Greyhound

The greyhound’s origin has always been linked to Ancient Egypt as depicted in drawings found in tombs dating back to 4000 BC. However, there has been no scientific basis to this claim. In fact, DNA results in 2004 suggest that this breed may not be related to the Saluki or Persian greyhound found in Egypt, although they may look similar.

The breed arrived in Europe during the Dark Ages, which garnered great respect for being a remarkable sighthound that went after large game like wolves, deer, and antelopes. Since royal game reserves were protected at that time, laws prohibited people living within ten miles of the king’s forests from owning greyhounds. Only nobles and the elite were allowed to own this breed in 1016.

The greyhound then rose to popularity in England as it was used for hare coursing and then later on for racing. It is dubbed as the fastest dog and the second-fastest animal in the world, only next to the cheetah. The breed now remains a popular choice as a pet companion because of its gentle nature and patience around kids. The greyhound is Kennel Club-registered. 

The greyhound is an iconic breed that is pretty easy to identify. It is an athletic and muscular dog that stands 68–76 centimetres at the withers and weighs 50–88 pounds. This strongly-built hound has a long head, strong neck, deep chest, and spacious body. It has intelligent-looking, oval eyes, rose-shaped ears, and a powerful jaw. Built for speed and performance, it has arched loins, powerful hindquarters, and agile limbs that allow it to cover huge distances at very high speed.

According to the Kennel Club, the acceptable colours are white, black, red, blue, fawn, brindle, and fallow, or any of these colours broken with white. Its short, fine, and close-lying coat is easy to groom. It is a low shedder, which can be managed by daily brushing. Bathing can be done as needed, and a dry dog shampoo will keep its coat sleek and healthy. As a breed prone to dental issues, brushing its teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste at least twice a week is necessary. Chew bones and treats will also help in removing tartar build-up.

It is important to keep its ears dry and free from debris to avoid infection. Acclimatising your dog to having its nails trimmed will make the experience pleasant and lessen costs at the vet’s or groomer’s.

The greyhound is a gentle, affectionate, and loyal pet. It is not aggressive towards strangers, but it would calmly bark to alert you when it senses a presence. It also has a tendency to be timid towards guests, but it will warm up when it detects no harm. It develops a strong bond with its owners and tends to suffer from separation anxiety even when left for a short time. This breed is friendly and patient with kids and would rather walk away than snap at an unruly child. However, as a large dog that could accidentally run over a toddler, supervise interactions between them. It can do well with other dogs, but smaller pets should be avoided altogether because of its high strong prey drive.

The breed is very intelligent and can be a great option for first-time owners because it is a people-pleaser. It is also highly trainable and would eagerly learn new tricks. Since it is sensitive by nature, it does not respond to harsh training. It would do well with gentle words and praises. Whilst it is quite receptive, its prey drive can get in the way. Even a well-behaved greyhound could not resist a small animal it believes it should chase.

Breeds can have particular temperament and intellect tendencies, but it does not mean that all dogs will fit the bill. The development of its characteristics can also be influenced by environmental factors.

A typical serving for an adult greyhound is 2.5–4 cups of excellent-quality dry dog food per day, depending on your dog’s age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. There are guidelines for breeds when it comes to serving size and meal timing, but your dog has distinctive needs. At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide whichever you find fitting. As a breed prone to bloating, it is wise to avoid feeding it before a physical activity.

Typical calorie needs of an 80-pound adult greyhound per day:

• Senior and less active: up to 1,600 calories daily
• Typical adult: up to 1,700 calories daily
• Physically active/working dog: up to 2,200 calories daily

In choosing your greyhound’s food, opt for high-quality brands suitable for active large dog breeds. It thrives on protein, specifically on animal meat (chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef) and should consume between 250 and 300 grams of meat per day. To promote bone and joint health, food should contain calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Because it has sensitive skin, avoid gluten and include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in its diet.

The greyhound is generally healthy, but it can be predisposed to certain health issues such as hypothyroidism, oesophageal malformations, osteosarcoma, skin irritations, spinal injuries, and gastric torsion or bloat. This breed is also prone to drug sensitivity, so utmost care is needed before administering any treatment or anaesthesia during veterinary procedures.

The greyhound may be known as a high-energy dog, but it actually loves lounging around the house and sleeping. It can also do fine in apartments as long as there is access to a fenced yard where it can play freely. That being said, as a large dog bred as a sighthound, its exercise needs are high. Physical activities should be spread throughout the day, starting with a short walk in the morning, a longer one in the afternoon, and free time in the yard. Make sure to have a high and sturdy fence to avoid it from escaping whilst chasing a small animal. A well-trained greyhound will be a great jogging partner.

If you are keen on raising a Greyhound, you would need to be ready for the cost of ownership. The initial cost of a well-bred pedigree puppy would be £200 to over £400. To ensure it stays healthy, you would have to feed it high-quality food that can set you back £30 - £40 a month. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.

As to healthcare you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some medical bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £25 for a time-limited cover up to £50 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.

Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1000 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £60-£100 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose. This estimate is also exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might later want to pay for.