Gogee

Thanks SSM, yeah I agree about the local factor . The houndtogs snoods were one of the ones I thought looked good but wasn't sure of the sizing....did you go for a medium or a Large? Cheers

Does anyone know where to get some snoods made out of polar fleece from? I want some to keep my hounds' ears and necks warm on those chilly early morning walks Velcro adjustable around the head and neck ends would be good (preferably not elastic), and to cover most of the neck as well. I have seen some sold on overseas sites, and one in Oz too but it wasn't what I was after. If I was crafty, I'd whip some up myself...but unfortunately I'm not Any ideas anyone? Thanks!

I think some of the collars are tapered to give more protection and padding for the long sighthound neck/windpipe when going walking (as the D-ring is usually on the thin end). The thick part rests at the front of the neck when walking, but if a lead is not attached then the thick bit can be worn either at the front or the back of the neck.....I think?

I've had this happen a few times whilst walking our two dogs on lead, and it is pretty hair raising so I sympathise with you miss shel! I've always gotten in front of my dogs (not easy while they're going crazy as well trying to get away) and roared my lungs out at the offending dogs..including a fair amount of swearing The off lead attackers have always backed off so far. Leaves you with a sore throat though afterwards :D There are 2 aggressive dogs around the corner from me who are always out and about roaming, so I have taken to carrying a big stick too with me now when I go walking in that particular direction. I make no apologies either for wanting to protect myself and my dogs, especially against repeat offenders (some bloody owners who think their dogs can roam around at will make my blood boil!).

That Salukis ARE allowed to have a couple of ribs showing and a little of the of their hip/pin bones poking out...they're hunting sighthounds and are built in that svelte manner for a reason ;) They're also tough as nails, full on rough when they want to be, and have been used as efficient desert hunters (killing gazelle and other prey) for centuries....all which of belies their elegant, dainty and fabulous supermodel appearance

I do a quick microwave defrost of chicken frames and other bones when I forget to take them out of the freezer the night before, and it's always been fine with my dogs. Of course you don't want to actually cook the bone, just get the ice off of it

I have this fridget magnet too - they only have a one page website with opening hours but no further details. I used the specialist/referral centre after hours emergency service (Magill road) on a Sunday once when Indi cut his leg open tearing around the yard, they were very caring and professional and did a great job with stitching him up

Great post Agatha, very informative!

Hey Miss Squish there are other lovely clubs out there in Adelaide that don't use aversives, and still get great results. If you're not happy with where you are currently, it might not be worth staying there and trying to change things or putting in a complaint? You pay money to attend, and deserve to be in an environment that you feel comfortable in so perhaps try somewhere else?

Thanks showdog and Havasneeze

Does anyone know if it will be shown on Foxtel? I'm getting it installed today, so it might be good timing

Yep, they are fantastic - purely positive, and great with the dogs (I took both mine there).

Wow, certainly looks like they have thought of everything! We actually tried to book in recently when we were in the process of moving house, but they were all full up. As this place is more or less up the road from us now, I too would love to hear from any others who have boarded their dogs there ;)

Abbie is gorgeous! I"m sure she makes a lovely addition to your family

Yep they are great, we took all 3 of ours there and were happy with the setting, content and trainers

Oberon IS one gorgeous borzoi I often get similar comments when out and about with the Saluki and Pharaoh Hound.....talk about having 2 less than common breeds in suburbia! brought it upon myself I guess LOL. Most comments or whispers from people passing by include "look at that/those skinny dog(s)...they should feed them more!"...or "look at those ugly skinny things!" plus "oh what a big whippet you have there (referring to the Saluki)!", and "what are THEY crossed with?" I often use it as an educational opportunity though, and explain what breeds they are plus where they originated from and why they are built so svelte and super model like I was delighted though when I heard someone say to another, "look, there's that gorgeous Pharaoh Hound from around the corner!" :p made my day.

Gorgeous photos, oh and gorgeous dogs too!

Asha says Hi Back SSM :D Yep, looks like I'm the only one Pharaohs are fantastic dogs and gorgeous to boot, so really are a well kept secret I guess!

