About - What's a Greyhound?
The
word greyhound is derived from the Saxon 'greu' - running dog. Mentioned in the
book of Proverbs, prized possession of kings for thousands of years, the greyhound
is both an efficient hunter and a gentle, affectionate companion.
The
modern image of the breed has changed dramatically since greyhound track racing
began in the UK in 1926. Each year, 10,000 - 12,000 greyhounds are bred in Britain,
and approximately 8,000 dogs are imported from Eire to race on British tracks.
This results in an annual 'fall-out' of approximately 10,000 dogs aged between
2 and 5 years, comprising retired racing dogs and younger dogs who never 'made
the grade'.
A
greyhound stands at anything between approximately 22 - 31 inches at the shoulder,
has a short, smooth coat of any colour ranging from white to black, some with
markings of a different colour and some brindle (striped). He is a sighthound
(which means that he will be interested in anything he can see up to half a mile
away), whose instinct has been enhanced by his racing training. This means that
owning one brings with it a special responsibility. But as most greyhound people
will tell you, the advantages of sharing your life with one of these wonderful
dogs far outweigh the disadvantages.
Show
greyhounds have a slightly different conformation from the racing dog, being on
the whole, larger and with 'flatter' sides.
A
fit greyhound usually enjoys donning a racing jacket and muzzle to compete
on the track. He is happier still to be able to run free in safe open countryside...
but never happier when, after his daily exrcise, he can just do this ...
