The Whippet (also English Whippet or Snap Dog) is a dog breed of medium size. Livinggood, Lee (2000). In modern times, the professional racing industry, with its large numbers of track-bred greyhounds, as well as international adoption programs aimed at re-homing dogs has redefined the breed as a sporting dog that will supply friendly companionship in its retirement. [37][38][39] Outside the racing industry and coursing community, the Kennel Clubs' registered breed still enjoys a modest following as a show dog and pet. Organizations like the Large Gazehound Racing Association (LGRA) and the National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) provide opportunities for Greyhounds to compete.[35][36]. [43], Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides. [13] Greyhounds have a sensitive nature, and gentle commands work best as training methods. [45], Greyhounds have higher levels of red blood cells than other breeds. Every greyhound alive today can trace its lineage back to one dog, King Cob, whelped in England in 1839. When running, greyhounds spend 75% of their time in the air. Moreover, the nobles became so enamored of their phenomenal hunting dogs that it was a capital offense to kill a greyhound. Grey colored greyhounds are rare, and are not referred to as grey, but as “blue”. "[65], This article is about the breed of dog. In fact, Greek historians during the years 100 A.D. used to write about how Greyhounds were proudly owned by true sportsmen, whom would race their dogs with hares, while most other dogs were used to hunt them. The greyhound is the only breed of dog mentioned by name in the Bible. "The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) in Australia and New Zealand: A survey of owners' experiences with their greyhounds one month after adoption". The Greyhound, though, is a unique sighthound developed more for track racing than for hunting. [52], The ancient skeletal remains of a dog identified as being of the greyhound/saluki form was excavated at Tell Brak in modern Syria, and dated to approximately 4,000 years before present. Fun fact: The Greyhound is one of the most ancient breeds. What You Can Discover 1. Greyhound, also spelled grayhound, fastest of dogs, one of the oldest of breeds, and long symbolic of the aristocracy. And whilst depictions of greyhound-like dogs do appear inside the tombs of pyramids, it’s now considered more likely they originated from Celtic Europeans, with references to ‘Vertraha’ (a Celtic Arrian word for greyhound) appearing as early as 8 A.D. – making them the oldest purebred canine . [48] Some greyhounds are susceptible to corns on their paw pads, a variety of methods are used to treat them. A greyt book all about your greyhound’s past is The Reign of the Greyhound — A Popular History of the Oldest Family of Dogs, by Cynthia Branigan. In the 14. [9] Greyhounds are dolichocephalic, with a skull which is relatively long in comparison to its breadth, and an elongated muzzle. They are a descendent of the Egyptian Pharaoh Hound which is often seen in Egyptian art and hieroglyphics. The Greyhound Dog is a strong and healthy breed. Six years later he owned 25 tracks around the nation, including ones in Florida, Montana, and Oregon. The origin of the name “greyhound” is lost in antiquity, but it almost certainly does not refer to the color of the dog. The Greyhound reaches back over 6,000 years in history. General George Custer coursed his pack of 14 greyhounds the night before the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Some Greyhounds have been known to develop esophageal achalasia, gastric dilatation volvulus (also known as bloat), and osteosarcoma. Many owners describe their Greyhounds as "45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes". They were among the first dogs to be recorded in American dog shows and Greyhounds can be found in the second edition of the AKC Stud Book in 1885. The first greyhound in the United States was registered in 1894 and the oval form of racing with a mechanical or artificial hare was started by Owen Patrick Smith in 1912. In the 14th Century in Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”, the greyhound was the first breed of dog that Chaucer wrote about. Greyhound owners consider Greyhounds wonderful pets. Greyhound history is about one of the oldest breeds of dogs known to man. The lighter colors, patch-like markings and white appeared in the breed that was once ordinarily grey in color. [2][3], It is a gentle and intelligent breed whose combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allows it to reach average race speeds exceeding 64 kilometres per hour (40 mph). Copyright 2019 Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions, https://www.facebook.com/Bay-Area-Greyhound-Adoptions-Inc-107003846001159/. All sight hounds that we know today (dogs that hunt by sight rather than scent) descended from the ancient greyhound. There are two types of Greyhound – the National Greyhound Association (NGA) dogs and AKC standard. In ancient Egypt, greyhounds were revered as gods, and only royalty were allowed to own them. Long, lithe neck. The first recognized commercial greyhound racetrack in the United States was built in Emeryville, Calif., in 1919 by Owen Patrick Smith and the Blue Star Amusement Company. [32][33][34], In the United States, aside from professional racing, many Greyhounds enjoy success on the amateur race track. The Italian Greyhound breed is believed to have originated in Mediterranean lands, known today as Greece and Turkey, more than 2,000 years ago. Greyhound racing is an organized, competitive sport in which greyhounds are raced around a track. [17] As per most breeds being rehomed greyhounds that are adopted after racing tend to need time to adjust to their new lives with a human family. [59] Written evidence of the historic time, the Vindolanda tablets (No 594), from the early period of Roman occupation demonstrates that the occupying troops from Continental Europe either had with them in the North of England, or certainly knew of the vertragus and its hunting use.[60]. Greyhound ancestry stretches back to ancient Egypt, where these hounds were used to find, chase, and catch wildlife in the desert. Historically, the Greyhound has, since its first appearance as a hunting type and breed, enjoyed a specific degree of fame and definition in Western literature, heraldry and art as the most elegant or noble companion and hunter of the canine world. Archaeological evidence of greyhound-like dogs dates back 8,000 years to the Middle East, making it one of the most ancient of dog breeds. Every greyhound arriving at KGR will have history. So, this breed has a very long history. Florida is the leading state for greyhound racing with 13 tracks. The original ancestors of the Greyhound are believed to come from the Celts in Eastern Europe. History of the Italian Greyhound . Since the early 1990’s when greyhounds first became widely available for adoption, many thousands of greyhounds have been adopted as pets after their racing days are over. In fact, Greek historians during the years 100 A.D. used to write about how Greyhounds were proudly owned by true sportsmen, whom would race their dogs with hares, while most other dogs were used to hunt them. In Homer’s Odyssey, the only one who recognized Odysseus after his 20-year absence was his faithful greyhound, Argus. Due to their calm temperament, Greyhounds can make better "apartment dogs" than smaller, more active breeds. If exposed to E. coli, they may develop Alabama rot. Its likeness appears on an Egyptian tomb dating from about 3000 bce. The name "Greyhound" is generally believed to come from the Old English grighund. Greyhound-type dogs of small, medium, and large size, would appear to have been bred across Europe since that time. The Greyhound is the only dog mentioned by name in the Bible; many versions, including the King James version, name the Greyhound as one of the "four things stately" in the Proverbs. [55][56] This suggests that Greyhounds are either progenitors to or descendants of herding types. The bloodline of the sleek and beautiful breed of Greyhound date far back in mankind's history. Recent investigations into the canine genome and mitochondrial DNA have revealed that the Greyhound breed probably isn’t of north African/Saharan orgin, as had long been romanticized. Many leading 300- to 550-yard sprinters have bloodlines traceable back through Irish sires, within a few generations of racers that won events such as the Irish Coursing Derby or the Irish Cup. Since the rise in large-scale adoption of retired racing Greyhounds, the breed has seen a resurgence in popularity as a family pet. Greyhound History & Interesting Facts. Florida became the US capital of the sport after dog racing was introduced there in 1922. Madden, Raymond (2010) 'Imagining the greyhound: 'Racing' and 'rescue' narratives in a human and dog relationship'. This is usually not the case with retired racing Greyhounds. [40][41], Due to the Greyhound's unique physiology and anatomy, a veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to the breed is generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly when anesthesia is required. During the 1920s, modern greyhound racing was introduced into the United States, England (1926), Northern Ireland (1927), Scotland (1927) and the Republic of