General Sighthound care

Very little grooming is necessary to keep them looking good. A smooth coated sighthound can be smoothed with a damp cloth, whereas a rough coated type will need more regular care with a brush. Many sighthounds like to be groomed, as it helps to reinforce their bond with you.

As they have very little body fat, a sighthound feels the cold and wet weather. A coat is essential. These coats can be purchased on the internet, but not many shops seem to stock the style needed for the shape of their bodies.

Sighthounds love to run. Lots of recall training will help you to get them to return. Always check that an area’s boundaries are secure before letting your sighthound off lead. Also make sure your hound knows and is safe with any other loose dogs where you exercise. This is common courtesy. They also usually walk excellently on a lead. Lead walks on hard roads are good for keeping nails trimmed. Some hounds happily let you clip their claws, others not.

If using an extendable lead for your sighthound, please use it attached to a harness. Sighthounds are fast dogs, then can easily injure their necks if they accelerate quickly, as these lead can jar when fully extended. A harness gives you better control.

It is a very good idea to go to dog training classes. These will help your sighthound to socialise with all kinds of dogs and help you to teach your hound basic commands. An obedient hound is a happy one.

Playing with your sighthound gives them enormous pleasure. Interaction and praise for your dog’s good behaviour, works much better than an angry voice, or worse. No-one should ever hit their dog. Play, training, exercising and grooming all help build a happy and worthwhile relationship between you and your hound.

Your sighthound should be fed 2 smaller meals per day. There is a vast choice available. Many shops stock complete dry dog foods. These are advertised as being a balanced diet. A raw food diet is also very popular.

There is plenty of information available on the internet about BARF diets. Many people cook for their dogs. Never give your hound cooked bones. They can splinter and cause blockages. Fresh clean water should always be available. Remember keeping your dog fit and healthy will depend on having a good quality diet.