The greyhound is the fastest dog in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. This makes it one of the fastest animals in the world, only being surpassed by very few animals. For this reason, they are the preferred greyhounds for the highly controversial greyhound races that are currently taking place. This very fast dog is a magnificent example of artificial selection and of the extremes that man can reach in his search for perfection in the animals he breeds.
In this breed file on our site we tell you everything you need to know about the greyhound or greyhound, from its physical characteristics and origin, passing through his character and his care, up to his education and his most frequent he alth problems.
Greyhound Origin
The official origin of this breed is Great Britain. Although the details of the origin of the greyhound are not known, it is thought that in 900 A. D. the founding specimens of the breed would have been transported from Arabia to Great Britain by merchants. If so, the Arabian greyhound or sloughi could be one of the ancestors of the modern greyhound.
Whatever the origin of these dogs, the truth is that for many years they were used as hunting dogs. Greyhounds were used to hunt large animals such as deer, and small animals such as hares.
These dogs are currently used for dog racing, where they are exploited for the benefit of human recreation and the interests of finances of some companies. When they can no longer compete in such demanding tests, most are eliminated and others are handed over to protective societies that are in charge of finding them an adoptive home. Other greyhounds, more fortunate, are pets or show dogs that enjoy special care.
Greyhound physical characteristics
According to the FCI standard, males have a height at the withers of between 71 and 76 centimeters. That standard does not indicate the weight that these dogs should have, but male greyhounds usually weigh between 29 and 32 kilograms. The height at the withers of the females must be between 68 and 71 centimeters. Although it is not indicated in the breed standard, females usually weigh between 27 and 29 kilograms.
At first glance the greyhound looks like a dog designed for speed The deep chest that accommodates a large heart, the back Long and flexible, the long legs, the streamlined head and the muscular but slim body, highlight at a glance the function of this dog: to run faster than any other dog.
The greyhound's head is elongated and of moderate breadth. The stop is hardly noticeable, and the muzzle tapers towards the tip, forming a streamlined structure. The jaws are strong and close in a powerful scissor bite. The oval eyes are set obliquely and are preferably dark. Small rose-shaped ears complete the streamlined structure of the greyhound's head.
The greyhound's powerful body has a long, broad back that continues with a strong, slightly arched back, giving the spine great flexibility. The chest, as in other greyhounds, is very deep. The tail is set low and thick at the base. It tapers towards its end, helping the dog to maneuver at high speeds.
The greyhound's coat is short, fine and tight, and can be black, white, red, blue, fawn, sand, brindle, or any of those colors spotted with white.
Greyhound Character
Greyhounds are kind, sensitive and cuddly dogs However, they tend to be independent and reserved, so they also need their time and spaces. Of course, this does not mean that they should be isolated, but that they need a place of their own where they can enjoy their solitude when they need it. They tend to get along well with children, but they don't enjoy rough play, so they aren't the best pets for very young children. Older kids who are more respectful of animals make better greyhound owners.
They tend to be very social dogs with other dogs, but their hunting instinct is very strong so they also tend to chase everything that moves quickly. For this reason, it is not recommended to have a greyhound together with small pets, including small breed dogs. It is also advisable to be careful if you have very young children who still do not have good coordination, since their movements can trigger prey behaviors (this recommendation is valid for owners of different breeds of dogs, not just greyhounds).
Because are reserved dogs, it is important to pay close attention to the dog's socialization from an early age. The greyhound puppy should be socialized with people, other dogs and other animals. As a general rule, greyhounds are not territorial dogs and for this reason they are not usually good guard and defense dogs, even when their prey drive is very strong.
Greyhound care
These dogs have a slightly longer life expectancy than larger greyhounds. Greyhounds reach a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years. Of course, racing greyhounds have more physical wear and tear throughout their lives and tend to die sooner than pet greyhounds.
Although these dogs can get used to apartment living, they need to run in a large, secure (fenced) area for at least two or three times per week. It's best if you have a large yard where the greyhound can run around. Either way, frequent walks are necessary.
The Greyhound Sheds regularly, but his short, smooth coat is easy to maintain. Regular brushing is enough to remove dead hair, and bathing only when necessary.
Greyhound Education
The greyhound is an easy dog to train if the proper methods are used. Obedience training is not his forte, but good results can be achieved if he trains with positive methods. Traditional training, based on punishment, is not effective with the greyhound and can destroy its character.
Greyhound He alth
The breed is not exempt from complicated diseases, and is prone to gastric torsion, progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid problems and hypersensitivity to chemical compounds (drugs and insecticides).
