10 Surprising Greyhound Facts: Speed, History & Gentle Nature

Greyhounds are amazing dogs with many unique traits. These sleek, athletic canines have a rich history and surprising characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. You might think you know all about Greyhounds, but there’s more to these elegant hounds than meets the eye. In this article, you’ll discover 10 interesting facts about these dogs that may change how you see these remarkable animals.

1. Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds

Greyhounds have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. You might be surprised to learn that these elegant dogs have been around for millennia. Ancient dog remains found in modern-day Syria were dated to be about 4,000 years old. These remains belonged to a Greyhound/Saluki breed, showing how far back the lineage goes.

You can also find depictions of Greyhounds on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs. Their ancient origins make them one of the oldest recognized dog breeds.

2. They can reach speeds up to 45 mph

Greyhounds are incredibly fast dogs. They can reach speeds up to 45 mph, making them one of the quickest breeds on the planet. Their speed comes from their unique body structure. Greyhounds have long, powerful legs and lean, aerodynamic bodies, which allows them to cover ground quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, you might be surprised to learn that Greyhounds can accelerate to 30 mph in just three strides, which is what makes them excellent racing dogs. They’re often compared to cheetahs in terms of speed. While cheetahs are faster, Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog.

3. Greyhounds have a unique ‘double-suspension gallop’ run

Greyhounds are known for their incredible speed, but did you know they have a special running style? It’s called the ‘double-suspension gallop‘, and it’s part of what makes them so fast.

When they run, their bodies are off the ground twice in each stride. This is different from most other dogs, who only have one airborne moment per stride. During this run, a Greyhound’s body stretches out fully and then contracts. This motion propels them forward at amazing speeds.

4. They have a lower incidence of hip dysplasia

Greyhounds have some good news for you if you’re worried about hip problems in dogs. These speedy pups actually have a lower chance of getting hip dysplasia compared to many other breeds. Hip dysplasia is a common disorder that affects many dog breeds. It happens when the hip joint doesn’t form right, which can cause pain and make it hard for dogs to move.

But Greyhounds are different. Their body shape and size help protect them from this issue. They have long, lean bodies and strong muscles that support their hips well.

5. Greyhounds are known for their gentle temperament

Greyhounds are famous for their speed, but their gentle nature might surprise you. These dogs are considered one of the top 10 most gentle dog breeds. Their calm and patient demeanor makes them excellent companions.

Furthermore, they rarely bark and tend to be laid-back, preferring to lounge around rather than cause trouble. These dogs are also great with children due to their patient and tolerant nature. Lastly, Greyhounds usually get along well with other pets. Their gentle disposition allows them to coexist peacefully with cats and other dogs in many cases.

6. They were originally bred for hunting and racing

Greyhounds have a long history as hunting and racing dogs. Ancient Egyptians valued them as hunting companions, so they could chase down prey like hares and gazelles in the desert. Over time, Greyhounds became popular in Europe for coursing, a sport where dogs chased game by sight. Their incredible speed made them perfect for this activity.

In the 1900s, Greyhound racing became a popular spectator sport. People built racing tracks specifically for these dogs to compete against each other. Moreover, you can still see the hunting instinct in modern Greyhounds. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase moving objects.

7. Greyhounds require minimal grooming

Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to maintain. You won’t need to spend hours brushing or bathing them. A quick weekly brush is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils.

Moreover, Greyhounds also don’t have an undercoat, which means they shed less than many other dog breeds. This is great news if you’re concerned about dog hair around your home. You’ll find that Greyhounds are naturally clean dogs. They rarely need baths unless they get particularly dirty or smelly.

8. They can stand over 30 inches tall

Male Greyhounds can stand between 28 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Some males even exceed this range, reaching heights over 30 inches. Females are slightly shorter on average. They typically measure 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder. This still makes them quite tall compared to many other dog breeds.

9. Despite common belief, they don’t need a lot of exercise

Many people think Greyhounds need tons of exercise because they’re racing dogs. This isn’t true, Greyhounds are actually couch potatoes at heart.

Greyhounds are built for short bursts of speed. A couple of 20-minute walks a day is often enough. Furthermore, you’ll find that your Greyhound spends most of its time lounging around. They love to nap and can sleep up to 18 hours a day. This makes them great pets for apartments or small homes.

10. Greyhounds can have a lifespan of 12-15 years

Greyhounds are known for their longevity, living for 10 to 14 years on average. With proper care, your Greyhound can even reach the upper end of this range. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and routine vet checkups are key to helping your Greyhound live a long, healthy life.

Keep in mind that larger dog breeds typically have shorter lifespans. Greyhounds buck this trend and are often outliving other dogs of similar size.