10 Surprising Greyhound Facts: Speed, History & Gentle Nature

The Italian Greyhound is an amazing breed with many unique traits and a long, rich history of dog racing. These sleek, athletic canines have characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. Some of these characteristics may even surprise you; there’s more to these elegant hounds than meets the eye. In this article, you’ll discover 10 interesting facts about Greyhounds 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 Over 40 MPH

Greyhounds are incredibly fast dogs. They can reach speeds of over 40 miles per hour, making them the fastest dog breed on the planet. Greyhounds have long, powerful legs and lean, aerodynamic bodies, which allows them to cover ground quickly and efficiently. Greyhounds can accelerate to 30 mph in just three strides, which is what makes them excellent racing dogs.

Guinness Book of World Records states that the fastest Greyhound ever recorded was Star Title. This dog hit the incredible speed of 41.83 miles per hour on March 5, 1994 on a straightaway track at the town of Wyong in New South Wales, Australia.

3. Greyhounds Have a Unique ‘Double-Suspension Gallop’ Run

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

What is the double-suspension gallop? When Greyhounds run, they become airborne twice during each stride. Believe it or not, when a Greyhound is running, it spends 75% of the time in the air! This motion propels them forward at amazing speeds. This stride is unique to Greyhounds, Whippets and Salukis, though it’s also seen in other creatures in the animal kingdom like gazelles and cheetahs.

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. Check out a Greyhound exhibiting the double-suspension gallop below:

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. The Canine Health Information Center (OFA) found that in test of 404 Greyhounds, 97% were cleared for any signs of potential hip dysplasia and 93.5% either scored “excellent” or “good” in the hip test.

5. Greyhounds are Known for their Gentle Temperament

Greyhounds are famous for their speed, but their gentle nature might surprise you. According to Greyhound Dogs of America, “The breed is noted for being very gentle and non-confrontational. They are very adaptable upon adoption, and fit very well into all walks of life.” The American Kennel Club describes the breed as a “a sensitive, yet spirited companion” with a “mild and sensitive” temperament.

According to National Institute of Health research, since the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of retired racing Greyhounds have been placed in adoptive homes. The calm and patient demeanor of Greyhounds 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 that because Greyhounds were bred for racing and speed, that they need tons of exercise. This is actually untrue – in fact, Greyhounds are notorious couch potatoes at heart. In fact, the AKC lists Greyhounds as one of the best breeds for apartment dwellers! According to the National Greyhound Adoption Program (NGAP), your dog will need about an hour of exercise a day.

NGAP states that while backyard exercise is sufficient for a Greyhound, “daily walks provide more mental and physical stimulation for your dog and help build a bond of trust between you and your new pet.” If you live in a small house or apartment, your dog will need 2-3 short walks per day and 1-2 longer walks, along with a good run in a completely enclosed space a few times a week.

Because Greyhounds are built for short bursts of speed, you’ll need to be careful if you plan to take your dog on a jog. Start with shorter distances, like one mile, and gradually build up the distance.

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10. Greyhounds Can Have a Lifespan of 12-15 Years

Greyhounds are known for their longevity, living for 10 to 14 years on average. In a study by the CGE Journal, researcher Dan G. O’Neill writes that “based on 474 deaths, median longevity (of Greyhounds) was 11.4 years.” The upper end of the range was over 16 years. 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.