Originally bred to hunt hares, foxes, and deer, Greyhounds are speedy dogs. These guys are intelligent canines with fierce loyalty. As a champion sprinter of dogdom, Greyhounds are literally built for speed. While perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day, these dogs are capable of amazing speed and energy when faced with potential prey—or the chance to chase a tennis ball or a coursing lure. Their long legs and arched back enable them to contract and stretch maximally while executing the double-suspension gallop. And whether or not you’ve seen one in the flesh, you know what a Greyhound looks like. This iconic hound flaunts their aerodynamic build which epitomizes speed with their narrow head and muscular rear end. Fascinating, right? Now without any further ado , let’s dive right into our list of “Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Greyhound.” But before we start our list, we’d like to take a moment to express our thanks to all the original Greyhound owners on this video. The article would seriously not have been possible without them.
- Their History
- THEY ARE A FAST BREED
- THEY HAVE A WIDE FIELD OF VISION
- THEY’RE LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE DOGS
- MOST GREYHOUNDS HAVE TROUBLE SITTING DOWN
- A REAL GREYHOUND WAS THE MASCOT FOR THE GREYHOUND BUS COMPANY
- THEY’RE COUCH POTATOES
- YOU CAN ADOPT A RETIRED GREYHOUND
- THEIR HEALTH CONCERNS
- THEIR UPKEEP AND CARE
1- Their History
The Greyhound is an ancient breed tracing back 8,000 years to early cave drawings and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Many different explanations are found for the origin of their name. One argument is that the original greyhound was mostly gray in color. Another explanation is that the name comes from the Old English “grei,” meaning dog, and “hundr,” meaning hunter. Some speculate that the name may have also come from the term Greek hound because the dog first reached England through the Greeks.
The breed has been mentioned by Greeks, praised by Roman poets, loved by European royalty, and has been prized throughout history. Their agility and strength have successfully captivated historical figures like Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I of England, and General Custer, who raced his dogs the day before he set off on his fateful trip to Little Big Horn. The patronage of the two queens led to Greyhound racing being dubbed the “Sport of Queens.” Also, these guys are one of the only dog breeds mentioned in the Bible.
Greyhounds grew in popularity in Europe, thanks to their incredible coursing abilities. Soon enough, Spanish explorers and British colonists brought these dogs to America, where they spent most of their time coursing jackrabbits and coyotes on the open fields. Greyhounds were among the first at American dog shows and they have an entry of 18 listed in the first Westminster Kennel Club catalog in 1877. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.
2- THEY ARE A FAST BREED
Greyhounds are no amateurs when it comes to coursing or running at top speed.
Fans of this breed often call them the Ferraris of the dog world. With a recorded top speed of 45 miles an hour, they are the fastest dogs in the world and are also one of the fastest land animals. Their thin, lean, and long body, combined with their powerful legs, help their exhaustless energy while rocketing forward. If you watch them in action, you’ll notice that these dogs look as if they’re gliding rather than running because while running, greyhounds spend 75% of their time in the air.
Thanks to their unmatched grace and speed, Greyhounds also excel in many dog sports, including lure coursing, conformation, obedience, and agility.
3- THEY HAVE A WIDE FIELD OF VISION
As a dog belonging to the “sighthound” group, greyhounds were bred to have overall better eyesight. This also included a wider field of vision. And thanks to their thin heads and widely placed eyes, Greyhounds have a 270-degree vision compared to the human’s 200, which means that these dogs can even see some parts of their head at the back.
4- THEY’RE LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE DOGS
Greyhounds are known to form deep bonds with their families. They’re devoted and friendly dogs, who have no issues climbing onto your lap and asking to be picked up. They are more interested in doing things ‘with’ you than ‘for’ you. These canines can get along well with children and pets, although it is always essential to supervise your dog’s actions with a younger child. Some of these hounds can be a little aloof depending on several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Greyhound puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Greyhounds are also reserved with strangers, kind of sensitive, and sometimes timid. Despite their independent nature, they are eager to please who they trust.
5- MOST GREYHOUNDS HAVE TROUBLE SITTING DOWN
Greyhounds can sit, but it is quite difficult for them to lie down on their own. Due to their tight muscles, they have trouble sitting down, and it is uncommon for their rump to touch the ground when they hunker down.
Most greyhounds would rather stand or lie down on something comfortable instead. So, if your Greyhound can’t sit, don’t get all too surprised.
6- A REAL GREYHOUND WAS THE MASCOT FOR THE GREYHOUND BUS COMPANY
In 1957, the Greyhound Corporation chose a three-month-old greyhound puppy to be the rebranded bus company’s new face. Steverino, the puppy, was then dubbed the name Lady Greyhound. She made her first appearance in a commercial that aired on The Steve Allen Show, and the same year she was named “Queen of National Dog Week.” The elegant pup even opened a bus terminal in Detroit by eating a ribbon made from dog biscuits.
