"Almost?" Maybe it's "Greyhound PLUS!"

We make a joke of calling Java "almost a greyhound" because he's mostly greyhound with a little bit of something else. Maybe scent hound, maybe some sporting breed. It's hard to say, but it also hardly matters.

To us greyhound people we like to think his best parts are the greyhound parts. So he's lean, and sleek, and beautiful, and fast. But we also all know that greyhounds are, and I mean this as someone who loves the breed unconditionally, weird. People love them, but we who know them also know that you have to shift your thinking a little to live with them.

In a lot of ways, Java is the best of both worlds. He does have lots of greyhound in his behavior - he likes to shred paper, he likes plush toys, he found the couch almost immediately and it never occurred to him that I'd say no. But he has an energy level that a lot of dog owners want. He's a guy who will go with you as long and as far as you want. And, his rest up time in between is shorter than the average greyhound.

Greyhounds are energy sensitive. I always tell people that they'll keep you "centered." You can't bring a lot of intensity to your interaction with a greyhound- most especially when you're trying to get them to do something they don't want to. They lock up. Statue. No one home, can't hear you, fingers in the ears "la la la la la" is what you get.

This guy? Java? Not a problem. He is sensitive, true, but I find I can insist with him and he doesn't shut down. He just wants to please, if it doesn't interfere with his playing.

That's another thing. I hear this from greyhound people a lot, and it's my experience, too. Greys are known for playing with their toys when you're not home, and not touching them when you're there. For many of us  it's a rare treat when our greyhound gets excited enough to toss their stuffed spider around for a few minutes while we watch. You come home from work and there are toys everywhere, it's been a big day, but you don't usually get to see it.

Java? This guy plays with a joy and abandon that is a pleasure to behold. A lot. Big JOY. BIG toy fun. I've been whacked in the head with the stuffed lion more than once, as it came flying across the room.

So, greyhound PLUS is a better way to think of him. He's the perfect greyhound for an active person or family who can't guarantee there won't be a high level of energy occasionally that would make a "pure" greyhound uncomfortable. Java would just jump in with abandon and toss a lion at your head.