The Companion Dog Project

The Apsara Companion Lurcher Breeding Program focuses on behavioral and physical health. Striving for the ideal versatile pet dog who is naturally suited for family life, competing in performance sports, apartment dwelling, cozy companionship, or an active lifestyle … or all of the above.

The foundation breed for Apsara’s Companion Lurcher program is the Windsprite. These small, coated sighthounds are such delightful little creatures. They have a certain zest about them that has completely captured my heart. Playful, easy to train, eager to learn, ever observant, these little dogs are such an absolute joy. Windsprites are a rare breed, considered a treasure, but that also means a small gene pool. Working with a smaller gene pool presents it’s own challenges, the largest being health concerns due to inbreeding.

Because Apsara focuses on temperament and health over type, the breeding program is not restricted to the breed standard or limited gene pool of any specific breed. Our puppies are purpose-bred sighthound mixes. This allows for much more flexibility when selecting breeding pairs and because we are not restricted to a specific gene pool, it also means a lower coefficient of inbreeding (COI) and, therefore, greatly reduced risk of genetic and autoimmune health disorders.

Apsara may not adhere to a specific breed standard, but that does not mean that we are not adhering to any standard. It just means that the standards we’re working towards are focused on health and temperament, not just type. The ideal Apsara dog:

• has a genetic COI below 10%

• is physically healthy

• is below 35lbs

• is affectionate and cuddly, without being overly clingy

• is easy to train and eager to learn

• is able to settle and self-entertain

• is self confident and resilient, able to go new places and try new things with enthusiasm

• is not overly sensitive to loud noises

• does not display separation distress

• does not display inappropriate aggression

• is able to appropriately socialize with other dogs

• is able to appropriately socialize with strangers and children

• does not have a dangerous prey drive and is able to live peacefully with other household pets

• has a bountiful sense of humor

• is a joy to share your life and home with

Before participating in the program, breeding pairs must pass both health testing and a temperament evaluation. Each litter is raised with love and devotion (and science) in our home in Central Massachusetts with the assistance of our amazing volunteers and mentorship students. Puppy applicants are carefully and thoughtfully screened to allow for best possible temperament placements. Once selected, puppy families are given a wealth of information and continue to receive ongoing support throughout the lifetime of their Apsara puppy. Our puppies are registered with the Companion Dog Registry, examined by a veterinarian, microchipped, and are appropriately vaccinated and de-wormed prior to their go-home day.