Greyhound

Greyhound

Speedy and keen-sighted, the Greyhound is one of the most ancient of all dog breeds - so old in fact that even the origin of its name has been lost.

History:

This breed probably has Middle Eastern origins, and due to the isolation created by deserts, was not "corrupted" by other breeds during its development. The Greyhound is a dog designed purely for speed. The best evidence of the breed's origin comes from pictures on Egyptian tombs of a dog very similar to today's Greyhound. These tombs have been dated back 5000 years.

British records show that the Greyhound had reached England by 900 AD. It is likely that the breed arrived in Europe via the early Phoenician trading ships. The Greyhound was very popular in Europe in the Middle Ages and it was not uncommon for royalty to use the Greyhound as a heraldic dog. They are represented on the coats of arms of Charles V of France and Henry VIII of England. The breed was originally used for coursing game, usually hare, but also animals as large as leopards. They are not used in this capacity in modern times, but the sport of Greyhound racing serves to keep the breed true to its original purpose.

Physical characteristics:

The Greyhound is a tall dog that is not massive, but gives the impression of power, much like a sleek racing car. Height: 26 - 30 in (67 - 76 cm). Weight: 60 - 70 lb (27 - 32 kg). Greyhounds bred for the showring tend to be heavier and slightly larger than their racing brethren.

The head of the Greyhound is long and slender, widening across the backskull. The ears are small and are rose-shaped (folded and carried back from the head), except when alert. The eyes, as befits a breed with perhaps the keenest eyesight of any breed of dog, are large, dark and oval-shaped, without being prominent. The neck is long and graceful and the back is slightly roached (arched), and slopes to extremely well-muscled hindquarters. The chest of a Greyhound is very deep, but not broad, and provides excellent lung capacity. The legs are long and strong, ending in long, tight, well-knuckled feet, essential for a running machine.

The coat is very short and fine. Greyhounds come in almost any color imaginable, from black, white, red, fawn, brindle, and fallow, to blue, or any of these colors on white.

Behavior:

Greyhounds are considerably variable in their individual behavior. This variation is largely due to the way they are kept and what degree of socialization they have had with other dogs and people. Greyhounds are mostly kept for racing purposes. Apart from being superbly fit and very fast, these dogs have a well-developed chase reflex and a competitive spirit.

Sometimes owners keep their Greyhounds as companion animals after they have finished their racing career. These dogs can become very affectionate and good-natured as they become part of the owner's family.