ABOUT GREYHOUNDS

Etched on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs were murals and paintings virtually indistinguishable from the dog we know today as the greyhound. These dogs were valued highly by the Pharaohs as both pets and hunters.

Greyhounds were so admired by the ancient Arabs that they allowed their dogs to share their tents, a privilege not given to any other canine breed.

In 1014, King Canute of England enacted the Forest Laws, which decreed that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds. Later, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert became fans of the Greyhound, and kept several as pets.

This illustration appeared in the 1842 edition of the Sporting Review

By the 1800's, Greyhounds had become popular in America, where they were introduced to help farmers control jackrabbit populations. Because of their speed and natural instincts, Greyhounds soon became the focus of popular neighborhood competitions. These informal events were the forerunners of today's Greyhound racing industry.

A postcard depicting greyhound racing in the 1940's

Modern greyhounds are gentle. loving companions. Although they are known for their outstanding athletic abilities, they require no more exercise than any breed of comparable size. Most greyhounds enjoy a daily walk and an occasional romp in a fenced in area. At home, they are so low key that many owners refer to them as "45 mph Couch Potatoes".

Greyhounds are very smart and eager to please. Most greyhounds adapt quickly and happily to home life. Because of their low body fat percentage and thin skin, greyhounds need to be indoor dogs. A rule of thumb is that if you are hot or cold, your greyhound most likely is, too.

Most greyhounds get along remarkably well with other dog breeds, and rare is the greyhound that doesn't enjoy the company of another greyhound. However, cats and even some small dogs can appear to be prey to some greyhounds. Proper pre-adoption counseling and selection of the appropriate hound can help to avert problems with cats and other small animals.

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Site last updated: April 2, 2002