The darling of the dog-racing world, the Greyhound’s speed is unparalleled. Clocking speeds of over 45mph, these speedsters have been widely accepted as the fastest dog breed in the world.
While Greyhounds gain international fame and glory in the races, they also make excellent family pets. Gentle, loyal, and calm, retired racing Greyhounds make wonderful companions that are suited for most households, even those with inexperienced dog owners or seniors.
Here, we’ll look at the athletic heroes of the canine world, as well as why they make such fantastic pets.
1 Greyhounds Have Existed for Thousands of Years
The Greyhound has been around for centuries. The exact origins of the breed are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Egypt or Syria, dating back some 4,000 years. Greyhounds were originally bred for hunting, and it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that they began to be used for racing.
Today, Greyhounds are still used for racing in many parts of the world, and they are also popular pets. Greyhounds are gentle and affectionate dogs, and they make excellent companions.
2. Greyhounds Are Gentle (Sometimes Lazy) Dogs
When most people think of Greyhounds, they picture a sleek, speedy dog chasing a rabbit around a track. However, there is more to the Greyhound temperament than meets the eye. Greyhounds are very gentle, loving dogs that make great companions.
They are typically quiet and laid-back, preferring to lounge around the house or take a leisurely walk rather than run at top speed. And, despite their reputation for being shy, Greyhounds are quite sociable creatures that thrive on human interaction. If you’re looking for a relaxed, affectionate dog that will make a loyal friend, a Greyhound is a perfect choice.
3. Greyhounds Are Fairly Large Sighthounds
Greyhounds are tall, but slim dogs, the perfect sprinting canine. They stand 27 to 30 at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 70 pounds. They have muscular, slim, and elegant bodies and an incredibly graceful gait. Watching a Greyhound run is something special!
They have narrow, long muzzles, a long neck, and muscular hindquarters. Their coats are short and smooth and can come in a variety of colors like grey (of course!), black, tan, cream, and brindle, with or without markings.
4. Greyhounds Have Low Exercise Requirements
Many might think that Greyhounds need plenty of exercise, considering their reputation as the fastest dogs on earth. Nothing could be further from the truth! Greyhounds are couch potatoes that love to lounge around all day with you.
Of course, when they are in a dog park or let off leash somewhere, they are likely to run circles around every living thing around them. But once they are done, they’ll happily curl up on the couch for the rest of the day and relax.
They like to run, of course, and will do better with an intense run or two each day instead of one big, slow walk. They also excel in activities like flyball and are likely to run other dogs into the dust. They also might have a high prey drive, so you’ll have to watch your Greyhound carefully. If a Greyhound takes off, you’ll have no chance of catching it!
5. There’s Controversy Surrounding Greyhound Racing
Just like the Iditarod, the legendary dog race across Alaska, Greyhound racing has gained international attention in recent decades due to allegations of several animal rights abuse. Many Greyhounds sustain injuries such as broken bones, broken backs, and dislocations.
In addition, many racing kennels were found to be neglecting their racing stock, often keeping them in cramped cages without much opportunity to roam freely and socialize with other dogs.
Today, commercial racing is illegal in many states and the industry is in sharp decline, which means that there are tons of racing dogs in danger of being euthanized. Many Greyhound rescue groups now focus on finding new homes for these beautiful athletes who have known nothing but competition for their entire lives.
6. You Can Adopt a Retired Racing Greyhound
When you adopt a retired greyhound, you’re not just getting a new best friend: you’re also helping to support a worthy cause. Greyhounds are bred for racing, and when they can no longer compete, they sadly often end up being euthanized, which has been sparking an outcry among animal rights activists for many decades.
Adopting a retired Greyhound helps to give these dogs a second chance at life. In addition, Greyhounds make great pets. They’re gentle, loving, and loyal, and they usually get along well with other animals and children.
They don’t bark much, which can be a plus if you live in an apartment or condo. They’re low-maintenance dogs and they don’t need a lot of exercise. In stark contrast to their racing capabilities, they are low-energy dogs that can be content to lounge around the house most of the day.
7. Greyhounds Make Amazing Pets for Many Households
In short, Greyhounds are gentle souls with no aggressive tendencies, and they get along well with other animals. They’re loyal friends, bonding closely with their owners and loving unconditionally. So, if you’re looking for a new furry friend, consider adopting a retired greyhound. There are dozens of agencies with Greyhounds ready for their new life away from the track.
Greyhounds are getting heaps of media attention as the perfect racing dogs, but let’s not forget that they make excellent family dogs and companions. Loving, affectionate, and calm, they will fit into many households. Just don’t get into a sprinting competition with them!
