Sighthound mixes: should the owner be concerned about dominant Sighthound qualities?

This is a followup question to the question I posted yesterday, and I'd like to use the opportunity to thank everyone that bothered to contribute their opinion!

I've already realized that what would most likely fit me (and vice versa) is a lab/GR, perhaps a mix. But since I'm going by dogs that need rescuing from the shelter and not by a wishlist, I'm wondering about a sweet Sighthound mix I came across. Going by the dog's body it's definitely a hound mix of some sort (Saluki seems like the best match), and by the playful and unreserved character-- perhaps a lab, but who really knows. I'd seriously consider adopting this dog if it wasn't for an explicit warning that I've found in many sources, that some hounds and Sighthounds in specific should never be allowed off leash, for obvious reasons. I live in a suburb and so it seems like a bad idea to adopt a dog that under no circumstances can be trusted outside.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

Thanks in advance!

Remember, if it is a hound, it was bred for hunting. Hunting dogs are not kept on leashes when they are hunting. Contrary to what people constantly say on here, hounds can be trained to be off leash. So to answer your question, if you are willing to teach it how to be off leash then you will be fine (don't get the traditional obedience books get a hunting or tracking book). I am in the middle of teaching my beagle to walk off leash. It is taking longer than our hound mix but he's getting better. Just keep working on recall until you are confident that the dog listens to you and will always come back. Hounds are incredibly intelligent so you can train them to do anything.

hi Report It

I have a Grey mix she has been fine off leash with me,with my oldest daughter she ran away from 2 times. I feel it's the relationship you have with your dog not the breed. Report It

If you'r there pack leader they will stay by you and listen to you. There were 9 rabbits in the yard the other day . I told her wait and sit .She sat and watched them run away. Report It

That is your choice

You should not let a hound off-leash in an unfenced area. Then again, I'm also of the personal opinion that you generally shouldn't let ANY dog off-leash in an unfenced area, but that's just me.

However, since most places have leash laws, it shouldn't be an issue.

A securely fenced backyard in a suburb would be a great home for a rescued sighthound.

in general NO dog should be trusted off leash, and probably most children as well...there's just no absolute way to predict the things that can happen. The absolute best of dogs can be spooked into reacting by an automotive backfire or some other weird noise. Squirrels make tempting playmates. Your attention cannot always be on the dog, so it's always best that a leash IS.

that said, the usual warning against allowing sighthounds off leash is based on the fact that they are visually stomulated, and have been bred to catch things moving at speed. It's instinct for them to chase a moving target.

the burbs are full of great places with good fences for a dog to run free...take advantage of those, and keep your dog leashed otherwise...better always to be safe.