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Greyhound Facts

  • Greyhounds are the oldest, purebred dog, dating back to the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
  • Paintings inside the tombs of the great Pyramids depicted greyhounds.
  • The first Greyhound came to Australia with Captain Cook in 1770.
  • Greyhounds came to the New World in 1493 on Columbus ' second expedition.
  • In 1804, Australia issued a proclamation ordering the destruction of all dogs EXCEPT greyhounds and sheepdogs.
  • A law passed during the reign of King Canute stated "No mean person may keep any Greyhounds." The law also stated that the destruction of a Greyhound should carry the same capital punishment as the murder of a man.
  • In England at one time, it was forbidden for 'commoners' to even own a greyhound.
  • In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus' loyal dog Argus is a greyhound.
  • Greyhounds are mentioned or featured in 11 of Shakespeare's plays.
  • Greyhounds are the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31 KJV).
  • Our American General Custer was a big greyhound fancier.
  • President Abraham Lincoln had a greyhound on his family coat-of-arms.
  • The mythical Greek Goddess Diana is usually pictured with a greyhound at her side.
  • John Barrymore, the famous actor, always kept his house full of greyhounds as pets.
  • For many, many years the American make of car the Lincoln had a greyhound as its hood ornament.
  • Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, reaching top speeds of 40 miles per hour!
  • Greyhounds can see CLEARLY for a distance of a half-mile!
  • Greyhounds are NOT guard dogs. Being bred specifically to be even-tempered and good natured, they are inherently well socialized. For this reason they LOVE everyone.
  • Greyhounds come in 19 different primary colors and in over 55 different color combinations.
  • Greyhounds have a larger heart, lungs and more red blood cells than other canine breeds.
  • Rescued greyhounds are used for donating blood for other dogs! Greyhounds have a more universal blood that can be used for dogs needing blood transfusions from accidents, injuries or surgery.
  • The average lifespan of a greyhound is 12 or more years.
  • A Greyhounds foot placement when running is different to any other dog - during the Greyhound's complete stride, he is off the ground twice - a double suspension gallop (they run like a cheetah, not like a horse).  When running, greyhounds spend 80% of their time in the air.  It is as close to "flight" as a land animal can get.
  • Greyhounds require little exercise, are very quiet, and are ideal for suburban homes, unlike many other large breeds of dogs.
  • Greyhounds are being used as therapy dogs in the USA , because of their gentle nature.
  • Because of their low body fat and short coat, a greyhound has very little - if any "doggy smell".
  • People that are allergic to dogs, usually find that they do not suffer the same discomfort with a Greyhound.
  • Some Greyhounds can, and do, live in harmony with other animals, such as other dogs, cats, birds and even rabbits.
  • Greyhounds are usually found standing or lying down, they find it uncomfortable to sit.  (Some say it is because their tail is so stiff which doesn't allow him to sit properly - and some say that it is just uncomfortable for them to take the sit position)
  • Greyhounds are chemical sensitive. They must have special anesthetic when undergoing surgery and they cannot wear flea collars. 
  • Each year in the United States, more than 30,000 greyhound puppies are born, with approximately 80% of those registered with the National Greyhound Association to be eligible to race. Florida is the leading state for greyhound racing.