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Given the relative scarcity of research focusing on non-rescue sighthound behavior, the present exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence of, and factors associated with, behavioral complaints and owner satisfaction in Italian greyhounds and whippets, using an online questionnaire. Some other behavioral characteristics (such as being challenging, gentle, or reliable), deemed likely to be important for satisfaction and/or cited in the breed standards, were likewise analyzed, and possible predictors of owner satisfaction with the dogs were investigated. The survey yielded answers for 326 dogs (164 whippets, 162 Italian greyhounds) given by a convenience sample of 268 caretakers. Compared to whippets, Italian greyhounds were reported more often to show aggressive behavior toward people (11.7% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.05), fear of people (13.6% vs. 6.1%, P < 0.05) and of dogs/other animals (10.5% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.001), separation distress (29.8% vs. 19.1%, P < 0.05) and house soiling (43.7% vs. 11.1%; P < 0.001) and less often to show predatory behavior (56.2% vs. 79.9%, P < 0.001). Age of the dog was the most often significant predictor among those studied, with older dogs being reported as showing less fear of people (P < 0.001), fear of dogs/other animals (P < 0.01), predatory behavior (P < 0.05), "disobedience/lack of cooperation" (P < 0.001), and "miscellaneous other issues" (P < 0.01). Intact females were reported as to be less challenging/demanding (P < 0.010), and to show stereotypies less often (P < 0.001) than other dogs. Dogs being scored the maximum score on satisfaction-related questions were associated with them being reliable, not challenging, and not being reported as showing out-of-context fear of other dogs and other animals (all P < 0.05). • 268 owners answered a survey on complaints and satisfaction with their sighthounds. • Italian greyhounds were more aggressive, fearful, and anxious compared to whippets. • Dogs with maximum owner satisfaction were reliable, not fearful or challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumomediastinum denotes the presence of gas within the mediastinum and generally occurs by leakage of air from an aerated viscus that traverses or abuts the mediastinal plane. The Macklin effect has been described in several veterinary studies and describes gas tracking along the perivascular interstitium following alveolar rupture causing interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum and subsequently cervical subcutaneous emphysema. This retrospective case series describes incidental spontaneous pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum and cervical subcutaneous emphysema secondary to the Macklin effect in dogs with no related clinical signs. Twelve dogs were identified from the author's institution, of which 75 % were Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets or Lurchers). Pulmonary interstitial emphysema had a predominantly paravascular distribution, although in some cases a parabronchial distribution was also identified. We conclude that incidental pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum and secondary cervical subcutaneous emphysema can be incidental, presumed secondary to the Macklin effect and that Sighthound breeds may be overrepresented. • Pulmonary interstitial emphysema was identified in patients without clinical signs of thoracic disease. • The emphysema had predominantly a paravascular followed by a parabronchial distribution. • Sighthounds were the most common breed group, with Whippets being the most common breed. • No pulmonary, tracheal or oesophageal pathology was observed. • None of the cases in this study developed pneumothorax secondary to pneumomediastinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many dogs are relinquished worldwide, therefore may be important to enhance the success of adoptions through appropriate matching of dog and perspective caretaker, if possible. This exploratory study aimed to investigate whether matching to caretakers' preferences in some dog characteristics was associated with an increase in caretakers' declared satisfaction with their dogs using a Kano model approach, alongside more common inferential ones, such as logistic regressions (alpha = 0.005). We also aimed to investigate whether there were differences between rescued galgos from Spain and other dogs in this regard. Data on 400 dogs (of which 193 were galgos ,) were gathered using an online survey and convenience sampling. The questionnaire included a satisfaction score and some Kano model questions assessing the relevance of matching dog and caretaker's preferences regarding activity level, affection shown, self-confidence/boldness and color. Matching to caretakers' preferences in activity level, affection, boldness were Kano model Exciters (not expected positive features) for most respondents, whereas matching to preferred color was an indifferent one. Respondents having adopted more than 180 days previously answered they found matching to preference in activity (P < 0.0001) and color (P = 0.003) indifferent more often than respondents who had just adopted ≤45 days before. Matching in affection shown, activity level and in preferred color were significantly associated with the dogs being given the maximum score in perceived satisfaction by the respondents (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). This outcome was not the case for self-assurance when the restrictive alpha for exploratory studies was applied. Further studies on the effects of matching to different behavioral and morphologic characteristics on adopters' satisfaction are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Behaviour experts reported whether predatory behaviour can be prevented in greyhounds. • Whether PB can be prevented depends on the individual dog. • There are currently no reliable predictors of which dogs can be rehabilitated. • Environmental management is believed to be the most effective way to prevent PB. • Dogs may still be rehome-able even if they have previously engaged in PB. Greyhounds retired from the racing industry, or who are deemed unsuitable for racing, can make good companion animals. However, some greyhounds have a strong predilection towards predatory behaviour (PB), a motor pattern associated with the catching and consuming of prey. This tendency can negatively impact whether the dog is deemed suitable for adoption. Very few published studies have examined whether it is possible to prevent PB in dogs with this tendency, and those published studies made use of aversive techniques which are counter to the aims of many greyhound adoption programs (GAPs). The aim of this study was to measure dog behaviour experts' opinions about the nature of PB, factors affecting its expression, and whether it can be prevented using a variety of different training and management methods. In an online survey (N = 84 respondents) and follow-up interviews (N = 12), experts generally agreed that PB is self-rewarding and unrelated to aggression of any kind, but some indicated that it could be related to play. Participants also reported that early socialisation towards small animals, and being rewarded for not chasing small animals as a young puppy, had the strongest influence on preventing PB expression in adult dogs. When asked whether it is possible to prevent PB in dogs with a history of engaging in it, experts who used only positive, reward-based techniques were typically (but not exclusively) more pessimistic about preventing PB than experts who incorporate both aversive and reward-based methods into their training practices. In line with existing recommendations for preventing PB, experts indicated that effectively managing a dog's environment such that it never has an opportunity to engage in PB is the best way to prevent the behaviour. Contrary to expectations, experts reported that many adoptive owners would be willing and able to manage their dog's environment in this way. They argued that PB tendency should therefore not rule out the possibility of adoption, provided that the new owners are educated about the risks of PB and that regular maintenance checks occur to ensure that dogs continue to be appropriately managed. These results could provide guidance for GAPs looking to increase the number of greyhounds that are adopted as pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]