The Greyhound Dog Breed Facts

The Greyhound dog is a beautiful, large and slender canine.  He is one of the oldest breeds of dogs and is the fastest pooch in the world, having the potential to reach speeds of 40 miles per hour.  He is recognized and prized for his amazing racing abilities but is also highly regarded as a loving family pet.  Greyhounds are certainly unique in both appearance and personality and have been a favorite choice among animal lovers for centuries.

Due to the fact that the noble Greyhound dog has existed for thousands of years, their precise origins have not been determined.  Some believe they originated in Greece, others suspect Gaul.  However, what is known is that they were seen in Egyptian tomb carvings dating back to 2900 B.C.  Thus, despite where their actual roots may be, there is no question these pooches have been around for years, and throughout history they were often used for hunting purposes.

Greys have a striking look.  They are very tall and lean, measuring up to 30 inches at the withers and weighing up to 70 pound.   They have straight front legs and very muscular, wide and well bent hindquarters.  They have a deep chest, well arched loins, long tail and a muscular, broad back.  Overall they have a very powerful and long appearance.  Their coat is short, smooth and firm and comes in a wide array of colors including black, red, blue, fawn, white, brindle, fallow or any of these colors combined with white or brindle markings.

The temperament of a Greyhound is often sweet and gentle.  He can be very affectionate towards his family, but can also be aloof with strangers.  He enjoys the company of responsible children and likes other dogs.  However, he is not compatible with non-canine pets including cats and rodents.   Greys are highly trainable but they can become easily distracted due to their hound nature, especially if they see other small animals.  Therefore, patience when training is important.

This is one of the easiest breeds to groom, as their smooth coat is simple to maintain and only requires the occasional brushing to remove dead hairs.  Furthermore, just as grooming is a breeze, so is exercising.  Although they do love to run, this four-legged wonder does not require extensive exercise.  They are quite content to laze around the home and will find two 20 minute walks per day, playtime and the freedom to run in a yard or dog park, sufficient.

Finally, the charming Greyhound dog is relatively healthy, not suffering from many genetic diseases.  They are prone to bloat, as they have a deep chest, and are also sensitive to certain drugs, especially anesthesia.   That said, they live an average of 10 – 12 years and are very happy and high-spirited creatures.

Greyhound Dogs & Their Care #1

Choosing The Right Food For Greyhound Dogs Nutrition

Greyhound dogs have a very unique physiology.  Therefore, unlike other breeds, they can’t have just any brand of dog food and obtain the proper nutrients they require.  Since the food they ingest is a vital part of their health care, this also means you should be mindful of the types of treats you feed them as well.

When you choose food for Greyhound dogs the first thing you should avoid is choosing brands that contain large chunks of kibble or hunks of meat.  Greys are prone to taking large mouthfuls and often swallow without pausing to chew what they’ve taken in.  Swallowing big morsels can lead to choking and/or encourage vomiting after eating.  Thus, tinier pieces are easier to consume and digest.

Aside from the actual size of the individual food portions, you will want to avoid giving your Grey products that contain a lot of chemical preservatives, by products and other additives that are used for the simple purpose of mass producing dog-food at a cheaper cost.  You need to check for natural ingredients.  You should also avoid any chewy or hard treats that contain red dye, as these particular foods contain specific chemicals that are not well tolerated by this breed.

Many people are under the misconception that pet Greyhound dogs require a lot of protein in their diets.  This is not true, because non-racing hounds are not nearly as active as those that race at high speeds for a living.  Therefore, excessive protein can lead to weight gain, which can then cause health problems as their bone structure is not designed to handle extra pounds.  A diet too high in protein can also be hard on a dog’s kidneys, especially in older canines.

The best thing you can do for Greyhound dogs is to speak with the breeder or your veterinarian to obtain sound advice regarding the type of food that would be best suited to your companion.  Also don’t forget that there is no rule that says you must stick with a specific brand, if your pooch isn’t happy with what they are eating, you can always switch it.  Just make sure you do it gradually over an appropriate period of time (ex. slowly increasing new food and decreasing old food over the course of two weeks) so you don’t wreak havoc on their digestive system.