Greyhound

The Greyhound is one of the most ancient of dog breeds, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Depictions of Greyhound-like dogs have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 4000 B.C. These swift hounds were prized by pharaohs and royalty for their hunting prowess, capable of running down fleet-footed game like gazelles, deer, and hare across the open desert plains. Their lineage is mentioned in the Bible, and they were known to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Throughout history, Greyhounds were esteemed by nobility and aristocracy across Europe and the Middle East for their hunting abilities and elegant appearance. They were indispensable for hunting by sight before the advent of firearms. In England, during the Middle Ages, commoners were forbidden by forest laws from owning Greyhounds to protect the nobles’ hunting preserves. Later, they became famous for coursing (pursuing live game, usually hares) and eventually for track racing, which further highlighted their incredible speed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Greyhound in 1885, and they remain a symbol of speed, grace, and ancient lineage, though many today are cherished simply as gentle companions, especially retired racing Greyhounds.

The Greyhound possesses a temperament that often surprises those unfamiliar with the breed. Despite their incredible speed and athletic prowess, they are typically calm, gentle, and even somewhat lazy indoors, earning them the affectionate nickname “45 mph couch potato.” They are known for their quiet dignity and are not usually prone to excessive barking. Greyhounds are generally affectionate and loyal to their families, though they may not be overly demonstrative or boisterous in their affection.

They are sensitive dogs and respond best to gentle handling and positive reinforcement. While friendly with their own people, they can be reserved or aloof with strangers, though not typically aggressive. Their sighthound heritage means they have a very strong prey drive and will instinctively chase small moving objects, including cats or small dogs, if not properly socialized or managed. They are intelligent but also independent thinkers, which can sometimes be interpreted as stubbornness during training. Many retired racing Greyhounds adapt wonderfully to home life and make exceptionally sweet and mellow companions.

The Greyhound has a short, smooth, fine-textured coat that is very easy to groom and requires minimal maintenance. They are considered light to average shedders. Their thin skin and short coat offer little protection from extreme weather (cold or intense sun) or rough surfaces.

A weekly rubdown with a rubber curry mitt or a hound glove is usually sufficient to remove any loose dead hair and keep their coat looking sleek and shiny. This also helps to distribute skin oils. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay fairly clean and does not typically have a strong “doggy” odor. Due to their thin skin, care should be taken to avoid harsh grooming tools. Regular nail trims are very important, as long nails can affect their gait and cause discomfort. Dental care, including regular teeth brushing, is also crucial for their overall health, as sighthounds can be prone to dental issues.

Greyhounds are built for speed and require regular opportunities to run freely at full gallop in a large, **very securely fenced area**. This is crucial for them to stretch their long legs and satisfy their instinct to run. However, they are sprinters, not endurance marathoners. A few short, intense bursts of running a few times a week are often sufficient to meet their high-speed exercise needs.

Beyond these sprints, daily moderate walks on a leash are important for their overall well-being and mental stimulation. It’s critical to remember their powerful prey drive; a Greyhound off-leash in an unsecured area will chase squirrels, cats, or any other small moving object with lightning speed and may ignore recall commands, potentially running into danger. Despite their athletic capabilities, Greyhounds are often surprisingly low-energy indoors and are content to lounge on a comfortable bed or couch for much of the day once their exercise needs have been met.

Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Retired racing Greyhounds may also have specific health considerations related to their former careers. Potential health concerns include:

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): This is a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested breeds. Owners should be aware of the signs and preventative measures.
• Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer): A significant concern in Greyhounds and other large/giant breeds.
• Anesthesia Sensitivity: Like many sighthounds, Greyhounds can be particularly sensitive to certain anesthetic drugs, especially barbiturates. It is crucial that veterinarians are aware of this and use sighthound-safe protocols.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Heart Conditions:** Such as certain arrhythmias.
• Neuropathy:** Peripheral neuropathy has been noted in some lines.
• Racing Injuries (for ex-racers):** May include muscle strains, toe injuries, or arthritis from their athletic careers.
• Dental Issues:** Regular dental care is important.