Greyhound Information
Form and function are major themes for this breed. The Greyhound boasts a striking, lean, aerodynamic body that is made for speed. In fact, this is the fastest dog on the planet. Providing a fenced in yard and lots of exercise is a must!
Independent and almost cat-like, the Greyhound will quickly become a beloved member of the household.
Fun fact: The Greyhound is one of the most ancient breeds. Interestingly, it can be traced to almost every country in the world.
Greyhound History
The original ancestors of the Greyhound are believed to come from the Celts in Eastern Europe. The breed originates from a line of sighthounds used for hunting because of their superior eyesight.
It’s also noted that the Ancient Egyptians had similar looking breeds, but there’s no definitive connection between these dogs and Greyhounds.
The name Greyhound is probably from the Old English grighund, which doesn’t mean grey but possibly fair hound/dog. This makes sense as Greyhounds are actually a variety of colors.
Greyhound Training & Temperament
As a sighthound, Greyhounds were bred to spot animals and hunt on their own along with humans. This leads them to be more independent than some other breeds. Training requires beginning from a young age and lowering expectations to short, simple training sessions. Using positive reenforcement over a longer period of time is the most effective.
Greyhound Exercise
Greyhounds are a mix between bursts of high speed energy and relaxation. They don’t need constant exercise but it’s best to give them some opportunities to run free. This can mean running in a fenced dog park or chasing a ball at high speed. After getting that energy out they’re happy to lounge around the house.
Greyhound Grooming
The Greyhound’s coat is short and smooth, requiring only a little maintenance. They need the occasional bath or brush and their ears should be checked for buildup.
Greyhound Health
Greyhound owners should watch for bloat, where the stomach can expand. It’s best to avoid running them immediately after meals or drinking large amounts of water.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyhound, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greyhound/