10 Facts About Greyhounds
Page Updated :: July 2016
- Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog in existence, they can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour over a short distance.
- In 1014 AD the English Forest Laws stated that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds. To kill a greyhound was punishable by death.
- Racing greyhounds are bred for their speed, they are therefore not susceptible to the congenital defects or temperament problems of many other breeds. Only the fastest, healthiest and best tempered animals are generally used as breeding stock.
- Queen Victoria and King Henry VIII kept greyhounds.
- Generally, greyhounds are unable to sit. Some can manage to sit, but for most, it is physically impossible or at the very least extremely uncomfortable. In most cases the legs are too long and "muscled up" for a sit position to achieved.
- The structure of a greyhound's short and almost odourless coat, which only moults (coats in greyhound language) to a small degree means that greyhounds can be suitable to live successfully with people who are otherwise generally allergic to dogs.
- Greyhounds are commonly known as "45mph couch potatoes". They can sprint very fast, but are equally as happy to snooze the day away.
- A greyhound has stereoscopic vision. This means that it is best suited to seeing moving objects. They often don't see stationary objects - so when calling your greyhound back to you, you are best to be moving around. That way they can see and hear you.
- The greyhound is the only breed of dog mentioned in The Bible. Proverbs 30, verses 29-31.
- Caution - greyhounds can be highly addictive. Most commonly, once a greyhound owner, always a greyhound owner. Sometimes one greyhound pet expands to several at the same time.
Page Updated :: July 2016