7- THEY’RE COUCH POTATOES
Despite their reputation as fast and active race dogs, Greyhounds like spending most of their time sleeping at home. These dogs are docile and quiet indoors. And since Greyhounds have low indoor energy, they do well even in apartments and homes with small yards. Also, they require less exercise time than most dogs do. But still, if you don’t give your pup enough exercise daily, it’s most likely that your Greyhound will be destructive. However, if you’re an active person, you’ll find that jogging or running with your dog is quite fun. Dogs take their cues from their owners, so it wouldn’t hurt to say that your dog’s personality is pretty much based on your personality in the first place.
8- YOU CAN ADOPT A RETIRED GREYHOUND
If you’re keen on adopting a greyhound, it might be a good idea to get a retired one. Every year, many retired racing Greyhounds are abandoned or sold to laboratories. There are various organizations that help place canine athletes into supportive homes. So, if you’re planning on adopting a greyhound, give the retired champ a chance. They will surely be an excellent addition to your family and will give you many years of lovely companionship.
9- THEIR HEALTH CONCERNS
Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, but they too are prone to some health issues like all the other dog breeds are. While buying a puppy, you should expect to see the pup’s parent’s health clearances for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, and eye problems.
Other health issues are anesthesia sensitivity, bone cancer, obesity, and bloat. Be sure to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, and if possible, try adopting a retired running veteran. And, no matter how healthy your dog might look, be sure to visit the vet once in a while to get them screened for any possible diseases.
10- THEIR UPKEEP AND CARE
Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for. Because of their thin coats, they can get shivers. If you live in a cold climate, buy a warm coat for your dog to wear in the snow or rain.
These dogs do shed, so it is necessary to brush them daily to keep shedding to a minimum. Use a rubber curry brush or a hound mitt to brush them. Also, you can use dry shampoo while bathing them to keep them clean and smelling great. Trim their nails once or twice a month, brush their teeth regularly, and clean their ears time and again. Doing so will help your dog stay clean and healthy while also preventing the risk of infection and diseases. Your Greyhound also needs daily exercise. Give them a chance to run in a safe location or provide longer walks on a leash. These guys love to run and chase outdoors, and can easily run into danger at great speed unless exercised in a safe area. Alright guys, that marks the end of our “Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Greyhound.”
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Highlights
🐾 Ancient Heritage: Greyhounds date back 8,000 years, with mentions by historical figures and in the Bible.
🏃♂️ Speed Demons: They can reach speeds of up to 45 mph, making them the fastest dog breed.
👀 Exceptional Vision: With a 270-degree field of vision, they can see behind themselves.
❤️ Affectionate Companions: Greyhounds bond deeply with their families and are known for their loving nature.
🛋️ Couch Potatoes: Despite their speed, they enjoy lounging and require less exercise than many breeds.
🏡 Adoption Opportunities: Many retired racing Greyhounds are available for adoption, offering companionship and loyalty.
🏥 Health Awareness: While generally healthy, they can face specific health issues, necessitating regular vet visits.
Key Insights
🐶 Historical Significance: The Greyhound’s long history and royal patronage highlight their importance in various cultures, reinforcing their status as noble companions.
⚡ Unique Physiology: Their specialized body structure allows for incredible speed, making them not just pets, but athletes capable of excelling in dog sports.
👁️ Enhanced Senses: Their superior eyesight is a testament to their sighthound lineage, showcasing their evolutionary adaptations for hunting.
💞 Emotional Bonds: Greyhounds’ affectionate nature emphasizes the importance of companionship in dog ownership, making them ideal family pets.
💤 Lifestyle Compatibility: Their low exercise needs make them suitable for various living situations, appealing to both active and more relaxed owners.
🏠 Retired Racing Greyhounds: Promoting the adoption of retired racers highlights the importance of finding loving homes for these dogs after their racing careers.
🩺 Proactive Health Care: Awareness of health issues related to Greyhounds encourages responsible ownership and regular veterinary care to ensure a healthy life.
Summary
Greyhounds are ancient, speedy dogs originally bred for hunting. They are affectionate, loyal companions that enjoy lounging but excel in running and dog sports.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Greyhounds
Q1: What were Greyhounds originally bred for?
A1: Greyhounds were originally bred to hunt fast-moving prey like hares, foxes, and deer due to their incredible speed and agility.
Q2: How fast can Greyhounds run?
A2: Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest land animals.
Q3: Why are Greyhounds known as “sighthounds”?
A3: Greyhounds belong to the “sighthound” group, meaning they were bred to have excellent vision and can detect prey over a wide field of vision, up to 270 degrees.
Q4: Are Greyhounds good family pets?
A4: Yes, Greyhounds are affectionate and form deep bonds with their families. They are generally good with children and other pets, though supervision is necessary with smaller animals.
Q5: Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
A5: Despite being fast runners, Greyhounds are known to be couch potatoes. They don’t require as much exercise as some might think but do need regular walks and opportunities to run in a safe space.
