Greyhound (English Greyhound)

The English Greyhound, or Greyhound, is a breed of dog distinguished by its amazing speed and elegant appearance. For centuries, these dogs have been bred to be quick, nimble, and keen hunters. For people who value both beauty and tranquility in a pet, Greyhounds are an excellent choice because, despite their athletic appearance, they are surprisingly gentle and laid back in their homes.

The long legs, slim build, and silky coats of Greyhounds make them stand out in a crowd. They can accelerate to remarkable speeds in a matter of seconds and are renowned for their elegant movements. Don’t let their competitiveness fool you, though; most Greyhounds prefer to spend their time relaxing at home and taking in the quiet when they’re not running.

In addition to their outward appearance, greyhounds have warm, loving personalities and strong family ties. They frequently get along well with kids and other pets and are renowned for being kind and laid back. Despite their initial reserve, they are devoted and caring friends once they get to know you.

General characteristics of the Greyhound breed

Dogs that are the fastest are English Greyhounds. They are part of the hunting dog family and are quick to catch up to a deer, hare, or roe. They are not hardy and cannot run for very long, but they can reach speeds of up to 67 km/h. The translation of the name "grey hound" is "gray hound." Nonetheless, some scholars link this word’s etymology to the Old English term "grighound" or "cricket greyhound." This is because these dogs have the ability to jump very high and far.

Greyhounds are hardly ever used for hunting these days. They’ve developed into devoted friends and athletes. These dogs are artistic, adore being the center of attention, and are quick learners. Display strong course and agility results. Their sensitivity and peaceful, amiable disposition make them suitable for use in canistherapy.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	English greyhound, greyhound (english greyhound)
Country	Great Britain
Breed group	Greyhounds
Purpose	Hunter, runner, companion
Duration life	9-11 years
height	males 71-77 cm, females 68-71 cm
weight	males 29-32 kg, females 27-29 kg
activity	high
aggression	low
intelligence	smart, quick-witted, artistic, easy to learn tricks
security qualities	cannot be a guard, friendly to all people
attitude to people	friendly, devoted, obedient, sociable
difficulty of care	easy, light shedding

Pros

Despite their size, greyhound dogs are unassuming and get along well in an apartment in the city. They will behave well at home if they walk and get enough exercise. They would rather be near the owner and like to sleep on a cozy sofa or mat. The following benefits are also enjoyed by these dogs:

• loyal, affectionate;
• have a calm, balanced character;
• good-natured, friendly;
• not noisy;
• not conflicting;
• cheerful, playful;
• look elegant, attract attention with their aristocratic appearance;
• do not require complex care, the coat does not smell, does not shed much.

Cons

Greyhounds require a lot of exercise. They require early socialization and care. Those who are athletic and active can choose this breed. These dogs have the following drawbacks, which may cause issues:

• short hair does not protect from cold and injuries;
• no instinct to protect territory, aggression towards people, so they cannot be guards and bodyguards;
• do not tolerate loneliness;
• on the street they can chase a cat or a small dog.

History of the origin of the Greyhound breed

One of the oldest breeds in Europe is the greyhound. Regarding its origin’s history, there are disagreements. The English greyhound is thought to have originated from Celtic shepherds, according to some researchers, while others believe it originated from dogs in Ancient Egypt. The earliest records of these elegant, swift, and slender dogs date back to the tenth century. The English nobility loved them and used them for hunting.

They were accustomed to hunting hares and roe deer without the use of a gun, and they were the best runners for short distances. Dogs with these characteristics were highly prized until the 18th century, at which point they were nearly never exported overseas. Then, thanks to the efforts of dog breeder Lord Alford, the breed was rescued from near extinction. In an effort to give greyhounds more resilience, he crossed them with English bulldogs. The first breed club was established by the end of the eighteenth century.

Greyhounds started taking part in dog races and exhibitions in the 19th century. Three varieties were distinguished within the breed:

• show dogs – beautiful, thin-legged, tall with an elegantly curved neck;
• running – muscular, lean, with easy movements;
• hunting – working qualities come first.

The English greyhound was the breed’s official name when it was first recognized in the middle of the 20th century. Although it was well-known in Russia since the 18th century, it did not become widely accepted, and practically all dogs were wiped out following the revolution. It was not until the late 20th century that greyhounds were bred in this nation. However, the breed is still uncommon and has a limited population.

Appearance standards

English greyhounds are big dogs; a male’s withers can reach a height of 77 cm. Females grow to a maximum length of 71 cm. Their long legs, noble posture, and refined, elegant silhouette define their appearance. Muscles should be well-developed and the body balanced. Males can only weigh up to 32 kg, while females can only weigh up to 29 kg.

Head

The head is elongated, fairly wide, and proportionate to the body. The nose smoothly transitions from the forehead to the narrow muzzle. The nose has a smooth bridge and a large, black or occasionally dark brown lobe. The jaws have a scissor bite and are strong.

