The Greyhound is clever, calm, and quiet, and despite its high athletic abilities, loves to spend most of the day resting. Because of its lack of endurance, it requires less exercise time than most dogs.
The Greyhound is a sight hound dog breed that has been bred for game coursing and greyhound racing. These royal hounds love the finer things in life and make wonderful family pets.
Contents Overview
History of Greyhound
Greyhounds are one of the oldest canine breeds, dating back over 8,000 years to cave drawings and Egyptian artifacts. There are many explanations regarding the origin of the name greyhound.
Whatever its origins, the greyhound has remained the same noble dog shown in art and literature throughout history. This breed has been associated with royalty for a long time.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the greyhound in 1885. Modern greyhound racing started in the 1920s in both the United States and England.
Greyhounds have been developed for thousands of years to run their prey. The dog is also incredibly graceful and agile, having the ability to easily move and anticipate his prey’s every move.
Greyhound Personality
Greyhounds make excellent companions for many types of people, and despite their size, many of these dogs get along well with children. They are very loyal to their families and may prefer not to be left alone.
The greyhound is usually tolerant of children and, because it is non-aggressive, will usually walk away from anger rather than snap or growl.
Despite his remarkable athletic skills, the greyhound loves to sleep for most of the day. The dog lacks endurance and, as a result, requires less exercise time than most dogs.
When they are young, the Greyhound needs early socialization and exposure to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences. Socialization ensures that your Greyhound puppy grows into a well-rounded dog.
Greyhound Temperament
Greyhounds have a wonderful demeanor in general, being sociable and non-aggressive, yet some can be distant to strangers. However, if you give them a treat, they will most likely become a lifelong partner.
They’re clever and self-sufficient, even catlike in certain ways. They have a sensitive side and are prone to respond to domestic conflicts. Mistreatment, especially if unintentional, might cause them to become shy or timid.
Greyhounds are loving with their families yet cautious with strangers. They usually get along well with other dogs in the house, but cat owners should be careful.
Size and Appearance of Greyhound
How big is a Greyhound?
The Greyhound is a muscular, athletic dog. There are two varieties, each of a different size. This huge dog is tall, sleek, and graceful, with strong, long legs beneath a deep chest, a flexible spine, and a slender body.
The majority of greyhounds in family homes nowadays are adult racing dogs. When they reach the age of 18 months, they are considered adults.
Males are typically 71 to 76 cm (28 to 30 in) tall at the withers and weigh 27 to 40 kilos on average (60 to 88 lb). Females are usually shorter, with heights ranging from 66 to 71 cms (26 to 28 in) and weights ranging from 25 to 34 kg (55 to 75 lb). However, weights can vary considerably above and below these averages.
Appearance of Greyhound
With a sleek, muscular body, the greyhound is built for speed. The neck and head are both rather lengthy. When the greyhound is relaxed, its unique rose ears are folded low against the neck, but when the dog is alert, they prick upward and stand slightly straight.
The dog’s loin is slightly arched, the chest is deep, and the waist is thin, giving it a distinct look. The coat is short, silky, and easy to care for.
Greyhounds have fairly short fur that is easy to care for. There are around 30 recognized color varieties, with white, brindle, fawn, black, red, and blue variations appearing alone or in combination.
The natural coat of a greyhound is short, providing little warmth in the winter and insulation in the summer, and its colors vary from black, white, blue, and red to brindle and fawn.
Greyhound Health & Problems
Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, with genetic sickness being rare. Greyhounds can suffer esophageal achalasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus, stomach torsion, heart and eye problems, osteosarcoma, and paw pad corns.
They are exposed to E. coli, they can develop Alabama rot. They suffer skin lesions when they are on hard surfaces. It is not safe to use flea collars, flea spray, or other insecticides on them.
Because the Greyhound’s thin build makes it unsuited for resting on hard surfaces, owners of both racing and companion Greyhounds typically provide soft bedding.
They will have greater health problems if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold, however, they tolerate heat better than cold.
Greyhounds Lifespan
There are several factors that could lead to Greyhound’s long longevity. Despite their racing heritage, they are low-maintenance, lethargic dogs. Because of their modest activity needs, they have very low-stress levels.
Greyhounds usually give comfortable bedding; without it, Greyhounds are prone to developing severe skin sores. A Greyhound bus has a life span of 10 to 14 years.
How To Take Care of Greyhound
Exercise Requirements
Greyhounds, contrary to popular belief, are not usually hyperactive or overly energetic. Though they are excellent athletes, they can also be couch potatoes for most of the day and do well in apartments.
Aside from a regular stroll, they require an extra 30-40 minutes of exercise every day. They perform well in flats if they are walked regularly.
Allowing a greyhound off-leash is not advised since they are prey-driven and will bolt after tiny animals. It’s best if they have access to a fenced-in area where they can run around.
To avoid sunburn, walk them early in the morning and late in the evening, and wait an hour after feeding them before playing to avoid bloat or torsion. In the winter, you may need to give a sweater to the dog when going for a walk.
A Visit to the Vet
It is an important and valuable way to taking care of your Greyhound Dog. Like all dog breeds, This breed needs to go to the vet once per year for a checkup.
Generally, a complete physical examination of a particular dog is needed at least once a year. It involves getting your dog’s temperature, checking heart, lungs, weighing, stomach, eyes, teeth, ears, skin, and coat.
Vaccinating your pet has long been regarded as one of the most straightforward approaches to assist him to live a long, healthy life. Puppies are typically vaccinated at 8 and 10 weeks; your young Greyhounds should then be given a booster 12 months after their first vaccination because it’s beneficial to take care of any pets.
Grooming & Bruising
The short coat of this breed is susceptible to light seasonal shedding. It just needs a bath once a month and a weekly rubdown with a moist towel or grooming glove. Keep their nails cut and their ears clean regularly.
The short, silky coat of the greyhound requires little care. Because the breed sheds at a low to moderate pace, a once-over with a soft brush or grooming mitt should suffice. The average greyhound only needs a bath occasionally.
Examine its ears at least once a week for wax build and irritation. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to dental hygiene and brush your dog’s teeth twice a week.
Providing a high-quality dog food
Each dog is individual and, therefore, will need a particular diet. Since the Greyhound is inclined to hip and elbow dysplasia, provide him food enriched with fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is necessary to evade over feeding your dog as it can only exasperate health obstacles such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Your most essential purpose should be to provide your pet companion properly.
The Greyhound is a big dog, so going for the best big breed dry dog food may be the correct choice. If, upon all benefits, your dog turned out small, search for one of the greatest dry dog food for small dogs and see if they like it!
Here we list out some best dog food for Greyhounds.
Best dog food for Greyhound 2021
- Orijen Original Formula Dry Dog Food.
- Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Fish.
- Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free.
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food (Small Bites)
Avoid unhealthy and digestive system-damaging foods similar to soy, wheat, and corns.
Remember that some of the smallest breeds have the most refined taste. Even though your Greyhound is big, we’re sure your puppy won’t mind taking a bite of these best dry dog food brands for Pugs!
How To Train Greyhounds
Greyhounds require much training and also socializing. Fortunately, most people can learn and adjust quickly. Cats and other tiny animals may rouse their predatory instincts unless the animal is shown to be a family member.
Greyhounds are lively and have a strong desire to travel, yet as adults, they are very intelligent and simple to train. They are more difficult to train as pups because they have trouble with recall.
They have a strong prey drive and hence tend to pursue, being able to see far ahead. They will remember to return if you practice letting them go off lead in a safe area. As kids become older, it becomes easier.
Potty Training
It’s a fantastic time when you buy a new puppy in your home, but a new puppy also comes with many challenges. The first and most significant challenge that you may face is that of potty training.
If your dog decides to go with an indoor potty, so placement is essential. Find a space in your home where messes won’t interfere with your life.
Potty training your Greyhound puppy can take a lot of time, patience, and attention, but luckily, one tool can make a huge difference: a potty training pad.
Some dog experts recommend that you begin house training your puppy when they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At that time, they have ample control of their bladder and bowel movements to learn to hold them.
Crate Training
If you’re planning on crate training, your puppy should be placed to bed every night in its crate. However, you may require thinking of the best place for that crate at the beginning.
Correctly done crate training is also a highly effective management technique that dog owners can be a lifesaver.
Using a crate is essential to keep your dog from getting into a riot when you can’t supervise them directly.
Crate training is suitable for hunting dogs because it keeps them comfortable during hunts and on the road.
Socialization
Greyhound puppy might produce aggressive behaviors and severe anxiety if you do not enforce the early socialization. In the method of early socialization, you will present the puppy to different objects, people, and areas as advanced as possible.
There are two stages of this process. The first one initiates as early as 2 and 1/2 weeks. From this period of time up to four weeks of age, the buyers will hold the dog in a listed amount of time. The second stage of socialization begins from four weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. You will let the dog become familiar with neighboring formations and smells.
This training activity aims to form the puppy into a fearless and incredible adult dog. The dog will appear at ease with interacting with people and different dogs, providing to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders.
How Much Do Greyhounds Cost?
The cost of a puppy is also caused by factors such as its location and quality. If you choose to adopt an adult Greyhound rather than buying a puppy, there are certain to be many accessible.
You may pay anywhere from $2,500 and $15,000 for a well-bred greyhound puppy. If you adopt an adult dog, the cost will be the usual adult dog adoption fee. Caring for a greyhound might cost between $800 and $1,000 per year.
Greyhound Puppies For Sale
The easiest approach to adopting a Greyhound would be through a Greyhound rescue. The search will return all available Greyhound buses in your area.
Good Dog makes it simple to find Greyhound pups for sale near you, the ability to find the Greyhound puppy of your dreams. Search through hundreds of Greyhound puppy ads from reputable breeders and begin the application process now.
Originally, this graceful and quick-footed sight hound excelled at the coursing game. This kind and independent breed are quick and energetic, indoors with their owners, they are quite laid back.
Greyhound Breeders
Greyhound pups might be difficult to come across. Because greyhound racing is such a lucrative industry, most breeders prefer to create racing dogs rather than pets.
When it comes to genetic illnesses, greyhounds are one of the healthiest dog breeds.
Responsible breeders will only breed dogs that do not have any known genetic conditions.
If you adopt an adult Greyhound, you may not be able to learn much about their past, so it is critical to be aware of any health issues to watch for.
Advantage and Disadvantages of Greyhound
Pros of Greyhounds
- Docile dogs that are polite and sweet
- They don’t trigger allergic reactions as much.
- Do not require a significant amount of grooming
- They get along with everyone.
- They don’t need much exercise.
Cons of Greyhounds
- Don’t make good watchdogs, despite their large size
- Fast runners, so can’t be let off a leash
- A hyperactive and destructive tendency
- They’re vulnerable to extreme temperatures
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