Appalachian Greyhound
Breed Standard
General Appearance:
The Appalachian Greyhound is a small to mid-sized sighthound that is very athletic, has powerfully muscled hindquarters, a strong loin, a deep chest and an elegantly arched neck. A graceful hound of great power, elegance and a flowing outline, Appalachian Greyhounds should be fit and conditioned to course in all types of terrain.
Size:
There are three height divisions of Appalachian Greyhounds, with the height measured at the highest point of the withers:
14" to under 17"
17" to 22 ½"
over 22 ½" to 25", but not to exceed 25".
Under 14", or over 25", to be disqualified.
Expression:
At rest the Appalachian Greyhound has a sweet, gentle, almost humble or apologetic look, but when on alert, he has a keen, intense expression.
Head:
Should be relatively long and lean, but with a rather wide back skull, tapering slightly to the eyes, and continuing to narrow to the nose. The skull is flat on top with a very slight stop. The head is not to be excessively long and narrow, nor excessively short and broad. The jaws are powerful but clean with no coarseness. Lack of underjaw is not desirable. Nose is black, or as dark as possible in dilute colored dogs. Scissors bite.
Eyes:
Dark, large and full. Both eyes are to be the same color. Light eyes are not desirable. Eyelids and rims to be dark and fully pigmented.
Ears:
Rose ears are the correct ear and are very highly preferred. However, button ears, which are small V-shaped ears that fold just above the top of the skull, with the inner edge close to the cheek and the flap pointing down, are not desirable, but are acceptable. Prick, semi prick or hound ears are exceedingly undesirable.
Neck:
Long, elegantly arched and muscular, with no throatiness. An ewe neck or a short thick neck are undesirable.
Shoulders:
Shoulder blades long and placed as obliquely as possible, with flat muscling. Moderate space between the blades at the withers to allow for the girth. The elbow is to be directly under the withers when viewed from the side. The elbows should turn neither in nor out when viewed from the front.
Forelegs:
Straight and strong with good bone all the way down to the feet. Pasterns to be strong, but flexible, and have a very slight bend.
Brisket:
Very deep, preferably to the point of the elbow. Well sprung ribs but not barrel shaped.
Back and Loin:
Broad and strong, with a somewhat long loin. A dramatic tuck up is highly desirable. There is to be a definite arch over the well muscled loin, but the topline is not to be humped or wheel backed. A flat back with a steep croup is very undesirable.
Hindquarters:
Strong, broad and well muscled across thighs; well bent stifles; well let down hocks, creating a long, powerful, wide rear with great driving power.
Feet:
Strong, well knuckled, with thick pads, either hare foot or cat foot is acceptable. Flat feet are to be penalized.
Tail:
Long, reaching at least to the hocks, and preferably below them. Tail to be tapered, with a slight open curve upward the end to create a sweep, but not to be ringed. Tail should not be carried high above the back. Short, ringed, or high tails are all undesirable.
Coat:
There are currently 4 accepted coat varieties of Appalachian Greyhounds:
Smooth: Hair short and firm in texture.
Long: Hair soft and straight, or slightly curled or wavy. Longer hair on neck to create a ruff. Amount of body hair will vary from dog to dog. An undercoat may or may not be present. There is to be feathering on the back of the forelegs and under the chest, and more feathering on back of thighs and tail. No facial furnishings.
Wire: Wiry and harsh, sometimes rather sparse. Facial furnishings, which may be of softer hair, to consist of eyebrow hair and a beard, are desirable.
Rough: Longer hair, either straight, or wavy, and somewhat soft. Facial furnishings, which may be of softer hair, to consist of eyebrow hair and a beard.
Color:
Any color, markings or combination thereof.
Gait:
Effortless, low, level and powerful, covering the most amount of ground possible. Great reach and drive. Hackney gait, caused by high, constricted front leg action; moving too close; moving too wide; weaving; or crossing over are all undesirable.
Temperament:
Easy going, calm, dignified, and gentle, but very intense in the field.
Scale of Points:
General appearance, symmetry and attitude ------------ 10
Coat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Head, eyes, muzzle and nose ------------------------------- 10
Ears ------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Neck ------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
Shoulders, forelegs and feet ---------------------------------- 10
Brisket and tuck up ---------------------------------------------- 10
Back, loin and topline -------------------------------------------- 10
Hindquarters -------------------------------------------------------- 10
Tail --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Gait and movement ---------------------------------------------- 10
100
Ó The above Standard is copyrighted by the Appalachian Sighthound Association, March 2000.
For more information regarding the
Appalachian Sighthound Association
and the
Appalachian Greyhound:
Claybrook Farm -- Michelle Henninger -- 5730 Olde Scotland Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257
717-263-0932
Copyright Ó 2000 Claybrook Farm
All rights reserved.