Whether you have never owned a Greyhound or have had one for many years, you are probably aware of its characteristics. Here are a few of them:
Origins
Originally, greyhounds were used for hunting wild hares. These dogs were raised in remote hill country areas and could chase anything that caught their attention. They were kept as companions, and they were also used to kill coyotes, which killed livestock.
They were kept as pets, and some even kept NZ greyhounds. The dogs were used for hunting, but they were also admired for their speed. In the 1880s, the first national coursing meet was held in Kansas.
Aside from its function as a hunting dog, the Greyhound was also a symbol of knighthood. It was thought that the breed was derived from a Greek hound, which was bred to chase rabbits.
Ancient writers and artists often depicted dogs in religious or sacred settings. For example, a famous funerary vase from the early Egyptian period depicts dogs like today's greyhounds. They were also kept as pets by some Egyptian families.
By the sixteenth century, the Greyhound was used to chase a wild hare in a race. It was also used to hunt jackrabbits and coyotes. It was also used to protect the unwalled perimeter of the camp, and they were tolerated because of the guard service they provided.
However, the dog's function changed as new fields were cultivated. The dogs could now chase hares, foxes, badgers, and other animals.
Temperament
Generally, Greyhounds have a gentle temperament and are very good with children. However, they can be unpredictable around other dogs and may not be a good choice for homes with small pets.
Greyhounds are also susceptible to several health conditions. For example, they can have problems with their eyes or may be prone to gastric torsion, which is a life-threatening stomach enlargement. If you are considering acquiring a greyhound, ask the parents about their test results and ensure they are healthy.
Greyhounds have long, narrow heads with small ears that fold back when relaxed. They are also known to have a high intelligence level.
Greyhounds are also quite good at chasing small animals. This is because they have a strong sense of sight and can track long prey distances. However, their hounding abilities can also be dangerous, especially for small running animals.
Greyhounds are also very affectionate and intelligent, making them good family pets. They are also known to be good with cats and are very patient with children. However, their temperament is highly variable, and they can have negative traits if not trained correctly.
Greyhounds are great companions, but they do require some training. Therefore, enrolling your dog in a short training class is an excellent idea to keep them from getting bored.
Housebreaking
Getting your Greyhound housebroken can be a daunting task. Despite their size, Greyhounds are intelligent animals and understand gestures and other things you may not have even thought about. The best way to get your dog housebroken is to give them a fair amount of time to adjust.
To get the most out of your dog, be consistent. Most accidents can be avoided by establishing a routine. For example, using the same door to go to the bathroom will help your dog to remember where to go.
Check your dog's ears to see if they are clean and free of fleas and ticks. Use a pyrethrin formula or a shampoo to kill fleas and ticks. It's essential to avoid any shampoo that contains toxic additives.
A thin layer of skin usually covers a dog's ear. To clean it, remove the skin and use a cotton ball or flat glove to wipe out the inside.
One of the most miniature Greyhounds ever placed, Wee Wicked, weighs just over 40 pounds. The largest male is a whopping mid-90s pounder.
A Greyhound's life span is short at 12 to 14 years. So while it's true that these dogs don't last long, they are still worthy of our attention and care.
Allergies
Having allergies at Greyhound can be painful and challenging. However, having a hypoallergenic dog can help alleviate the pain and suffering.
A hypoallergenic dog can also prevent more severe allergic reactions. However, there are no guarantees that your dog will be allergy free. If your dog is allergic to something, removing it from the diet is best until it no longer causes allergic reactions.
Keeping your Greyhound off of your furniture can reduce the number of allergens in your house. The same goes for giving your Greyhound a wipedown after being outside.
Taking your Greyhound to the vet for a checkup can also help you to figure out what's causing your pet's allergies. The vet will test your dog for lumps and bumps and perform blood tests. Your vet may also be able to complete a stomach surgery to secure your dog's spleen from twisting.
Although Greyhounds have not been awarded the official "hypoallergenic" status, likely, they are not the worst offender. The Greyhound is a medium-shedding dog, and you will likely find some dander lying around your home. However, you will probably be able to mitigate this dander if you keep your dog inside, use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo, and groom your dog often.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is one of the common types of malignant bone tumors among canine breeds. The most common sites of osteosarcoma in dogs are growth plates on long bones, such as the tibia and ulna, but less commonly on the skull, scapula, ribs, vertebrae, and other bones.
The main risk factors for osteosarcoma are age, weight, and breed. Larger breeds, such as Greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Golden retrievers, are more likely to develop osteosarcoma than smaller breeds. However, osteosarcoma can also occur in younger dogs.
Despite its high incidence, osteosarcoma is relatively curable if diagnosed and treated early. However, osteosarcoma can be painful. If the tumor is in a limb, amputation is required.
The disease affects dogs of all ages, but middle-aged and older dogs are the most common. It is most common in large breeds, such as Great Danes and Rottweilers, but it can also occur in smaller species.
The disease tends to affect the long bones of the legs, as well as the growth plates on the tibia and ulna. In addition, osteosarcoma tends to spread rapidly, causing metastases in the bones, the lungs, and other body parts.
While surgery is the most common treatment, the median survival time for dogs treated by surgery is only a few months. However, if the tumor is detected early, it can be amputation, increasing the dog's life expectancy.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus symptoms in Greyhounds include abdominal swelling, non-productive vomiting, and dry retching. A veterinarian should be consulted for an evaluation if these symptoms are present.
Mythology
Throughout the history of Greyhounds, they have been a favorite subject of artists and writers. They have been portrayed in both Greek and Roman mythology, as well as in Renaissance art and literature. They have also been given a place of honor in many Bible translations.
The Greyhound is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds. They are streamlined dogs with lengthy, muscular hindquarters and short, smooth coats. They are known for their speed and endurance. They can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour.
They were also famous hounds in Ancient Greece. Their likeness is found on many Egyptian tombs. They were revered as gods and mummified along with their owners. During the Middle Ages, greyhounds were given to the aristocracy. Their popularity increased during the Renaissance.
King Canute of England passed a law that allowed the nobility to own greyhounds, but they could not be sold. Then, in 1014, King Canute of England established a Forest Law that made killing a greyhound punishable by death.
In the Middle Ages, greyhounds were bred for the nobility and clergy members. As a result, they were protected by the clergy and could only be sold to noblemen.
