Country of Origin: Great Britain
Group: Sighthounds
Section: Short-haired Sighthounds
Original Function: coursing hares
Todays Function: racing, lure coursing, open-field coursing
Dimension Male: 71-76 cm
Dimension Female: 68-71 cm
Weight Male: 29-32 kg
Weight Female: 27-29 kg
Litter Size: 6-9 puppies, average 8
Life span: 10-13 years
Other Names: none
Colors: Brown, white, black tan, grey and any combination of those colors in large spots may be evident. the
Living: Surprisingly, these active dogs can be adapted to apartment life, in part, because they are so relax
Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Description
A sleek, contoured dog built for speed with a very deep chest and an extraordinarily flexible, curved spine. The head is long with almost no stop and the muzzle tapers. The skull is wide between the ears. The small rose ears are folded back. The eyes are dark and the neck is long and graceful. The front legs are absolutely straight. The hindquarters are very powerful and muscular with an arched loin. The long tail is carried low and has a slight upward curve at the end. The short, smooth coat comes in all dog colors.
Temperament
Known as "the world"s fastest couch potato," the greyhound is quiet, calm and extremely well-mannered indoors. They are good with other dogs, and with other pets if raised with them; outdoors, they tend to chase any small thing that moves. They are reserved with strangers, very sensitive and sometimes timid. Despite their independent nature, they are eager to please.
Excercise
The greyhound needs daily exercise, but it is a sprinter, not an endurance runner. Its needs can thus be met with a chance to run, or by a longer walk on leash. It loves to run and chase outdoors, and can easily run into danger at great speed unless exercised in a safe area. It is not generally amenable to living outdoors. Greyhounds relish creature comforts and must have soft bedding and warmth. The coat is extremely easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat is very easy to groom. Simply comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Health
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: esophageal achalasia, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: none
Note: Racing injuries. especially toe, hock and muscle.