Quick Stats for the Greyhound Dog Breed
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 28 – 30 inches (71 – 76 cm) ; bitches: 27 – 28 inches (68 – 71 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 65 – 70 pounds (29 – 32 kg) ; bitches: 60 – 65 pounds (27 – 29 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1885
- Shedding: average shedder
- Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; okay with a small yard
Personality of the Greyhound Dog Breed
Considering that this dog was specifically bred for racing, you might think that the Greyhound would be a very high level energy dog. On the contrary, this animal is very calm and laid-back. They have great manners and generally get along with other dogs and pets. However, once he is outside, watch out, your Greyhound is likely to chase anything that moves.
These dogs are very independent and moderately playful.
History of the Greyhound Dog Breed
Greyhound dogs and all similar-type dog breeds have been portrayed since the early ancient times throughout Greece, Egypt, and Rome.
The Greyhound is a member of the sight hound family. In fact, the first type of dogs that were specifically bred by humans were called the Sight hound. Sight hounds were created in order to chase and outrun game, ultimately catching it through speed and agility.
The name “Greyhound” is said to have come from either the Greek word Graius or the Latin gradus, which denotes high grade. When the times of Saxon had been reached, Greyhounds were very popular and well established throughout Britain. They were valuable to both commoners and the rich. Commoners used them to hunt and put food on the table while the upper class enjoyed them for the sport of chase.
The Forest Laws of 1014 ruled that only the nobility could own and maintain Greyhounds. These laws were in effect for nearly 400 years and although the ruling was changed, Greyhounds still remained as dogs of nobility even though they were not functional anymore for chasing game because of the growing practice of agriculture and alternative food sources becoming available to the people.
Soon enough, sport of chasing hare became the sole activity of the Greyhound, especially with the upper class during the 1800s. Throughout the early 1900s and into the late 1920s, these dogs were enjoyed by people who watched them race at the tracks.
When racing parks started to install a mechanical lure to watch the Greyhounds race at lightening speed after it, this dog’s destiny was sealed. Soon enough, many greyhounds were bred specifically for speed to win these races. This sport continues to this day.
Greyhounds also were entered into dog show competitions. Greyhounds were then specifically bred for either dog shows or racing. There is even an organization called the National Greyhound Association (NGA) which helps register thousands of Greyhound dogs every year.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a member of the Hound Group.
The Greyhound Dog Breed Care and Grooming
Caring for your Greyhound means giving her plenty of daily exercise. Brisk walks are great, but this dog needs to sprint! They absolutely love to be outdoors running around and chasing things.
It can get dangerous when Greyhounds are allowed to run free in areas that may prove to cause injury. To counter this, always take your dog outside in the country where there is little chance of getting hit by a vehicle or some other source.
As far as grooming is concerned, very little is needed due to the short-haired coat Greyhounds have. Simply comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo only when necessary.
Health Problems of the Greyhound Dog Breed
The average life expectancy of the Greyhound Dog is about ten to twelve years.
This breed has no major health concerns.
Minor health issues include:
- osteosarcoma
- esophageal achalasia
- gastric torsion
Due to their genetic disposition to sprint and run at high speeds, common racing injuries may occur, such as toe and hock problems.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
[...] Greyhound Dogs are fast racing dogs and the Whippet Dogs are descended directly from them. Contests referred to as [...]
[...] Settlers had brought with them some different breeds of dogs, namely, the Greyhound, Pointer, Mastiff, Staghound, Bloodhound and Great Dane. They crossed these breeds with the native [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by msmerle, Jim Kelley, Omar Reyes, Linda Thompson, Natalie B and others. Natalie B said: Greyhound Dog Breed Profile – Dog Care Journey: The Greyhound dog breed is very calm and laid-back. They have gr… http://bit.ly/aKN56b [...]
[...] Greyhound [...]
[...] you do not have to live in the country or own a huge backyard to own this wonderful dog. The Greyhound dog breed is a sprinter, not a long distance runner. And although she loves to jog with her owner, she would [...]
[...] This breed has its origins in Germany and is a recently developed dog breed, sometime during the 1860s. It is believed to have been developed by crossing breeds like old German Shepherds, German Pinschers, Rottweilers, Beaucerons, Manchester Terriers, and the Greyhound dog breed. [...]
[...] would flush out its prey and the hunter would have nets ready to trap the animal. Also used were Greyhound dogs to further chase the animal should it escape the net [...]
[...] an amazing sight to see, the Great Dane is a very large dog that is said to be the result of the Greyhound and the ancient Molossus war dog. These ancestors helped the Great Dane to be a fearless hunter of [...]