Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Greyhound (English Greyhound)" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

There are several explanations about the origin of the name Greyhound. Some say it is due to the gray color of the breed, but the most popular theory is that the name comes from Old English “grei”, What dog, and “hundr”, what does hunter mean.

Whatever the origin of your name, the Greyhound it is one of the oldest dog breeds, which is confirmed by its genetic characteristics. It also, although it is impossible to determine the exact date, the first mentions of this breed date back to more than 8.000 years.

More recently, it was also depicted in drawings from ancient Egypt (3200-1100 a.C.). There is also evidence of its presence and use in ancient Greece (766-323 a.C.). He was already known for his athletic qualities and great speed., and the Greeks already organized dog races.

Later, the Greyhound It is also mentioned in the writings of the Roman poet Ovid (43-17 or 18 a.C.). It is also the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible..

It is very likely that it originated in the Sloughi (Arabian Greyhound), who accompanied Phoenician sailors in ancient times. They used him as a hunting dog in the desert, activity in which its speed and robustness worked wonders. The Arabian Greyhound has long been recognized as a sign of nobility, and was especially known in dog racing.

The Greyhound has also been portrayed throughout history as a noble canine breed, both in art and literature, especially in english. In fact, have long been associated with royalty. Many medieval tapestries depict the dog as a companion of the aristocracy and the kings of France and England.. It was generally used for hunting deer and wild boar.. Between the 11th and 14th centuries, an english law (the Canute Laws of Great Britain, enacted in 1016) it even stipulated that no criminal could possess a greyhound, which further confirmed the prestige of the breed.

After an undeniable success throughout Europe, It is said that it appeared in America in the 16th century, brought by Spanish explorers.

Three centuries later, when the first dog shows were organized in England and the United States, was immediately one of the first breeds to be exhibited. Nothing less than 18 Sighthounds Englishmen competed in the first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877.

On the american side, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1885. The first greyhound race was held there the following year, in 1886, although the National Greyhound Association was not founded until twenty years later, in 1906.

Dog racing is still very popular in the United States and other countries, and the Greyhound still a favorite. In fact, nicknamed “the cheetah of the canine world”, can reach speeds higher than those of any of its peers: he is the fastest dog in the world. It must be said that this breed has been selected for thousands of years to hunt leaving its prey behind, so today it can reach speeds of about 70 km/h. But, just like the cheetah, the maximum speed of the Greyhound can only be reached in a short distance, since it does not have a great resistance.

And if that was not enough, he is also very skilled, able to anticipate each movement of a prey and to change direction quickly while maintaining high speed. They also have the ability to perform prodigious jumps.: one of its representatives holds the world record for high jump among dogs since 2006, with a jump of 1,72 height meters performed without running.

On an international level, the Greyhound has become known mainly through races and dog shows. The breed was recognized in the late 19th century by the British Kennel Club and by the American Kennel Club (1885). The United Kennel Club (UKC) American and the International Cynological Federation (FCI) it took a little longer, waiting until 1914 to do the same.

More recently, the misfortunes of these dogs have contributed in some way to their notoriety. In fact, Greyhound racing has been the subject of controversy regarding its ethics and, above all, to the fate of retired greyhounds. In fact, the latter are often abandoned, Euthanized or sold to laboratories for use in animal experiments. Many shelters and animal protection organizations have taken up the issue, to the point where greyhounds - including the Greyhound– have gained in popularity as family dogs.

The Greyhound characterized by a slim body with a slightly arched back, a long neck, a long, thin head and ears usually folded over the neck. The tail is low, quite long and slightly curved. The torso is generally broad, as it houses large lungs and a fairly large heart.

In fact, this dog has physical characteristics that allow it to run at incredible speeds. Every line of your body is an advantage in this regard.: its length, his thinness, his deep chest, your flexible spine, its strong hind legs, his long tail and remarkable hips combine to make him a very powerful dog.

But, there is a physical distinction between two types of greyhounds: the Greyhound racing and the Greyhound competition. In general, the English racing greyhound is smaller: the height of the male ranges from 63 and 76 cm., that of the female between 61 and 74 cm.. Its weight is also slightly lower. The racing greyhound also has a more muscular neck and shoulders than the show greyhound., that looks slimmer, despite its larger size: of 71 to 76 cm for the male, and 68 to 74 cm for female.

Last, whether they are racing dogs or show dogs, English greyhounds have a short, very fine coat that requires very little maintenance. Their fur comes in a wide variety of colors: white, brown, red, gray and brindle.

▷ Male size: 63 – 76 cm.
▷ female size: 61 – 74 cm.
▷ Male weight: 30 – 35 kg
▷ female weight: 28 – 32 kg

The Greyhound is known to be a very intelligent dog, playful, obedient, strong and robust.

