[Laurelin]

I'm really really thinking about getting a sighthound for my next dog. (This is in 2-3 years earliest btw) I've always loved them. They're all gorgeous and all the dogs I've met have been amazing.

I'm particularly interested in Ibizans and Pharaohs, though. I've met quite a few beezers first hand and known people who had them. I've been researching them for over 7 years now. I wanted one as a show dog for a long time, but my parents didn't want anything larger than a sheltie so they were out of the question. So what are these breeds like from your experience? What are the main differences between pharaohs and beezers. I'll admit I'm more attracted to beezers look wise, but there's a lot more than looks in a decision.

Technically speaking, the paps are family dogs, one is owned by my sister and the other is the families'. I'm moving out in the future completely and will be left dogless. There's no way my mother is going to let me steal one of 'her babies'. My 'personal dog' is an elderly female sheltie. (She's still a family dog, I just call her mine because we got her when I was 9) I'd feel guilty taking her as well as she's very old and set in her ways plus she adores the rest of the family and the other dogs (especially Trey, I think she'd go crazy without him). I just don't think it'd be healthy for her to move when she's 14 or 15 or so. I also feel guilty about getting a new dog, but I wouldn't be replacing her at all. I've thought a lot about this, and I really do think it is the best for Nikki to keep her with the family she's known her whole life instead of moving her in her last few years. They all love her just as much as I do and they take great care of her. So in short this new dog wouldn't be around the small dogs much except for visits and I'd be very careful with that. I've been around zois at shows and know how prey driven they can be around small dogs.

I'm going to miss having dogs, and as much as I love the paps, I really want something larger for my first on my own dog. like I said, sighthounds have always been favorites of mine, just not really possible for me to own before. I figure if I can wait a few more years before getting a new one, I can get a larger dog as I'll be in a house, not an apartment. Besides, the best things in life are worth the wait.

I really want to do coursing with the new dog primarily but I also want to be involved in conformation as I'm really growing to enjoy that as well. It'd be my first dog to handle on my own.

It seems that beezers are more popular in Oklahoma/Arkansas because the shows around there generally have several- sometimes 5 or 6. The shows in Texas never have any.

Any information about other sightounds would be helpful too. I've never owned a hound before.

Also, are there any decent beezer books out there? I have a really old one, but I've looked at every show I've been at and I can't find anything more recent.

lovemygreys, maybe you have some information for me?

[lovemygreys]

I don't have a ton of experience with beezers or PHs personally...only meeting them in passing at coursing events. Seems whenever I mention wanting a beezer to other coursing peeps, the general response I get is: no you don't! Apparently they are quite barky...though keep in mind I've never been told this by an actual Ibizan owner. Maybe they are just barky when excited - as they tend to be at coursing trials! I do love their look - esp the wire-haired version. The ones I've met are actually quite sweet...and haven't been aloof with strangers, which can be a trait of sighthounds. Could have something to do with the fact that most (if not all) are show dogs and regularly attend/participate in performance events so they are around strangers a LOT.

The Pharoah's I've met can be quite stubborn...they are usually the dog's in the field who decide they aren't done running and make their owners chase them all over the field after the course is done. Beautiful dogs though.

You may want to check out houndtalk.com I know there is at least one beezer owner and I believe a couple PH owners as well.

As for sighthounds in general...well, I love them. Such a long history with many of the breeds. Amazing athleticism. They can be independent (not entirely un-catlike in many ways). Most are fastidious about cleanliness and will often groom themselves like a cat. The short-haired (think desert type like greyhounds and salukis) don't tend to get "doggy odor" like many breeds because of their short, thin coat. Since they hunt primarily on site, their brains are hard-wired to "chase first, ask questions later" so they are not breeds that are good or reliable off leash in an unfenced area. There are exceptions, of course, but it's one risk I would never take with any sighthound...especially one that courses.

They can be aloof with strangers, but are extremely loyal to "their humans." Energy levels tend to depend on what they were bred for. For example, greyhounds tend to be sprinters with little endurance whereas salukis tend to have good late speed/endurance, so that is something to consider when choosing a breed. Most of the sighthounds are quite sensitive and do best with positive reinforcement type training and *very* light corrections (i.e. a harsh tone of voice is usually enough correction).

Many people will tell you they are difficult to train or "not smart" b/c training can be a challenge. While it is true that sighthounds don't hang on a human's every word like a border collie or a lab might, they are very intelligent and can be trained. I know several sighthounds that compete in agility, obedience, etc....It's about finding the proper motivation for them. You can tell a golden retriever to "sit" and they will usually just do it "because you said so." A sighthound is more likely to go "Sit? Now? Here? Why? The ground is kinda wet and I'm really enjoying standing b/c I see a leaf over there I might want to chase later...so...if you want me to sit, you gotta give me a good reason"

If you can attend a coursing event, it will be a great way to meet some different breeds and talk to their owners.

[Laurelin]

Barking I can deal with- I grew up with one of the most vocal breeds- shelties. I think if you can take a sheltie's barking, you can take any barking, especially my female sheltie. She's an ear piercer.

My main worry is training. I have little experience with breeds that aren't really easily trained. Shelties and paps are some of the easiest out there. I don't think it's anything I can't handle though.

How do you go about finding coursing events, I'd love to attend one. My main experience with sighthounds has been at shows and various friends' pets. Several of them have retired greys.

I've talked to several people online that either own or handle beezers. All the ones I've met weren't nearly as reserved as some sighthounds are. The pups were practically jumping all over me and the adults were very friendly as well. Though like you said, they were all show dogs and well socialized. They were all very sensative though. Not a dog for harsh corrections.

The cleanliness thing reminds me of Beau, though. He sits around and grooms himself like a cat- running his paws over his face and such. Odd dog.

As for looks, I tend to prefer the smooths, but the breeders around here tend to have more wires. I like the look of them both.