Greyhound Breed Description

Introduction

A 4,900 year-old carving on an Egyptian tomb confirms the antiquity of these dogs. Capable of reaching speeds of 37 miles per hour, Greyhounds are the fastest canines in the dog world. They are sensitive, sweet, elegant, brave and loyal, but they can be willful. Very intelligent, their character is often undervalued because of their reserved behavior towards people. Gentle and even tempered, they should be socialized early to prevent timidity. These dogs love routine. They need to run free in a fenced yard. Grooming needs are minimal. Greyhounds weigh 60 to 70 lbs. and stand 27 to 30" at the shoulders.

History

There are drawings of greyhounds on the walls of Egyptian tombs that date nearly 3000 years BC. Find the greyhounds on the Tomb of Amten in the Valley of the Nile, believed to date roughly at 2900 BC. Romans knew the breed, as evidenced by Ovid's description of greyhounds.They moved from the Middle East into Europe, and hunters in the British Isles were using the dogs as early as the 9th century. They reached the Americas thanks to the Spanish explorers who brought them. They are sight hounds and use their incredible vision to find game, particularly hares. These dogs can see a half mile away, and their peripheral vision is greater than 270 degrees. Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog according to the American Kennel Club: they can reach a speed of 45 miles per hour in only three strides.

Description

Greyhounds are the picture of speed, and every aspect of their body reflects that purpose. Narrow long heads have almost no stop. The skull is proportionately wide between the ears and the muzzle is long. Small ears are back and folded, pricked when excited. No matter what color the greyhound is, eyes are dark and show a lively intelligence. The slightly arched neck is long and muscular and widens to integrate into the obliquely placed shoulders. Forelegs and pasterns are straight and strong. They are deep chested with well-sprung ribs. The back is broad and smoothly muscled. Hind quarters are long and display the muscular power of a top speed runner. Hocks are close to the ground and well bent. Hare-like feet are hard and close with strong claws. The long tail tapers and rises into an upward curve, which should be slight. Greyhounds can be any color, and those colors can all appear either brindle or with white. The coat is short and smooth.

Temperament

These dogs are runners, and they will of course take off after a hare, so always having them on a leash is absolutely mandatory. However, they may also take off for the sheer joy of running, so even city dwellers need to be sure the dog is either in an enclosed yard or on the end of a sturdy leash!

Many owners report that in between exercise periods, they are happily couch potatoes, enjoying lying on the furniture side-by-side with the rest of the family.

Like all hunters, they need daily exercise. They are pack animals and will bond with other dogs as well as with their humans.

Health and Care

Petting alone will keep the fur of your greyhound in beautiful condition. Bathe only when necessary. Regular nail trimming is vital. Dental care from puppyhood forward will keep their teeth healthy for life.

Colors

Brown, white, black tan, grey and any combination of those colors in large spots may be evident. They are said to be either solid colored or piebald. A tan brindle is also very common.

Living Area

Surprisingly, these active dogs can be adapted to apartment life, in part, because they are so relaxed indoors. In the case of racing dogs, it may be they think your house is a big crate, and they'd be essentially correct. It's not until they get outside and see things to chase and investigate that they become restless. They do, of course, get along quite well in rural areas though they may have to be kept behind a very tall fence to keep them from chasing off after something and forgetting to come back.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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