The almond-shaped eyes are positioned somewhat obliquely. Iris color is typically brown, though it can vary in tone from light to dark. Medium-sized, soft, and thin ears. formed like a rose and curled. The dog assumes a semi-erect posture when they are excited.

Body

The neck is long, beautifully curved, and has dry muscles. No skin folds or dewlap. merges seamlessly into the withers. The standard states that the Greyhound should have an elongated body with a powerful, athletic build. The belly is tucked in, and the chest is deep. The loin is convex, and the back is long and broad.

The tail is fairly long, thick at the beginning, and taper down to the tip. Set low; typically lowered or raised just a little. As a steering wheel, it facilitates direction changes for the dog when it is running.

Limbs

The legs of greyhounds are long and strong. The front legs are parallel and straight. Elbows are angled backward and shoulder blades are sloping and narrow. The hock joints are broad and clearly defined, and the hind legs are muscular. They give you a strong push when you’re running. Compact paws with large black claws and hard pads on the toes. Free, light, and sweeping motions are made. The dog can achieve high speed development in a brief amount of time.

Coat and color

The coat is soft, thick, and falls close to the body. Nearly no undercoat is present. Shedding is not robust.

In spite of its name, this greyhound isn’t limited to grey. The following colors are permitted by the standard:

• black;
• white;
• brindle;
• red;
• blue;
• sand;
• marbled;
• fawn;
• deer.

Spots of white can appear in any hue. Another possibility is a white color with brown or gray specks.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

The sleek and strong Greyhound, sometimes referred to as the English Greyhound, is renowned for its grace, speed, and gentle disposition. Greyhounds are surprisingly calm and loving, which makes them great companions despite being bred originally for hunting and racing. Even though they used to be athletes, they prefer to lounge around the house and only require light exercise. They require less care because of their short coat and slim build, but in colder months they require additional warmth. Greyhounds are renowned for having amiable, laid-back temperaments and for fitting in nicely with families.

Character of the Greyhound breed

The English greyhound is a creature of habit and character that blends laziness and a love of comfort with tirelessness, energy, and the drive to pursue prey. This dog likes to lounge on a plush sofa at home and can fall asleep with ease in any situation. The term "fast couch potatoes" is used by English dog breeders to describe greyhounds.

These dogs, who are pack animals, value rigid hierarchy and deference to a leader. They view their family as their pack and have a single owner that they submit to. They are kind to others, but they don’t always follow orders. Greyhounds are incredibly loving; they adore curling up on your lap and licking your face. They greet visitors with hospitality rather than with hostility. As a result, this dog will not work as a security or guard. He can only be relied upon to bark at strangers.

They are fond of kids, but only those they can run around and play with. With small children, they are indulgent and understanding. However, they won’t "herd" a child or work as a nanny. They don’t act aggressively; if a child truly annoys them, they will just disappear.

The temperament of greyhounds is phlegmatic and balanced. Notable character traits include the following:

• sensitive to the behavior and intonation of the owner"s voice;
• calm and inconspicuous at home;
• obedient, docile;
• touchy and vulnerable, in response to rude treatment they close up and stop obeying;
• curious, they can penetrate into any cracks, open doors, find and gnaw various objects;
• cheerful, energetic;
• friendly, people-oriented, never show aggression;
• love to be the center of attention, to be praised, petted.

As people-oriented dogs, greyhounds are not particularly fond of interacting with other animals. They wear muzzles because they frequently try to bite each other at dog races. If they grew up together, they can get along with other pets at home. However, if a greyhound has a normal perception of its own cat, it will undoubtedly pursue a street cat. Due to their strong hunting instinct, it is advised against letting these greyhounds run loose on public streets as they have the ability to detect small dogs as prey.

Education and training

These canines are incredibly intelligent, perceptive, and curious. However, they are thought to be challenging to train. This is a result of the breed’s traits. Greyhounds grow slowly; during the first 1.5–2 years of life, they act like puppies. They can be unruly, mischievous, and have noses in everything.

Cynologists frequently advise beginning training at the age of one year for pets. However, the puppy still needs to be socialized and taught fundamental manners and commands before reaching this age. The dog needs to be aware of its place, have a nickname, respond to the command "come to me," and comprehend rules. It’s crucial to teach it manners such as walking on a leash, using the restroom outside, not jumping on people, and not biting its hands and feet when playing.

The fact that this dog is a hunting dog rather than a service dog adds to the difficulty of training. It is accustomed to acting on its own, but it cannot automatically follow instructions. It is not a dominating animal, but it will only submit to someone who has earned the right to do so. This dog has artistic ability, enjoys doing tricks, and is a crowd favorite in the ring. Additionally, consideration must be given to the quirks of anatomy. A greyhound finds it challenging to sit on its hind legs for extended periods of time. So, don’t put too much strain on it by giving it orders to "sit" or "wait" all the time.

You can apply the following tips from knowledgeable cynologists to ensure that this dog is trained effectively:

• you need to find the right approach to your pet, gain authority and trust;
• it is advisable to build training in the form of a game, take into account the natural energy of the dog, do not allow it to get bored;
• physical punishment and rudeness are unacceptable, the dog will be offended and stop trusting;
• but you will not be able to reward with a treat – the greyhound will not work for food, for him the attention and admiration of the owner is more important.

