August 7, 2024, 4:40 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The Greyhound is considered the prototype of the sighthound and has a long history dating back to ancient times. Overall, this graceful dog is not only an absolute eye-catcher but is also one of the fastest animals in the world.
Origin
Compared to many other dog breeds, the Greyhound dates back a long time in history. There is evidence that it even dates back to before the time of Jesus Christ. The ancestors of the breed were not only used for hunting in Ancient Egypt but were even considered status symbols. Over the centuries, popular hunters spread to many parts of the world and were used to hunt hares, deer, and foxes.
According to legend, the ancestors of the Greyhound were brought to what is now Great Britain — their present home — by Celtic immigrants in the 4th century BC. There, they were held in extremely high esteem and reserved for the nobility in particular. They bred this mixture of hunting and sighthounds with great enthusiasm. This makes the Greyhound one of the few dog breeds that have been systematically bred over the centuries.
Greyhounds are incredibly good runners and are among the fastest animals in the world. They are regarded as a symbol of speed, with even a US bus company having capitalized on this image. The company adopted not only the name Greyhound but also the image of a leaping sighthound for its logo. Today, the Greyhound Lines logo is one of the best-known in the USA.
The speed of greyhounds was soon also used outside of hunting, for greyhound racing. As these races quickly became enormously popular and a great deal of money could and can still be made through betting, greyhounds were increasingly bred for speed. This practice led to significant animal welfare issues, as older dogs that were no longer profitable were often discarded and inhumanely euthanized.
Appearance & coat
Greyhounds are medium-sized to large dogs that impress with their characteristic, slender but agile build. They have a deep chest and a narrow head, as well as long, slender legs. Their back is extremely muscular, while they have a rather narrow waist. Overall, their coat is usually short and smooth and allows for many colors and patterns.
Character & disposition
Greyhounds are generally gentle, calm, and friendly, and their friendly and loyal nature makes them ideal family dogs. And even though they were primarily bred for hunting, they get along well with children and other pets. Thanks to their gentle nature, greyhounds are also great to take with you everywhere. Whether it’s to the office, shopping, or a restaurant, greyhounds are great and patient companions.
Their adaptability makes them well-suited for everyday life, yet it’s important to spend ample time with them outdoors and provide regular opportunities to run in a secure environment, free from the presence of wildlife or potential prey. Otherwise, their hunting instinct can get the better of them, and as soon as these dogs are in sprint mode, it becomes difficult to call them back or even catch up with them. This is because they can reach speeds of up to 85 km/h (52.8 miles per hour) when sprinting. Opportunities for a safe sprint lap are offered by hobby racetracks or special facilities run by sighthound clubs, for example.
Keeping & care
Greyhounds are generally not considered to be particularly demanding to care for. Nevertheless, these dogs should be allowed to get enough exercise and be given good workouts. However, they’re not always on the move: they cherish their tranquil moments as couch potatoes, snuggling with their owners on a comfortable sofa and relishing plenty of physical affection. Because of their short fur and minimal body fat, greyhounds are particularly vulnerable to cold weather and require additional warmth when temperatures drop.
Diet
As far as their diet is concerned, greyhounds are quite normal dogs. Special greyhound food, as advertised by some brands, is not absolutely necessary. What is important is the quality of the food. This is especially true for dry food. Owners should ensure that it contains minimal additives to reduce the risk of allergies.
Susceptibility to diseases
Even though Greyhounds are generally considered to be healthy and robust, there are still some diseases to which this breed is particularly predisposed. These include various joint diseases, increased calcium buildup typical of greyhounds, and the severe muscle condition known as ‘greyhound myopathy,’ which is especially prevalent in untrained greyhounds.
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The greyhound at a glance
- Character: affectionate, calm, and athletic
- Size: 68–76 cm (26.7–29.9 inches)
- Weight: 26–40 kg (57–88 pounds)
- Coat: short, fine, and dense
- Average life expectancy: 10–12 years
- Special features: forms deep bonds with its human companions and can experience distress during prolonged absences. Nevertheless, its hunting instinct should not be underestimated.