The Greyhound is the fastest dog on the planet able to reach over 40 miles per hour and has an ancient heritage dating back over 4000 years.
These wonderfully graceful sighthounds have a gentle temperament, independent spirit and quiet disposition. Greyhounds are tall, muscular dogs with streamlined and flexible bodies of an inverted S-shape, with a deep chest curving into a tucked waist. Their heads are narrow and aerodynamic and they have characteristic rose ears, usually folded flat which will prick forward when alert. Their coat is smooth and short and comes in a variety of colours. Greyhounds are well known to be gentle and quiet dogs, without aggression. They form strong bonds with their owners and their calm nature makes them excellent around children and other dogs. Their strong prey drive may make them unsuitable to cohabit with small furry pets, although this can very much depend on the personality of the individual and early socialisation can help. In spite of being such a fast and agile breed, greyhounds dont require a huge amount of exercise and will do well with up to one hour of exercise which should include the opportunity to run in a safe confined area. At all other times, the greyhound is a bit of a couch potato and will enjoy lounging around the home in the company of its owners. As this breed has virtually no body fat, soft resting places should be provided as well as protection from the cold.
History
Greyhounds are a truly ancient breed which can be traced back at least 4000 years. In Egypt, mummified remains of greyhounds have been found alongside their masters in ancient pyramids and they also appear in hieroglyphics. Throughout the years, the Greyhound has been associated with royalty and was prized for its ability to outrun its prey. Greyhound track racing also became a popular sport in the 20th Century, and thanks to a concerted effort, retired racing Greyhounds are finding new and loving homes as family pets.
