10 facts you didn’t know about greyhounds

Even if you do not have a dog friend or not a big fan of dogs, you probably know a few breeds that when hearing the word immediately pop into your head. These are the German Sheppard, Collie, Rottweiler, Pit bull, Yorkshire Terrier and Greyhounds.

We will focus on the last as they are mostly the bread which is present in our industry and we cover a lot of news about greyhounds.

Greyhounds are the racehorses of the canine world, incredibly fast, graceful and elegant. They are very muscular and strongly-built.

Greyhounds were among the most favoured of all dogs; Pharoahs and other Asian and African leaders had images of their dogs engraved into their tombs, dating back to 4,000BC. They were used for coursing antelopes, wolves and deer, and became extremely popular, spreading through the Near East and Europe, eventually arriving in Britain where they became a status symbol, so much so that in 1016 only the elite were allowed to own a Greyhound dog breed. They were used in coursing hares, and later track racing took over, which again proved them to be the fastest dogs on earth: only the cheetah can beat them for speed in the animal world! (source: https://www.purina.co.uk/)

Here are 10 fact you did not know about greyhounds:

1. Very popular

Greyhounds are a very popular breed and due to their grace are often seen at dog shows.

2. They are very fast

Alright, we don’t need to tell you that. But given the circumstances, their weight being about 30-32kg in males and around 27-30kg in females, they sure do have a huge agility when it comes to running.

3. They have excellent manners

They’re quiet indoors, laid back, and love to lounge around in their favorite comfy spot. They’ll be happy to lay around all day while you go to work. They require less exercise than many other breeds.

4. They are very affectionate

Who doesn’t love a canine cuddle buddy? While temperaments vary by individual dog most love to follow their human companions around and cherish human affection.

5. They come in many colors

The short, fine coat comes in black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours with white.

6. Did we tell you have fast they are?

Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, making them the fastest dog breed and one of the fastest animals in the world. As a result of this, greyhounds have been used in greyhounds betting for many years. Greyhounds also partake in many other dog sports including agility, obedience, and lure coursing.

7. They are generally very healthy

Just like any other dog, greyhounds can make for amazing lifelong companions and good general health is very important in you friendship.

8. Myth-busted, they don’t need lots of exercise

Greyhounds love sleeping. These guys would rather be eating or playing than joining you on a strenuous hike or 10km run. They are built for speed and not endurance. So a short daily walk and some play time is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.

9. They are not dangerous

In many countries, laws require greyhounds to wear muzzles when in a public area. This is based on the assumption that the dogs have been trained to chase small animals. But, as many greyhound rescuers are well aware, a muzzle does not signify that its wearer is in any way aggressive or a threat to you or other animals. If you see a greyhound with a muzzle on, do not to judge! There’s likely to be a big softy behind that ‘mask’ who’d love nothing more than to meet you.

10. Adopting a greyhound will turn you into a crazy greyhound person

Once you have opened your heart to adopt a  greyhound, there’s no going back! These sensitive dogs have a way of leaving their mark on all those who love them!

For many greyhounds, their adoption into a forever home will be the first time they’ve ever had someone to love them for who they are and not how fast they can run. And they will gladly return that love and more for the rest of their days if given the chance.

Discover just how great life can be with one of these amazing dogs in it, adopt one today!