Appearance

The Greyhound is a tall and lean dog breed. They are the fastest breed of dog, reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour. They have very short hair, which is easy to maintain. There are approximately thirty color forms, of which variations of white, brindle, black, red and blue (gray) can appear uniquely or in combination.

History

Greyhounds is one the most ancient dog breeds known to man, and can be traced to almost every country on every continent on the globe. During ancient Egypt, Greyhounds were amongst the most highest favored of all the dogs. Images of them have been depicted on the pharaoh’s grave or tomb dating as far back as 4000BC. Greyhounds found their way to Europe. Aristocracy and culture has always surrounded the Greyhound, and in early times royalty only bred them. England played an important role in the development of the breed, with illustrations dating back in the 9th century. They were used on all kinds of game from deer, stags, foxes, and such, but the hare is their natural quarry. Formal coursing events came on scene over two centuries ago, which soared the Greyhounds popularity throughout Europe and then to the Americas. The Greyhound was one of the first breeds to appear in American dog shows, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. The first official coursing took place in 1886, and the National Coursing Association in the United States was founded in 1906. Greyhound racing took off and is popular today in many states, although its’ a controversial sport due to the retired dogs are being abandoned, euthanized, or sold to laboratories if they don’t do well at the track.