Greyhound Dog Breed Facts and Greyhound Information

There are many breeds of sighthounds, but the most notably famous of these dogs are by far the Greyhounds . Greyhounds are thought to have bloodlines tracing back as one of the first domestic dog breeds that were selectively bred by humans and to perhaps even be the most purebred dog up to date. The documented existence of greyhounds has beeen found as early on as the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. What made this breed so important to the Hellenistic people was their ability to out run the animals in which they hunted for.

Those who lived during the ancient times knew that they could use these hounds for their own advantage of providing themselves, family, and neighbors with food on their tables. Not only did this outstandingly fast breed become the bread winners of so many households for thousands of years, but greyhounds also quickly turned into close friends and canine companions to those who had the pleasure of owning them in the process.

Body and Build

Greyhounds are tall thin dogs with drastically large concave chests. The average shoulder height of both female and male greyhounds usually ranges anywhere between 27 to 30 inches in height. The regular weight that healthy greyhounds should usually lye within is 60 to 70 pounds. Greyhounds have long skinny tails that are used as one of the key aids to keep these dogs balanced as they're sprinting. These speedy hounds have impeccably small waists that connect to their extremely powerful, muscular, and light weight hind legs. Some not so obvious features that greyhounds use for running include their flexible spines and their long narrow feet.

Coat

Greyhounds have many color variations, but their coats still carry the consistent traits of simply being short and sleek. The hair colors and patterns greyhounds come in a vast color pallet ranging from blue (steel grey), brindle, white, cream, fawn, red, and to the randomly mixed merles.

Head

Greyhounds have noticeably shy and timid facial features that manage still manage to show their loyalty and love towards the people they trust. Just like their other closely related sighthounds, greyhounds have long and narrow snouts. This breeds' heads are actually quite small in comparison to their huge bodies. The ears of greyhounds are both small and floppy with far back placement on their heads.

Greyhounds are extremely prone to having 'delicate' personalities. Beyond the greyhounds’ shy traits, they're incredibly sweet and loving dogs. Like many sighthounds, greyhounds are usually sensitive, so they often match well with owners who use positive dog training techniques. For households with small children or elderly adults, greyhounds make a great option as well, considering they can still get adequate amounts of exercise that is. Do keep in mind though that since this breed was bred for hunting, they do not do well in households with small pets.

A major pro to greyhounds is that unlike so manyof the other purebreds, they are typically prone to never developing any major health concerns. Greyhounds can of course develop some minor potential health concerns, just like all dogs. These medical conditions include esophageal achalasia, osteosarcoma, and gastric torsion.

Greyhounds on average have life spans that last roughly for about a good 10 to 12 years of age.

Greyhounds are actually in fact the second fastest breed of dog and the Whippet being the number one fastest breed of dog. The Greyhound can reach up to average top sprinting speeds of about 39 miles per hour. It's no wonder why this breed was chose as the star participants for the sport of dog racing.

Although, greyhound racing may seem to be all in good fun at first, there's definitely more to this gambling game than meets the eye. Sadly, once the racing hounds reach the age to where they are no longer suitable as top sprinters, the majority of these dogs are selfishly abandoned at shelters. More times than not, greyhounds for adoption are euthanized.

Thankfully though, in recent years the word has spread about saving these racing dogs. Now, some greyhounds for adoption actually end up living lives with the loving owners that they always deserved. I do highly recommend if you (or a one of your friends) are looking into helping a shelter dog, to research and find out if perhaps owning a greyhound might make a good option as your doggie adoption.