Colt trembled with excitement as his vest and muzzle were put on. He had learned that both these things in combination meant work. Meant running. This would be his first official trial. There were a couple looks from his competitors. This was expected, as the Sylvan Deerhound was not well known. He was the first of his breed to compete in America. Ashtree only hoped he could make a good first impression. There's a lot riding on you, Colt.

“The standard says the breed isn't aggressive,” said one of their competitors when they came over to look at him. “Is the muzzle needed?”

“They aren't with other dogs unless the other dog starts it,” Ashtree replied, walking Colt to the starting line. “But they... at least Colt here... have a bad habit of shredding lures. I think this is the first time the breed's been used for competitions like this. They're either hunting dogs or racing dogs in their home country, and they were bred to kill the prey and either bring it back or wait for their owners.”

“So the muzzle's to protect the lure, not the dogs.”

“That and to keep him from accidentally swallowing any of it.”

They braced for the start, Ashtree's hands on the black and tan male's collar. At the single she released him and leaned back to watch him go. She smiled, wishing he hadn't had to wear the muzzle. I bet he has the biggest grin on his face right now.

~*~

This equipment, unless otherwise stated, is Colt's personal race and lure coursing "outfit". Crepundium Kennel uses black and gold/yellow in homage to Hufflepuff House. He does have a doggy grin under it, and I almost posted it without the muzzle. But I felt he needs the routine of having both to signal it's time for work.

Art-wise, I'm proud of how good this came out.

Credits: Used https://www.deviantart.com/deviation/614182003 for the frost
Ref: http://www.ncwfa.com/uploads/3/7/2/.....6_i1_w539.jpeg
Art © Me