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Greyhounds comprise a breed of dog that
is closely related to herding breeds and
most likely has an ancient Celtic origin.
Greyhounds are sighthounds, and have been
used throughout history to hunt in open
areas where their superior vision is particularly
useful, performing tasks such as tracking
hares.
On average, Greyhounds measure 27 to
30 inches in height and weigh 60 to 88
pounds. Overall, they have thin, sleek
builds. Greyhounds also have long, thin
tails; pliable spines; deep chests; long,
strong legs; long, narrow heads with tapering
muzzles; and a rose ear shape.
Greyhounds have thin, short, and smooth
single-layered coats. While they may be
any color, greyhounds tend to be white,
blue, red, fawn, and black. Variation
often occurs when these colors are mixed
or appear together in patterns. They may
display any of a range of patterns, including
brindle and parti.
Greyhounds are famous for the great speeds
they can reach while running. This ability
is possible due to their anatomy and the
manner in which they run. Grehounds' slim
and aerodynamic but muscular build, large
heart, long legs, and high percentage
of fast-twitch muscle help them move quickly.
Greyhounds can also use a double suspension
gallop, in which a Greyhound first fully
extends all four legs into the air then
tucks them under their body, to attain
speeds of over 40 miles per hour.
Greyhounds have sweet, gentle temperaments,
and tend to be excellent companions. They
are sensitive, sociable, affectionate,
loving, and very loyal to their humans.
Despite their fame as racing dogs, they
tend to be quite calm and to spend a great
deal of time sleeping. However, as sighthounds,
Greyhounds are inclined to chase most
small animals with determination, particularly
if the Greyhound has a high prey drive.
Because they are relatively active indoors
and don't require a great deal of exercise,
Greyhounds tend to fare very well in apartments.
A small yard, however, is ideal. They
are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures,
and are therefore exclusively indoor dogs.
Greyhounds can be great with children
who have been taught to treat the dog
appropriately, and can cohabitate well
with other dogs. Greyhounds of lower prey
drives may even cohabitate with cats or
very small dogs.
A Greyhound should be allowed to run
at least once per week. They should never
be let off their leash in unenclosed spaces
due to their speed and prey drive. Greyhounds'
coats require low-maintenance and are
easy to groom. Because of their wide rib
cages and slender builds, Greyhounds require
soft bedding to sleep comfortably. Greyhounds
should be fed two to three small meals
per day as opposed to one large one.
Greyhounds are relatively healthy dogs,
and the incidence of hereditary illness
among the breed is low. They are prone
to bloat, and some Greyhounds have been
known to develop achalasia, an affliction
of the esophagus, or bone cancer. They
are also sensitive to most insecticides.
The average Greyhound can be expected
to live for 10 to 13 years.
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