#staghounds

GALTx eNews: What's In A Name? Sometimes A Lot!

When we say "Greyhound" almost everyone immediately thinks of a racing Greyhound registered with the National Greyhound Association (NGA). That makes sense as the majority of hounds moving through our program over the last 20 years have been Greyhounds bred for racing. Sometimes, when we talk about other kinds of hounds though, we get a lot of questions.

For instance, "AKC Greyhounds" are the same breed as NGA Greyhounds, but come from different bloodlines. AKC Greyhounds are bred to match the AKC breed standard rather than exclusively for speed. They tend to have longer necks, longer legs, deeper chests, more arched backs, and thinner bodies than NGA Greyhounds. Our Poppy is an AKC Greyhound.

"Lurchers" are sighthound crosses, typically a mix of Greyhound and another kind of dog, such as terrier or herding dog. Because the mix can vary, Lurchers can be small or large, smooth or rough coated, and of differing temperaments. They are often used in rural areas as hunting dogs. Although we do not have DNA test results, our Joey is likely a Lurcher.

Staghounds, on the other hand, are a cross between two breeds of sighthounds, often Greyhound and Deerhound or Wolfhound. To add confusion, some refer to Staghounds as "American Lurchers." And much like Lurchers, Staghounds can come with smooth or rough coats and in varying sizes depending on their particular mix of breeds. Like Lurchers, Staghounds are often used in rural areas as hunting dogs. Our adopted Maze and Cheyenne (pictured) are Staghounds.

"Greyluki" is a nickname for a Saluki and Greyhound mix. Sometimes, the mix is one Saluki parent and one Greyhound parent, but some Greyluki are mixed going back a few generations. Greyluki's are also commonly used as hunting dogs. Our adoptable Denny and Waffles are likely both Greyluki.

No matter what variety of hound, lovability is a common theme consistent across all of the breeds and mixes!

GALTx eNews: "Twins" From Oklahoma Seeking Forever Family

We have a special pair of hounds to share with you this week: Slim and Mac. Their former owner surrendered them to the animal shelter in Duncan, Oklahoma, saying that, at about 8 or 9 years old, they were too old to hunt. When they arrived, Slim was seriously underweight and both had a significant positive titer for the tick borne disease Ehrlichia Canis.

Slim is a big, fuzzy, blonde Staghound who loves playing with toys. He craves affection and gives the sweetest butterfly kisses. His big green eyes make him even more striking. Slim is a bit of a fussy eater but has filled out nicely in foster care. He is a low-energy dog who moves slowly and loves his naps. He is great on the leash and, while he rides very well in the car, he needs a little help getting his back legs up and in. Slim is fully housebroken and has excellent house manners. He rarely barks but will bark to ask to go out and come back in.

Although he comes off as a little aloof at first, Mac is a calm, sweet, and loving boy with a beautiful brindle coat. He isn't much of a barker but can be vocal to make his opinion known. Mac is a well-behaved dog who loves rides in the car and walks great on the leash. Mac loves his meals and is easily motivated with food. He has learned that living in a house with soft beds, regular meals, and people who lavish affection on him is to his liking! Mac recently discovered the pure joy of tossing toys in the air and catching them. Mac is just a very good boy who loves affection and attention.

Slim and Mac are feeling much better thanks to the loving care of their foster home and will soon start their search for a forever home. They are a closely bonded pair who will do best if adopted together. They look for each other and don't like being separated for long. Both seem to do well with small dogs. Mac and Slim are on daily maintenance medications to support their kidney functions. Mac is also on a special kidney support diet. If you're interested in adopting Slim and Mac, please email our adoption team at [email protected]! 

GALTx eNews: Congrats To Odin And Brenna!

LES STAG-HOUNDS DE S. M. LA REINE D’ANGLETERRE.