Height: 27-30 inches
Weight: 55-80 lbs.
Life Span: 10-12 yrs.
Breed Group: Sight Hounds
Overview
Greyhounds, the fastest dogs in the world, are sweet, gentle, and loyal
and do well in quiet households.
They are generally patient with children and can be timid (but rarely aggressive)
with strangers. They are usually submissive to medium- and large-size dogs,
although some greyhounds can be a danger to small dogs and cats.
Adopted retired racers adapt very well in a loving home.
Appearance
Built for speed and endurance, the greyhound has a lean, narrow body, a
deep chest, long, muscular legs, and a long, narrow head and neck.
The coat is short, smooth, and firm in texture. All coat colors are seen;
the most common are red, black, fawn, and brindle.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Greyhounds need only an occasional brushing.
They should be taken on vigorous daily walks or jogs, always leashed since
their sight hound instincts may inspire them to bolt. Allow these dogs to
play off-leash only in fenced-in areas.
Origins
The greyhound is an ancient breed. Similar dogs are depicted on Egyptian
tombs and papyri. They were used for hunting over 4,000 years ago.
Traders from the Middle East probably introduced the greyhound to Europe
around A.D. 900.
Breed-related health concerns: bloat, hemophilia, sensitivity to
anesthesia, tick diseases, diarrhea.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
