Information, Facts & Origins of the
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
wasn’t 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.
Information,
Facts & History
of the Greyhound Hound Dog
The Greyhound is a very old sight hound dog breed claiming an
ancient heritage. The Pharaohs of Egypt kept the 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 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 meane
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.
Description
of the Greyhound Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Greyhound's coat is a variety of any individual colour & mixed
colours. The grey hounds coat is very short, fine & close.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the Greyhounds
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:
This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.
Description
of the Greyhound Dog and Puppies - 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 dog 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
dog 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.
Information on Grooming
and Care of the Greyhound Dog Breed
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.
Information on Temperament
and Character of the Greyhound Dog Breed
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 of the Greyhound Dog
Breed
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.
The
Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an
accurate portrait of the size of an average Greyhound- essential
information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that
the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally
considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can
easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan
" A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated
by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of
the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely
clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will
suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Greyhound
Puppies
The
following considerations should be taken into account when
choosing greyhound puppies:
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
Exercising
requirements for the Greyhoundbreed
Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family
- child suitability
Puppy and Dog
Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
Age
comparison between the Greyhound Dog 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 of the Greyhound Dog Breed
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 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 dog breeding program successful.
The
Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and
others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor
kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a
significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels
suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group
who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information
should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a
useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size
of an average Greyhound dog - essential information but unique to this
site.
Examples
of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the Greyhound
and all of
the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon
Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds
and Whippets.
Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to as the Grey
Hound. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds,
together with all other dog groups,
may be found
on this website via the following links:
