Greyhound
Overview
The Greyhound, also known as the English Greyhound, is the ultimate canine athlete, accurately described as being “swift as a ray of light, graceful as a swallow, and wise as Solomon.” They are reportedly the oldest and the fastest of all domestic dog breeds. Greyhounds have been clocked at 45 miles per hour and are reported to have cleared 30 feet in a single jump. Interestingly, they have been called by more names than any other breed. One survey revealed more than 50 different names in English literature alone, including the Graydog, Grayhund, Grewehound, Greahound, Grew, Grewnt, Greyhounde, Grifhound, Groo-und, Griezhund and many, many others. There is much debate about the origin of the modern name, “Greyhound.” It is widely agreed that the name is unrelated to the color grey. Some scholars think the correct name is Grewhound – with “grew” meaning “Greek” – since the breed was so highly treasured by the ancient Greeks. Others think the correct name translates as “Badger Dog,” because the word “grey” meant “badger” in the 17th century (although the lumbering badger was never a particular target of hunting with Greyhounds). Still others believe the name comes from the Saxon word “grei,” which means “beautiful,” while another school of thought is that it derives from the Anglo-Saxon word “grig,” meaning “bitch.” Some theorize that the name comes from the Latin word “gradus,” which means “swiftness,” or from the Old English term “grech” or “greg”, meaning “dog.” Finally some fanciers think that the Greyhound was so important throughout history that it was called the “Great Hound” of the nobility, and that this title was later slurred in common speech to its present name.
Centuries of being beloved companions have stamped in the sweet, tractable nature of these animals, although true to their hound origin they are a pack breed and thrive in the company of other dogs. As sighthounds, they love to run and enjoy the thrill of a good chase at high speed, especially if other dogs are involved. The Greyhound was one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, appearing in the second edition of the AKC Stud Book in1885. It is a member of the Hound Group.
The Greyhound is an ancient breed that traces back to almost every country on every continent and has throughout much of history been a symbol of aristocracy. The first evidence of Greyhounds was found in Egyptian tombs dating to approximately 2900 to 2751 B.C., well over 4,000 years ago, where carvings depict dogs of unmistakable Greyhound type. Both the Romans and the Greeks prized the Greyhound centuries later as a hunting companion capable of and
The Greyhound was developed in Ancient Egypt as a hunter of small animals. Their keen sense of sight could spot tiny animals across great distances, and their speed was unmatched by any other domesticated breed. Today, Greyhounds still maintain their quiet elegance, love to chase and can sprint faster than horses. They make excellent companion dogs as they are quiet, well mannered, independent and clean. Greyhounds are sensitive creatures and should live in a home
Tall and lean, the Greyhound is built for speed. The body is contoured with a deep chest and muscular back. The head is long and the muzzle tapered. The eyes are dark colored, but bright in appearance, giving the indication of intelligence and spirit. The ears are folded back, unless the dog is excited, in which case they are pricked and alert. The Greyhound's front legs are straight and they have well-knuckled, hare-like feet. The
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