The Greyhound is one of the oldest breeds in the world. In fact, the Greyhound is the oldest greyhound in the world. This breed has a very rich history and is known for its speed and unique eyesight. The Greyhound is muscular and ideal for dog sports. He fits reasonably well within a family, only there are a few points to consider. Do you want to know what these points are? Then read this article.
The history of the Greyhound
More than 5000 years ago there were already murals made about this breed. This breed was very popular among pharaohs and was really a dog for people of nobility. About 400 years before Christ the breed was taken to England and Ireland. Again, the nobility was interested in this breed and therefore this breed was only kept by people of nobility. Years later, this breed was used in various sports. Even now this breed is known for its sporting character and strong body.
The character of the Greyhound: friendly and intelligent
The Greyhound is a very friendly dog, despite his somewhat powerful impression. The Greyhound gets along well with people. With cats he is less good friends, this also applies to other pets. The possibilities are there, but then a Greyhound must have been in contact with other animals living in the house from an early age. The character of the Greyhound ensures that extra attention is needed during education.
When a Greyhound sees something running away he naturally wants to chase it. With the proper training it is easier to get control over this. The Greyhound is a fairly quiet breed, which many people like. He is also very affectionate and loves to get attention from his owner.
The appearance and physique of the Greyhound
The body of a Greyhound is very muscular. It has a deep chest and is long and slender. They weigh between 25 and 35 kilograms. His head is long and narrow and tapers wider between the ears. His head is very slender and well shaped. The neck of this breed is also long and very muscular.
The neck flows nicely into the shoulders. The back of the Greyhound is broad and muscular. Its tail is long and there is a small curl in it, which points upward. The Greyhound’s legs and hips make it tremendously fast. His legs and hips are therefore very long and muscular. The coat of the is very short and smooth.
The care of a Greyhound
The care of a Greyhound is very simple, this is mainly due to its strong body and short and smooth coat. Occasionally brushing is enough. Weekly removal of loose hairs is more than enough. Occasional bathing also contributes to a healthy coat and is therefore recommended.
One of the main points in the care of the Greyhound is the care of its nails. The nails of a Greyhound grow very fast and therefore need to be cut often. It is wise to do this the first time with an expert, because when you cut the nails too short this is not pleasant for a dog. When you have mastered the cutting you can do this yourself regularly.
The ears of the Greyhound should also be checked weekly, ear infections are common in this breed. The Greyhound’s teeth are also a point of attention and should be brushed daily.
Specific diet for a Greyhound
The diet for a Greyhound is different from the diet for other dogs. This breed is slim and muscular and this means that its body has a lot of muscles in proportion. These muscles must be maintained. To maintain the muscles, protein and calories are needed. Therefore, the diet of a Greyhound must consist of more protein, than the diet of other dogs.
Also, the calories that a Greyhound gets per day should be somewhat higher than the calories that another dog of similar size should get. So take this into account. You can buy protein-rich food for a Greyhound, this is often the best way to get extra protein.
Common diseases of a Greyhound
The Greyhound is a very strong and healthy breed. Yet, because of its build, a number of disorders are relatively common. One of the main disorders is the swelling of its abdomen. This is due to the deep rib cage of this breed. Swelling of a dog’s abdomen can be fatal, so it must be treated quickly if he suffers from this.
The symptoms are a distended abdomen and a change in a dog’s behavior. Vomiting may also occur. It is also wise to test for eye and heart problems, these are problems that are common in several breeds. With a healthy lifestyle, so enough exercise and good nutrition, many diseases can be prevented and a dog of this breed will often grow old in a healthy way.
Dog training for a Greyhound
The Greyhound is a breed that is not so easy to train compared to other breeds. This is all due to its character. A Greyhound is very independent and likes to make his own decisions. This makes it difficult to teach him new things. Early socialization is for this reason extremely important. During socialization it is important that a Greyhound gets along with children and other (domestic) animals.
During training it is best to keep the sessions very short, because a Greyhound gets bored pretty quickly. The best way to train a Greyhound is to use a calm and gentle approach. Also, make sure there is a lot of interaction during training sessions, as a Greyhound finds it much more fun to do something together with its owner.
What does a Greyhound cost?
The purchase cost of a Greyhound is between $700 and $1400 euros. Through the website of the AKC, you can get in touch with breeders of a Greyhound. This way you can buy a healthy Greyhound from a reputable breeder.
In terms of care, a Greyhound is very cheap. This is because this breed requires little care and is also very strong and healthy. The only point of attention is his diet. Food with extra protein is generally slightly more expensive than “standard” dog food. On average, the cost of a Greyhound is relatively low.
The exercise that a Greyhound needs
It was to be expected: a Greyhound needs a lot of exercise. Therefore, provide daily brisk walks and let a Greyhound run around regularly. This is essential for his mental and physical health. When you let a Greyhound run around it is important that this is done in an enclosed area, so he can not be distracted by small animals.
The easiest way to get enough exercise is to take this dog on at least one brisk walk every day. Then, on the weekends, you can schedule moments to play and run more.
The recognition of the Greyhound
The recognition of the Greyhound took place in America in 1885. The breed was then officially recognized by the AKC.
Is the Greyhound something for you?
The Greyhound is a very sporty and fast dog, with a sweet character. The care of the Greyhound takes little time, but it is necessary to get enough exercise. This ensures that the Greyhound fits perfectly within an active family. Do you already have experience with this breed, or do you have any questions or comments about the Greyhound? Please leave a comment below this article. We are very curious about your opinion of the Greyhound!
