Get to know: the Greyhound Dog Breed, History, Health, Characteristics

Blink and you’ll miss it! The Greyhound is whip-smart and lightening fast. Really. Seriously fast. This dog can run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest animals on land. Greyhounds need serious bursts of exercise to scratch that itch. They leave their Michael Schumacher impression at the front door, though, and are known for being placid creatures while indoors. Here’s our run (not quite at 45mph) through the traits of the Greyhound.

Facts:

Breed Group: Hound

Size: Large

Sheds?: Yes

Coat length: Short

Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day

Grooming required?: Once a week

History

The Greyhound is one of the oldest breeds out there, with records dating back to 1014 AD. The breed may or may not have originated in the Middle East – nobody knows for sure. As hare-chasing became an increasingly popular sport for the upper classes in 19th century Britain, the Greyhound rose to fame.

Health

Greyhounds live on average 10-13 years.

While generally unencumbered by health woes, they’re prone to digestive problems such as gastric torsion. A common cause of death is canine cancer.

Characteristics

The pseudo-cat

Some say Greyhounds do a suspiciously good cat impression. While they haven’t quite perfected the art of the miaow, they’re renowned for being very quiet, nimble, elegant creatures. Their natural shyness is often mistaken for standoffishness.

A sprint, not a marathon

Greyhounds crave an off-leash run at full throttle several times a week in an enclosed area with plenty of space. They tucker themselves out pretty quickly.

‘Cat-compatibility’ check

Thanks to the Greyhound’s history of chasing small animals, you might want to think twice about owning a Greyhound if your household is already home to a cat – especially if you’re considering adopting one from a rescue centre.

Training

This breed is fairly independent-minded, with a limited instinct to please its owner. If you want to teach your Greyhound tricks, you might have your work cut out.

Housebreaking

Greyhounds aren’t particularly easy or difficult to housebreak. However, some ex-racing dogs have been known to learn much more slowly.

Where to find Greyhounds

Greyhound Groups

Looking for inspiration on how to keep your Greyhound’s speedy needs satiated? Check out the groups below.

Greyhound Rescue West of England
Retired Greyhound Trust
Great British Greyhound Walk
Greyhound Friends UK
Brighton Greyhound Owners Association Trust for retired Racing Greyhounds

Adopt a Greyhound

There are lots of ex-racing Greyhounds in need of a good home! Find a rescue centre below.

Greyhound Lifeline
Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue
Hampshire Greyhound Rescue
Northern Greyhound Rescue
Greyhound Gap
Clarks Farm Greyhound Rescue
Kent Greyhound Rescue
Greyhound Rescue West of England Castledon Greyhound Rescue
Greyhound Rescue Wales

Breeders

Sold on the Greyhound’s sleek and somewhat cat-like ways? Take a look at these Kennel Club Assured Breeders.

Do you own a Greyhound?

Source

If you own a Greyhound let us know in the comments below and upload your picture to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tagging @DogBuddyCo.