The Greyhound: Competitor to Companion

By Leslie Brown

Most Greyhounds are retired racetrack competitors who have been rescued by adoption organizations. They make particularly loving pets. Although some organizations might have Greyhound puppies or dogs that have never been trained for the track, these are more the exception than the rule.

In spite of their early training for the race track, Greyhounds love people and tend to be quite sociable. Because of their training and racing careers, they come with some unique characteristics. Being a companion instead of a competitive racer involves a dramatic change in a Greyhound’s routine. He must be given time to adjust to his new surroundings. For example, a retired racing Greyhound has probably never been in a house before. As a result, he might be tense and possibly withdrawn. However, these retired racers are very intelligent and adaptable dogs that fit easily into their new environment following a brief adjustment period. They appear grateful for their new homes, and reward their new owners with endless affection. In spite of their training or racing experience, they are not animals whose spirit has been broken. At least not for long.

Greyhound racing is still recognized as one of the nation's largest spectator sports. It is legal in 16 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

A Greyhound is a sight hound descended from southern wolf strains and related to Afghans, Salukis, and other sight hounds. Animal anthropologists generally agree that the Greyhound-type dog is one of the influential canine breeds from which almost all domestic dogs descend. They can be traced back over 8,000 years to early cave drawings and decorative artifacts. The distinguishable modern Greyhounds are descendants of an ancient identifiable breed that goes back to the Egyptians and Celts. The Egyptians worshipped Greyhounds as a god, and they frequently showed them on murals in the tombs of kings. In old England there was a saying: "You could tell a gentleman by his horses and his Greyhounds." Old paintings and tapestries showing hunting feasts frequently included Greyhounds. Modern history has been full of famous Greyhound owners, including Frederick the Great, Prince Albert, and Generals Von Steuben and Custer.

Standing between 26 to 29 inches at the shoulder, Greyhounds weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. Most males are larger than females. They come in many colors: black, white, tan, rust, several shades of brindle (striped), and white with patches. Their average life span of 12 to 14 years is relatively long for large dogs. With no fat layer on their bodies, Greyhounds are very sensitive to the cold.

It is the Greyhound's nature to run. They are sprinters who can run up to 45 miles an hour for very short periods. They travel so fast that they can get far away very quickly, become disoriented, and then lost. They need to be leashed at all times, or kept in a fenced area. Also, track Greyhounds have had no experience with cars and do not recognize them as a hazard. They do not know how to defend themselves except by flight, and will often "freeze" if attacked. They are not barkers by nature, but will bark if excited, or will try to tell you something, like needing to go out.

By nature, Greyhounds are a gentle, docile breed who tends to avoid confrontation. Every Greyhound that is raised with love and affection will make a wonderful, loving, devoted pet. Greyhounds quickly become attached to their new owners, thrive on pleasing them, and never tire of being petted. Many people say that they’re the best pets they ever had!

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