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Greyhound
Also known as: English Greyhound
Nickname: Greyts
Breed origin: Very ancient breed - first evidence of the breed discovered in Egypt, with carvings in old tombs dating back to 2900 and 2751 B.C.
Original purpose: Has been used on practically all kinds of game from deer, stags, foxes and such, but the hare is the Greyhound’s natural quarry. Formal coursing events came on the scene over two centuries ago.
AKC recognized: 1885
AKC group: Hound
Size:
Weight: males 65 to 70 lbs;
females 60 to 65 lbs
Size: Height: males 27 to 29 inches;
females 25 to 27 inches
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Color: Any color.
Life span: 12 to 15 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Greyhound is quiet, well mannered, loving, sensitive, and gentle. They are the fastest breed of dog and love to run, but they are sprinters and not high-energy dogs, requiring only short daily walks to stay happy and healthy. They love to sleep and are very quiet and rarely bark. They are extremely loyal and make excellent pets. The lack of an undercoat makes them easier to groom, but when combined with their general lack of body fat, make them more susceptible to extreme temperatures. Greyhounds have a very high prey drive and no road sense, and must only be taken out on a leash or in securely fenced areas.
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Good with children? Yes
Good with other dogs? Yes
Good watchdog? No
Protective? No
OK for inexperienced owners? Yes
OK in apartments? Yes
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Easy to train? Yes
Energy/Activity Level: Low/Moderate
Suitable canine sports/activities: racing, lure coursing, conformation
Exercise requirement: Short walk daily.
Grooming requirement: Their short coat does shed, but the lack of undercoat is sometimes said to be better tolerated by people with allergies.
Known health problems: Sensitivity to insecticides, sensitivity to anesthetics, esophageal achalasia, gastric dilatation volvulus, osteosarcoma.
Additional photos of Greyhound
Recommended books for further reading:
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Greyhounds
By Barbara Karant, Alice Sebold, Alan Lightman, and Yvonne Zipter
Published in 2008
128 pages
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Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Greyhound Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Greyhound Club of America Rescue
DogBreedMatch
