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Hound breeds: Greyhound
Origin
The first records of the Greyhound come from the Tomb of Amten, in the Valley of the Nile, and are dated to 2900-2751 B.C. Unmistakable Greyhounds are shown in three hunting scenes. The first complete description of the breed was by Ovid (43 B.C.-A.D. 17). He can be traced to almost every terrain in every country in every continent in the world. From time immemorial he has been a symbol of the aristocracy. Throughout history royalty has owned him. Usually ownership of the breed was restricted to the ruling classes and he lived in luxury. The common people because of this often hated him.
The origin of the name is not clearly agreed upon. There are a number of conjectures advanced: Graius, meaning Grecian, as he was held in high esteem among the ancient Greeks; the old British grech meaning dog; and gray because his color was once prevailing gray.
The Greyhound was found in England at least as early as the 9th century A.D., and may have been there for centuries before. The Greyhound in England was used to hunt all kinds of game, including deer stags and fox. But his natural quarry is hare. He has been associated with the sport of coursing for centuries. The Greyhound has been coursing in organized sport in England for more than 200 years.
Greyhounds came to American with Spanish explorers in the early 1500s and were used to guard, hunt and intimidate their enemies. The Greyhound is associated with many famous historical figures in America. The professional German soldier, Baron Von Steuben, who was so helpful to George Washington in the Revolutionary War, was always accompanied by his huge Greyhound, Azor. Gen. George A. Custer traveled with a pack of about 40 Greyhounds. His dogs were supposed to run a matched race the day before he left for the ill-fated Big Horn River in 1876.
Greyhounds were among the earliest dogs to show in American dog shows. The catalog of the first Westminster Dog Show in 1877 includes an entry of 18 Greyhounds, and Greyhounds were registered in the second AKC studbook in 1885. In 1912, the mechanical lure was invented, which opened up a whole new era for the Greyhound. Formal track racing for Greyhounds is a very popular sport today.
General description
Height: 27-31 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Color: The greyhound can be any color or combination.
Grooming requirements
Grooming this breed requires little more than a curry brush, spray conditioner and some time. Regular ear cleaning and nail clipping are necessary.
Health considerations
The Greyhound is susceptible to cold and should be kept indoors. They have the potential for skin problems and hemophilia. Special care must be taken of the tail. It can easily be broken, and the tip has a tendency to bleed.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Greyhound is adaptable to a variety of living situations. As they are content to lounge on a bed or couch, they make wonderful apartment dogs. When outdoors, they must be kept on a leash or in a fenced in area as they are sighthounds and will relentlessly chase almost anything that moves.
Generally speaking, they require two short (20-30 minute) walks each day. As they are sprinters, long daily runs are neither necessary nor welcome, however just like people, they can build up the endurance to accompany their people on long walks or jogs. They are known to those who love them as “the 40 mph couch potato” and enjoy their rest. Some greyhounds are safe with both small animals and cats, however due to their characteristic prey drive care should be taken when introductions are made. All dogs should be evaluated for these qualities and should be supervised with any small animals or cats. The greyhound has thin skin and prefers temperate climates, however, they will easily adapt to cooler climates when provided with a coat and blanket with which to keep warm.
The Greyhound is an intelligent and loving companion. They are sensitive, loyal and take pride in their aristocratic roots. They make wonderful additions to families who are prefer a low maintenance and low energy dog with which to share companionship.
The Greyhound is very intelligent and acts aloof. He is sensitive, courageous, loyal, aristocratic and vain. His behavior is reserved towards strangers.
The Greyhound is gentle with children and a big couch potato while in the home. Adopted, rescue Greyhounds can be wonderful companions for those who understand their personality.
Uses
Originally the Greyhound was used for hunting deer and wild boar. His speed enables him to catch them and pull them down without stopping. Today he is used in racing.
Web links
AKC Greyhound page
The National Greyhound Adoption Program
Greyhound Friends Links
The Greyhound Protection League
Adopt-A-Greyhound
The Greyhound Gang
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