Greyhound: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Speed: 70 km/h (Maximum, Race speed)
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Affectionate, Athletic, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Even Tempered
Height: Male: 71–76 cm, Female: 68–71 cm
Weight: Male: 27–40 kg, Female: 26–34 kg
Origin: England, British Isles

As the world's fastest dog, the Greyhound has fascinated people for centuries with its suppleness, elegance and physical strength. He is still an unsurpassed racing dog, which can reach speeds of up to 100 km / h. But even as family dogs make these greyhounds a good figure. Here, they prove their frugality on a daily basis and blend harmoniously into the family environment with their gentle, sensitive and affectionate manner.

The Greyhound has been bred in England for centuries according to a set breed standard and was previously used in both hunting and racing. Originally, the Greyhound probably came from the Middle East, where more than 6,000-year-old drawings of similar dogs in Egyptian tombs were discovered. He arrived in Great Britain in the 4th century BC. As a companion dog Celtic immigrants and quickly became a favorite animal of the nobility. The Greyhound has been used in England since the mid-16th century for races that take place both on the track and on the open field.

 According to the standard, he reaches a shoulder height of 71-76 cm in males and 68-71 cm in females. The Greyhound is a tall, strong dog that stands out for its elegance and suppleness of its movements. His physique is designed for performance and speed. Neck and head are elongated, the runs also long and strong. The Greyhound is bred in the colors black, red, blue, brownish-red-yellow as well as sand colors, brindle and white. Mixed colors with white are also permitted.

The Greyhound has an elongated head and a slightly pronounced stop. The eyes are oval, obliquely inserted and preferably of dark color. The ears are small and rose-shaped with a feinledrigen structure. The elegantly curved neck flows fluently into the back and is just as muscular as the rest of the body. The Greyhound has a very deep ribcage with well arched and far reaching ribs. The tail is long and is carried low.

The Greyhound's movement is very space-consuming and allows him to reach a high speed. The hind legs are well anticipating a flat and free step. The Greyhound has well-set, strong shoulders that are clearly set off. The forelegs are long and straight with a slightly resilient midfoot. The hindquarters testify with good muscling of a great thrust. A well-developed greyhound can reach a speed of about 50-60 km / h with top speeds of up to 100 km / h in the sprint when trained for racing.

As an unusually strong, persistent and strong-running dog, the Greyhound finds its proper task in races of all kinds. He needs a high degree of daily movement, whereas unlike many other breeds he does not enjoy a varied occupation, but rather running. As a former hound, the Greyhound has received a pronounced hunting instinct to this day. Here, the Greyhound is quite fast enough to actually kill Wild. This should be observed by the owner and accordingly only fall off in areas with poor wildlife if the recall has been adequately trained. In Germany, there are dog tracks, where you can train. However, it should be noted that such a race can often bring with it a high risk of injury.

When the Greyhound is sufficiently moved every day, it turns out in the home environment as a quiet, almost inconspicuous dog, which makes little claims to care and attitude and despite its size rarely bothers. He is easy to educate, sensitive and shows great affection towards his owner or other family members. The Greyhound is a smart and balanced dog who seeks constant contact with his family. He can be reluctant to strangers.

The greyhound is used in his native England until today preferred as a racing dog, an activity that most closely matches his abilities and preferences. At these races, the innate hunting instinct of the greyhound also emerges; Depending on the type of event, the animals follow a mechanical rabbit or dummy. As a family and companion dog, the Greyhound convinces with its cuddly and frugal way. However, it requires a high level of exercise every day, so it is not suitable for dog owners who have no opportunity to give it the necessary movement.