He is also a very kind companion, showing very little aggressiveness towards other dogs. This is because this breed was specially selected to run and hunt in a group.. On the other hand, its prey hunting instinct is extremely strong, so it may not be suitable for a household with a small pet, like a rabbit. So that this coexistence is possible, the puppy will need a lot of socialization and training to temper his hunting instinct from an early age. In any case, keep in mind that the hunting instinct is very strong in this breed; even though he has gotten used to his presence, it is recommended to supervise in all circumstances their possible coexistence with small domestic animals.

His hunting instinct also explains that, when going for a walk with your dog, your strap must always be well fastened. He is the most athletic of all dogs and is capable of reaching speeds even a runner cannot. 100 meters can approach. This means that it would be very difficult for a careless owner to try to catch up with his Greyhound.

If coexistence with other species can be problematic, The same should not happen with living with children. The Greyhound He is an excellent family dog ​​and is very tolerant of children. But, it is recommended to avoid living with young children or those who are not used to interacting with dogs. Having said that, When the Greyhound you are in an inappropriate situation, will usually try to get away from her, instead of growling or biting.

On the other hand, Exposure to crowds can cause real stress in a Greyhound insufficiently socialized. But, they are not usually aggressive towards strangers: they usually limit themselves to barking or making a specific movement of the ears to warn their owners of the presence of a stranger.

It also, contrary to what his athletic abilities might suggest, they require less exercise than most other breeds, since they do not have a great resistance. The Greyhound It is also a very docile and calm dog that loves naps. In fact, his favorite activity is… have no activity! He's glad to spend the day just dozing, surrounded by his family.

Thus, the Greyhound it is a breed of dog suitable for a flat or a house with a small garden. Despite his large size and athletic build, space is not a problem for him, as long as its owner offers a comfortable and cozy place to rest. But, it is recommended to provide the garden with a solid fence to prevent the dog from running away if it occurs to him to chase other animals beyond his territory. But, an electric fence for dogs is often ineffective with them, since his hunting instinct prevails.

Last, it is usually recommended that Greyhound retirees available for adoption wear muzzles, as they may be tempted to bite smaller dogs or other animals. But, this may be a temporary measure while your new pet adjusts to his new environment and you gain better control of his temper. It also, as most dogs have lived with other dogs and with humans, may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. Shelters and other organizations that facilitate the adoption of these dogs are often a good source of information to guide you in finding the right companion.

In any case, there is no genetic evidence of behavioral differences between the two types of Greyhound. So, if there are such differences, breeders attribute them to the training and experience of each dog.

The Greyhound it is a very intelligent breed of dog, and it is quite easy to train. Usually, they are very obedient and learn quickly. But, they can be stubborn with certain orders, so patience and perseverance are the keywords to keep in mind during training. This may be the case when teaching your dog to sit., since it is quite an awkward position for him. Does not adopt it naturally, and rather it seems that it is balanced on its tail.

As he is quite proud and has a sensitive temperament, it is better not to be rude or aggressive with him, and this is especially true when trained. Dog training techniques that use positive reinforcement rather than punishment are the most successful with this breed. This is the case, above all, if food is used as a motivator.

In general, the Greyhound is loyal but independent, and requires a secure owner. Usually, quickly bond with their owner and obey him as soon as they learn his job.

Last, it is especially important to socialize him with other dogs and humans of all kinds from an early age, so as not to let his natural shyness get the better of him. If this happens, you may have a hard time adjusting to changes in your environment or your schedule. Various socialization techniques can be used, how to enroll him in a puppy school, stroll it through public gardens or take it to outdoor events. In any case, it is important to provide a variety of opportunities and types of socialization so that your dog is as comfortable as possible in public and in interactions with humans.

The Greyhound is especially prone to certain diseases: Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, von Willebrand disease and gastric problems.

The Dysplasia in dogs it is a developmental anomaly of a tissue that is present from birth and causes deformities. It is especially prevalent in racing sighthounds, since excessive physical activity accelerates the onset and development of the disease.

As the Greyhound is sensitive to intestinal inflammation, physical activity should be avoided - including simple walking- in the 30 minutes before or after a meal. This is because intestinal bloating can lead to inflammation or even twisting of the stomach., what can be deadly.

The Hypothyroidism in dogs it means that the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The consequences can range from reduced fertility to more serious problems, like dog obesity, lethargy and irregular heat cycles. But, although this breed is actually prone to hypothyroidism, it is not uncommon for individuals to be misdiagnosed due to lack of knowledge of their normal hormone levels. So, it is important to choose a veterinarian who knows the physiological peculiarities of the Greyhound, related to the fact that it has a slightly larger heart than other dogs. This leads to higher blood pressure and, often, to a slight heart murmur. It is not a problem, but a veterinarian unaware of this feature could make an incorrect diagnosis.

The von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited blood clotting disorder in dogs.

It also, the Greyhound you are at risk of being overweight, especially individuals withdrawing from careers. It is common for them to win around 2 kg, but you have to be careful not to exceed this threshold. So, it is important to carefully monitor your dog's weight and not overfeed it.

