Greyhound
They are one of the fastest animals in the world but also one of the laziest. Known for giving it their everything or absolutely nothing at all.
They have the nickname of the 40mph couch potato for this exact reason. We are talking about, of course, our beloved Greyhound dogs.
Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dog that were originally bred for hunting hare, foxes and deer. They’ve been around for so long that they date back to Ancient Egypt as well as being mentioned in the Bible! The greyhound’s fascinating history forms part of their unique temperament, which blends speed, loyalty and calmness.
Greyhound coursing began in the sixteenth century which saw this breed of dog chasing hares whilst being judged on their agility, speed and concentration. As the centuries passed, this evolved into track racing. It stemmed from the emphasis on speed due to private courses being smaller than the traditional 3-mile coursing track.
The large crowds and fear of trampling the public grounds formed a necessity to control what had now formed into track racing with enclosed coursing parks being developed into the tracks that we know about today.
What do Greyhounds look like?
This popular breed of dog was built for speed. They have muscular bodies and a deep chest with long faces, making them impressively streamlined. Their ears are folded back on themselves and become erect when they are attentive.
Their coat is flat and short with no undercoat. This means that their grooming needs stay low and their shedding is at a minimum. You can catch them in an array of colours including white, fawn, red, grey and brindle.
Greyhounds have a low body fat percentage - actually virtually non-existent – which often causes problems like pressure sores if they laze around too much! It also means they feel the cold more than most other breeds.
How big do Greyhounds get?
Generally, a male Greyhound will reach 76cm (30 inches) in height whilst a female Greyhound will reach around 71cm (28 inches).
Greyhound males at a healthy weight should grow between 29kg and 32kg with females sitting between 27kg and 30kg.
Greyhounds fully mature between 18 and 24 months with their life expectancy typically falling between 10 and 13 years!
Hair Length and Colours of Greyhounds
Greyhounds are known for their short, smooth coat, which is not only sleek but also low-maintenance. Their coat lies close to the skin, giving them their signature streamlined appearance that’s perfect for speed.
Since they lack an undercoat, Greyhounds are less prone to shedding than many other breeds, making them an appealing option for those who prefer minimal grooming – however, their thin coat also means they are more sensitive to cold weather, so a cosy jacket or sweater during winter walks is often a must!
When it comes to colours, greyhounds show a stunning variety – the most common coat colours include shades like black, white, fawn, red and blue-grey. Many also feature unique patterns such as brindle, which consists of tiger-like stripes or combinations of solid colours with white patches. This diversity in appearance makes each greyhound distinct, adding to their charm and appeal as a breed.
Similar Dog Breeds to Greyhounds
If you’re drawn to Greyhounds for their elegance and personality, you might also find other similar dog breeds appealing. One close relative is the Whippet, often referred to as a smaller version of the Greyhound. Whippets share many traits, such as a streamlined body, gentle temperament and love for lounging. They’re slightly smaller in size, making them a great option for those with limited space.
Another breed to consider is the Italian Greyhound, which is even more petite and perfect for those who prefer a toy-sized companion with similar traits. They are just as graceful and affectionate as Greyhounds but require less space and exercise.
For those looking for a slightly larger and more muscular alternative, the Saluki is worth exploring. Known as the “Royal Dog of Egypt”, Salukis share a similar ancient heritage with Greyhounds and are renowned for their speed, intelligence and gentle nature. The Afghan Hound, with its long, luxurious coat, offers a more glamorous take on the Greyhound’s elegance, though it requires significantly more grooming.
Each of these breeds shares some of the Greyhound’s best qualities – affectionate nature, calm demeanour and striking looks – making them excellent companions for the right home.
What are the personality traits of a Greyhound?
This medium-large dog breed is elegant, calm and graceful. They are very tolerant of many things but especially children as well as intelligent and obedient – making them excellent family dogs. The greyhound’s defining personality traits contribute to their widespread appeal as gentle and quiet companions.
Since they were bred to hunt in groups, they have a strong prey drive but are not aggressive. They are gentle and quiet – it’s rare for greyhounds to snap or growl as their temperament is naturally gentle and patient.
They will happily sleep all day if they are left to their own devices – some up to 20 hours! Although they are extremely fast and love to run, Greyhounds have low exercise needs. They have explosive energy (some might recognise this as zoomies), and tire quickly. They are not endurance-based dogs but rather sprinters. They are more than happy with a daily walk or occasionally your light jogging partner.
What problems are Greyhounds susceptible to?
Many Greyhounds that have previously been used as racing dogs end up with joint-related problems. Some may have broken a bone or had general wear and tear, causing joint diseases such as arthritis.
Being a deep-chested breed of dog, Greyhounds are also prone to bloating, (GDV). This is when their stomach fills with gas and flips on itself. There are things that can be done to prevent bloating in dogs and it’s important that it is treated fast to prevent fatality if ever it does occur.
Greyhounds have a larger heart than many other dog breeds which is usually down to genetics. Retired Greyhound racing dogs are the ones most affected by this with reports of heart murmurs or other heart diseases as a result. High blood pressure is also another issue that Greyhound dogs are more prone to experiencing. This is usually kept a close eye on throughout their lives.
Cancer is a nasty disease that affects many dogs in their senior years. Larger breeds such as the Greyhound are more prone to cancers that may appear at a younger age. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumour in breeds like Greyhounds.
Overall health in Greyhounds is very important, like all dogs, but especially due to their lazier breed of nature and lack of appetite. Greyhounds will stop eating when they are no longer hungry and so ensuring they are getting all of the minerals and vitamins that they need can be difficult! Multivitamin for Dogs, (featuring Turmeric), is a beef flavoured powder that you add to your dog's food to ensure they are keeping up with their essential nutrition.
Overall, Greyhounds are a wonderful breed of dog to consider inviting into your home. Their calming nature and kindness make for a wonderful family fit. Many retired Greyhounds unfortunately often end up in rescues. Consider whether a rescue Greyhound is the one for you and your family to give them a second chance.
Remember, the perfect Greyhound owner will match the temperament of their Greyhound too. Think of the endless lazy days and having the best companion to do so!
