Is a Greyhound Right for You?
Greyhounds are well-known for being gentle, sweet-tempered, sensitive dogs who can run really fast. But that’s just the beginning. How much do you REALLY know about this super athlete? Check out these 14 interesting facts about Greyhounds.
The Greyhound dog breed has a lineage
that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. These dogs were originally used as sight hounds by hunters, relying on their exceptional speed and agility to chase down prey. It is believed that the ancestors of Greyhounds were brought to Britain around 1000 BCE by Phoenician traders, who recognized their remarkable hunting abilities.
The earliest depictions of a dog
similar to the Greyhound appeared around 2000 BCE in Ancient Egyptian art. These depictions showcased a dog known as the “Sloughi,” which was prominently portrayed on tomb walls. The Sloughi was described in hieroglyphics as being swift, sleek, and slim with upright pointed ears, highlighting its distinctive physical attributes. These ancient Egyptian representations provide valuable insights into the early history and characteristics of Greyhounds.
During this same period in history
the greyhound-type dog began appearing with greater frequency in Ancient Greek art. These depictions were often of dogs that carried nets, captured live game, or hunted hares. These elegant and swift dogs were often associated with the gods, particularly Artemis and Aphrodite, who were known to assist those in need during hunts. The portrayal of these dogs in Greek art not only showcased their hunting abilities but also highlighted their divine connection.
Greyhounds are well-known for being gentle
sweet-tempered, sensitive dogs. They are normally friendly toward other pets and people they’ve been introduced to, provided that they’ve had positive experiences with them in the past. Their tolerance level is very high, they are not territorial and they’re not typically barky.
In Research on Modern Dog Breed Development
the Greyhound has been shown to share the most common DNA with an ancestor of the following 3 dog breeds:
1. Whippet
2. Scottish Deerhound
3. Irish wolfhound
A Greyhound Can Reach
up to 30 inches in height and 70 pounds in weight. They have a short coat that can come in any color. Although they are an athletic breed, they are usually happy with a daily walk and are content to relax around the house. Letting them off leash is risky however, as they do have a high prey drive and will chase any small animals that pass in front of them.
Greyhounds are sprinters rather than long-distance runners.
Their high speed is a result of their slender, aerodynamic build. They have very little body fat and few sweat glands, which means that they cannot withstand hot weather for too long before overheating.
Greyhounds have greater susceptibility
to negative effects from anesthesia due to a low percentage of body fat and the fact that their blood values are different than other dog breeds. It is important that a vet know these differences in order to diagnose a Greyhound properly. Some of the other health conditions seen in the breed are Hypothyroidism and Osteosarcoma.
How Fast Can a Greyhound Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) conducts 100 yard timed dog races called the Fast Cat. The average speed for a Greyhound is 33.1 mph while the fastest speed was by a dog named
RML Jewel at 40.746 mph! (Thanks to RML Jewels’ owner, Patricia R., for the update!)
Greyhound Personality and Temperament
In research being done at the University of Pennsylvania on the temperament of dogs, the Greyhound ranked VERY high in non-social fears such as unfamiliar sounds, situations, and objects. In fact, they ranked 13 out of 124 dog breeds for being fearful of such things.
Also, according to this research,
Greyhounds ranked 111 out of 124 breeds in trainability, meaning owners report they are not easy to train.
In research on canine intelligence
Greyhounds rank as average intelligence meaning they tend to learn and follow new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions. In contrast, the brightest dogs can learn new commands after 5 repetitions or less!
Greyhounds have incredible eyesight.
They can spot moving objects from over 1/2 mile away and because of the their unique head anatomy-have a field of vision of 270 degrees! (humans have 180 degrees)
Not only are they fast-they can jump.
A two year old female Greyhound named Feather owns the world record for the highest jump by a dog. The jump was over 6 feet- it measured exactly 75.5 inches! A male Greyhound named Bang also holds the record for the longest jump by a dog at 29′ 11″. Super athletes for sure!
Check Your Greyhound Facts and Take a Fun Greyhound Quiz!
Greyhound Humor!
Facts About Greyhounds-Final Thoughts
Known as one of the fastest dog breeds, their sleek and muscular bodies, combined with their deep chests and narrow heads, make them the perfect racing dogs. Despite their reputation for speed, Greyhounds also have a gentle and quiet disposition, making them excellent family dogs. Their short and smooth coats require minimal grooming, adding to their appeal as low-maintenance pets. While they excel in high-speed activities like racing and scent work, Greyhounds are also known for their couch potato tendencies, enjoying long periods of relaxation with their pet parents. Whether you’re considering adopting a retired racing dog or simply appreciating these interesting facts about the Greyhound breed, it’s clear that they are an extraordinary member of the canine world.
