The Greyhound is a breed renowned for its remarkable speed, elegant appearance, and gentle temperament. Originally bred for hunting and racing, these slender dogs have become beloved companions in homes around the world. Their unique combination of athleticism and affection makes them an ideal choice for families and active individuals alike. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and care requirements of Greyhounds, highlighting why they deserve a place in your heart and home.
Slender legs reaching, stretching, consuming the ground, then, almost quicker than the eye could see, gathering and stretching again, the Greyhound streaked past, lost in the sheer joy of physical exertion. Around and around the yard he went until his need was satisfied, then he slowed and explored his surroundings, ever alert for a foolhardy rabbit that may try its luck against his speed.
A Greyhound in full stride, muscles straining against thin skin, attention focused on a prey animal or on the internal itch to run, is a creature of rare beauty. In sharp contrast to this insatiable drive to hunt and to run, a Greyhound in the home is a pet of uncommon sweetness and gentility.
The Greyhound: The Perfect Guide
Among the most ancient breeds, the Greyhound can be seen in Egyptian tomb carvings dated back to 2751 BC. These carvings depict the dogs attacking deer, a prey it was well-adapted to hunt.
Although the Greyhound also appears in various Celtic, British, Irish, and Scottish pictures and literature dating from the 9th Century, its slender build, deep chest, and thin skin suggest a warm climate birth for the breed.
The Greyhound developed as a sight hunter in the arid and semi-arid lands of North Africa and the Middle East, and the Arabs selectively bred him for increased speed. His hunting ability locked in his appeal to the aristocracy, for sport hunting was the province only of the upper classes.
Although the breed name “Greyhound” seems to be a reference to color, its origin is not so simple. Some attribute the name to a derivation of Graius or Grecian. Others trace it to the old British grech or greg, meaning dog and hundr, meaning hunting. Still others prefer the simpler explanation — the original color of the dogs was gray and the name simply means gray dog .
The Greyhound can hunt hoofed game and wild canids, but his specialty is rabbits. The English sport of coursing — hunting by sight instead of scent — has roots in ancient Greece, and is a sport valued for the contest more than the catching of the prey. The Greek historian Arrian wrote more than 1800 years ago: “For coursers, such at least as are true sportsmen, do not take their dogs out for the sake of catching a hare, but for the contest and sport of coursing, and are glad if the hare meets with an escape.”
Conformation, care, and health
The sport of coursing led directly to the spectator sport of Greyhound racing with the invention of the mechanical rabbit in 1912. With the advent of racetracks and gambling on the outcome of the contests, Greyhound ownership passed from the aristocracy to the general populace, and, like other breeds with some lines bred for work and others for the show ring, the breed has diverged into conformation dogs and racing dogs.
The Greyhound is easily recognized. He varies in height from 26-30 inches and in weight from 60-90 pounds. He can be any color from white to black, including fawn, gray, red, or brown, and any pattern from solid to pinto to brindle.
He has a deep chest for great heart and lung capacity, slender legs for speed and agility, and well-developed muscles for endurance. He has a slender head with wide nostrils for more effective breathing while running. His ears are small and folded over when he’s racing or at rest and tend to stand upright when he’s alert. His dark eyes reveal a gentle, intelligent soul.
His feet are tough, cat-like, and well-suited to swift pursuit over rough terrain.
The Greyhound has a soft, fine, short coat that sheds little and needs only an occasional rubdown. However, his thin skin tears easily, so daily once-overs are a good idea.
Temperament and behavior
The Greyhound shines as a pet in a quiet household. He is sensitive, easily distracted, and somewhat distressed by noise and bustle. He’s good with considerate children past the toddling stage, and he gets along well with other dogs. Cats, however, can be another story; he may consider them prey and chase them whenever the opportunity arises.Unlike breeds that must be socialized as puppies to temper their dominant tendencies, the Greyhound needs early socialization to give it confidence and build self assurance. A Greyhound puppy that is not accustomed to noise and people at an early age can be excessively fearful of loud or persistent sounds and painfully timid with strangers.
The Greyhound’s sensitive nature makes obedience training necessary and time-consuming. Training does build confidence and help forge a bond between dog and owner, but Greyhound owners must be extra patient and gentle to avoid unduly stressing the dog.
Racing dogs
Controversy surrounds Greyhound racing. Faced with competition from riverboats and Indian casinos, many Greyhound tracks and kennels have fallen on hard times. Shocking discoveries of mass Greyhound graves and stories about dogs left by the side of the road or abandoned at shelters has led to nationwide condemnation of Greyhound racing and racing advocates, to anti-racing protests, and to the formation of Greyhound rescue groups. The National Greyhound Association — the industry registry and trade association — responded to the need for new homes for retired racers by setting up an adoption program with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and by raising money from operating tracks to fund the program. In addition, private individuals started rescue programs that now are national in scope. Together, these private rescues and the industry effort place thousands of dogs in new homes each year.
Lure coursing
Many sighthound owners participate in lure coursing with their dogs. This sport simulates the dogs’ original rabbit-hunting purpose but uses plastic garbage bags dragged along a wire as the lure instead of live animals. It satisfies the dogs’ urge to run and provides a certain amount of competition and reward. The American Kennel Club and the individual breed clubs of each sighthound breed offer titles for coursing dogs.
A lure course is best set up on a large tract of gently rolling land. The lure is mechanically operated; it runs along a wire a few inches above the ground and is controlled by a hand-held remote unit. It can be stopped and restarted if the dogs lose concentration and veer off course.
The Greyhounds are not just remarkable athletes but also affectionate companions that can bring joy to any household. Their gentle nature and low maintenance needs make them an ideal pet for various lifestyles. Whether you’re considering adopting a retired racer or a Greyhound puppy, these dogs can enrich your life in countless ways. We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with Greyhounds—let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical temperament of a Greyhound?
Greyhounds are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. They are friendly, affectionate, and often get along well with children and other pets.
How much exercise do Greyhounds need?
Despite their racing background, Greyhounds require moderate exercise. A couple of short walks and some playtime each day is usually sufficient.
Are Greyhounds good with families?
Yes, Greyhounds are generally great with families. Their calm nature makes them suitable for homes with children, provided they are socialized properly.
