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Choosing a Pet | Our Procedures | Dogs of the Week | Our Dogs | Our Cats | Happy Endings | Responsible Ownership Choosing a PetWhich Breed?Greyhound
Breed Character & Physical Characteristics
Greyhounds were made for racing, so they like performing. To deprive them of this can make them unhappy and alter their mental and affective qualities. Their psychology remains impregnated with the hunting instinct because this elite runner was also formerly a remarkable tracker of game. The Greyhound is a super companion - calm, quiet and silent at home. They like comfort and tranquillity. They often take a nap and are always on the lookout for more affection. While they might not be very demonstrative, their heart is in the right place. Back to the top Breed Origins
The Greyhound's originated from Asia. This hunting dog, prized by the Pharaohs, is represented many times on carved panels and sculptures, some of which are thousands of years old. Archaeologists think that the breed passed through to Greece, and was transported to Europe and the British coasts by the Phoenicians. In medieval times aristocrats entertained their guests by allowing their hounds to chase and kill all manner of animals. This activity was known as coursing and it became so popular that royalty supported it and sometimes sponsored it. Slowly coursing was regulated until it was formalised as a sport where hounds chased hares and rabbits over many acres of land, and the nobility bet on the numbers caught. The competitions grew in numbers during Victorian times, as rich Victorians loved to bet vast sums on their dogs. However, it was in 1876, at Hendon in England, that Greyhound racing was born, with the dogs running on a track behind a lure. This new sport was not successful to start with but was launched in America with resounding success. Back to the top Living With You
Greyhounds:
The Greyhound needs two 20 minute walks a day and will be calm and silent in the home, which makes him an ideal pet. He is a great companion for children as his stature and originality make him an object of wonder for small children. The Greyhound takes the role of big brother very seriously and likes to play with their young friends. But he will take no disrespect and would rather leave than have his tail and ears pulled. The Greyhound needs to be muzzled when taken for walks in the country because of his tendancy to chase small animals. This should not be perceived as negative, as it has to be remembered that these dogs are genetically programmed as hunters and have been trained for hundreds of years. This extraordinary dog flourishes in competition but needs large doses of attention, and a traditional home life. Back to the top |