Greyhound

Greyhound

Greyhounds are elegant, sensitive canines noted for their sweet disposition and sprinting ability. These royal hounds appreciate the finer things in life and make excellent family companions. Greyhounds were developed as hunting dogs to track down hare, foxes, and deer. This dog breed can achieve speeds of up to 45 mph, making them the Ferraris of the dog world.

Greyhounds are elegant, supple, and sweet-tempered. They are known for their gentle temperament and snooze-inducing dispositions. When they're not snuggling on the couch, these hunting dogs like going on long walks and chasing squirrels, the fact that greyhounds appreciate the slow lane pleasures of life and are lovely family pets belies their origins as racing canines.

Weight

• Male: 65-85 lbs
• Female: 50-65 lbs       

Height

• Male: 28-30 inches
• Female: 27-28 inches

Life Span

• 10-14 years

Appearance 

Greyhounds are a sleek, athletic breed of dog. There are two varieties, each different size: Greyhounds in racing are typically 25 to 29 inches tall, whereas show Greyhounds are slightly taller at 26 to 30 inches. Males weigh 65 to 85 pounds on average, while females weigh 50 to 65 pounds, with racing dogs on the lighter end of the spectrum.

Although these huge hounds weigh 50-85 pounds, they are very aerodynamic and have very little body fat. The natural coat of a greyhound is short, offering minimal insulation in the winter and little warmth in the summer, and its colors range from black, white, blue, and red to brindle and fawn.

Greyhounds were developed for sight hunting and had a wide field of vision. Their wide-set eyes are conspicuous and attentive on walks as they seek up to a half-mile distance for prospective prey. Greyhounds have a 270-degree range of vision, but humans only have around a 180-degree range—and their excellent ability to identify neighboring squirrels helps them live up to their sighthound heritage.

 Greyhounds are significantly bigger than their Italian cousins. While both slender breeds are kind and affectionate, their distinctions begin with their height.

Temperament 

Greyhounds are typically even-tempered, easygoing canines who love rest as much as humans. Greyhounds have a high prey drive because of their sight-hunting history, and they can chase tiny animals that catch their interest on a walk—but they can be trained with a bit of patience and make great dogs for adult families or empty nesters.

Greyhounds have a great disposition, being friendly and non-aggressive in general however some can be distant around strangers. However, if you give them a treat, they're likely to become lifelong friends. They're clever and self-sufficient, and in many respects, they resemble cats. They have a sensitive side and are ready to respond to domestic problems. Mistreatment can make someone shy, even if it is intended.

Greyhounds are also graceful and gentle canines with a lot of love to give. Their favorite pastime is doing nothing at all. They like to drape themselves over the nearest soft surface, such as the living room sofa, and stare at you with adoring eyes. Your instinct will want you to sit next to your dog, stroke his stomach, and murmur loving encouragement into his ear at that time. 

Greyhounds are friendly housemates by nature. They' are calm, clean, and highly tractable dogs with innate excellent manners, even if they're not brilliant at formal or competitive obedience. Adult dogs only need to understand what is expected of them and be given the time and gentle guidance to get used to it. Puppies require the same pet training as all young dogs, but adult dogs usually only need to understand what is expected and be given the time and gentle guidance to get used to it.

Greyhounds' low energy level is the single characteristic that most people are surprised by. Adult Greyhounds, particularly those with racing history, like leash walks and may need to be encouraged into getting enough exercise as they become older. They like being outside, and some of them become their new owners' most excellent running companions, so don't let fears of not being able to provide enough exercise for an ex-racer deter you from adopting one.

Living Conditions

Greyhounds are both graceful and gentle canines with a lot of love to give. Their favorite pastime is doing nothing at all. They like to drape themselves over the nearest soft surface, such as the living room sofa, and stare at you with adoring eyes. Your instinct will want to sit next to your dog, stroke his stomach, and murmur loving encouragement into his ear at that time. That is precisely what he intended.

Greyhounds are lovely housemates by nature. They're calm, clean, and highly tractable dogs with innate excellent manners, even if they're not brilliant at formal or competitive obedience. Adult dogs only need to understand what is expected of them and be given the time and gentle guidance to get used to it. Puppies require the same training as all young dogs, but adult dogs usually only need to understand what is expected and be given the time and gentle guidance to get used to it.

Greyhounds' low energy level is the single characteristic that most people are surprised by. Adult Greyhounds, particularly those with racing history, like leash walks and may need to be encouraged to get enough exercise as they become older. They like being outside, and some of them become their new owners' most excellent running companions, so don't let fears of not being able to provide enough exercise for an ex-racer deter you from adopting one.

Greyhounds are prone to becoming overweight, which is detrimental to their health. After retirement, it's typical for a retired racing Greyhound to gain around 5 pounds, but he shouldn't be permitted to gain any more than that. To make meals more pleasant for him, give him elevated feeding bowls.

