The Complete Guide to Longdogs

Longdogs are a type of dog that originated in the 19th century as a cross between a Greyhound and a Collie.

Their unique combination of speed and intelligence made them popular as working dogs, often used for herding sheep and other livestock.

Longdogs are known for their striking appearance, with a slender build and a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors.

They are a relatively small breed, typically weighing between 30-50 pounds and standing between 20-25 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Longdog is a relatively tall breed, standing at 24 to 30 inches at the shoulder.

Their weight can vary significantly, ranging from 35 to 100 pounds.

If you're considering bringing a Longdog into your home, it's essential to consider their size and weight needs.

A lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and something other than a sighthound, according to those with a real interest in the subject.

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Many people, including those who have kept running dogs in their family for generations, agree that a lurcher is a sighthound crossed with another breed.

A longdog, on the other hand, is often considered to be a type of lurcher, but this can be misleading.

Some people define a longdog as a cross between two sighthounds, which conflicts with the definition of a lurcher.

Unfortunately, this can lead to confusion, especially when looking at dog websites that may not always have the most accurate information.

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The Longdog is a calm and affectionate breed, but not one that likes to show it off. He's a sighthound, after all, and his independent nature means he's not much of a watchdog or guard dog.

His size and appearance can be intimidating enough to scare off intruders, but don't count on him to defend your home. He's more interested in giving chase than standing guard.

A daily walk and some time to run free in a securely enclosed area will keep him happy, but make sure to keep him on a leash – he's got a strong prey drive and will take off after any small critter.

A visual barrier is essential if you want to keep him confined to your yard. Don't bother with an underground electronic fence, though – he'll just blow right through it.

The Longdog's love of food is only matched by his love of getting into trouble. Keep your counters and tables clear, or he'll be helping himself in no time.

He's an independent thinker, but with positive reinforcement and food rewards, he can learn the basics of good dog behavior. Just be sure to start training early and keep it fun and short – harsh corrections will only confuse him.

The Longdog is a calm and affectionate breed, but he's not one to show it off. He's happy to be around his family, but he's not clingy.

He loves to give chase, especially after small furry critters, and can be prone to running off if not kept on a leash. Long walks and opportunities to run free in a securely fenced area are a must.

His independent nature means he can be a bit stubborn at times, but with positive reinforcement techniques, particularly food rewards, he can learn good behavior. Start training early and keep sessions short and fun.

A Longdog's coat can be either rough or smooth, and weekly brushing will keep it healthy and free of dead hair. Don't forget to trim his nails and keep his ears clean and dry to prevent infections.

Good dental hygiene is crucial, especially since some Longdogs are prone to periodontal disease. Brush his teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for fresh breath and overall health.

The Longdog's coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the neck and chest area.

Longdogs have a thick double coat, with a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat, which sheds heavily during shedding season.

To prevent matting, brush your Longdog's coat daily, paying extra attention to areas prone to matting.

Daily brushing also helps to distribute skin oils, keeping the coat healthy and shiny.

Longdogs are prone to skin allergies, so regular grooming helps to detect any skin issues early on.

Longdogs require regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and lead to health problems.

Their nails grow rapidly, so trimming should be done every 4-6 weeks.

Longdogs are generally quiet and easy-going, making them a great addition to families with children.

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Finding a Longdog requires some effort, but it's worth it. Start by talking to pet professionals in your area, such as vets, dog walkers, and groomers, about your desire for a Longdog.

You can also search online for Longdog rescues in your area, as breed clubs often have rescue organizations that take care of homeless dogs. The North American Lurcher and Longdog Association may be able to help you locate the perfect companion.

To increase your chances of finding a Longdog, post on social media, such as Facebook, that you're looking for a specific breed. This will allow your community to be your eyes and ears.

Finding a Longdog can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to do your research and reach out to the right people.

Start by talking to vets, dog walkers, and groomers in your area about your desire for a Longdog.

They often have valuable insights and may know of someone who needs to rehome their dog.

When someone has to give up a dog, they usually ask their trusted network for recommendations.

This can be a great way to find a Longdog in need of a loving home.

You can find a Longdog at a shelter, but it's unlikely since Longdogs are uncommon. If you live in the Western United States, a shelter is worth a shot.

Shelters may have Longdogs that lost their homes due to owner death, divorce, or economic changes. You can search online or check local newspapers for "pets looking for homes" sections.

Petfinder.com is a great resource to search for a Longdog in your area, allowing you to be specific or general in your requests. AnimalShelter.org can help you find local animal rescue groups.

Social media is also a great way to find a dog, post on your Facebook page that you're looking for a specific breed. Your community can be your eyes and ears.

Breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless Longdogs, search online for Longdog rescues in your area. The North American Lurcher and Longdog Association may be able to help you locate the perfect companion.

Before bringing home a pup, discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers about the dog's behavior around other animals and any known health issues. Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.

Take your Longdog to your veterinarian soon after adoption, they will be able to spot problems and set up a preventive regimen to avoid many health issues.

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As you consider bringing a Longdog into your family, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise. Longdogs are a healthy breed overall, but they can be prone to gastric torsion due to their deep chest.

If you're concerned about your Longdog's health, be sure to work with a reputable breeder who offers a health guarantee and is transparent about the breed's potential health problems. They should be able to provide you with information on the incidence of health issues in their lines.

Some common health issues to be aware of in Longdogs include osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy, autoimmune thyroiditis, and gastric torsion. Here are some key statistics to consider:

A good breeder is more important than finding the right puppy. They'll match you with the right puppy and ensure health certifications are done to screen out health problems.

Consider an adult dog from a shelter or a rescue group. Many health problems in Longdogs aren't apparent in puppyhood.

Take your Longdog to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian can spot visible problems and set up a preventive regimen to avoid many health issues.

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Don't buy a puppy from a pet store or Internet site that ships with no questions asked. You'll likely get an unhealthy, unsocialized, and difficult-to-house-train puppy, and be supporting high-volume puppy mills.

Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Longdog. Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The risk of gastric torsion is medium, and the cost to diagnose and treat it can range from $1,500 to $7,500. This is a significant investment, but it's crucial to be prepared for any unexpected veterinary bills.

Cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, is another medium-risk issue that can affect Longdogs. The cost to diagnose and treat it is relatively lower, ranging from $500 to $1,500.

Longdogs are generally a healthy breed, but it's always better to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise. By understanding these risks, you can take proactive steps to prevent or manage them.

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Telling a longdog on sight can be a challenge, but there's one key characteristic that's likely to be present: they're tall, lithe, and leggy.

A deep but narrow chest is another trait that's common among longdogs, just like virtually all sighthounds.

The coat of a longdog can vary greatly, from short and fine to shaggy and rough, reflecting the different breeds that make up the cross.

Relatively tall is the norm for longdogs, especially since they're often the result of crossings between two of the taller sighthound breeds.

The Saluki/Greyhound cross is still widely admired as a hare coursing dog, offering the fast acceleration rate of the greyhound combined with the higher levels of endurance and tolerance for heat of the saluki.

This cross is particularly well-suited for hot climates, making it a great choice for those who live in warmer areas.

The Deerhound/Greyhound cross is a variant of longdog that's popular worldwide, and is still used in working roles in countries like the USA and Australia.

A fresh viewpoint: Saluki

It's considered the best sighthound for working with foxes and deer in the UK, showing excellent endurance and resistance to inclement weather.

The Whippet/Greyhound cross is desired for its quick acceleration, small, compact build, and agility.

They're also able to tolerate reasonably high temperatures, and recover quickly after exercise, making them a great choice for those who enjoy active pursuits.

Here are some of the most popular longdog crosses: