Kangaroo dog (Australian greyhound, Staghound)

The Kangaroo Dog is a strong and fast sighthound, rarely found outside of Australia. Also known as the Australian Greyhound and Staghound, it is considered a distinct breed within the cynological community and is of little interest to breeders. These dogs are bred primarily by hunters, and are often crossed with other breeds.

Content

1 History of origin
- 1.1 Crossbreeding with other breeds
2 Appearance
3 Character and behavior
4 Content Features
5 Health and life expectancy
6 Where to buy a puppy
- 6.1 Price
7 Photos and videos
- 7.1 Video about the Kangaroo Dog breed

History of origin

Greyhounds were brought to Australia by Europeans. They were used for meat hunting and protection from dingoes. They subsequently spread across the continent in a wide variety of crossbreeds. Over time, several types of dogs evolved, each adapted to life and work in a specific climate. The main breeds that gave rise to Australian greyhounds were: greyhound, whippet, deerhound, Irish Wolfhound.

Hunting kangaroos, emus and wallabies with dogs is currently prohibited, but Kangaroo dog owners can still hunt other wild animals such as foxes and wild boar.

The Kangaroo Dog is essentially a breed group. It is not recognized by any international organization. In Australia, a small group of hunters is interested in establishing their dog as a distinct breed, but without government and public support, this will be difficult to achieve. Furthermore, breeding emphasizes working ability over appearance, which hinders adherence to a uniform standard.

Crossbreeding with other breeds

Various sighthound crossbreeds are extremely popular among Australian hunters. Staghounds are crossed with bull terriers, bullmastiffs, Irish wolfhounds, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks to improve their sense of smell, endurance, and strength. Their main drawbacks are a lack of speed and stubbornness. Staghounds are also used in team hunting with hounds.

Appearance

In appearance, the Kangaroo Dog is a typical sighthound: fairly large, lean, and high-legged. It has strong bones and lean, well-developed muscles. Its build resembles that of a Greyhound, but is larger and more robust. Sexual dimorphism is well-defined.

Height at withers: 68-81 cm;
Weight: 27-45 kg.

The head is wide between the ears and tapering. The muzzle is long with strong jaws. The eyes are dark and expressive. Their vision allows the greyhound to spot moving targets at a distance. The ears are small, pulled back, and raised above the head when excited. The body is strong. The topline has a noticeable arch. The belly is tucked up. The tail is long and thin. The legs are strong and long.

The coat comes in three types: a medium-length, wiry coat like the Deerhound's; short, like the Greyhound's but rougher; and broken. The color varies.

Dogs with a broken coat are called Australian Staghounds, the others are called kangaroo hounds.

Character and behavior

Australian Greyhounds are calm, even-tempered, and friendly dogs. They thrive on companionship and form strong bonds with their owners. However, their character and behavior clearly reveal a desire for independence, a desire to dominate, and a pronounced ferocity toward animals.

Used as hunting and sporting dogs, Australian Greyhounds also make excellent companions. Australian Greyhounds are quite intelligent. They perform watchdog duties, but are not suited for guard duty. When young, they are very active and energetic, but not hyperactive. Adult dogs are calm, rest a lot, and only on free walks can one judge their speed and endurance.

Throughout their history, Australian greyhounds have been used for only one purpose: hunting. Even puppies raised indoors possess a strong hunting instinct.

Australian Greyhounds are good with children. With proper training, they get along well with pets and guard livestock from wild animals. They rarely leave stray animals and small animals unnoticed. They can kill a neighbor's cat or squirrel. Working abilities vary depending on the breeding line.

Content Features

The kangaroo dog is accustomed to living and working freely. In their native land, greyhounds are often kept by farmers and live outdoors. They require regular exercise to maintain their mental and physical health. At least several times a week, a dog over one year old should run 5-10 km (depending on its training).

The Australian Greyhound requires occasional brushing and trimming once or twice a year. Bathing is recommended as needed. It's also important to monitor the condition of the dog's ears and teeth.

Health and life expectancy

A working dog cannot hunt unless it is in good health, and therefore is not used for breeding. This principle has contributed to the development of a healthy population. Overall, Australian Greyhounds are strong and hardy dogs. Life expectancy is 11-13 years. Data on hereditary diseases is limited due to a lack of research.

Where to buy a puppy

There are many sighthounds in Australia that are of no value. They are bred and kept as yard dogs. Those looking for a puppy from proven working parents should start their search through the Australian Hunting Dog Society (ozziedoggers.org) or a website dedicated to kangaroo hounds and staghounds (kangaroodog.org). On Australian puppy listings, you'll often find crosses between kangaroo hounds and other breeds.