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DOGS BY BREED :: GREYHOUND
Greyhound
The Greyhound originates from Ancient Egypt and is a dog of medium size with a lean, powerful body, it is believed share common ancestors with the Pharaoh hound. The Greyhound was bred originally to hunt large game - antelopes, wolves and deer. The greyhound is characterized by swiftness and keen sight ideal for coursing game and racing. It's origins can be dated back to antiquity and the Ancient World. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to as the Grey Hound.
The Greyhound - A Sighthound
The Greyhound Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. All of the Sighthound breeds, including the grey hound, originated in the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia. It wasnÕt until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighhounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet the Grey hound is affectionate and docile but the instinct to chase anything that is running requires good control.
History
The Greyhound is a very old sight hound dog breed claiming an ancient heritage. The Pharaohs of Egypt kept the Greyhound's ancestors and references to these appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient papyrus, pillars and tablets. The greyhound was bred originally to hunt large game - antelopes, wolves and deer. The greyhounds were given as gifts to Roman Emperors and Greek nobility and the breed spread right across the Roman Empire. As time went by and man's requirements changed the greyhound was bred specifically for dog racing, where they can reach speeds up to 45 mph. They are the fastest dogs on earth and only the cheetah can beat them for speed in the animal kingdom. Greyhounds are therefore extremely fast sprinters but they are not endurance runners. It is believed that greyhounds were introduced to England in the sixth century and were used by commoners for hunting and providing food and by the nobility for sport. In 1014 the Forest Laws prohibited all but nobility from keeping greyhounds 'No mean person may keep any greyhounds.' The dogs elite status remained for a further 400 years when the law was finally repealed. The grey hound found its way to America with the first English settlers. The name greyhound is believed to have been derived from the Middle English word for greyhound - 'grehound' akin to grighund Old Norse for grey bitch (grig) and hound (hund). The breed was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1978.Coat and Colors Information
The Greyhound's coat is a variety of any individual colour & mixed colours. The grey hounds coat is very short, fine & close.
Potential Health Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Shikoku, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. There are no apparent common health problems with the Greyhound. Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:
Comparative Sizing Pictures
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Greyhound which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Greyhound compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Greyhound to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Greyhound Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.
Grooming and Care
Greyhound's require minimal grooming - to give their coats a shine rub them over with a chamois leather. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.
Temperament and Character
The Greyhound is a very sociable breed of dog, enjoying the company of other dogs, children and family pets, including cats. They are loyal, independent, intelligent, affectionate, sensitive, and good with children. This dog is quiet, calm and extremely well-mannered indoors and reasonably easy to train.
Living Conditions and Exercise Requirements
The Greyhound dogs and puppies are best suited to living in the country because they require a substantial amount of daily exercise and for their own safety. Grey hounds loves to run and chase outdoors, and can easily run into danger at great speed unless exercised in a safe area.
Age comparison between the Greyhound Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 Š 13 years.
Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name a hound dog has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance. Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
- Hunting and running down small quarry
- Flushing out and Driving game
- Vermin Hunting
- Guard duties
- Tracking
In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Greyhound breeding program successful.
