Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.
One of the oldest breeds of dog, the Greyhound is recognized the world over as a racing animal. However, the Greyhound also makes a wonderful family pet, loyal companion and affectionate friend. Greyhounds are known for their loving, devoted and docile temperament, which has endeared them to the hearts of many dog lovers.
Where Does the Greyhound Come From?
Brought to the Untied Kingdom in the 5th or 6th century B.C., the Greyhound is thought to be descended from herding animals. Due to their intelligence, speed and superior eyesight, the breed's potential as a hunting dog was soon spotted.
Being the fastest breed, they were soon bred as racing animals and are still used as such today. Incredibly, a Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour. However, paradoxically, they are among the laziest breeds of dog and would rather sit by the fire than run.
The name Greyhound is from old English, but does not refer to the dog's color. Instead, 'grey' is though to have meant 'fair', which seems to suggest the breed's easy-going nature.
Size and Appearance
As with many animals and breeds of dog, there is a disparity between the sizes of the sexes. A male Greyhound will measure approximately 28-30 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88lbs, whereas the female will reach 27-28 inches in height and 60-75lbs in weight.
The coat of a Greyhound is short and smooth. Of course, this coat will shed, but, because the breed has no undercoat, it is often a suitable pet for those with allergies. In addition, Greyhounds usually only require a moderate amount of grooming.
Greyhounds come in a multitude of colors, including black and white, white and black, blue brindle, blue, black, fawn and red.
Character
Because dog breeds were created by breeding from the same gene pool, there is often a temperament or character that is specific to the breed. In the case of the Greyhound, the typical temperament is known to be laidback and surprisingly lethargic. As mentioned above, some Greyhounds will favor sitting in front of the fire to going for a walk or run. Therefore, contrary to the common misconception, the Greyhound does not need excessive amounts of exercise and is content with one half an hour walk per day.
Moreover, the Greyhound is known to become attached very quickly to his, or her, owner. This brings a wonderful bond and loyalty, which we humans find extremely attractive in dogs. However, in the case of the Greyhound this may overstep the boundaries somewhat. In other words, a Greyhound may want to be with his, or her, owner all the time; following you everywhere and even wanting to sleep with you. This arrangement suits some dog owners, but will not be to everyone's tastes, so you may need to set clear rules.
It is also important to consider how much time your dog will have to spend alone, because Greyhounds can become very distressed if left for long periods of the day. Therefore, the breed may not be suitable for a busy working family.
Medical Problems and Life Expectancy
Typically, Greyhounds experience relatively few health concerns. Unlike many breeds, they do not have an array of genetic problems and can therefore live to a reasonable ripe old age of 12-15. However, due to the lack of undercoat it is important to keep a Greyhound warm at all times. Therefore, it is not advisable to keep Greyhounds outside and when going out on a winter's day, it is a good idea to provide your dog with a coat or blanket.
Additionally, because of the lack of body fat, Greyhounds are susceptible to sores and problems with their joints when forced to sleep on hard surfaces. So it is crucial to supply your pet with lots of soft bedding.
The Greyhound can make a wonderful family pet, but it is wise to consider your lifestyle and financial circumstances before welcoming a pet into your family.
Greyhound Dog Racing.