Greyhound
The well-mannered Greyhound has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Origin
The Greyhound is believed to be one of the most ancient dog breeds. Carvings of the Greyhound or a Greyhound-like dog were found on Egyptian tombs dating back to 2200 B.C. No one knows for certain where the name “Greyhound” came from as the breed appears in all sorts of colors.
The Romans and Greeks cherished the quick and agile Greyhound as a hunting dog and for many years, the breed was reserved only for the wealthy and noble. The Romans were largely responsible for bringing the Greyhound to England where they would eventually be used for lure coursing. However, modern Greyhound racing is credited to an American, Owen Patrick Smith, who created the first artificial hare in 1912.
Size
The lean, tall Greyhound weighs 50 to 70 pounds and measures 26 to 30 inches.
Grooming Needs
The Greyhound has few grooming needs. The Greyhound’s short, smooth coat requires a weekly brushing and occasional bath. This breed is known for being very clean. Like all dogs, the Greyhound also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The Greyhound is quiet and sweet.
Temperament
The Greyhound is lightening fast, but docile and somewhat shy. The Greyhound is sensitive, especially to noise and chaos. They get along well with children and other dogs, but are best suited to a quiet home. Greyhounds do not have a fighting bone in their body and will walk away from any sort of confrontation. Greyhounds are loving and very family-oriented. They have a trusting nature and laidback demeanor.
Training Needs
The Greyhound is very sensitive and should always be handled with kindness. Cruel or harsh treatment can cause the Greyhound to become psychologically damaged.
Greyhounds tend to be rowdy puppies and require lots of patience during training. They are smart and naturally obedient, but energetic nonetheless. They respond best to lots of praise, treats and consistency in their training routine. Greyhounds should also be socialized early to help them overcome any shyness.
Activity Level
As a puppy the Greyhound is energetic and rambunctious, but grows rather inactive and lazy as they mature. The Greyhound needs a secure area for sprinting and a daily walk. Surprisingly, the Greyhound does not make a great jogging partner. Greyhounds are built for short races, not endurance runs. They can also do well in agility and are naturals at lure coursing.
