Renowned for their remarkable speed and agility, greyhounds have been the subject of selective breeding for centuries, particularly in Britain and Ireland. Tracing back over two centuries, the popularity of hare hunting as a sport led to the meticulous breeding of these canines.
The contemporary greyhounds we have today are primarily the result of this selective breeding, which aimed to produce some of the swiftest and most capable hunting dogs possible. Consequently, the history of hare hunting and greyhound breeding are inextricably intertwined and contribute to the impressive attributes we admire in greyhounds today.
Historical Overview of Hare Coursing with Greyhounds
Traditionally, hare coursing, involving greyhounds in the pursuit of hares, has been practised in two main forms: private and public coursing. These forms were distinct in their principles and practices, each reflecting different cultural attitudes and methodologies.
The Tradition of Private Coursing
Private coursing centred on the thrill of the hunt, with the primary aim being the capture and killing of the hare. Participants typically used up to two greyhounds at a time, although some, known as "pot hunters," might employ more. The effectiveness and skill of the greyhound in hunting were highly prized, leading to the ideal greyhound being seen as an adept "killer."
But, not all participants were solely focused on the kill. Some individuals in private coursing valued fair play, appreciating the strengths and abilities of their greyhounds and allowing the hare a chance to escape.
Public Coursing: Evaluating Greyhound Skill
Public coursing had a distinct objective, focusing not on capturing the hare but on evaluating the greyhounds' abilities. In this setting, the hare acted mainly as a benchmark. The competition was about comparing the greyhounds against one another rather than their success in catching the hare. The hare functioned as a test subject to measure and compare the performance and skills of the dogs.
If we compare two distinct types of coursing, we can observe:
Examining these methods of hare coursing offers valuable insights into the strategies and cultural dimensions of this traditional sport from the past.
Private Coursing: The Challenges
A significant drawback of private coursing was the absence of consistent evaluation. In the lack of an appointed judge to assess the dogs' abilities, the potentially biased opinion of the dog owner often overshadowed an impartial evaluation of their dogs.
Catching and killing the hare was often considered the definitive measure of skill. This clear and observable feat was frequently boasted about by greyhound owners. However, this emphasis on the kill often led to other important skills of the dogs being neglected.
Public Coursing: Embracing Competition
In contrast, public coursing operated under different conditions and objectives. Although coursers aimed for the hare's death to boost their greyhound's courage and spirit, they also relished the chase and the prospect of the hare's clever escape.
With established rules and tactics, a common strategy in public coursing was for the competing dogs to take turns in pursuing the hare, often giving the hare a fair chance to evade capture.
Horse Racing and Hare Coursing: A Comparative Analysis
Public coursing can be compared to a three-horse race with two horses from the same stable. In such a scenario, one horse might lead early on while the other saves its strength for a strong finish. Though this strategy might seem unfair, it was acceptable in racing, much like the tactics employed in public coursing.
Below is a comparison table outlining the differences between the two types of hare coursing:
Distinct Goals: Private vs. Public Coursing
The core difference between private and public coursing lies in the nature of the competition. In private coursing, dogs are pitted against the hare, while in public coursing, they compete against one another. These varying aims and rules mean that a dog that excels in private coursing might find public coursing challenging.
During public events, dogs occasionally used the tactic of 'waiting,' which could be advantageous when facing a hare but disadvantageous when competing against other dogs.
In public coursing, the best greyhound was not the one that killed the hare, but the one that played the most significant role in the chase. Thus, cunning strategies were seen as unfavourable, as they provided opportunities for the other dog to gain 'points.' This often resulted in a highly regarded public coursing dog underperforming in private coursing due to the differing expectations. For instance, a dog valued for its strategic waiting in private coursing could be easily outpaced by a less cunning, yet more active, greyhound in public coursing.
Simplified History of Coursing Styles
Coursing historically has been categorised into two primary forms: private and public. Though based on the same fundamental idea, their execution differs significantly, giving each a unique flavour.
Combining Private and Public Coursing Methods
Despite usually following different rules, it was not uncommon for greyhounds to run in private settings under public coursing regulations, creating an atmosphere akin to famous gatherings like Amesbury or Waterloo. To blend these two styles effectively, consider the following:
Appointing a Judge
Judges were essential but often challenging to arrange. Once in place, they held considerable authority.
Standardising Regulations
Under a judge's supervision, private coursing could emulate the intensity of public coursing. Yet, without established rules, the activity might devolve into simple 'pot hunting' for food or prizes.
The Allure of Public Coursing
Public coursing becomes more thrilling when spectators have vested interests in particular dogs.
Comparison to Horse Racing
While some believe public coursing doesn't match the excitement of horse racing events like those at Newmarket or Epsom, enthusiasts argue that contests between well-bred greyhounds offer more than just speed, adding layers of interest beyond horse racing.
Judging Criteria
In coursing, dogs were assessed on a variety of traits beyond speed, including their hunting and killing abilities, mental and physical agility, stamina, and overall integrity.
Analysis of Greyhound Characteristics
Greyhound Temperament
A significant trait for greyhounds was their competitive nature, often referred to as ‘jealousy,’ which was viewed negatively in other hunting dogs like pointers or hounds.
Deception vs. Integrity
In the realm of public coursing, any sign of dishonesty, such as allowing another greyhound to shoulder most of the effort, was criticised and labelled as ‘lurching’ or being ‘false.’
Blend of Attributes
A successful greyhound needed a combination of qualities, including the speed of a racehorse, robust hunting abilities, and a sharp mind defined by resilience and honesty.
Coursing celebrated both the excitement of the chase and the ambition to surpass competitors. Greyhounds considered ‘false’ typically excelled when running solo but lost motivation when another dog joined, unless their claim to the prey was directly challenged.