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Greyhound
Short History of the Breed
Greyhounds belong to a family of dogs known as sighthounds, so called because they hunted with their eyes rather than with their noses. In fact, greyhounds can see a moving object up to a half mile away! They are one of the oldest, if not the oldest, dog known to man. Their image is found on the tomb walls of Egyptian royalty. Their name in Britain seems to stem from the Saxon word "Greu", which means running dog. For centuries, common Brits were not allowed to own greyhounds. This was to prevent the poaching of game and thus spoiling the "sport" for the wealthier class. Indeed, prior to the signing of the Magna Carta (the inspiration for our own Bill of Rights), destruction of a greyhound was considered a serious crime.
From their beginnings, greyhounds have been bred to outrun their prey. Traditionally, they were walked on a lead until game was sighted and then they were released. From that moment on, they pitted their grace and intelligence against that of their quarries'. The necessity of making their own hunting decisions has made them self-reliant and quick-witted. Subsequently, the prestige of owning the fastest running dog led gentlemen to race their dogs against each other (often with a substantial bet on the outcome). If, in the context of the race, a dog interfered in any way, it was put down immediately. Centuries of this type of genetic selection has created a very peaceful dog.
Physical Description and Size
Greyhounds average 60-70 lbs. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.Temperament
Greyhounds possess a calm and gentle nature and are easily walked on a leash by children. They do well in small houses, simply needing their own special soft spot upon which to sleep and rest. They are known as watch, but not guard dogs, so they are aware of their surroundings, but they won't ward off an intruder. They are eager to please and respond positively to any attention. Their temperament makes them wonderful around children and friends. Their intelligence and breed make them perfect house pets, clean, quiet, and a loving companion. 
Dog Care
The greyhound is known as the “45 mile per hour couch potato”. Contrary to common belief, these dogs would rather be resting those lazy bones than racing around the yard! Greyhounds snooze upwards of 16 hours per day. They do not require a great deal of space to run, as many people think, but they do need exercise. A walk once a day and an opportunity to run off leash once or twice a week in an enclosed ball field or park are all that are necessary in terms of exercising a retired racer. Because Greyhounds have an innate desire to chase, they must always be kept either on a lead, or within a fully-enclosed or fenced area. Their sense of sight is excellent, and they can see up to a half mile away. See that squirrel in the tree down the block? Your greyhound surely can!
Inside the house they enjoy curling up in a corner on a soft blanket.
Their short coat is nearly maintenance-free, and bathing is rarely necessary.
Greyhounds diet usually consists of a high-quality kibble, frequently a lamb and rice formula, or something similar.
Health Issues and Life Expectancy
Greyhounds have an average life span of 12 to 14 years. Careful breeding practices in the racing world mean that retired racing greyhounds have almost none of the health issues that are common to most purebred dogs. The recipe for success in breeding a racing greyhound includes that the dog be in tip top shape, have a superb bill of health, and excellent temperament. Their size and color is not a factor. Therefore, nearly all of the most devastating and unfortunately common ailments that large dogs often suffer have been virtually removed from the greyhound breed!Additional Resources
Greyhound - Online Community
Retired Racers Make Great Pets - Adopt a Fast Friend!
www.greyhoundpets.org
Celebrating Greyhounds Magazine -The only magazine dedicated to Greyhounds! They also come out with a Greyhound calendar every year!
Latest page update: made by Greytpyrs
, Jun 29 2008, 1:44 PM EDT
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