Greyhound Dogs -
Hounds With An Ancient Heritage!

Greyhound dogs are sleek and graceful with the sharpest vision of all the sight hounds and a keen intelligence. Knowledgeable sources date the origins of the breed to about 8,000 years ago, through the discovery of cave paintings depicting their likeness.

two greyhounds sitting in the grass looking up

Some later evidence - about 4,000 years ago - revealed very similar dogs found in Egyptian tombs.

Ultimately, it is believed that the dogs made their way to England with the help of the Celts during the early 11th century. Arrival in America came around 1500.

The Greyhound was originally used in the sport of coursing hares and there are stories that Cleopatra kept greyhounds for such use.

Today, this breed, considered by many to be the fastest dog in the world, is involved in racing.

These beautiful dogs make wonderful pets and many are available through adoption organizations.

Characteristics of Greyhound Dogs

Greyhound dogs are gentle souls with a lot of dignity. If they are adopted after a life on the racetrack, they may appear more reserved as a result of being raised with a pack of dogs - usually in a kennel.

Likewise, if they have become accustomed to living in a pack "order", they will be looking for their leader, or "alpha dog". If you don't take on this role, they will by default!

Personalities among these hounds may vary - some more outgoing than others, but in general they are very loyal and loving and bond with their owners quite strongly.

They are known for their high intelligence and house training is not normally a problem, but because they are also sensitive in nature, a gentle approach works best.

Appearance And Care

Height: 18-20 inches
Weight: 48-55 lbs.
Color variations: Double-coated in gray with black tips, although it can be just gray or black, with the latter being quite rare.

Owners who don't like the grooming part of dog care, will enjoy the easy maintenance of the Greyhound's short, dense coat - with no undercoat - which just needs some routine brushing and the occasional bath.

However, if you live in a chillier climate, the Greyhound may need a coat some of the time.

Greyhound Cozy Fleece Coat

Health of Greyhound Dogs

While Greyhounds are a generally healthy breed, just like all dogs, there are conditions associated with the breed that may affect them during their lifetime.These include:

Bloat: Otherwise known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition affecting large deep-chested breeds where the stomach fills up with food or air and twists. The main symptoms include non-productive retching (trying to vomit but no vomit is produced) and abdominal distension. If you notice these symptoms, please take your dog to the vet immediately. Typically, emergency surgery is needed.

Osteosarcoma: The most common form of bone cancer in dogs, especially larger breeds including Greyhounds. It is recognized by signs of weakness, lameness, limping, and swelling of the leg.

Greyhound Polyneuropathy: An inherited, progressive neurological disorder that typically is observed during the first year of a Greyhounds life. There is no cure, but screening is available for breeders to detect it in their breeding stock. Signs include muscle weakness, abnormal gait, lack of interest in exercise, and breathing difficulties.

Anesthesia: Greyhounds have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes in their liver which results in them to metabolizing barbiturate-based anesthesia more slowly than other breeds.

Insecticides: They are very sensitive to insecticides and should avoid flea medications that include pyrethrins.

Delayed haemorrhage: Greyhounds are susceptible to delayed bleeding 36–48 hours following trauma or routine surgery.

The Greyhound Club of America recommends the following health tests:

Cardiac Exam
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Greyhound Polyneuropathy - DNA Test

Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock for these conditions.

What you can do to support your Greyhound's health: include regular veterinary check-ups, brush his teeth frequently, keep his coat clean, trim nails, provide a high quality diet, and be pro-active and aware in relation to the health issues noted above.

In light of the Greyhound's unique health profile, it would be beneficial to seek out a Veterinarian for your dog that is experienced with the breed.

By helping your Greyhound dog live a healthy life, you can expect to enjoy him for up to 13 years.

Activity Level

Obviously the Greyhound likes to run. In fact, regular daily exercise is a must.

If you happen to be a jogger, or enjoy distance running, you will have the ideal buddy after he is given some preliminary conditioning.

If, not try to find some secured open space where you can exercise this magnificent dog and let him off leash to run.

Ideal Living Space

Contrary to what one might think, Greyhound dogs are not fussy about space and they are not considered barkers so an apartment or house will do.

Back yard or access to outdoor area is always the ideal for play, training and days when walks are not available.

The Greyhound With Children?

Greyhound dogs have a reputation for getting along very well with most pet-educated children. However, they have very little fat or coat to cushion them and from grabs from small children cause them pain and annoyance.

Be alert when they are interacting with young children and ready to intervene if play is getting a little rowdy.

As with any dog play involving children, supervision by an adult is always recommended.

Senior Or Less Active Families?

Very loyal dog and would be a good companion for seniors or more sedentary families as long as they can handle, or arrange for, the daily exercise that the Greyhound dog breed needs.

A Tribute To Jenni

Jenni, my caring neighbor, passed away November 11, 2007, in the prime of her life. She was a strong supporter and member of the Greyhound Dogs Rescue. Her own rescued dog, Derick, that was so beloved by her, died shortly before Jenni's health challenges began.

What a joyous reunion Derick and Jenni must have had at the Rainbow Bridge before they happily crossed over together. God bless them both.

Footnote: Today many organizations are trying to help change the sad plight of Greyhounds involved in the racing industry. Others are doing their best to find homes for as many retired dogs as they can. You may wish to learn more about this at Greyhound Protection League.

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Greyhound Dogs - Hounds With An Ancient Heritage!