The Greyhound used for racing also have dental hygiene problems. This health problem is not shared with individuals used for dog shows and the cause does not appear to be genetic., rather it is due to the living conditions of the racing dogs.

Last, due to its short coat and low percentage of fat, the Greyhound it is a breed sensitive to cold. It is recommended to equip it with a dog coat when you go out in cold or rainy weather, and make sure you always have a warm place to rest. For the same reason, make sure the places where you can rest are soft, to avoid the appearance of bedsores (also known as “bed sores”).

The low percentage of body fat also makes the Greyhound is more sensitive than other breeds to anesthetics and certain medications. So, it is recommended to choose a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed and its physiology (including hormone levels) to avoid misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.

10 to 13 years

The Greyhound it is a low maintenance breed, as its short, shiny coat requires little brushing. Brush the dog's coat weekly, preferably with a comb or a rubber glove, it is enough to remove dead skin and excess hair, while helping to distribute body oils to keep the coat shiny. During brushing, it is advisable to examine the skin for redness and lesions, especially around the nose, mouth, eyes and paws.

If the coat is well groomed, the Greyhound rarely need a bath.

But, are prone to dental hygiene problems, so regular brushing is recommended to avoid plaque build-up.

It also, like the ears of the Greyhound they are usually bent, it is important to inspect them weekly to avoid the development of infections, manifested by the presence of redness and / or bad smells. The outer part of the ear can be cleaned with a cotton swab slightly moistened with a special solution for cleaning dogs' ears.. But, it is important never to insert anything into the ear canal.

Last, if they do not wear out naturally due to a rather sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary to trim the dog's nails once or twice a month to avoid scratches or other problems.

To limit the risk of obesity, it is recommended to measure the food that is given to the greyhound and divide it into two portions: one in the morning and one at night.

As a general rule, of 2,5 to 4 cups of quality dry feed are sufficient for males and 1,5 to 3 cups for females.

The Greyhound was first used as a hunting dog, which explains why the tracking instinct is still very present in this breed, although this use has almost disappeared.

It also, This breed has long been recognized for its athletic abilities and remains one of the most widely represented in dog sports today. Of course, the breed is especially known for sighthound racing, whether by sight or by chance. It was in his home country, Great Britain, where the Sighted Pursuit in the middle of the 18th century, and where the races on artificial hares made their appearance in 1927. It also, the Greyhound also usually participates in obedience and agility competitions.

In addition to the sports lines of the Greyhound, there are also lines for dog shows.

Last, the Greyhound increasingly used as a companion dog, and it has many qualities for it. A person who wishes to adopt a Greyhound as a companion dog you can certainly opt for a puppy, which is always an attractive option, but keep in mind that there are also many available Greyhound retired adults (sometimes prematurely), and they can represent a magnificent option. In fact, in recent years, many non-profit organizations (shelters, animal protection associations, etc.) campaigns have been launched to raise awareness among the general public about the fate of greyhounds used for racing (abandonment, euthanasia, sale to laboratories, etc.) and to find adoptive families for retired copies. This has allowed the general public to better understand the Greyhound and its potential as a family dog.

The price of a Greyhound of a professional breeder varies between 900 and 3.600 EUR. This very wide range is explained by the fact that the price depends largely on the lineage of the dog and its age.: in general, increases with age, especially in the case of racing sighthounds that have begun their training.

In the case of horses withdrawn from races and available for adoption in shelters, the price to adopt a Greyhound usually oscillates between 250 and 300 EUR, depending on the care offered by the shelter in question.

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Photos:

1 – Greyhound by https://pixabay.com/es/photos/galgos-windhunderennen-5373255/
2 – Greyhound by Adam.J.W.C., CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 – Greyhound by MTSOfan
4 – Greyhound striped (1 year) and male greyhound (8 months) leonado. by Tux-Man, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
5 – Greyhound by No machine-readable author provided. Pleple2000 assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
6 – Greyhound by https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greyhound/

British greyhound racing – Track race

English Greyhound / Breed of dog

Spanish Greyhound vs English Greyhound

Dogs 101 – GREYHOUND – Top Dog Facts About the GREYHOUND

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group :
• Section : . .

Federations:

• FCI – Group 10: Section 3: Short-haired Sighthounds ⓘ
• – AKC – Hounds Toy ⓘ
• – ANKC – (Hounds) ⓘ
• – CKC – Hounds ⓘ
• – ​KC – Hounds ⓘ
• – NZKC – Hounds Toy ⓘ
• – UKC – Hounds ⓘ

FCI - Greyhound (English Greyhound)

1. English Greyhound (English).
2. Greyhound (French).
3. Großer Englischer Windhund (German).
4. (em inglês: Greyhound) (Portuguese).
5. Lebrel ingés, Greyhound (español).