BHG Articles

The Greyhound is famous for its speed and agility and as further proof of this, racing circuits features them for competitions and companies like the Greyhound Bus uses the breed to define their service. Being the fastest dog in the world, the Greyhound is indeed quick enough in capturing the hearts of many families around the world. Whence years ago the breed is merely a racer, today it is a well-loved family pet of many households around the world.

Gifted with long and powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim body frame, the Greyhound is able to run as fast as 70 kilometers an hour. Additionally, its large heart, light muscular build and high percentage fast-twitch muscle allows it to stride and gallop in immensely long distances. This gallop of the Greyhound is described as the “double suspension rotary gallop” wherein the dog is able to assume two movements in one stride, contraction and extension, while its four legs are up in the air.

Most of these speedy creatures are thin looking and the breed generally lacks in body fat. Because of this, they are practically susceptible to harsh temperatures and so it is recommended to always house them indoors. Additionally, not only does the breed excel in racing and course game but lately enthusiasts have been training them to be competitors in dog shows and dog sports.

It is surprising to know but the amazing speed and infinite energy of the Greyhound in the race tracks is not equal to aggressiveness or noisiness. When this breed is active in racing, inside the house it is calm, quiet and laidback. When it is not the proper time to run, the Greyhound just stays put and enjoys being quiet and happy with the family.

It may be an athlete and a fast being outdoors but the Greyhound can never really be described as an unboundedly energetic creature. Even though it loves running, it does not run mindlessly during ordinary days and in fact, just like other breed of dogs, daily exercise such as walking or light running is enough for this breed to be healthy mentally and physically. It is surprising to learn that the fastest dog on earth is a laidback creature inside the home and because of this, many have called it the “Forty-five mile per hour couch potato.”

However, just because the breed is not much of a runner when it is not told to be, it doesnt mean that they shouldnt be given time to run freely. When a Greyhound is deprived of its natural instinct to run, it becomes agitated and will have the tendency to become aggressive. The breed should be given a chance to release its excess energy or else it will become destructive outside and inside the home.

People do not know it really well but the Greyhound is a sweet and gentle creature that makes for a perfect loyal, devoted and obedient companion. It does what it is told to do and sweetly accompanies the master wherever he may go. This breed is also friendly and unwary of new faces therefore it is suitable to live in an apartment suburban type of dwelling.

There are 30 different colors that are recognized for the Greyhound and some of these are fawn, black, white, brindle, red and blue and may appear in any combinations of these and may have patterns of markings from these colors and their combinations. The Greyhound, additionally, is a short and single coated dog and sheds minimally. The breed is thought to have been developed from the Arabian Sloughi and was introduced by traders to England in the year 900 AD.