21 Jun 2008

Greyhound 

        The Greyhound is a member of the Hound Group by the American Kennel Club. These dogs first appeared in ancient Egypt,  but their exact origin is unknown.  Their primary purpose is to hunt small animals and to race. When they came to England, they became common with British noblemen, who began racing them. Greyhounds traveled to America, where their owners continued the sport of racing.  In the United States they are used primarily for racing.

       Greyhounds are large, powerfully built dogs weighing 65-75 lbs. . They have long legs, and  narrow, tapered bodies. These dogs are all muscle. Greyhounds have dark eyes and a long, graceful tail. Unlike many other breeds, a Greyhound can be any color.

        Greyhounds are capable of developing an incredible speed, but they are not actually high energy dogs. In between races, these dogs are couch potatoes, conserving their energy for the next chase. They need a fenced yard so they have room to run, although dogs that live in apartments adapt to walking on a leash without too much trouble.  It is often recommended not to take Greyhounds off the leash as once they run off they are gone and you will not catch them. This can lead to being hit by a car or injured in some way.  Even well-trained Greyhounds like to run. You know your dog the best in order to decide leash or no leash.

         Greyhounds are friendly, sociable dogs. They love to spend time with their family and are very playful. They like nothing better than snuggling up on the couch beside their owners all evening long. Greyhounds enjoy playing with children and are very gentle with them. They also play well with other dogs. The get along well with children but should be watched closely if the family has toy breed  dogs such as yorkies whose running may bring out the "prey drive" in your Greyhound. Accidents can happen with other small animal ,pets in the home. They do tend to get along with other dogs as they are not territorial.

        Greyhounds need plenty of fuel for their bodies. You will need to feed your dog a high quality dog food. However, since these dogs are prone to bloat, do not allow your dog to overeat. Several small meals are better for his health than one large meal. Consult your veterinarian to find out how much you should feed your dog at each meal. A good vitamin supplement is also a good idea for these dogs. 

       Grooming a Greyhound is simple, since these dogs have a short, sleek coat that does not shed heavily. Brushing your Greyhound once a week should be sufficient. You may also want to trim his nails if they are tapping on the floor when he walks.

       Owning one of these dogs can be overwhelming at first. However, if you are willing to persevere, you can end up with a wonderful, devoted family pet for many years to come.