10 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Greyhounds
When most people think of Greyhounds, they think of a racing dog giving its all on the race track. But what if I told you they are world-class nappers? There is a reason why the Greyhound dog breed is becoming a star in households around the world. These dogs are calm, classy, cuddly, goofy, and gentle. Here is a secret, they are obsessed with soft blankets.
The fastest dog in the world has another gear people do not know about: snuggle mode. If you think Greyhounds are too high-energy for you, do not worry. Once you meet one, you will understand these puppies are the introverts of the canine world. Let’s take a quick Greyhound dog breed overview.
Quick Summary:
- Weight: 60 to 80 pounds
- Height: 28 to 30 inches
- Coat: short and smooth
- Coat color: blue, black, fawn, red, white, brindle, and any combination
- Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
History of the Greyhound Dog Breed
There is evidence of greyhound-like dogs dating back 8,000 years to the Middle East. It is safe to say, the Greyhound is one of the most ancient dog breeds. While they began their history with the ancient Egyptians, they were also loved by the Romans and Greeks.
By the ninth century, the Greyhound dog breed was everywhere in Europe. Spanish explorers were the ones that brought them to North and South America in the 1500s.
Initially, Greyhounds were used for hunting prowess and coursing. Thanks to their inverted S shape, Greyhounds were loved by everyone.
Here is another fun fact. The greyhound is the first dog breed mentioned in English literature and is part of many of Shakespeare’s plays.
The modern variety of the Greyhound derives from dogs bred in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885. In the 1920s, modern Greyhound races began taking place in both the United States and England.
The breed experienced a new surge in popularity after racing stopped in many states. Rescue organizations helped popularize the breed by putting retired racing greyhounds for adoption.
Greyhound Dog Breed Overview – Appearance
Greyhounds are large hounds that can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds. Yet, despite their weight, they are aerodynamic and carry almost no body fat. Their natural short coat provides little warmth in the winter or insulation in the summer. But thanks to their high speed, Greyhounds achieve warmth in the winter and breeze in the summer.
They come in shades of black, white, blue, red, brindle, and fawn. Some can have a combination of the colors.
Originally bred for sight hunting, these canines have exceptional vision. During walks, their eyes are prominent and alert as they are searching for prey.
Larger than their cousin, the Italian Greyhound, both are slim dog breeds.
Temperament
Calm and social, these dogs have two extreme personalities. Outside, they love running and will go at high speed. Inside, they are rather lazy.
Greyhounds are sensitive dogs who make ideal family pets in the right environment. Gentle by nature, they do have a natural hunting instinct.
With their family, they are extremely affectionate. However, with strangers, they can be aloof. These social canines get well with other dogs in the households, but not so much with cats. As we talked about before, greyhounds have an incredible prey drive and can be miles ahead of the hunter.
Despite their athleticism and speed, inside, they love to stretch out on the sofa and spend a lot of time lounging around or napping. Greyhounds do not need to be in constant motion, like terriers, for example. In a way, they are saving their energy for the next great run.
Greyhound Dog Breed Overview – Care
Let’s talk about your responsibilities as a Greyhound owner. These dogs are a bit different than most large dogs. Training is the biggest challenge because of their sensitive nature. Let’s take a look.
Exercise
Contrary to popular belief, these dogs are not hyperactive or overly energetic. If they can choose, they would rather sleep on the sofa than go for a run. Yes, they are excellent athletes, but for most of the day, they are couch potatoes. They can do well living in an apartment.
For their exercise, they need short and quick runs. A moderate amount of daily exercise will do it, about an hour per day.
It is best that you keep them on a lead. Due to their high-intensity prey drive, they can easily bolt away after small animals. Be careful not to spend too much time outside during cold weather. Because they lack body fat, they will get cold quickly. Provide a sweater when going for a walk in the winter.
Grooming
These dogs have a short and smooth coat that needs little to no grooming. They shed at a moderate rate, so brush them with a soft brush once a week. Trim their nails regularly to prevent slipping on slick floors. They need occasional bathing, for example, once every three to four months.
Training
Training is the biggest challenge when living with a Greyhound dog breed. Without proper training and socialization, they do not grow into well-mannered puppies. The good news is they learn and adjust well to training.
The biggest challenge is their predatory instinct. Until they learn that all animals are family members, they can be a problem in a household with small animals.
It is good to know that a rescued racing dog has had a different life from average companion dogs. Racing dogs spend most of their time in kennels and rarely see the inside of a typical home. They may be leash-trained, but they are not socialized with things like glass doors, stairs, and similar. You need to spend a bit more time training and exposing them to different situations.
Health
Generally speaking, a healthy Greyhound will live between 10 and 14 years. They are a great long-term companion. However, they are predisposed to certain health issues, for example, hip problems and arthritis. You might have to address these issues with dog joint supplements.
Two other issues are inherited heart problems and eye conditions. Early health screening is essential. Also, if you are buying a Greyhound, make sure to get one from a reputable breeder. The good news is you can find many breeders in the AKC Greyhound Club of America.
Is the Greyhound Right For Your Family?
Greyhounds can be fabulous family dogs. They are relaxed, calm, quiet, and affectionate. This breed will rarely if ever bark, perfect for apartments. You do not want your neighbors to complain about your noisy dog, right?
On the flip side, because of their sensitivity, they find a noisy family too much for their nature. They can be good with children with proper socialization and training.
