<C>Weight:</C> 65 to 70 pounds (male); 60 to 65 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Greyhound is the fastest dog in the world and can reach speeds of over 40 miles per hour. Thought to be originally descended from the Arabian Sloughi and brought to England by traders before 900 AD, the Greyhound has historically been used for hunting and later for racing. Today he is used primarily in dog racing and as a show dog and companion. After retiring from a racing career, these dogs are often destroyed. Greyhound Rescue groups select the most even-tempered, gentle racers for placement into homes, with excellent success.
<b>Description:</> A sleek, contoured dog built for speed, with a very deep chest and extraordinarily flexible, curved spine. The head is long with almost no stop, and the muzzle tapers. The small rose ears are folded back. The neck is long and graceful. The front legs are absolutely straight. The hind quarters 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.
<b>Notes:</> Show lines tend to be a bit heavier and bred more for temperament than racing lines, therefore dogs from show lines often make better pets. Sensitive to cold. May be prone to bloat and sensitive to drugs, including insecticides. Can be difficult to housebreak. Needs lots of intense running exercise daily. Does well in rural settings, but mature greyhounds can do well in an apartment as long as they get their daily walk or run. Extremely fast. Will kill cats and other domestic animals.
<b>Personality:</> Reserved, but very intelligent. Socialize well at an early age to prevent timidity. Sensitive, sweet and elegant. Brave and loyal. Can be willful. Gentle, but with a definite prey instinct (see below).
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> A small yard is sufficient.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers warm climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, sighting, watchdog, racing, agility, and lure coursing.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> GREYHOUND
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