Anyone else have a pharaoh??...anybody at all? Not sure if we are allowed to post photos in these breed threads, but here's Our girl

QUESTIONS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Second time owner - had a gorgeous boy a few years ago, and currently have a beautiful bitch who's just turned 2 years old 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Originally thought to be one of the oldest domesticated sighthound breeds in history, originating in Egypt but developed for in Malta for hunting rabbits and other small prey (the Maltese name "Kelb Tal Fenek" means rabbit dog funnily enough ). They are the national dog of Malta, and apparently are still used in some parts for hunting over there. Recent DNA studies point to the modern day pharaoh hound perhaps being recreated from different breeds, more recently than first thought....although who knows for sure? I mean they DO look good posing next to the pharaohs' tombs don't they 3. How common is it in Australia? Not all that common as a companion dog I think, but becoming more common in show circles especially in the eastern states. I'm sure once people become aware of what a great breed they are (not to mention drop dead gorgeous) they may become more popular. 4. What is the average lifespan? 12 to 15 years, or so I've read 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Pharaohs are highly intelligent, playful and joyful, and completely loving and snuggly...well our girl is a huge snuggle pot anyway! They can be big "smilers" and also their ears and eye rims sometimes "blush" a pinky/red colour when excited..very cute! Our girl seems to be more switched on and focused than your typical eastern sighthound (i.e. our saluki LOL) and I'm sure could excel in obedience or agility if we tried. VERY waggy back end LOL 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Being a sighthound breed, they are quite athletic and need nice long off lead romps a few times a week plus daily 1/2 hr walks at least. Of course there are times when we skip a walk day, and our girl doesn't seem to mind......oh yeah, her second favourite thing next to food, is to sleeeep! She can be quite happy to snooze the day away if we are feeling lazy. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? I think so because of the general stable temperament and friendly nature. However keep in mind that being a sighthound, they can be inclined to have a high prey drive/chase instinct and you need to take this into account when exercising and socialising. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Preferably not, however our girl doesn't seem to mind being outside on her own with a bone when required. Could be more to do with her stable temperament, however it might -be indicative of the breed. Come to think of it, our first boy also was able to occupy himself at home, when we were out at work. 9. How much grooming is required? Very wash and wear breed due to their short coat. Regular brushing with a bristle brush or rubber glove gets rid of the dead hair, and keeps the coat maintained and shedding to a minimum. I have noticed though that our girl does have more of a "doggy" smell than our saluki (who is always sweet smelling no matter how long between baths!) 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Can be boisterous as a pup (like most breeds), however if brought up with kids and with basic obedience there should be no issues whatsoever. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Not that I know of, everything we read before getting our first boy indicates that pharaohs are one of the healthiest breeds and I don't know of any inheritable diseases. Other than possible sensitivity to anaesthesia/chemicals etc. I'm not sure of other health issues. Perhaps others can elaborate? 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Nothing apart from the usual questions to ask a registered, ethical breeder. I'm sure others can add to this too

Absolutely gorgeous! I love Biscuit's bounciness

Ruffwear harness looks great wish it wasn't $90 though A few questions about it- how hard is it to get on and off? Do they have to step into it and does that back strap get in the way at all for boys (if you know what I mean lol) I need something that is quick and easy on and off while still being comfortable. I can't walk my boy on a harness so it would be strictly for the car only. Yep, like Shell says the ruffwear harness is easy to get into and out of, and pricey but definitely worth it! It was the only one of it's kind that I found was firm fitting, didn't slip and slide but was still comfy....and the belly strap doesn't interfere with my boy's wee wees :D Oh and it also looks cool

RuffWear Webmaster Harness The ruffwear webmaster harness is absolutely fantastic! I have one for my hard to fit sighthound (deep chest, slim waist), and it doesn't slip at all! It's extremely secure, and comfy for him to wear as well (has padded bits to prevent chafing). I've had heaps of issues trying to get a good quality, fitting harness for him but now I've found it! Although not strictly a car harness, I guess you could get a seatbelt attachment for it to clip to the loop/ring on the harness

Thanks for the info NewAmstaffOwner I emailed Alexis, and it turns out the course is definitely based on the DVD by Leslie Nelson....so I am going to enrol for next year! See if I can whip the Saluki into shape for recall!