The greyhound type is very old, older than cynologists or archaeologists could imagine. The breed is depicted on the walls of tombs in ancient Egypt, but it is possible that the breed was an ancient one even then.
The greyhound is the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible.
There are references to the greyhound in Celtic British literature. The Saxons had a great fondness for them. Prior to the Norman Conquest, Edward the Confessor, was reputed to follow ‘swift hounds’. King Canute is reputed to have passed a law stating that ‘No mean man may own a greyhound’. No mean man being someone without a certain income.
In 1486, Abbess Juliana Berner described the greyhound thus
Headed like a snakePsychologically, physiologically and historically greyhounds are different to any other breed of dog.
For thousands of years, greyhounds have been bred to run like the wind, and work together with other dogs.
Racing greyhounds are specifically bred for their ability to run fast (a good dog can reach speeds of 43 (mph). And their eagerness to chase. Reputable breeders will try to breed greyhounds which are of good temperament and docile nature, because for the first four or five years of their life they are going to have to live in kennels with, and run alongside other greyhounds.
A well bred greyhound can cost several thousands of pounds to buy, and to the owner it is an expensive investment. Therefore, throughout it’s racing life, the dog is given the best of care and attention. It lives in heated, comfortable kennels, is fed a good well balanced diet, and receives the best medical care.
Of the dogs which do not come up to the standard required for racing, some are culled, others are transported to Spain, where they lead an horrific existence, and yet others end up in vivisection laboratories.
It is thought that 10,000 greyhounds retire from racing every year, it is impossible to get a true figure as some owners do not bother to de- register their dogs when their racing days are over.
Reputable owners will try to re-home their dogs, some even keep them as their own pets. Others will have their dogs put to sleep, even though the animals are still young and healthy. The rest just abandon their dogs, some cut off the ear of the dog so they cannot be identified by the tattoo.
Thousands of greyhounds are abandoned every year. The lucky ones end up in animal shelters, where they are well looked after, until good caring homes can be found for them. Unfortunately, too many remain behind bars for the rest of their lives (up to 15 years of age) because of the wrong ideas the public still have about these dogs. People tend to see them as being savage, as they are muzzled and run round a track chasing an electric hare.
A retired racing greyhound has to be de-trained so it will not chase small animals. Usually they are clean as soon as they go to a home environment. They can be afraid of stairs and TV’s, as they have never encountered them before. But, same as a puppy, they learn.
A retired racing greyhound can learn to live with small family pets - including cats. They adore people, and get on well with children. They do not need more feeding than any other dog of the same size. They do not require excessive walking. They do not like the wet, and they feel the cold. A greyhound is most certainly a ‘couch potato’. They are a strong and powerful dog. They do not usually make a good guard dog, they are more likely to wag their tail, and lick a burglar.
A retired racing greyhound is the most loving, affectionate, friendly, gentle and docile breed of dog - ask any retired racing greyhound owner.
There are 60 greyhound PAT dogs visiting hospitals and Nursing Homes. If anything, this proves the gentle nature of these dogs.
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