Greyhound Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Average Height: 27-30 in
Average Weight: 60-88 lbs
Average Life Span: 9-11 yrs
Coloring: Any solid or combination color patterns are accepted
Area of Origin: England
Similar Breeds: Afghan Hound, Saluki, Borzoi, Foxhound, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Italian Greyhound, Whippet

History and Origin:

One of the most celebrated breeds throughout history and the fastest dog breed on record, the Greyhound has enjoyed a rich history as a favorite of royalty across Europe. Depictions of Greyhound-type dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs as early as 3000 BC, and while it is likely that the breed was influenced by the Saluki and other Asian sight hounds, evidence from literature suggest that the Greyhound has been a hunter and racer across Europe since before the sixth century. Used to hunt hare, deer, fox, and boar, the Greyhound is one of the earliest European breeds to have arrived in the Americas, traveling with Spanish explorers in the sixteenth century. The Greyhound is one of the earliest breeds to have been shown in both British and American Kennel Club shows, and, due to its incredible speed, it found a new life in dog racing once its hunting days came to an end. Much controversy has arisen over the ethics of dog racing, as many top-Greyhounds bred for speed would be destroyed once their racing careers were over. Fortunately, rescue efforts have enabled many of these dogs to find new homes as loving companions, a duty the Greyhound is more than happy to fulfill.

Personality and Temperament:

A loving, intelligent, and sensitive breed, the Greyhound can be a fantastic family companion if given proper leadership to prevent timidity and aggression. While gentle, the Greyhound is a hunting dog at heart, and typically possesses a strong prey drive which may make it ill-suited to sharing its home with smaller animals. However, some Greyhounds seem to do fine in an environment with cats and other small pets. If socialized properly, the Greyhound is a lovely friend to children, and is a good urban dog as it does not have a tendency to bark. Many Greyhounds are acquired through rescue organizations aimed at giving racing dogs a second life, and some of these dogs can be a challenge. Strong, yet gentle leadership is required to help the Greyhound become the lapdog it wants to be; and, depending on the dog, this breed may not be suitable for the nervous or first time dog owner.

Exercise & Training:

Deceptively, the Greyhound does not need excessive amounts of exercise in order to keep it happy and healthy. As a sprinter (instead of an endurance breed), the Greyhound’s energy is depleted quickly if pushed hard, and the breed typically needs a daily walk and some play time to keep it happy and healthy. A low-energy breed indoors, the Greyhound is known to be a better apartment dog than many smaller breeds due to its low energy level – it has been known to sleep upwards of eighteen hours a day! With an average level of intelligence, the Greyhound is fairly easy to train if met with consistency and patience; many dogs which were racers in their former lives will come to their new owners with basic commands in tow.

Grooming:

An easy keeper and an average shedder, the Greyhound’s smooth coat needs brushing a few times a week to keep the skin healthy. Bathe only when absolutely necessary to avoid drying out the hair and skin. Most owners love the fact that Greyhounds have little to no odor at all, and don’t posses a “dog smell” like most breeds.

Similar Breeds:

The Greyhound is a sight hound, and as such shares qualities with breeds such as the Afghan Hound, Saluki, and the Borzoi. It has also been used in the development of many modern breeds like the Doberman Pinscher and the Great Dane.

Interesting Facts about the Greyhound:

1. Although known for its speed and excitability on the racetrack, the Greyhound is described as being a “45 mile per hour couch potato” by lovers of the breed.

2. The Greyhound can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour within 100 feet of the starting point. Over short distances, only two land mammals can achieve faster speeds: the cheetah and the pronghorn antelope.

3. Greyhound racing developed in North America and Britain during the 1920s, and remains an active sport to this day.

4. The popular television show: “The Simpsons” includes a Greyhound as the family’s pet.

5. Greyhounds have exceptional eyesight and can easily see over a 1/2 mile away and 270º around!

6. Among others, both Cleopatra of Egypt and Queen Elizabeth I of England adored the breed, causing Greyhound racing to be called the “Sport of Queens”.