Greyhound

These dogs are calm and social indoors and can even be rather lazy. They are intelligent and sensitive dogs who can make ideal family pets if given the right owners! Whilst they are gentle by nature, their natural hunting instinct is always present, and owners must be willing to take on the necessary responsibilities that go with the breed. They are affectionate with their families although can be aloof with strangers. They normally get on well with other dogs in the household, but cat owners should exercise extreme caution. They are loving and well-behaved dogs and are particularly good with children. Because of their nature as sprinters, Greyhounds have relatively low endurance and should be given the opportunity to sleep should they so desire!

Greyhounds are the racehorses of the canine world, incredibly fast and aristocratic, graceful and elegant. Generously proportioned and upstanding, these dogs are symmetrical and strongly built. With their long, straight forelegs, they cover the ground in low, free strides at great speed, being propelled by muscular hindlegs which come well under their bodies.

Because of the Greyhounds' explosive physical abilities, they are prone to injury. They are also known to be sensitive to drugs, especially sedatives. Adopted Greyhounds will need regular dental care as their teeth are generally badly neglected. Additionally, extra teeth are common in some Greyhounds.

They are relatively small eaters and will therefore not cost a lot to feed.

Greyhounds were amongst the most highest-favoured of all dogs; Pharoahs and other Egyptian, Asian and African leaders had images of their dogs engraved into their tombs dating as far back as 4000BC. They were used for coursing large game: antelopes, wolves and deer.

During the ensuing centuries, Greyhounds became extremely popular and spread through the near East and Europe, eventually arriving in Britain where they became a status symbol, so much so that in 1016 only the elite were allowed to own a greyhound.

The Canute Law depicted 'No meane person may keep any greyhounds.' Indeed, they are the most common heraldic dogs to be found in the coats of arms of both Charles V of France and Henry VIII of England.

They were then used in coursing hares, but only as a sporting event as neither the owner nor his guests would eat the kill.

Later track racing took over which again proved them to be the fastest dogs on earth: only the cheetah can beat them for speed in the animal world!

Famous Greyhound owners include President Rutherford B. Hayes and General George A. Custer.