Yes Chook, I think you're right, it is the breeding factor. I think there are two components to this factor (1) the introduction of imported sires and (2) a tendancy for people, including myself, during the last almost 50 years, to have a penchant for big dogs/bitches. With regard to the imported sires phenomenon which really 'kicked-off' with the arrival of Which Chariot in 1960 (he raced here first and very successfully), I woud be interested to investigate the size of those imported sires. I know that in the 1960s some imported stud dogs produced big pups/big greyhounds e.g. Knockrour Rambler, Ballymurn Chief and Come on Clopook. I am sure there were others who produced pups with similar traits, for example, I was not as familiar with the imported dogs based in Victoria. In relation to peoples' liking for 'size' in their pups/greyhounds, I am, with hindsight, not sure that this was necessarily a good thing. Some of the pups I bred, particularly in the 1980s, were big magnificent animals with successful bloodlines (proven bitch) but 'heavens' were a lot of them slow. Peoples' preferred sized dogs and bitches is a matter I would like to canvas at another time, however, I know it doesn't matter whether they are big or small or whether they are by 'Rin Tin Tin' out of 'Lassie', the only things that matters are if they can run and also do all of the other associated important things right. If you wish, let us (me and the other members) know how Kamikaze fared at the vet with its suspected hamstring strain. The dog can obviously run a bit and I would like to him do well.