- Breed name: English Greyhound
- Original breed name: GREYHOUND, WHIPPET
- AKC list of most popular dogs: Big greyhound 145, little greyhound 61
- FCI classification: Group 10 – Greyhounds
- Origin: Great Britain
- Size: Large dog and Small dog
- Average life expectancy: Big English greyhound: 10-13 years, Little Greyhound: 12-15 years
The greyhound is known as one of the fastest dogs in the world, which can reach speeds of up to 60km/h. It is used for hunting, often in dog races, and nowadays it is more and more often as a pet. Energetic, agile, elegant-looking, very loyal and attached to its owner.
ORIGIN
As its name suggests, it originated in England. English breeders had a desire to make a fast and agile breed that would be the perfect hunting dog. By crossing different breeds, they created the English Greyhound and its specific ability to catch prey in the race. They were mostly used when hunting rabbits, and later during the 19th century they became very popular in dog races where they won many victories. The English Greyhound as we know it today originated in England, but there are numerous drawings found in ancient Egyptian tombs with dogs that look very similar to them.
APPEARANCE
There are two types of greyhounds that differ in size, while their other characteristics are the same. The big greyhound has an average height of 71 to 76 cm, and their weight ranges from 29 to 32 kg. Females are on average 5% smaller than males. The small greyhound or whippet is much smaller, its height ranges from 47 to 51 cm, and they weigh about 12.5 kg on average. The height of their females ranges from 44 to 47 cm, and they are slightly lighter than males. Both types have small and long heads, with small and thin ears. The eyes are round, almond-shaped, the neck is thin, long and elegant in appearance. The tail is long and thin, the chest and back are very strong, the legs are very developed but also thin, but very strong with developed paws. The undercoat is woolly in structure and short, while the top coat is firm and fine in structure. All hair colors are allowed, but the most appreciated are one-color gray specimens.
CHARACTER
The greyhound is primarily a hunting and racing dog, but if you decide to have it as a pet, you will have a faithful and devoted four-legged friend next to you. They are not difficult to train, because they have a natural intelligence and a desire to please their owner. During the walk, they will usually stay close to their owner, waiting for his next command. While they are younger and have not been trained, be sure to take them on a leash during regular walks, because if your pet runs away in a full race, there is no chance that you will catch up with him on two legs. whippet is considered to be kinder than his big cousin, he will get along well with children, he will equally enjoy running outside and lying on the couch. Both species very rarely bark, so they are not the best choice for a guard dog. They will get along well with other animals if they are properly socialized, except with cats, they have a great deal of intolerance towards them. Also, it is not advisable to keep smaller animals near them, unless they have grown up together, because they have not forgotten their hunting instincts.
HEALTH AND CARE
Greyhound does not need a large amount of space, but it requires daily walks and long runs. He is clean, meticulous and almost odorless, so there is no need for frequent bathing. Occasional brushing is recommended to remove dead hair. They are very sensitive to chemicals, so it is necessary to take extra care when choosing remedies against ticks and fleas. He does not tolerate cold well, so during the winter he needs to be provided with a coat or sweater during regular walks. They are considered to be a generally healthy and very resistant breed, but they can often injure their joints, legs, muscles and fingers.
Statistics
* Energy level: High energy level
* Level of playfulness: High level of playfulness
* Attitude towards other dogs: Friendly
* Attitude towards other pets: Mostly friendly
* Attitude towards strangers: Friendly
* Ease of training: Easy to train
* Protection: Low level of protection
* Maintenance required: Easy to maintain
* Heat tolerance: Moderate tolerance
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