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Greyhound
The Greyhound is one of the fastest sight hound breeds. Their short coat requires minimal grooming but they do need daily exercise.
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Breed Facts
Finding a Greyhound
Physical Characteristics
- Sleek and contoured
- Long head with tapered muzzle
- Ears fold back and eyes are dark
- Coat: Short, smooth hair comes in wide variety of colors
- Height: 27-30 inches
- Weight: 60-70 pounds
- Average lifespan: 10-12 years
Temperament
- Sensitive, kind, graceful, loyal, brave, very smart, gentle, even-tempered
- Interaction with people: Good with mature children
- Interaction with animals: May prey on cats, geese and other small animals
- Training: Needs early socializing to avoid timidity. Thrives on routines
- Bark: Minimally vocal
Medical Conditions
- Bloat
- Cancers (including osteosarcoma)
- Hypothyroidism
- Megaesophagus (regurgitation disorder)
- Sensitive to drugs
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartments if sufficiently exercised
- Needs small yard
- Sensitive to cold climates
- Needs long, daily walks, preferably at the same time each day
- Feed two to three small meals per day rather than one large meal
Grooming
- Average shedder
- Comb and brush with a firm-bristled brush
- Use dry shampoo only when necessary
Other Facts
- Fastest breed of dog
- After a greyhound's racing career ends, greyhound rescue groups select the most even-tempered, gentle racers for placement into homes
- Talents include hunting, sighting, agility, and lure coursing
- The hare is the greyhound's instinctual prey
- General George A. Custer traveled with a pack of 40 greyhounds
Breed History
- Country of origin uncertain; first evidence of existence found in Egypt dating to 2900 B.C.
- Thought to be descendants of the Arabian sloughi
- Brought to England before 900 A.D.
- Surrounded by aristocracy and culture in ancient times; only royalty bred them
- Used to hunt deer and wild boar; could catch prey and pull it down without stopping
- Favored by Greeks and Romans as hunting dogs
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Greyhound Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit Greyhound Rescue and Rehab
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