English Greyhound
The, also known as The Greyhound, is the fastest dog in the world and one of the fastest animals of all, reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h, so this breed of dog is the most chosen among the controversial greyhound breeds, which unfortunately still occur today and are an example of artificial selection and extremes that man can reach in the search for “perfection” in the animals he creates.
- In this Animal Expert Archive.
- We show you everything you need to know about the English Greyhound.
- From physical characteristics and personality to common care.
- Education and health problems.
The official origin of this breed of dog is from Great Britain, although the details of the origin of the English greyhound are not certainly known, it is thought that in 900 BC.the founding specimens of this breed were transported from Arabia to Great Britain by therefore, the Arabian greyhound, also known as Sloughi, could be one of the ancestors of the modern greyhound.
Whatever the origin of these dogs, what is sure to say is that for many years, the English Greyhound has been used as a hunting dog, this breed of dog was used to hunt large animals, such as deer and small, as hares.
Over the centuries this function has fallen into disuse, however, today these animals are still used in dog races, in which they are exploited for the benefit of human entertainment and the economic interests of certain companies.In these events, most are slaughtered, however, some NGOs, who understand how bad these practices are for animals, manage to save greyhounds from the race environment, treat them and then find shelter for these dogs.
According to the international Cynological Federation (FCI) standard, English greyhound males have a s tourniquet height on the ground between 71 and 76 cm.The standard does not even indicate the weight that this breed of dog should have, but the greyhound males usually weigh between 29 and 32 kg.Females measure between 68 and 71 cm between the tourniquet and the ground and usually weigh between 27 and 29 kg.
At first glance, the English greyhound can be seen as a dog designed for high speeds.The deep chest of the animal, the long and flexible back, the long legs, the aerodynamic head and the muscular but fine body, emphasize the supreme quality of this breed of dog, to run faster than all other dogs.
The animal’s head is enlarged, medium, and the distinction between it and the snout is barely noticeable, which thins near the tip, resulting in an aerodynamic structure.The jaws of the English greyhound are strong and tight in a powerful scissor bite.The oval eyes are oblique to the face of the dog and are, in most cases, dark in color.The small pink-shaped ears complete this contoured structure of the Greyhound’s head.
This breed of dog also has a long and wide spine, which continues on a strong and slightly arched spine, which gives great flexibility to the back of the dog. The chest, as in other types of greyhounds, is very deep and allows a large heart capable of pumping the blood well.The tail is low and thick at the base, but eventually thins to the end, which helps the animal maneuver at high speed.
The coat of the English greyhound is short and thin and can be found in black, white, reddish brown, blue, sand, jaspered or any of these shades of white.
The English Greyhound is a breed of affectionate dog, sensitive and affectionate, however, these animals are usually independent and reserved and, therefore, also need space and time alone, which does not mean that it is necessary to leave them isolated, but rather that they need a place of their own where they can enjoy a while away from others.
Greyhound tends to get along with kids, but doesn’t like very simple games, so they’re not the best pets for families with young children. An older child, who treats animals with respect, will be able to win this breed of dog.more easily.
The English greyhound is also usually very sociable with other dogs, but their hunting instinct is very strong, so these animals also hunt anything that moves at high speed, so it is not advisable to adopt a greyhound if you already have other small pets.at home, including smaller dogs. It is also recommended to be careful if you have young children who are not well coordinated, as their movements may be confused with those of the English greyhound as prey behavior. This advice applies not only to breeders of this breed of dog, but also to many others.
Being more reserved dogs, it is important to pay attention to the socialization of the animal since it is a puppy, the greyhound puppy should be socialized with other people, dogs and animals in general, besides, as the English greyhound is not a territorial dog, usually not a good watchdog or defense, even when its hunting impulse is strong.
The English Greyhound has a slightly higher life expectancy than other types of Greyhounds, with an average of between 10 and 12 years, however, unfortunately, many end up dying earlier from the physical wear and tear they have suffered as racing dogs.
Although this breed of dog can get used to living in apartments, these animals must run in spacious and safe environments at least 2 or 3 times a week, the best thing for them and breeders is that they live in an environment with a large patio, so that they can run freely.In any case, it is necessary to walk frequently with the Greyhound.
In addition, the English greyhound loses hair regularly, but the short and soft fur is easy to maintain, for this you only have to brush your pet’s fur regularly and bathe it only when necessary.
When it comes to education, the English greyhound is an easy-to-train dog when using the right methods.Obedience training is not the strength of the animal, but it is possible to obtain good results if trained with positive methods., based on punishment, has no effect on the Greyhound and can even damage your temperament and overall personality.
The English Greyhound is a breed of dog that unfortunately is not free of more serious and serious diseases, on the contrary, greyhounds have a greater tendency to develop gastric torsion, progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid problems and hypersensitivity to chemical compounds, such as medicines and insecticides.