Planet Greyhound

The average lifespan of a greyhound is 12 to 15 or more years.

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 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

 

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

 

Greyhounds are mentioned or featured in 11 of Shakespeare’s plays

 

For many, many years the American make of car the Lincoln had a greyhound as its hood ornament

 

 General George 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.

In 1804, Australia issued a proclamation ordering the destruction of all dogs EXCEPT greyhounds and sheepdogs.

 

John Barrymore, the famous actor, always kept his house full of greyhounds as pets

 

Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, reaching top speeds of 45 miles per hour!

 

Greyhounds can see CLEARLY for a distance of a half-mile!

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 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.

 

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 and rats!

 

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.