GREYHOUND
APPEARANCE
Greyhounds have light but muscular build, largest heart, and highest percentage of fast-twitch muscle of any breed, the double suspension gallop and the extreme flexibility of the spine. “Double suspension rotary gallop” describes the fastest running gait of the Greyhound in which all four feet are free from the the ground in two phases, contracted & extended, during each full stride.Greyhounds have very short hair, which is easy to maintain. Colour could be variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red and blue (gray). The weight of the Greyhound is 55-65 pounds for females and 65-80 pounds for males. The height of these dogs is around 26-30 inches.
PERSONALITY
Friendly and gentle yet lively and fun, the Greyhound is a sweet and sensitive creature, and enjoys the peaceful life but also enjoys the companionship of his loved ones. Most are quiet, gentle animals. Although the Greyhound can be reserved toward its master and strangers, it is actually a breed of great loyalty and affection.
TRAINING
The Greyhound is a very intelligent breed, however he is very sensitive so does need an experienced handler. Firm training will be needed for basic obedience and this must be done in a positive manor as they will not respond well to negative methods. One thing to watch out for with the Greyhound is his tendency to steal toys and food.
EXERCISE
Although Greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs. They are sprinters, and although they love running, they do not require extensive exercise. These docile dogs are the fastest of all the breeds, and will need to be given the space to run a few times each week.
SOCIALIZATION
Greyhounds are pack-oriented dogs, which means that they will quickly adopt humans into their pack as alpha. They can get along well with older children, dogs and other family pets. Greyhound can be a chaser when it comes to smaller dogs and other small animals so early socialization is recommended. Greyhounds bark very little, which helps in suburban environments, and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own family.
LIVING CONDITIONS
It is often believed that Greyhounds need a large living space, however, they can thrive in small spaces. Due to their temperament, Greyhounds can make better “apartment dogs” than some of the smaller hyperactive breeds.
GROOMING
The dog’s coat is easy to maintain and sheds moderately. Brushing is minimal, however brushing with a firm bristle brush or a rub down with a rough towel or a rubber glove. This average shedding breed should not be bathed too often, as it will remove the natural oils from the coat and skin, taking away the weather resistance the coat of this breed retains.
HEALTH ISSUES
The lifespan of the Greyhound is around 9-14 years. The Greyhound is generally a very healthy breed, though occasionally one will see thyroid problems, bloat, PRA, digestive problems, bleeding disorders, and allergies to drugs and chemicals. Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides. Many vets do not recommend the use of flea collars or flea spray on Greyhounds unless it is a pyrethrin-based product.
HISTORY
The Greyhound originates from Egypt, and his ancestry dates back to the days of Ancient Egypt. The breed was used to hunt large animals such as deer and wolves. These days, the Greyhound makes for a good family pet and is also used for racing. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.