Your Greyhound's training should begin as soon as he arrives home, whether adopted as an adult or purchased as a puppy. Greyhounds may be obstinate, and they typically approach training with the mindset of "what do I get out of it?" They're self-sufficient and require a dependable owner.

However, they have a sensitive side, making rigorous training inappropriate for the species. Patience, consistency, and training techniques that employ incentives rather than punishment work best for them; they like food rewards.

Care

Greyhounds are, indeed, low-maintenance dogs. You must, however, continue to bathe and groom them! Grooming and washing your Greyhound regularly will keep him healthy and happy for many years to come. 

Greyhounds have a short, easy-to-care-for coat. To eliminate dead hair and distribute skin oils that make the coat glossy, brush it regularly with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush. Greyhounds shed, but brushing them regularly can keep the hair off your carpet, furniture, and clothing. As needed, take a bath. If you brush your Greyhound regularly, he won't need to be bathed very often.

The rest is just routine maintenance. Nails should be trimmed as needed, which is generally every few weeks. Greyhounds are susceptible to having their feet touched or their nails cut. Make every effort to avoid cutting into the quick, which is the vein that supplies the nail. It hurts, and your Greyhound will remember the next time and fight back. Brushing teeth regularly is also necessary for excellent overall health and fresh breath. Periodontal disease is common in greyhounds, mainly track dogs; therefore, brushing and yearly veterinarian cleanings can help keep the illness at bay.

Health

A healthy greyhound may live for 10 to 14 years, making them an excellent long-term companion. This breed is prone to several health concerns, including arthritis and hip difficulties, frequently treated with a veterinarian-recommended dog joint supplement. Other concerns, such as the possibility of hereditary heart problems and eye disorders, are more difficult to cure and should be reported sooner rather than later.

Malignant hyperthermia, a potentially deadly response to gas anesthesia in specific Greyhounds, requires highly specialized treatment. If the dog's surgical history is unclear for whatever reason, ensure any veterinarian who is anesthetizing your Greyhound is knowledgeable about MH and is prepared to treat it if your dog is afflicted. 

Bloating, a disease in which the stomach twists on itself and cuts off blood flow is more common in greyhounds than in other dog breeds. Bloat and torsion happen quickly, and a dog that was OK one minute might be dead the next. Look for signs of restlessness and pacing, drooling, pale gums and lip licking, attempting to vomit but not succeeding, and indicators of discomfort. Bloat necessitates prompt veterinarian attention, and most dogs that have ballooned previously will do so again. That implies "stomach tacking," a treatment that prevents the stomach from twisting in the future, is a good idea. This technique can be used as a preventative strategy as well. Dogs from show lines are believed to be more prone to bloating than track dogs.

Greyhounds have the most significant risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) of any dog breed, and it generally affects one leg. It's unclear why this is the case, but there's probably a genetic component. While bone cancer is nearly usually deadly, Greyhounds often live a long time after having their afflicted limb amputated, so don't allow human preconceptions about amputation to keep you from considering it. It is now considered that dogs from track lines have a greater risk of bone cancer than dogs from show lines. If this is the case, it might be linked to tracking injuries combined with a genetic predisposition or entirely hereditary.

History

Greyhounds belong to a family of dogs known as Sight Hounds, a grouping that includes the Whippet, Saluki, Borzoi, and Irish Wolfhound. They are called sighthounds because, unlike other dogs, they typically hunt by smell; these dogs locate their prey with keen eyesight. Greyhounds can identify a small animal up to a half-mile away.

This family of dogs is among the oldest identified breeds, tracing their origins to 4000 BC and ancient Egypt. Images of these hounds appear on the tombs of Egyptian royalty. The Greyhound was prized among English nobility for its exceptional speed, hunting ability, and success at lure coursing; until the early 20th century, greyhounds were primarily bred for lure coursing. 

Greyhounds were one of the first breeds to be shown in dog shows in the United Kingdom and the United States. 18 Greyhounds entered the first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877.

In 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. The Greyhound is now ranked 139th among the AKC's recognized breeds. Modern greyhound racing was introduced in England and the US in the 1920s. The name greyhound is derived from the old English Greyhound, which means running dog.

Final Thoughts

While having any dog is a considerable commitment, owning a greyhound is even more. Because of their fragile nature, these dogs not only need to be protected and treated correctly, but they also need to be safeguarded and handled appropriately. The breed is also prone to various health issues, some of which are significant and can lead to death.

Learning more about the dog from the previous pet parent can also assist you in making selections that are in the canine's best interests. You will also have the option of working with a veterinarian familiar with the Greyhound's medical history. Finally, you will offer the dog excellent care while enjoying the new experience.

 Purchasing a greyhound may be a stressful experience. These one-of-a-kind creatures have distinct personalities, so choose one that will fit not just you but also your lifestyle. Take the time to know the dog and make sure he doesn't have any health or behavioral concerns. Keep a close eye on the dog's demeanor to see if he will adjust to your living circumstances.