The greyhound is an ancient breed that has been depicted on the walls of Egyptian tombs that date back to 2900 BC. Traders brought the dogs to England around 900 AD. In England, hunters embraced greyhounds for their keen eyesight and astounding speed. The greyhound’s natural prey is hare, but the dog was also used to hunt deer and foxes. Greyhounds made their way to America during the 1500s with the Spanish explorers. The greyhound was one of the earliest breeds shown in American dog show rings. In 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized the greyhound as a member of the hound group.
The Greyhound have long legs and flexible back enable them to run with ease and achieve high speeds that can clock at 40 miles per hour. They are tall and slender. Their long and tapered tail, which is normally carried downward when the dog is relaxed, extends straight out while the dog is running to serve as a rudder. Greyhounds stand 27 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds. They are covered in a sleek, smooth coat that may be blue, white, black, red or fawn. The coat’s coloring may be solid, brindle or bi-colored. The short ears flip downward. This dog is a sprinter and equipped with long, strong legs and a muscular body that enable it to move at great speed. Its tail serves as a break when running at great speed. Its coat is short and smooth and needs minimal care.
Personality
Greyhounds are known for their high running speeds. When outdoors, they need to be kept within a fenced yard, and they need to be kept on a firmly grasped leash when taken for walks. They have an instinctual need to run, especially if they catch sight of wildlife. Greyhounds are sight hounds, meaning that they hunt by sight. Indoors, greyhounds are calm and quiet. They are content to live as couch potatoes, and they can adapt to apartment living if they are provided with a couple of brisk walks every day. They get along well with children and other dogs. Many greyhounds, especially those that previously worked as racing dogs, see cats as prey and will hunt them. Due to their independent nature, greyhounds can be difficult to train. Greyhounds are not vigilant watchdogs. Even though the greyhound is known as the world’s fastest dog breed it is quite lazy. They love cuddling up indoors and have moderate exercise needs that can be met with sprinting for short periods of time in safe areas. They are friendly towards strangers, children and make a great family companions. It is a timid dog but will start chasing if it picks up a trail.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Sighthound |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Africa |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Hounds |
| Life Span: | 10-13 Years |
| Nicknames: | English Greyhound |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Greyhound Build Information
The Greyhound have long legs and flexible back enable them to run with ease and achieve high speeds that can clock at 40 miles per hour. They are tall and slender. Their long and tapered tail, which is normally carried downward when the dog is relaxed, extends straight out while the dog is running to serve as a rudder. Greyhounds stand 27 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds. They are covered in a sleek, smooth coat that may be blue, white, black, red or fawn. The coat’s coloring may be solid, brindle or bi-colored. The short ears flip downward. This dog is a sprinter and equipped with long, strong legs and a muscular body that enable it to move at great speed. Its tail serves as a break when running at great speed. Its coat is short and smooth and needs minimal care.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 27-33 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Greyhounds are known for their high running speeds. When outdoors, they need to be kept within a fenced yard, and they need to be kept on a firmly grasped leash when taken for walks. They have an instinctual need to run, especially if they catch sight of wildlife. Greyhounds are sight hounds, meaning that they hunt by sight. Indoors, greyhounds are calm and quiet. They are content to live as couch potatoes, and they can adapt to apartment living if they are provided with a couple of brisk walks every day. They get along well with children and other dogs. Many greyhounds, especially those that previously worked as racing dogs, see cats as prey and will hunt them. Due to their independent nature, greyhounds can be difficult to train. Greyhounds are not vigilant watchdogs. Even though the greyhound is known as the world’s fastest dog breed it is quite lazy. They love cuddling up indoors and have moderate exercise needs that can be met with sprinting for short periods of time in safe areas. They are friendly towards strangers, children and make a great family companions. It is a timid dog but will start chasing if it picks up a trail.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
Greyhounds require minimal grooming. Using a grooming mitt once a week will remove dead hairs and redistribute the skin’s natural oils to maintain the coat’s luster. Greyhounds are prone to periodontal disease. Brushing the teeth on a daily basis will help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and maintain overall internal health.
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Fawn, Red, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Greyhound Common Health Conditions
Greyhounds live average lifespans of 10 to 13 years. Greyhounds have some unusual normal ranges when it comes to laboratory blood test values and physical examination findings, including low thyroid values and elevated blood pressure. Greyhounds also have sensitivities to some anesthetics and medications. Two serious health conditions that have been seen in greyhounds are osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, and gastric torsion, or bloat.
Greyhound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Greyhound rescue groups, greyhounds are proving themselves as mellow and affectionate companions for those who wish to offer a retired racing dog a chance at a happier life. The greyhound is an ancient breed that was brought to England from the Arabian region. Capable of running at a speed of 40 miles per hour, the greyhound is the fastest dog in the world. The greyhound is a quiet and gentle companion that can adapt to any home setting. The greyhound stands 27 to 30 inches tall and weighs an average of 60 to 70 pounds. Greyhounds have minimal energy levels. Greyhounds require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a greyhound is 10 to 13 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | Yes |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | Yes |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
