The Greyhound is an ancient breed of dog.  Many breeds of dog claim that the greyhound as part of their genetic makeup. However, breeding records can be traced in England just prior to 1770. The Greyhound was, and is today, used for coursing and racing competition, and in conformation showing.  They are known for high speed pursuit of prey that the dog sights over open country. It is said that a Greyhound can be tracked at 30 m.p.h. for a distance of one mile, so not only do they have the speed, the stamina is there as well.  Greyhounds have been clocked at over 45 m.p.h. over short distances. As for endurance, there is debate amongst the experts concerning this. It is supposed that if a Greyhound is conditioned its endurance is greater than if the Greyhound is allowed to live its life as a couch potato.
     The female Greyhound averages 24 to 27 inches in height at the withers. The male Greyhound averages 25 to 29 inches at the withers.  Their weight runs between 55 to 85 pounds, probably averaging 65 pounds.  The range in weight is rather large due to the use that the Greyhound is put to, racing vs coursing vs conformation, vs housepet.
     The Greyhound coat has a variety of colors and is soft, very short and dense. If the Greyhound is kept in an area where there is a lot of snow and winter weather, this coat becomes very thick and has been described as very like moleskin. When the dog sheds this coat in the summer, the dog has a very moth-eaten look, but there is nothing wrong with it. The owner just needs to brush the coat a little more often, to speed up the process of shedding. This dog does not need a lot of grooming, just regular grooming. Due to the Greyhound's short coat anyone considering ownership of this breed must provide the dog with a warm shelter in cold weather.  These dogs love to play and run in the cold but their sleeping place must be above freezing.
     The Greyhound does require adequate exercise since it is a coursing hound.  However, this does not mean that these dogs be allowed to roam free. These dogs do not always respond to commands, especially if there is something interesting to run down, hunt, or chase. A fenced in area is most desirable, with adequate playtime and contact with its owner.
     These dogs usually are not aggressive towards humans. In reality they are rather friendly, being  used as hunting dogs for centuries. However, when these dogs are around infants, or young children, care must be taken as the dogs may not recognize these children as human beings as the children are much smaller than adults and possess high pitched voices and rapid unpredictable movement.  These dogs are a hunting breed, specifically used to hunt hare, fox and coyote, as well as other small to medium-sized game. When these animals are being chased they show erratic movement and usually yelp, squeek, or cry in terror, just like the sounds that children make when playing, or when they are hurt.
     Greyhounds are a lovely looking dog, and make excellent house dogs.  Puppies and young adult Greyhounds, however, can be destructive due to pent up energy from being confined or frustrated. Some Greyhounds can be vocal and as watchdogs can give a homeowner a true sense of security. Greyhounds do not have a doggy odor as long as they are bathed and groomed on a regular basis.
      This is not a dog to own if you have high expectations of obedience and compliance to commands. The Greyhound is rather independent, some may even call the Greyhound as standoffish.  If you have ever owned a cat, owning a Greyhound is a very similar experience.  Have you ever tried to command a cat to come?  He'll come if it is in his plans. At the same time this dog needs to be trained and socialized.  This sighthound cannot be allowed to simply grow up on his own terms.
      It is important when introducing a Greyhound into the family, that care is taken and supervision is constant where there are other small animals sharing the home.  The Greyhound is a hunting dog, and little fuzzy creatures trigger the hunting drive.

     THE RACING GREYHOUND

     Today there are in place excellent resources for adoption of retiring racing Greyhounds.  This adoption movement started in 1982, when it became public knowledge that thousands of racers were being put down at the end of their careers.  There are still thousands being put down every year, even with thousands being adopted.  The dogs that are being adopted have special needs and it is important for the new owner to be aware of the type of life this dog is used to having and how this affects his behavior.
     The racing Greyhound, like its human counterpart, is encouraged to be "out in front", and in control of the race.  This calls for a personality that is referred to as "alpha", commonly known as establishing oneself as the dominant male, dominant female, or, in more human terms, the boss. This "alpha" dog demands respect from the rest of the pack, and it will challenge any who it thinks is a threat, or a challenge, to its dominance.
     The racing Greyhound comes from a very rigid environment, with set schedules for everything from eating, to training, exercise, and racing.  Its contact with humans is in a "professional nature", there is little if any hugging, playing, or bonding involved.  These dogs are not used to having personal toys, or any items it can claim as its own except for its bed and crate.  These dogs have spent most of their lives as professional athletes with their only purpose being to win.
     When a racing Greyhound is adopted these dogs are usually confused at first by all the attention they are getting from their new masters, the toys, the freedom of a yard to run in, and the freetime to play if the dog wishes. All of the new sounds, TV's, phones, kids running and yelling, and dishes clattering are rather overwhelming. This is confusing to them, perhaps even frightening. They are used to being told what to do, when to do it, and how.  Now they have freedom of choice, and no training to prepare them for this.
     If you have adopted a racing Greyhound and have no other pets, then you may have an easier time dealing with the dog on a one to one basis.  You will need to watch for the subtle signs of the Greyhound trying to dominate or on the verge of aggressiveness.  You will need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack in a gentle and firm manner.  Never approach your Greyhound, or any other dog, face to face, and avoid eye contact.  It is one thing if this has been established and is found acceptable by long practice, but with a dog facing a long adjustment period it is definitely not advisable.  When you are on all fours, and crawling towards the dog, they may interprete this behavior as you being a littermate needing to be put in your place.  Remember that these dogs were trained to be dominant since they were puppies, this is not going to go away quickly. Do not try to hug or lay down with the dog, especially if its on its bed.  This can be a threatening gesture to these dogs and they can't help but defend themselves.  Now if the dog initiates the face to face contact, look for a wagging tail, and it is up to you to gently reward the dog with a little treat or a gentle touch.
     Should you have a group of dogs, be they Greyhounds or a mixed bunch, watch for signs of aggression and dominance.  These subtle signs are the only warning you will have to avoid a potential disaster so you must be vigilant.  Greyhounds are normally muzzled when running in a group, whether these Greyhounds are ex-racers or not,  and it is the safest for all concerned. Even when the Greyhounds are muzzled you will need to supervise the pack. If you are going to leave your dogs for a short period of time, your Greyhound will likely be happier in its crate rather than being confined in a small room like a bathroom or laundry room.  The crate is its den, or cave, and the Greyhound is less likely to get hurt or become destructive of its surroundings. Do not let children, or anyone else, disturb a Greyhound that is sleeping in its crate, or on its bed.
     It is important to reiterate, racing Greyhounds are not by nature aggressive, or dangerous dogs.  They have been trained by their owners to race, to win, to dominate.  They have a strong hunting desire.  The breeding program for racing Greyhounds is to breed winning, dominant males with winning, dominant females to produce winning, dominant offspring.  You take these traits and breed for these traits you will get these traits. To overcome these acquired traits by the new owner takes patience, understanding, and persistence.

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