10 interesting facts about Greyhounds you probably didn't know
Greyhounds are champion sprinters, often known as racehorses of the dog world. These speedy dogs make excellent family pets and are low-maintenance, gentle and kind.
"Greyhounds are gentle and noble dogs that make a great and loyal companion," Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for The Kennel Club, tells Country Living. "Despite reportedly being the fastest dog breed they can be surprisingly laid-back too and enjoy a lazy day on the sofa. They can be very independent, but have a soft side too."
Take a look at everything you need to know about these speedy pups...
Are Greyhounds a good family dog?
Yes, the well-mannered Greyhound makes brilliant devoted companions for a family. Thanks to their playful and kind nature, they are perfect house pets and playful friends for all.
"Greyhounds can be a good choice for many owners and can suit different lifestyles, as long as they have access to enough outdoor space and have regular exercise," Bill tells us. "Despite being known for their speed, Greyhounds are also happy to hang out at home after stretching their legs on a walk or high speed run."
Are greyhounds difficult dogs?
Greyhounds are generally considered to be easy dogs who love to socialise. They are great for first-time owners and love to be around their human owners.
Are Greyhounds good for first-time owners?
While they make wonderful companions, Bill tells us that Greyhounds are better for more experienced owners.
"They might not be the best choice for first-time owners, as their hound heritage means they can think and act independently, and their training therefore can be more demanding," he adds.
Do greyhounds get along with other dogs?
Even though this can vary from dog to dog, many pet greyhounds are rescues from the racing industry where they "are often paired up in kennels and able to be sociable with dogs of the same breed," explains Adem Fehmi, Rover.com's Canine Behaviourist.
However, "those who have not had a chance to experience and socialise with dogs outside of their racing kennel can sometimes, but not always, find this tricky when placed in a pet home," he continues. "One issue I sometimes see is reactivity whilst on the lead, which can stem from fear, frustration or an inability to be able to run when faced with other dogs, animals or experiences they are unfamiliar with."
Whatever their background, it is important to gradually expose a Greyhound to other dogs just in case they're unsure of other breeds. But in most cases, Greyhounds are generally calm and easygoing pups.
What colours do Greyhounds come in?
According to the Kennel Club, Greyhounds come in the following colours:
Black
Black & White
Black Brindle
Black Brindle & White
Blue
Blue & White
Blue Brindle
Blue Brindle White Particolour
Brindle & White
Fallow
Fallow & White
Fawn
Fawn & White
Red
Red & White
What were Greyhounds originally bred for?
According to The Greyhound Club, the ancestors of modern Greyhounds were used in hunting and kept as companions. Interestingly, many Egyptians considered the birth of a Greyhound second in importance only to the birth of a son and would go into mourning when the dog dies.
Bill explains: "Greyhounds are ancestors of ancient hounds which were depicted on the walls of Egyptian tombs and were later bred in Britain in the Middle Ages, when they were the favourite hunting hounds of nobility, using their impressive speed when hunting."
What potential health issues are greyhounds prone to?
Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain conditions. "Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in pet greyhounds," says PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick.
Other "common issues include eye conditions like Pannus, which affects the cornea. While they are also susceptible to bloat and other gastrointestinal problems, a trait shared with other deep-chested breeds such as Dobermans and Pointers," says Adem.
Are Greyhounds smart dogs?
They might be as quick as a hiccup, but they are pretty happy spending most of the day sleeping. As well as this, Greyhounds are smart and intelligent dogs with a quiet disposition. It's worth knowing that they do have a sensitive side and are quick to react to tensions in the home.
Are greyhounds sight or scent?
The Greyhound is a sighthound – or gazehound – which means that they hunt primarily through sight and speed, instead of scent. They are generally thought to possess some of the best eyesight across all the different dog breeds.
Other sighthound breeds include the Whippet, Afghan Hounds and Borzoi.
10 interesting facts about Greyhounds you probably didn't know
Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 45mph
When running, Greyhounds spend 75% of their time in the air
Some Greyhounds sleep with their eyes open
Greyhounds are the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the Bible
Greyhounds are often referred to as ‘universal blood donors’ because 85% of them have a blood type that can be donated to all other dog breeds
They can see in the dark
They also have a 270-degree range of vision, which means they can see objects behind them and over half a mile in front of them
They are incredibly gentle and considered to be one of the most gentle dog breeds
Some Greyhounds struggle to maintain a ‘sit’ position due to the curvature of their spine
For thousands of years, Greyhounds were bred to hunt by outrunning their prey
You Might Also Like
