SIGHTHOUND SOPHISTICATION

Jean Harlow

In my inaugural post, I wrote about my first dog show experience at which an Afghan Hound went best in show. Since that time I have been intrigued by the sight hounds. I readily admit that ever since seeing a photograph of Jean Harlow in a white, satin gown being pulled along by two white Borzois, I have equated sight hounds with glamour.

Borzoi at Full Gallop

Unfortunately, for the majority of the American public, sight hounds are an acquired taste like single malt scotch or Beluga caviar. Just like those two decadent treats, once you cultivate an appreciation for sight hounds, your life will forever be richer.

CH Jaraluv Ouija

We do have a sighthound in our top ten dogs. It is the Scottish Deerhound bitch, CH Jaraluv Ouija. She was bred by Ray & Jana Brinlee of Walla Walla, WA, and is owned by Ray & Jana Brinlee and Steve & Eileen Biles of Acampo, CA. Her most recent BIS were at the Redwood Empire KC’s NORCAL show in Petaluma, CA on September 6 and 7.

Afghan Hound at Stride

At a conformation dog show one only gets a hint of the beauty of these elegant animals. I’ve been to way too many shows where cramped rings leave the dogs mournfully shuffling around the hall. To fully appreciate these dogs you have to see them in the open field. It was for this reason that the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) was created. The AFSA created this wonderful video as an introduction to Lure Coursing.



Unlike the more familiar oval track Greyhound racing, lure coursing allows the dogs to chase a lure that moves more like a deer or rabbit, without endangering the dogs or politically correct sensibilities. This sport has been gaining popularity since the 1970s with more than 120 local clubs staging events. Visit the AFSA web site at http://www.asfa.org/index.htm for more information.

Saluki Turning on a Dime

The Cascade Coursing Club will host the 2008 AKC National Lure Coursing Championship this coming weekend (September 13-14)at Meadowbrook Farm, Snoqualmie, Washington.