Welcome to all about Greyhounds. We thought beings as this is a site all about Greyhounds and Whippets it would be useful to have some good information about the breeds.
After scouring several websites looking for information that we though would be of use, we came across Gulf Coast Greyhounds they have a lot of useful information on there website about many different types of Sighthounds and they were kind enough to allow us to use there information on Greyhounds.
So here it is, I hope that you find the information useful. Once I have sourced similar information about Whippets I will update that section too.
Origin of the Greyhound
The modern greyhound is strikingly similar in appearance to an ancient breed of Sighthounds that goes back to the Egyptians and Celts. Dogs very similar to greyhounds--domesticated hunters with long, slender bodies-- appear in temple drawings from 6,000 BC in the city of Catal-Huyuk in present-day Turkey . A 4,000 BC funerary vase found in the area of modern Iran was decorated with images of dogs looking much like greyhounds. Since ancient artists tended to depict only images of religious or social significance to their societies, these dogs must have been fairly important to the peoples of those days. We do not know for certain that these dogs are forerunners of the modern greyhound.
Where did the greyhound-type dog originate? The testimony of the ancients is confused on this point. Although the Greyhound appears in various Celtic, British, Irish, and Scottish pictures and literature dating from the 9th Century, its slender build, deep chest, and thin skin suggest a warm climate birth for the breed. The term "Greyhound" has been traced by some to the old English "Gre-hundr" grech or greg, meaning dog and hundr, meaning hunting. The Romans believed that greyhounds came from Gaul ( Western Europe ), the land of the Celts. The Celts, on the other hand, believed that greyhounds came from Greece , and so called them "Greek hounds" (greyhound may in fact be a derivation of Greek hound). Still others prefer the simpler explanation -- the original colour of the dogs was grey and the name simply means grey dog. This confusion suggests at least that greyhound-type dogs didn't originate in Gaul or Greece , but probably in the semi-arid lands of North Africa and the Middle East .
It may be that the ancestor of greyhounds and other Sighthounds first came into being in the tents of Middle Eastern nomadic peoples. Some think that the Sighthound is a cross between the domesticated dog of that era and the southern European wolf. In a movable camp setting, it was common for dogs to follow the camp, eating from its trash and protecting its un-walled perimeter. The presence of these dogs was tolerated because of the guard service they provided. But they were regarded as wild and disagreeable by people, a belief to which most references to dogs in the Bible testify. But at some point, a special kind of dog was discovered or bred--a dog that could hunt along with humans, even humans on horseback-- an extremely valuable service. These dogs had to be kept separate from the dogs on the camp's perimeter, so that interbreeding wouldn't ruin the special abilities of these proto-greyhounds. So these Sighthounds were given a special place inside the camp, even inside the tents, where no other animal was allowed, so that their breeding might be controlled. The unique and highly prized abilities of Sighthounds help explain why they have changed very little in 2,000 years.
Basic breed characteristics
For thousands of years greyhounds have been bred to hunt by outrunning their prey. They were not intended to be solitary hunters, but to work with other dogs. Switching from hunting to racing has kept this aspect of their personality very much alive. The fastest breed of dog, greyhounds can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour, and can average more than 30 miles per hour for distances up to one mile. Selective breeding has given the greyhound an athlete's body with the grace of a dancer. At the same time, the need to anticipate the evasive manoeuvres of their prey has endowed the Greyhound with a high degree of intelligence.
The greyhound has a long neck and head, with a barely noticeable stop, or bridge to his nose. The ears are small and usually folded flat back against the neck. Their ears have a variety of poses, from straight up, to laid back flat against their neck ("rose bud" ears), to semi-pricked ears like a Collie's.
The back is long and muscular with an arch over the loin. The deep chest and narrow waist give the greyhound its distinctive silhouette. The legs are long and powerful. The feet are small and compact, with well knuckled toes. The tail is long and curved.
The coat of a greyhound is short and smooth. Greyhounds come in an endless variety of colours, including white, fawn (tan), red (rust), black, blue (grey), many shades of brindle, and with patches of these colours on white. At right is a "blue" greyhound, proving that greyhounds can in fact be grey. Their most common colour is brindle, black tiger stripes on a lighter background. The most common brindle is fawn, and most have a black mask. Their coat length differs from dog to dog, and some will have a thicker, teddy bear coat while others have a short, slick coat with just some feathering on the buttocks. They have virtually no body fat. In general, greyhounds are very clean and do not require a lot of grooming.
Three separate breeding lines exist: racing, coursing and show greyhounds. Racing greyhounds are bred for speed, coursing greys for a combination of speed, endurance, and courage, and show greys for appearance. A show greyhound typically stands 26-30 inches at the shoulder and weighs 60-85 pounds. Bitches average around 10 to 15 pounds less. The average lifespan is twelve to sixteen years. Track greyhounds are usually 25-29 inches and 50-80 pounds. The AKC standard specifies 65-70 pounds for males, 60-65 for females as ideal. The modern coursing dog is 20 percent heavier than his ancestors 30 years ago. Modern track dogs are considerably more flat-sided than the greyhounds of pre-modern coursing days.
Why do Greyhounds make good pets?
Greyhounds have been bred to be fast, healthy, intelligent, sociable, and good tempered. Greyhounds spend most of their lives in the company of other dogs, their trainers, and handlers. Greyhounds have all the advantages of breeding and training when it comes to being a good pet. Their sociability makes them great with other pets (including cats!). Their temperament makes them wonderful around children and friends. Their intelligence and breed make them perfect house pets, clean, quiet, and a loving companion
What should I expect if I adopt a Greyhound?
