Greyhound Dog & Puppies

 

" The Fastest Dog on Earth "

Breed Origins: Ancient Egypt ( 4,000 B.C. )
Breed usage: Hunting Dog: large game - hares, antelopes, wolves and deer
Dog Weight: 60 - 70 Pounds
Dog Height: 27 to 30 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies: Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history

 

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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.

Greyhound Dog Names
Bay Dogs

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:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

 

Dog photograph

 

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 Illness Symptoms 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 Greyhound breed
  • 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. 

 

Greyhound Dog Breed

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:

 

Dog Breeds - ABC List

Dog Names & Breeds Site Index

Hound Dog Breeds  

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