The Total Greyhound
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"The Properties of a Good Greyhound" A Greyhound should be headed like a Snake, Necked like a Drake, Backed like a Beam, Sided like a Bream, Footed like a Cat, and Tailed like a Rat. - Dame Julia Berners, 1486 |
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Greyhounds are an amazingly versatile breed. Whether coursing hare (or plastic "bunnies"), showing in conformation, or competing in agility, weight pull, and even dock diving, there are very few activities that a Greyhound cannot do well with the right training. Their great athleticism and speed, coupled with a fantastically biddable temperament, has enabled the breed to survive for thousands of years as both a preferred hunting partner and a beloved companion.
Every year, tens of thousands of Greyhounds still compete in the time-honored traditions of racing and coursing for sport, before eventually retiring to take up their well-earned positions at the foot of their new families' beds (and sprawling those long legs across every inch of the living room sofa). Some compete in shows and sports across dozens of venues; still others work as service and therapy dogs, their sweet and docile temperaments making them a perfect fit for the role.
So, why does all of that matter?
It matters because in order to produce the best dogs possible that honor their ancestors' heritage as beloved athletes and companions, I use a "total dog" approach in my breeding program here at Kodivaro.
This means I look at all aspects of the dog including health, temperament, structure, trainability, and enthusiasm for performance, in order to produce the best pups I possibly can. A beautiful dog with a terrible personality is no fun for anyone, and likewise a sweet-tempered dog riddled with health issues or poor structure is heartbreaking for a family to deal with. But a dog who can fill all of those roles - healthy, athletic, beautiful, and a great friend - is absolutely priceless.
To gauge their temperament, trainability, and desire to do what they were bred for, my dogs are shown and tested in a variety of ways, from conformation shows (AKC, UKC, IABCA, and APRI) to performance events like Lure Coursing, Rally Obedience, and training for all kinds of tricks and games. I enjoy trying new activities with my dogs as often as I can, and they love it too (especially when treats are involved!) This is the best way to make sure I am producing dogs who can handle any challenge with a happy-go-lucky, can-do attitude, the way a Greyhound should.
At the end of the day, my dogs are "pets who can do things." They are companions first and show/breeding animals second while they are with me, and the most important test of all is whether or not I enjoy living with them. If not, how could I expect anyone else to enjoy them or their pups?
While I know there is no way to predict and prevent every curve ball Mother Nature might throw into the mix, this is the best way I can think of to ensure my dogs stay true to their original purpose in every way possible. Not just showing, not just performance, and not just companionship, but a combination of all that and more.
That is what sets Kodivaro apart - these hounds are the total package!
Every year, tens of thousands of Greyhounds still compete in the time-honored traditions of racing and coursing for sport, before eventually retiring to take up their well-earned positions at the foot of their new families' beds (and sprawling those long legs across every inch of the living room sofa). Some compete in shows and sports across dozens of venues; still others work as service and therapy dogs, their sweet and docile temperaments making them a perfect fit for the role.
So, why does all of that matter?
It matters because in order to produce the best dogs possible that honor their ancestors' heritage as beloved athletes and companions, I use a "total dog" approach in my breeding program here at Kodivaro.
This means I look at all aspects of the dog including health, temperament, structure, trainability, and enthusiasm for performance, in order to produce the best pups I possibly can. A beautiful dog with a terrible personality is no fun for anyone, and likewise a sweet-tempered dog riddled with health issues or poor structure is heartbreaking for a family to deal with. But a dog who can fill all of those roles - healthy, athletic, beautiful, and a great friend - is absolutely priceless.
To gauge their temperament, trainability, and desire to do what they were bred for, my dogs are shown and tested in a variety of ways, from conformation shows (AKC, UKC, IABCA, and APRI) to performance events like Lure Coursing, Rally Obedience, and training for all kinds of tricks and games. I enjoy trying new activities with my dogs as often as I can, and they love it too (especially when treats are involved!) This is the best way to make sure I am producing dogs who can handle any challenge with a happy-go-lucky, can-do attitude, the way a Greyhound should.
At the end of the day, my dogs are "pets who can do things." They are companions first and show/breeding animals second while they are with me, and the most important test of all is whether or not I enjoy living with them. If not, how could I expect anyone else to enjoy them or their pups?
While I know there is no way to predict and prevent every curve ball Mother Nature might throw into the mix, this is the best way I can think of to ensure my dogs stay true to their original purpose in every way possible. Not just showing, not just performance, and not just companionship, but a combination of all that and more.
That is what sets Kodivaro apart - these hounds are the total package!
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
- 14th Century English Proverb
- 14th Century English Proverb