Description

Greyhounds are probably one of the most famous of the dog-breeds all courtesy betting tracks. The animal is probably one of the fastest of its species. They have actually been recorded to run at speeds excess of 40 miles/hour and are a treat to watch while running. However in spite of all the speed the dog simply isn’t all about speed. Their posture is actually very graceful and somber.

There are several factors contributing towards the agility of these animals. For one thing they have a very supple spine that is quiet flexible and give them almost ridiculous flexibility. The skeletal system comprises of thin and lengthy bones that give them a lean appearance. Sometimes they even appear to look famished as their stomachs are drawn in due to their deep chests and tiny waists. The greyhounds are noted to have quiet long tails.

If we consider the size of a greyhound it actually has a head that’s quiet tiny compared to the body. Same can be said for their ears, if compared to the head. However Greyhounds have very sharp eyesight and hence serve as very efficient Search Dogs. Their great height only helps so. The next most common greyhound trait is it’s fanaticism towards obsession with chasing and snapping the neck of any small animal that the dog may spy. This may include your favorite cat and it’s recommended that greyhounds don’t share a home with any small prey-like animal that might be your pet. Even your most obedient Greyhound mat suddenly develop a fetish to hunt your other pets, often when you are least expecting it.

However having said so, its quiet common to see Greyhounds become lazy when they are locked up in a house and hence they serve as very nice pets, being very relaxed. The common colors that one sees with Greyhounds are Brown, white, black tan, grey. However combinations of these are also common with large spots. They can be solid colored or piebald. A tan brindle is also not uncommon.

Greyhounds can be very good house-dogs since they adapt very well to apartment life almost forgetting to chase anything. It’s only when they step outside do they get to feel the real world and they get restless to chase things. In rural areas, they can be kept open but should be confined in an open space guarded by high walls, lest they take off behind anything and don’t return.

The average life-span of the Greyhounds is 10-12 years while they have an average litter size of 6-9 puppies. While the Male weighs about 65-70 pounds (29-32kg), it reaches heights of 28-30 inches (71-76cm). The females weigh 60-65 pounds (27-29kg) and reach heights of 27-28 inches (68-71cm).

Coat

Greyhounds are great shedders. They have short, smooth hair that most people don’t notice being shed, since the volume is always very small. One must however consider this that some Greyhounds might be disqualified n a show since they shed more than others in summer, to the extent of going bald in the chest. So here is another suggestion, you can try guarding your dog in winter with Sweaters in cool regions.

History

The origin of Greyhounds can be traced back to the Sloughi Dogs brought from Arabia to England. These Dogs later developed into the gruesome hunter with its tremendous ability to hunt down typically small animals without stopping. However Greyhounds have been known to have taken down even a full-fledged Deer.

They are also recognized and prized for their excellent eyesight. They have won the favor of the nobility from the 16th century itself and reached particular popularity in Great Britain when the dog shows started becoming a rage.  As of now in the 20th Century, there exist 2 popular categories of Greyhounds: those which race and those which perform at Dog Shows. However having grown in size over the 20th Century, they have become more prone to Hip Dysplasia, although they are healthier than other animals developing fewer congenital diseases than most breeds.

Temperament

Apart from small preys most family members need not be afraid of Greyhounds since they are one of the most gentle and calm dogs. They only take interest in family matters if it involves some running for him.

The Greyhound is well known for its intelligence and usually is quiet quick in adapting to training, although in most cases the training simply involves preparing the dog for a race, since they are agile (as mentioned before) and can remain very sober in the crate even minutes before the race. Hence although these animals may develop several old-age diseases, they are very social with people, but one can definitely not call them friendly in all senses of the word.

They mix well with other dogs. While race dogs are trained to behave well with other dogs, you might have to do that yourself with your pup, but he’s more likely to be co-operative and accept your other dogs.

They are also well-behaved with children. Being very fragile though, they need to be handled with care, especially from rough-housing. However they are more or less tolerant towards older children and their pranks and prefer quietly walking away from likely dangerous situations. Barking is generally not a major issue, although they tend to bark or yip when they have been confined for too long or are chasing prey. However we must beware potential buyers that these dogs make pathetic guard dogs. Your dog may actually be too casual and careless about what people around him are doing.

Health Problems

Generally speaking Greyhounds are quiet healthy animals. However, the greyhounds bred for racing suffer from several ailments, many of which don't become prominent till late into their lives. Since the typical racing career of Greyhounds is just a few years, so they have been bred for many generations in the United States, Great Britain keeping in mind only the first few years of their lives. Show dogs are however often healthier in general, although this might not always be true.

HIP AND JOINT DISORDERS: Hip Dysplasia is somewhat common for Greyhounds. This can affect your pet as early as 3-4 years, though is more common over 5. There is however no remedy for this genetic ailment except for gently working your dog while it’s stills a pup.

BROKEN BONES: Greyhound has quite delicate bones for such a big animal. Most dogs can get it injured simply by chasing game over rough terrain. A limping Dog must immediately be referred to a vet.

A COMMON EFFECT: Greyhounds can break out in hives after bathing or after flea treatment, if it’s sensitive to chemicals. A vet should be consulted before administration of sub-dermal chemical flea and tick control. Make sure to check your dog is not reacting badly to a flea collar. Greyhounds don’t need more than a bath a year and baby (or puppy) shampoo can be administered.

Although it’s a rare problem, it’s advisable to feed your Greyhound in small amounts several times a day to prevent Bloat, a painful twisting of the stomach that can occur after large meals.

Grooming

Its quiet easy actually to keep your Greyhound well groomed as they naturally own a thin and fine coat. One can just rub with hound cloth or comb with a rubber comb once a week. Those that exercise generally have their nails in shape due to much working on hard surfaces, but those that are still in possession of their DEWCLAWS will need trimming once a while. Having floppy ears (or Rose ears), it will be good to clean your dog’s ear carefully with a gauze pad and slowly wipe around the outside of the ear. Greyhounds can be allergic suffering from hives, pustules, swelling, redness or scaly dander resembling eczema. As such care must be taken as to what the dog is being treated with. You should definitely consult the vet immediately in case of any severity.

Their coat is impregnated with dog oils that keep them from getting too wet and dirty. The Greyhounds should only be bathed when absolutely necessary - an annual bathing is sufficient for most Greyhounds. They love to take a sporadic bathe in the pool or misting provided that there's no soap around.

Exercise

Greyhounds love to run. While they can be very lazy when confined within the walls of your apartment you would do well to keep a strong hold of the leash on the walk outside in case you don’t want your dog to take you for a ride. Being well behaved with other dogs they do very well in dog parks with off-leash areas. Here, they can take other dogs for a ride with their speed, and they do actually enjoy this. Many people also like to make them run while they pedal a bicycle. This is usually a fine form of exercise, with proper care that the dog doesn’t injure itself, since they can be a bit wobbly. Their paws being small, very frequent running on asphalt can damage the pads. It's hence good to inspect the feet regularly and perhaps get them booties.

Training

The training schedule for pups and retired race dogs can’t be almost the same, although they have to learn many similar things like climbing stairs. They can be very good house-breakers too, this being very usual for adult dogs. However older dogs often co-operate in the crate-training. However the carte should be big enough to give the dog enough room to turn around without bending its spine.

Greyhounds usually don’t bark and can be trained against it. It’s a good idea to get it out for a walk to spend the energy of the bark. Although they are well-behaved with other dogs, a pack of more than 4-5 dogs can become unruly, especially with the males, although the females are no better. Greyhounds can be stubborn in training but are usually very loyal dogs and bond well with their owners.