Trooper's World

History

The Greyhound is the fastest dog in the world and can reach speeds of over 64 kilometres per hour. One of the oldest breeds, pictures and remains of dogs from the Greyhound family have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Brought to England by traders before 900 AD, the Greyhound has historically been used for hunting and later for racing. Today there are two main types of Greyhound, those bred for racing and those bred for showing. In the past after retiring from a racing career, Greyhounds were often destroyed. Now Greyhound adoption groups, track adoption programs, and racing Greyhound owners select the most even-tempered, gentle racers for placement into homes, with excellent success. Many retired racers become wonderful pet companions.

Description

The Greyhound is a sleek, contoured dog built for speed, with a deep chest and muscular back. The head is long with almost no stop, and the muzzle tapers. The small rose ears are folded back. The neck is long and graceful. The front legs are absolutely straight. The feet are hare-like. The hindquarters are very powerful and muscular with an arched loin. The long tail is carried low and has a slight upward curve at the end. The short, smooth coat comes in all dog colours. Shedding varies

Personality

Sensitive, sweet, and elegant, Brave and loyal. Intelligent, but can be wilful. Though they may be reserved with strangers, Greyhounds are very affectionate with those they love and trust. Many Greyhounds do well with considerate children of any age. When raised from puppyhood, socialize well at an early age to prevent timidity. Generally quiet and docile when not hunting or racing, some Greyhounds make excellent therapy dogs. The Greyhound has a powerful chase drive, and may also have a strong hunting instinct (see Notes, above). Ex-racers tend be very pack oriented because they have grown up with other dogs (non-racers may have this tendency as well). Greyhounds enjoy comfort and may make themselves at home on furniture if permitted. Be clear and consistent about the rules. Gently but firmly show them that you are the boss, the "alpha" in your household pack. Novice dog owners who wish to add a Greyhound to their family should research the breed thoroughly.

Grooming

Grooming: Very little grooming needed.

Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Short coat.

Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.

Jogging: A fair jogging companion.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.

Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.

Outdoor Space: OK with a yard.

Climate: Prefers warm climates.
Owner: Ok with most sensible

Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years).

Behaviour

Children: Best with older, considerate children.

Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train.

Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Low.

Other Pets: Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive.

Noise: Not a barker.

Talents

Hunting, sighting, watchdog, racing, agility, and lure coursing and therapy dog

Notes

The Greyhound has less body fat than many other breeds, and is therefore sensitive to cold, so Greyhounds should sleep indoors, and some appreciate a sweater if they must go out in cold or inclement weather. Highly sensitive to drugs, including some anaesthetics and insecticides, the Greyhound requires non-barbiturate anaesthetics. Discuss with your veterinarian before any surgery. Exposure to certain drugs that are fine for other breeds can be fatal to Greyhounds. Do not use flea collars. May be prone to bloat and hypothyroidism. Ex-racers do not necessarily know how to tell their masters when they need to relieve themselves, so they should be let out regularly when first adopted. They are generally crate-trained, which can help with housebreaking. The Greyhound requires daily walks, and appreciates several good runs per week, especially when young. Mature Greyhounds can do well in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. If a Greyhound starts off after a squirrel or cat, you will not be able to catch him. Never let a Greyhound off leash except in a completely enclosed, fenced area. Many new owners have accidentally caused their dog's death! All Greyhounds have a powerful chase instinct, and will take off after just about any small running creature. However, some also have strong hunting instinct which makes them unsuitable for homes with small non-canine pets such as cats or rabbits. Greyhounds can be tested (muzzled and leashed) with a special cat who can sense the difference between these two drives. See someone very knowledgeable about Greyhounds for more information if such a test is needed.