Greyhound

Greyhound
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Egypt/2900 B.C. or earlier

In its present form, the greyhound is given a British origin, though it should be noted that it is a very ancient type of dog. Similar dogs are represented on Egyptian tombs built five thousand years ago. At that time it had already been refined into the ultimate coursing dog. It has changed little over the millennia because it needed no changes. No dog is more adept at running down hare and other small game. Considered to be the fountainhead of all the other slim running dogs such as the Saluki, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound, Whippet, and Afghan. Greyhounds were one of the foundation breeds of the American Kennel Club.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Long Dog

AKC Group: Hound

Breed Club: Greyhound Club of America

Rescue Club: Greyhound Club of America Rescue

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Body Type:

  • A canine athlete built for running
  • Long legged and muscular with a deep chest for enhanced lung capacity
  • Pared down to the essentials
  • Height: 27-30 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 60-70 pounds
  • Rose ears are carried close to the neck and are not altered
  • Long tail is carried low and slightly curved. It acts as a rudder when the dog makes turns at high speed

Personality:

  • Sweet and gentle pets
  • Adult Greyhounds are suitable for families with children and good with other pets including small dogs
  • Require a moderate amount of exercise
  • Quiet and clean

Coat:

  • Short, firm textured and smooth
  • Color varies widely
  • Minimal grooming needed

Health Concerns:

  • Sensitive to anesthetics
  • Allergic to the chemicals on flea collars and in powders and sprays for fleas and ticks
  • Bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand's Disease
  • Bloat
  • The long tails are easily broken or split if the dog is an enthusiastic wagger
  • Notoriously finicky eaters
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Greyhound is spelled the British way, using grey rather than gray
  • Greyhound racing is the sixth most popular sport in the United States calculated in terms of paid admissions
  • Greyhounds rescued from track breeders make good pets for families generally including those with small dogs or cats
  • They are in need of homes as hundreds of thousands are euthanized each year for no reason other than that they are slow or old