Greyhounds

Appearance:

Body: Long, tall, and slender with a broad, muscular, well-arched back, deep, well-developed chest, well-sprung ribs, and laid back shoulders.

Coat: Short, smooth, fine, and firm - no undercoat.

Color: Many variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red, blue, and grey.

Ears: Small, finely-textured, and rose-shaped.

Eyes: Oval shaped, dark, large for sighting and tracking prey, and obliquely set.

Feet: Medium size, compact, well-padded, hard and close, and well knuckled.

Head: Long and narrow with a flat skull, slight stop, long and narrow muzzle, and powerful jaws.

Legs: Forelegs are long, straight, strong, and well-boned. Hindquarters are strong with wide, powerful thighs and muscular, arched loins.

Neck: Long and well-muscled, slightly arched.

Size:
Weight: 50 - 70 pounds (23 - 32kg)
Height: 27 - 30 inches (68.5 - 76cm)

Tail: Long, fine and low with a slight, upward curve.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Good with children
Not recommended with smaller animals
Will hoard and protect his food and toys

AKC Standards describe him as, "Swift as a ray of light, graceful as a swallow, and wise as Solomon."

The Greyhound dog is exceptionally fast, reaching upwards of 45 mph. He is most known for his racing abilities but he can also make a nice family pet. He's loyal with a quiet disposition.

He is highly energetic, even-tempered, and poised with athletic abilities. He is alert, well-mannered and good with children. However, because of his love for a chase, he should be kept on a lead or in a securely enclosed area for his own safety and the safety of other neighborhood animals. If he spots any movement that he perceives as possible prey, he will be off very quickly.

The Greyhound is a sensitive breed best handled gingerly. Obedience training should be positive with lots of praise, encouragement, and rewards such as treats. He needs an experienced dog handler capable of maintaining control with a soft touch. Harsh treatment will result in a timid, unresponsive dog.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Hound Group (sight hound)
Used for hunting in packs for large game, the Greyhound is capable of chasing down such prey as deer, fox, and hare. He has also been used to hunt bear and wild boar.

Most widely known as a racing dog.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Regular daily exercise such as a long walk or a good run next to your bike. Be sure to keep him on a leash. Best if you have a securely closed in area where he can race around full-out several times a week.

Grooming: Lightly groom with a soft brush and chamois one to two times weekly.

Health

Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 Years

Possible Problems:
Bloat
Bone Cancer
Low Thyroid
Physical injuries from racing
Respiratory problems

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for eyes
CERF - for the eyes

Greyhounds have a very thin coat and are prone to skin injuries. They are also known to have negative reactions to drugs such as anesthetics and vaccines.

With his thin skin and fine coat, the Greyhound needs to be kept warm in the winter weather with a coat or sweater.

Country of Origin

Egypt / Great Britain