Greyhound

The Greyhound (English Greyhound, Graydog) is one of the oldest and fastest breeds. It is a quiet, adaptable, gentle, friendly, affectionate and not aggressive sighthound that is nicknamed “couch potato” and will be very relaxed at home. The Greyhound makes a great devoted family companion, but is very independent.

The Greyhound is one of the most an ancient breeds that originated in the Middle East and North Africa. The first evidence of this breed can be found on Egyptian tombs dating back to 2900 and 2751 B.C. where were carved smooth-coated sighthounds attacking deer and mountain goats. The breed was also mentioned by Greeks, by a Roman poet and even in the Bible (making it the only dog mentioned).

One theory claims that the Greyhound is a descendant from Saluki (Persian greyhound) or Sloughi. Another theory based on DNA analyses published in 2004 suggests that the breed is more likely related to the herding breeds.

The Greyhound appeared in England not later than in the IX century. It was used for hunting almost all kinds of game: deer, foxes, wild boar, hare and rabbit. The popularity of the breed continued to grow and Greyhounds began to participate in coursing and racing.

First breed members arrived to USA in the XVI century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Greyhound in 1885. Today this breed makes a great family companion, but is also used in hunting, sighting, racing, agility, lure coursing.

The Greyhound has a wonderful temperament. This is a charming, even-tempered, friendly, intelligent, gentle, sensitive, not aggressive dog devoted to its family. However, the Greyhound is independent, even catlike, and can be aloof with strangers.

This breed forms very strong bonds with its family and most breed members will be good and patient with children. For very young children this breed is not the best choice it doesn’t like rough play and teasing. At home, the Greyhound is very calm, even lazy and is a natural couch potatoe. Never leave your dog alone for a long time as this pack-oriented breed tends to suffer from separation anxiety.

The Greyhound will be friendly with other dogs, but it can view smaller breeds as prey, especially if the dog starts to run away. Most breed members have a very strong prey drive and will chase or even kill small animals, but will get along with larger animals. Very few Greyhounds can be socialized to accept cats or other small animals.

The most common health problems for the breed include:
• anaesthesia sensitivity;
• hypothyroidism;
• osteosarcoma;
• gastric torsion;
• canine hip dysplasia;
• heart problems;
• obesity.

The Greyhound is easy to groom. Brush your dog with a rubber comb, rubber curry brush or a special mitt once a week or you can simply rub the coat with a piece of cloth. This breed sheds very little and regular brushing will keep it to a minimum.

Bathing needs to be done every few months in warm water using mild dog shampoo. Trim the nails very carefully every few weeks and brush the teeth and clean the ears on a regular basis.

The Greyhound is a docile, well-behaved and very sensitive breed that is easy to train, but must be treated gently. Never use harsh methods of training or a loud voice. This breed is independent, but picks up commands quite quickly.

Training must be consistent with a lot of treats, praise and other rewards. You have to be calm and patient, but firm. Your dog must understand that you are the leader and that you control the situation.

The Greyhound needs to be socialized as early as possible otherwise your dog may become timid and fearful.

The Greyhound requires regular exercises. You dog will need a long daily brisk walk on a leash and an opportunity to run free in a safe area. It’s a good idea to take your dog to the agility, lure training or any other dog sport that involves running.

The Greyhound doesn’t need a lot of place and is suited well for an apartment. This breed is loves to play, but has a tendency to sleep most part of the day.