The Greyhound

The Greyhound is a tall and slender breed of dog, well known for their quick speed, keen eyesight and laid-back attitude. Thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, carvings of Greyhound have been found dating back as far as 2900 BC. Their keen eyesight paired with their lightning speed made them the perfect working dog, as they were able to hunt, chase and catch their pray without needing to rest for extended periods. Over time, Greyhounds were gradually bred as competition racing dogs and are still utilised in racing, agility and hunting.

Today, Greyhounds make a perfect pet, and thanks to the great efforts of rescue groups you can adopt a retired racing greyhound as a family pet. They are an extremely devoted and brave breed of dog and, even though they are such a fast dog, they are also very laid back and even ‘lazy’ at times, and are more than happy to spend an afternoon relaxing on the couch. Greyhounds are somewhat reserved in their behaviour, and are extremely loyal to their owners. They have a natural instinct to chase anything that moves and even though retired Greyhounds go through an extensive process before being rehomed, they shouldn’t be left alone or trusted with smaller pets (cats, rabbits etc.)
If well socialised, Greyhound are very friendly towards other dogs. Greyhounds are best suited to a firm yet even tempered owner who is able to establish they are the pack leader and clearly and consistently communicate the rules of the house. Greyhounds love regular routine and should be given daily, long walks as well as a nice large, safe area to free roam in.

Grooming is very simple when it comes to this breed, as their short coat simply requires a brush out every so often and bathing only when needed. Being a larger size dog with such a large chest they are highly prone to bloat and this should be well understood by any owner before bringing a Greyhound into the family. Meals should be spread out throughout the day and exercise times should be well monitored and given rest periods around meal times.

FUN FACTS

• Greyhounds have been named the fastest dog in the world, able to reach speeds of up to 65kmph!
• It is a common belief that Greyhounds cannot sit. They can in fact sit; however, their muscle structure makes it difficult for them to appear comfortable
• Greyhounds have been adored by royalty throughout history, with notable owners including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I