Dog Breeds > Greyhound

The Greyhound

Greyhound is a breed of dogs used widely today in racing. We don’t see them often in parks but we see them in dog shows and at the race tracks. Instead of horses, they use the greyhound for racing purposes. They use a mechanized rabbit as the lure for greyhounds to chase thereby making them run at great speed. Understanding the greyhound could help one in choosing it as a pet.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The English Greyhound is known as the fastest dog in the world. At top speed, they can reach 40 miles an hour. Believed to have originated from Egypt, instead of what we call a stride, the Greyhound gallops just like a horse. This is believed to be the reason why it runs so fast. Just like the horse, when running, all of their four feet leaves the ground at the same time, giving them longer full strides.
Because of the fascination of the speed of the Greyhound, it became the name of a famous Bus Line Company used in the United States of America. Greyhound Bus Lines became synonymous to faster travel time to one’s destination, hence becoming a common by-word to American Travelers.

Physical Appearance

Tall and slender, Greyhounds average weight is 60 – 70 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches. Their dark eye that matches their speed compliments their long and narrow head. Ears are folded. And the most descriptive physical trait of the Greyhound is its front legs. They are considered to be perfectly straight, and very powerful, a reason for their very fast stride. Its short coat comes in all colors.

Grooming

Grooming the short-haired Greyhound is easy. Short-bristled combing of their smooth coat will do. Dry shampoo when needed.

Mood

The Greyhound, being a hunter and a racing dog, is considered to be agile and sprinters in nature. Intelligent and devoted, the Greyhound is a quiet dog that sometimes they are considered lazy. They just sleep in one place because of their crate training. They also seldom bark at people especially at strangers. The Greyhound is sensitive in nature. It responds to gentle commands but it would not listen to a command that has no authority. Because of its laid-back behavior, the greyhound is an ideal pet dog that it only stays in one place unless a firm, yet gentle command orders it to do so. This remarkable trait makes it ideal for apartment dwellers.

With Children

Being pack-oriented, greyhounds easily adopt humans into their midst. Although a loving pet for children, it is not recommended for rough-house play. Indoors, the greyhound can be a gentle pet but outdoors, one should not play with the dog alone. Adult supervision is needed.

Training & Exercise

Due to the different anatomy of the greyhound, exercise is a must. Walking them with a lease is important for their long legs and to avoid skin sores since most of the time they are just asleep. When walking, a small yard will do. However, when set free to run, a wider space is necessary because of their sprinting ability.
Training would be easy since they are already crate-trained. A firm-gentle voice is what it needs in order to perform. No need for a harsh command.

Health & Life Expectancy

Susceptible to bloating, it is advised that the Greyhound be fed thrice with small amount of food. Soft bedding is also a need since being the sleeper kind, they tend to develop skin sore when left sleeping in hard surfaces for a prolonged period of time. The Greyhound also has a dislike for insecticides. They get easily irritated that is why it is advised to keep it away from the dog.

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