Dog
Group:
Hound 
Greyhound Champions
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Breed Description:
The Greyhound breed of dog is considered the fastest breed in the world. He was developed as a sight hound, using his vision and speed to pursue game. Today, however, he is primarily a sweet and personable companion. The breed can be any color whatsoever, including black, fawn and red, often combined with white or brindle markings. The head of the Greyhound breed of dog is long and narrow, fairly wide between the ears, with a scarcely perceptible stop, little or no development of nasal sinuses, and good length of muzzle. His teeth are very strong and even in front. His eyes are dark and bright, suggesting intelligence and spirit. He has small, fine ears, thrown back and folded, except when he is excited, when they are semi-pricked. The Greyhound's neck is long and muscular, slightly arched, and widens gradually into the shoulder. His shoulders are placed as obliquely as possible, muscular without being loaded. The Greyhound breed of dog has perfectly straight forelegs, set well into the shoulders, with strong pasterns. His chest is deep and as wide as is consistent with speed, the back is broad and muscular, and the loins have good depth of muscle, are well arched and well cut up in the flanks. His hindquarters are likewise long, very muscular and powerful, wide and well let down. The Greyhound's feet are hard and close, rather more hare than cat feet, well knuckled with good strong claws. His tail is long, fine and tapering with a slight upward curve. The coat of the Greyhound breed of dog is short, smooth and firm in texture. It may be any color at all.
Temperament:
The Greyhound breed of dog has a gentle, affectionate and noble temperament. He is instinctively compassionate, game, and playful. He does have a strong prey drive, however, which makes his off-leash performance uncertain. Although naturally well-mannered, he should be kept on leash as a general rule. He responds best to gentle, positive training methods.
Height:
26 to 30 inches
Weight:
60 to 75 pounds
Health Problems:
Health problems associated with the Greyhound breed of dog are thyroid problems, bloat and osteosarcoma.
Living Conditions:
The Greyhound breed of dog actually spends a great part of the day happily napping, particularly if he gets regular outings, preferably to large fenced areas where he can indulge in his habitual speed bursts.
Exercise:
The Greyhound breed of dog needs surprisingly little outright exercise. He thrives on regular outings to large enclosed areas where he can find something or someone to chase.
Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Grooming:
The Greyhound breed of dog needs only occasional brushing and/or going over with a hound glove to remove dead hair and keep him clean and tidy.
Origin:
The Greyhound breed of dog has, it seems, been around in close to its modern form since the 4th century BC, but it is generally said to hail from Great Britain, where the breed was refined. The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed, reaching speeds of 45 mph, so it is not surprising that the sport of Greyhound racing has become so popular in many parts of the world. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