You can practice agility, freestyle, coursing, and OKD with a pet. The dog must undergo 2-3 months of training if it is to be used in racing. It is not advised, however, that he race before turning one year old. These greyhounds reach short distances of up to 350 meters at a high speed. They can run after a bicycle for training purposes, but large loads should not be undertaken.

From three to four months, a puppy is trained for hunting. When a puppy mimics an adult dog in a pack, that’s the best way to refine skills. The dog can catch a rabbit by the time it is one year old, but it must be trained to bring the rabbit to its owner. Greyhound hunting is limited to flat terrain. They get hurt because they are unable to move between rocks or trees.

Features of care and maintenance

This dog is domestic; it should not be kept in an enclosure. Simple, easily adjusts to any situation. A greyhound can live in an apartment in the city, but it prefers a private home with lots of space for walks. A high fence is required if the dog explores the area on its own because greyhounds can jump quite high.

An adult greyhound won’t stand out at home despite its size. However, this is a playful and energetic dog on the street. It unquestionably requires physical activity and two daily walks lasting one to two hours. It should run when walking: after a ball, after a stick, beside a bicycle. It is advised to take your pet to dog parks or other outdoor areas more frequently. It is best to keep him on the leash when in the city because he could run after a cat and get struck by a car.

It is important to remember that this breed’s members have almost no undercoat and that their short, thinning hair does not provide much insulation from the cold. So, when going for a walk in the winter, it’s best to wear insulated overalls, and when it rains, waterproof ones.

Hygiene procedures

Taking care of these dogs is easy. When a puppy is raised with proper hygiene practices from an early age, they won’t cause issues:

• comb the coat with a soft brush or rubber glove 2 times a week, it is better not to use combs and furminators;
• bathe as needed, preferably no more than once every few months;
• wash paws and belly after walks;
• check and, if necessary, wash eyes;
• check ears every week and clean from sulfur;
• It is important to trim the claws regularly, as they grow they will not only interfere with the dog, but can cause injury;
• to prevent tartar several times a month, brush your teeth with a special paste or regularly give them chewy treats.

Nutrition

Though they enjoy eating, these dogs shouldn’t be overfed. If they are not exercising, they put on weight quickly. In particular, if your pet lives in a city, doesn’t hunt, or participate in races, you shouldn’t feed them a lot. A dog consumes 400 g of food a day on average. The Greyhound’s stomach is small, so this should be split up into two meals. A balanced diet that is high in protein is ideal. Dry food or natural food can be given to your pet.

It is imperative that ready-made food does not fall below the super-premium class when fed. Members of the breed are prone to allergies to certain foods. Examining the composition is crucial; soy and artificial additives shouldn’t be present. Meat should make up at least 50%. It is ideal if the food is made especially with hunting dogs in mind.

The dog is given porridge that contains meat when it chooses natural food. Beef, chicken, and rabbit are acceptable; it’s best to select pieces with veins and cartilage. It’s advised to boil cereal in broth made with meat. You can give eggs, sea fish, and offal several times a week. Greens, vegetables, and fermented dairy products are beneficial.

Greyhounds cannot be fed salty or spicy food from your table. They should avoid beans, sweets, and smoked foods. River fish are not meant to be fed pork. Milk is not given to adult dogs.

Health

These canines don’t live very long. Their life span is 9–11 years on average. However, they’re in fairly good health. Representatives of the breed may occasionally suffer from the congenital and acquired illnesses listed below:

• arthritis;
• deafness;
• eye diseases;
• allergies;
• hypothyroidism.

You should get in touch with your veterinarian if your dog is ill. Greyhounds have poor anesthesia tolerance and are extremely sensitive to drugs.

Characteristic	Description
Breed	Greyhound (English Greyhound)
Size	Large, with sleek and athletic build
Weight	60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Height	27-30 inches (68-76 cm)
Temperament	Calm, gentle, and friendly
Exercise Needs	High, loves to run but enjoys resting too
Life Expectancy	10-14 years
Coat	Short and smooth, easy to maintain
Colors	Various, including black, fawn, brindle, and more
Good with Families	Yes, especially with gentle and patient handling

The English Greyhound is a unique breed distinguished by its amazing speed and elegant look. This ancient dog has developed into a cherished racing companion as well as a valued racing dog. Among larger breeds, its elegant build and gentle temperament set it apart.

Although they are well-known for their racing prowess, greyhounds are also remarkably peaceful and easygoing when living at home. They are excellent choices for individuals or families seeking a loving, low-maintenance companion. Their easygoing temperament and low maintenance requirements make them suitable for a wide range of living conditions.

Understanding your Greyhound’s unique requirements is essential if you want to keep one, particularly in regards to exercise and space. Even though they are very athletic, they prefer to exercise in short bursts and rest for extended periods of time. In general, they are a wonderful breed for people who can provide them with the affection and attention they need.

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