Greyhound

Size: Large

Weight: 60 - 70 lbs.

Height: 27" - 30"

Life Span: 10 - 12 years

Health Problems: Bloat; sensitivity to drugs (including anesthetics and insecticides). It is recommended that owners find a veterinarian that is familiar with Greyhounds and / or related breeds because their sensitivity to anesthetics can make routine surgeries more complicated.

Origin: Egypt / Great Britain (Ancient Times)

Also Known As: English Greyhound

Group: Sighthound

Category: Companion Dog, Lure Coursing, Racing

Exercise Needs

Requires frequent exercise due to its racing and coursing nature. Greyhounds are capable of reaching speeds more than 40 mph. Makes a great jogging or running companion, and also appreciates field tracking activities. When indoors, the Greyhound is very inactive (as long as he's been properly exercised), and could even be considered lazy.

Grooming Needs

The Greyhound may require regular brushing during the winter, when its coat grows longer. It requires a coat for protection from cold weather.

Temperament

The Greyhound has a gentle, even-temper and elegant demeanor that is sometimes mistaken for being aloof or timid. Greyhounds are extremely intelligent and bond well with their owners. Temperament with children and other animals will depend on the dog's previous experience. Dogs that have been trained to race are usually raised in kennels where there are many other Greyhounds. These dogs are used to and will continue to enjoy the company of other dogs. Some ex-racing Greyhounds may have a tendency to chase or even kill cats and other small pets. However, most can be trained to peacefully live with their smaller housemates. Greyhounds bred for show tend to have less aggressiveness toward small animals.

Compatibility with Kids

Temperment witih children and other pets will depend on the dog's previous experience

History

Carvings of Greyhounds have been found in 4,900 year-old tombs, confirming the ancient origin of this breed. It is believed that Greyhounds are the descendants of the Arabian Sloughi and were first introduced to the West around 900 A.D. when they were brought to England by traders from the Middle East. Because the breed has superb tracking skills and speed, Greyhounds were used originally to hunt deer and wild boar. Today's Greyhounds are used primarily in racing and are sometimes destroyed if they are unsuitable or too old for racing. However many animal groups have been successful rescuing, retraining and placing Greyhounds in family homes.