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Greyhound
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The greyhound is a breed of hunting dog that has been primarily
bred for coursing game and racing, but with a recent resurgence
of popularity increasingly as a pedigree show dog and family pet. It
is a soft and intelligent breed that often becomes attached to its
owners. A combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible
spine and slim build allow it to reach average race speed speeds
of in excess of 18 meters per second or 40 mph (65kph)
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Description
Appearance
Males are usually 71 to 76 centimetres (28 to 30 in) tall at the
withers and weigh around 27 to 40 kilograms (60 to 88 lb).
Females tend to be smaller with shoulder heights ranging from 68
to 71 centimetres (27 to 28 in) and weights from less than 27 to 34
kilograms (60 to 75 lb). Greyhounds have very short hair, which is
easy to maintain. There are approximately thirty recognized color
forms, of which variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red and
blue (gray) can appear uniquely or in combination.
Anatomy
The key to the speed of a greyhound can be found in its light but
muscular build, largest heart, and highest percentage of fast-twitch
muscle of any breed, the double suspension gallop and the
extreme flexibility of the spine. "Double suspension rotary gallop"
describes the fastest running gait of the greyhound in which all
four feet are free from the ground in two phases, contracted and
extended, during each full stride.
Temperament
Although greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite
their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs.
They are sprinters, and although they love running, they do not
require extensive exercise. Most are quiet, gentle, affectionate
animals. They do however require enough exercise to keep them
healthy both mentally and physically, which means a leash walk 3-4
times a day and an occasional trip to the dog park. Greyhounds
have been referred to as "Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes."
Health
Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, and
hereditary illness is rare. Some greyhounds have been known to
develop esophageal achalasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and
osteosarcoma. Because the greyhound's lean physique makes it
ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, owners of companion
greyhounds generally provide soft bedding; without bedding,
greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores. The typical
greyhound lifespan is 10 to 13 years.
Due to the unique physiology and anatomy of greyhounds, a
veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to the breed is
generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly when
anaesthesia is required. Greyhounds cannot metabolize
barbiturate-based anesthesia as other breeds can because they
have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes in their livers.
Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry, which can be
misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed; this can result
in an incorrect diagnosis.
Greyhounds have higher levels of red blood cells than other
breeds. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this
higher level allows the hound to move larger quantities of oxygen
faster from the lungs to the muscles. Greyhounds have lower
levels of platelets than other breeds. Veterinary blood services
often use greyhounds as universal blood donors.
Greyhounds As Pets
Greyhound owners and adoption groups generally consider
greyhounds to be wonderful pets. They are pack-oriented dogs,
which means that they will quickly adopt humans into their pack as
alpha. They can get along well with children, dogs and other family
pets. Retired racing greyhounds occasionally develop separation
anxiety when re-housed or when their new owners have to leave
them alone for a period of time (the addition of a second
greyhound often solves this problem).
An adopted Greyhound, 5 years old
Greyhounds bark very little, which helps in suburban
environments, and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are
with their own family. The most common misconception concerning
greyhounds is that they are hyperactive. In retired racing
greyhounds it is usually the opposite. Young greyhounds that have
never been taught how to utilize the energy they are bred with, can
be hyperactive and destructive if not given an outlet, and require
more experienced handlers. Rescued Greyhounds, however, have
been taught to chase after small, furry things, and may be
confused or need guidance on how to deal with small animals such
as kittens, rabbits, and other small furry objects.
Greyhound adoption groups generally require owners to keep their
greyhounds on-leash at all times, except in fully enclosed areas.
This is due to their prey-drive, their speed, and the assertion that
greyhounds have no road sense. Due to their strength, adoption
groups recommend that fences be between 4 and 6 feet, to
prevent them being able to jump.
History
The breed's origin is romantically reputed to be connected to
ancient Egypt, where depictions of smooth-coated sighthound
types have been found which are typical of Saluki (Persian
Greyhound) or Sloughi (tombs at Beni Hassan circa 2000BC).
However, analyses of DNA reported in 2004 suggest that the
Greyhound is not closely related to these Oriental breeds, but is a
close relative to herding dogs. Historical literature on the first
sighthound in Europe (Arrian), the vertragus, the probable
antecedent of the Greyhound, suggests that the origin is with the
ancient Celts from Eastern Europe or Eurasia. All modern,
purebred pedigree Greyhounds, are derived from the greyhound
stock recorded and registered, firstly in the private 18th century
then public 19th century studbooks, which ultimately were
registered with Coursing, Racing, and Kennel Club authorities of
the United Kingdom.
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Greyhound
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Country of origin
See History
Weight
Males: 60-88 lb
Females: 60-75 lb
Height
Males: 28-30 in
Females: 27-28 in
Coat
Smooth, short, no undercoat
Color
Multiple: white, brindle, fawn, black,
red and blue
Life span
10-13 years
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Male Brindle Greyhound
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Sitemap
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Dog DNA Test samples analyzed in about two weeks
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