Greyhound

The Greyhound is a breed of dog originating in Great Britain and Ireland. They are known for their distinctive physique, characterized by a slender body, long limbs and a narrow head. They are also noted for their friendliness, friendliness and intelligence, making them popular pets and loyal companions.

General details

Galgos are medium to large sized dogs, usually weighing between 27 and 40 kilos, and measuring between 68 and 76 centimeters at shoulder height. They live between 10 and 14 years. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), they belong to Group 10, which includes sighthounds.

Breed history in brief

The Greyhound is a dog breed that has a long history, being one of the oldest, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient Egypt. In the region where Syria is now located, a Greyhound skeleton was found approximately 4000 years ago. They were originally bred for hunting, and are believed to have been used by the Celts. In the 17th century, Greyhounds were used in hunting with dogs, a sport in which they chased the animals across open fields. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Greyhounds were introduced in the United States, where they became popular in racing. Today, this breed is still used for racing, although they are becoming increasingly popular as companion animals.

Breed characteristics

Greyhounds have a slender, athletic build, with a long neck and narrow head. They have long, powerful legs and a deep chest, which contributes to their exceptional speed and agility. They have dark, expressive eyes and large, drooping ears. The coat is short and smooth, close to the body and with a firm texture. The lack of an undercoat, together with its low fatty tissue, makes it a dog sensitive to extremes of temperature, both hot and cold. Most are black, red or fawn, in various combinations. They are independent dogs, with a sweet and calm personality. Due to their sensitive nature, they should be trained with care and try to avoid rough or aggressive behavior. They are considered one of the friendliest breeds with both strangers and other dogs. In their family life, it is a breed that values doing things with their masters more than for their masters.

Common health problems

Like all dog breeds, the Greyhound is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in the breed include volvulus-gastric dilatation, osteosarcoma, esophageal achalasia and osteogenesis imperfecta. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac and eye screening exam, as well as tests to assess for polyneuropathy and autoimmune thyroiditis.