Sighthounds Afield

By Denise Como

This is the definitive book on performance for your sighthound. It's a large volume, and is more likely going to be used as a reference than read cover to cover. But Denise Como has managed to keep the interest level up with great writing, material from true experts in various areas and many photos. She covers it all, from diet and training programs for your dogs, to detailed explanations of the various performance events that you and your dog might participate in.

The table of contents breaks this volume into seven "books", which may help the reader digest the sections of interest. The books are:

• The Basics: Diet, Conditioning, Training and Preparation
• The Events
• In The Field
• Adopted Racing Greyhounds
• The Hounds: Breeds and Commentaries
• Veterinary Information
• Your Complete Resource Guide

Personally I was stunned at the depth of information in this book. It's certainly in the category of "if you could only have one book..." in terms of its information on performance events. The history and racing characteristics of various breeds were particularly fun (with many black and white images of various rare breeds), and the "In The Field" historical writings that Denise has put together are to be treasured. Greyhound rescuers will appreciate the guidance and special attention to bringing this breed into amateur racing events.

All in all, this book should be on every sighthound owner's bookshelf. You'll return to it over and over to read a section here and there, look up some tips, or look up a reference.

Note: This book is an update to Denise Como's earlier handbook "So, You Want to Run your Sighthound."

Dave Mills