Exploring the Wonderful World of Dogs
Saluki
Sight hounds, such as the Greyhound, are built for speed and hunt by sight. Historically they used to kill their prey. Sight hounds are among the earliest known dog breeds known to man and the type from which many of our modern breeds descend. The now extinct Kangaroo Dog and Australia's wild dog, the Dingo are also included in this section. Although not recognised as pure breeds, they deserve to be included among the Sight Hounds on this Australian website.
The Greyhound, one of the oldest pure breeds, was mentioned in the Bible (Prov 30:31) almost a Century before Christ[2]. So his breed type has remained recognizable for three millennia. Since early Egyptian times, in Northern Africa he played an important role in running hare and gazelle down for food, and coursing for the thrill of the chase. Also referred ... »» Read more...
So many stories of fact and fable surround the history of these two related Gazehounds or Sight Hounds, the accuracy of their exact background has become lost in the mists of time. For these breeds are as old as the first civilizations of Scotland and Ireland respectively. It is fair to say the British Isles would not have become established ... »» Read more...
The Whippet is a modern, versatile, muscular and athletic breed. But they are also sweet natured, playful and responsive with people. They love to live indoors, their handy size and short coat making them an ideal pet for modern society. However, it is important to remember that being a Sight Hound, they must be well exercised and will take every ... »» Read more...
Engravings made over three thousand years before the birth of Christ depict recognisable sight hounds of the type we see in today's modern Saluki which originated in the Middle East. Today, the various breeds of sight hounds are among the most stunningly beautiful and elegant of all our dog breeds. »» Read more...
The Kangaroo Dog was vital to the survival of our earliest settlers. Today it is but a distant memory. This article traces its history which played an integral part of early Australia. The Kangaroo Dog certainly had all the essentials of becoming an iconic Australia pure breed. But its demise is a sad story of political correctness combined with the ... »» Read more...
Dingos are not a just another breed of dog. DNA testing had proved that Australia's wild dog, the Australian Dingo is a unique species all of its own. Technically called "Canis Dingo", it is Australia's top predator. Although it may it vary a little according to whether it lives among the mountains, on desert plains or among forest areas of ... »» Read more...