bones. I can't imagine having that dog burn calories running for 25
miles!
Lisa Salas, don't you have greyhounds? What is your
experience?
What i often think a great mix would be is Rhodesian
Ridgeback bred back to greyhound.
Some folks used to take labs riding with us;
unfortunately, I have seen a lot of hip problems in the ones up and doubt they
should have been exercising hard....but they did love it, and kept up
fine.
My original wish was for a short-haired dog. Even
the Cattle dog is a big too long haired for our climate, the RR had the perfect
coat.
I'm amazed that all the Arabian moms and dads haven't looked into the
Arabian breeds of dogs - the sighthounds...Afghans (well, ok, there is the
hair issue!) but the sleeker model the Saluki is a fabulous dog that runs like
the wind has more hair than a greyhound (on his ears, tail and feathering on
the legs) and can go all day and all night. If you've never been to a
lure course it's worth finding one and seeing the dogs that were bred to
travel with Arabian horses in the desert. They're beautiful, smart, can
be couch potatoes when the day is done, but are always willing to take off on
a ride. My little old man died a few years ago and I've missed him
terribly since.
----- Original Message -----
From: Sue
Walz
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 11:40
AM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] 25 miler dogs
My Standard Poodles are GREAT horse dogs! They can
run a 25 mile training ride with me & have energy left. They clean
up easily & don't shed all over my house & clothes! They're very
intelligent & trainable with great temperaments. I've been
a dog groomer for over 30 years, all breeds. I've seen aggressive
characteristics in cattle dogs & in Ridgebacks that concern me.
Mostly towards animals, but sometimes, esp. with cattle dogs, towards
humans. During rides with my poodles I've had to fight off aggressive
dogs belonging to other riders & hikers. And I hesitate to have a
herding breed around horses unless I want them chased! Natural instincts
are tough to train away from, but certainly not impossible with
diligence. Temperament is a genetic trait. So if you buy a puppy
of any breed make sure both parents are very friendly to both people
& animals!
Susan Walz
CMG 877-385-9120 541-343-6833 Marsan Kennel - End Results
Grooming 2040 West 18th Ave Eugene, Oregon
97402-3631 http://www.MarsanKennel.com http://users.rio.com/marsan http://www.Medifast4Life.tsfl.com
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