The most common misconception concerning greyhounds is that they are hyperactive. It is actually the opposite. Greyhounds are a gentle, mild, quiet animal by nature. A greyhound coming into your home will be very puppy like, curious, and affectionate. Everything is brand new to a retired greyhound, but remember, they are very smart. Certain house manners will have to be learned as greyhounds have never seen anything of family life. Stairs, cats, mirrors, cars, etc. are all things you will have to teach your greyhound. When going up stairs, you will need to place your dogs feet one at a time and help it along. Going down stairs requires a firm grip on the collar and a very slow walk down. For any correction, a firm “NO” is all that should be needed. If your greyhound even looks at your cat, jump right in and say “NO” It will quickly learn the right behaviour towards a smaller animal. Never leave your greyhound alone with your family cat until you are sure they get along. Your tone of voice and a firm “NO” will quickly let your greyhound know how to behave around your home.
Are Greyhounds Grey?
Actually, grey greyhounds are rare. A grey greyhound is officially called a “blue.” Greyhounds come in solids, from white to black, and in patches and in brindle colouring. They are a very colourful breed.
How fast are Greyhounds?
Very fast! They run up to 45 MPH and can hit top speed in 30 feet. For this reason, they must be kept on a leash unless they are in a fenced area, and must NEVER be placed on a cable-run or other type of tether.
How much exercise does a Greyhound need?
A greyhound appreciates a brisk walk every day. They also enjoy a good run in a fenced area a couple of times a week.
How big are Greyhounds and how much do they eat?
Weight ranges from fifty to ninety pounds, although most females are in the 55 to 65 pound range while males generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. The dogs stand 23 to 29 inches tall. Many males are smaller, and many females are larger. When you adopt a greyhound, it will be at "racing weight". Most will reach "pet weight" in about a month. This is usually a gain of 5 to 7 pounds. It is recommended to use a low protein food - approximately 20% to 26%. Initially, you will want to feed you greyhound 6 to 8 cups daily- half at breakfast, and half at dinner. We recommend using a dry food covered with water, as canned foods are too rich for a greyhound. Dry dog foods come in either chicken/corn mix or lamb/rice mix, which ever fits best with your budget. As your dog begins to add weight and eats less 4 to 6 cups daily should do for weight maintenance.
Do Greyhounds have health problems?
Greyhounds have no genetic difficulties (hip dysplasia), unlike many other pure bred dogs. Greyhounds (and other sight-hounds and collies) are more sensitive to chemicals and anaesthesia than other breeds of dog. This is not a problem if the proper procedures and recommended chemicals are used, particularly flea and tick remedies. For general checkups and shots, your family vet will need to know some important things about greyhounds. It is important that if your vet is unfamiliar with these sensitivities that they contact a Greyhound Adoption representative if they need further information.
How long do they live?
If given good care, your greyhound can live 14 - 16 years, a delightfully long life for you and your family.
What is the difference between adopting an Ex-racing Greyhound and another breed of dog from a shelter or breeder?
Ex-racing Greyhounds, unlike other dogs, have never lived in a home. They have never met other breeds of dogs. Their world has been limited to the kennel setting where they have seen only their trainers and caretakers. They need socializing with adults, children, babies and small pets. Some dogs adjust to the outside world very quickly, while others take more time. When you adopt an ex-racer, you are getting a dog that needs to be taught about steps, windows, mirrors, small animals and children. All these things are brand new to a greyhound, but you will be getting a gentle, clean, quiet, affectionate dog that will become very devoted to you. If you have the desire to help a greyhound adjust to the outside world, then a greyhound will be an ideal companion for you.
Are Ex-racing Greyhounds house-broken?
No. They are kennel broken (crate-trained). This means that they will not soil their crates. If they do, it is because they are ill or anxious about something. Most greyhounds can be house-broken in a very short period of time. Some will never have an accident in the house. A vigilant owner who learns to “read the signs” of a greyhound in need of going outside will be able to train their greyhound very quickly. Some groups kennel their adoptable greyhounds, while others foster their greyhounds in a home setting before they are adopted out. Their adjustment has already begun before the adopters take their new greyhound home. It is important to know that greyhounds, although leash trained have to be taught to go to the bathroom while on a lead. This requires a little more time than teaching them where the door is. When letting your greyhound into your yard to go, don't distract him/her, as you want to let him/her focus on the reason for being outside. When all business is done, then comes playtime.
Does my Greyhound need a special space in the house?
In the kennel, greyhounds always have their own kennel crate. This was a space where it felt safe and secure. By using a crate in your home or making a special bedding area, you will help your greyhound adjust to the new freedom of your house. Indeed, by using a crate, you can help your greyhound feel safe and secure while left alone. This will help to prevent any problems associated with separation anxiety. You can think of a crate as a large dog bed that your greyhound will be happy in.
Will my new Greyhound cope with being alone when I go to work?
We recommend that you adopt your greyhound when you are on off work on holiday so that you may gradually accustom your greyhound to being alone over longer and longer periods of time. Most organizations will give you lots of tips on how to do this when you bring your new greyhound home. Many people keep their greyhounds in crates or a dog-proofed room while they are at work.
I have cats. Will a Greyhound chase my cats?
The greyhound was bred as a hunter five thousand years ago. Some greyhounds have a keen prey drive and will chase small animals, including cats. Some greyhounds are afraid of cats. After a period of educating and adjusting, the vast majority of greyhounds live peaceably with cats and even sleep with them. Most organizations offers advice on helping your greyhound adjust to your small pets.
I have a toddler. Are Greyhounds good with children?
Greyhounds are much larger than infants, and even some youngsters up to the age of five. As with any larger dog, small children must be supervised when with a large dog. In general, greyhounds are very tolerant, if the child is good with the greyhound, the greyhound will be good with the child.
I have more questions!
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