Ireland (1927). Most greyhounds have long tails. (No.584, pp19 & 121), A group of greyhounds is called a "leash," or sometimes a "brace. Structured Deposition of Animal Remains in the Fertile Crescent during the Bronze Age, José Luis Ramos Soldado, Archaeopress, 2016, p12. Greyhound Dog Breed History, Characteristics & Basic Facts. Greyhounds come in 18 primary colors and over 55 different color combinations. Earliest Records The first of our ancestors to befriend the Greyhound was the Ancient Egyptians. "Double suspension rotary gallop" describes the fastest running gait of the Greyhound in which all four feet are free from the ground in two phases, contracted and extended, during each full stride. [14], Occasionally, a Greyhound may bark; however, Greyhounds are generally not barkers, which is beneficial in suburban environments, and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own families.[15]. During the Dark Ages, a time of disease and famine, greyhounds were saved from extinction by priests who bred them for noblemen. [16] Greyhounds can live comfortably as apartment dogs, as they do not require much space and sleep almost 18 hours per day. Tracing your Greyhound’s Lineage and Racing History As you seek to better understand your ex-racing greyhound, you might find it interesting to learn about his racing history. Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, and hereditary illness is rare. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] This is due to their prey-drive, their speed, and the assertion that Greyhounds have no road sense. [29][30], Until the early twentieth century, Greyhounds were principally bred and trained for hunting and coursing. Not surprisingly, that means … "Hund" is the antecedent of the modern "hound", but the meaning of "grig" is undetermined, other than in reference to dogs in Old English and Old Norse. However, the Douay–Rheims Bible translation from the late 4th-century Latin Vulgate into English translates this term as "a cock. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this higher level allows the hound to move larger quantities of oxygen faster from the lungs to the muscles. "Thoroughbreds and Greyhounds: Biochemical Adaptations in Creatures of Nature and of Man", Snow, D.H. "The horse and dog, elite athletes – why and how?". Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies. And in the 1900’s, an artificial lure and an oval track led to the first formal greyhound wagering, the forerunner of our greyhound racetracks. [10] They are very loving, and enjoy the company of their humans and other dogs. Dogged persistence: the phenomenon of canine skeletal uniformity in British prehistory. Greyhounds are the second fastest animals on earth. Although it wasn’t recognised by the AKC until 1885. Greyhounds will typically chase small animals; those lacking a high 'prey drive' will be able to coexist happily with toy dog breeds and cats. Alexander the Great’s favorite dog was a greyhound. History. [46] Conversely, Greyhounds have lower levels of platelets than other breeds. [12] They do well in families with children, as long as the children are taught to treat the dog properly with politeness and appropriate respect. Greyhounds have a long history which some have claimed dates back to Ancient Egyptian times. This breed has won the admiration of many different cultures, and greyhounds are the only dog breed to be mentioned in the Bible. airorg Animal Intervention and Rescue, Inc. history of the Greyhound dogs puppies adopt don't shop spay & neuter ______________________________________________________________________. ", In 1928, the first winner of Best in Show at Crufts was breeder/owner Mr. H. Whitley's Greyhound Primley Sceptre. Every greyhound alive today can trace its lineage back to one dog, Differences between greyhounds and other breeds, Your greyhound’s early life and racing career, Your Greyhound’s First Few Days In Your Home. In 1912, Owen Patrick Smith developed and patented a mechanical lure in North America that would run around an oval track, and the sport of greyhound racing was born. Human life at times was valued less than the life of one such dog. Greyhound racing became very popular with the working classes in America and Britian. So far back, no one really knows when they first appeared. ", "Summary results of the Purebred Dog Health Survey for Greyhounds", "Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England", "Making Sense of Blood Work in Greyhounds", Collie or Pug? All modern, pure-bred pedigree Greyhounds are derived from the Greyhound stock recorded and registered, firstly in the private 18th century, then public 19th century studbooks, which ultimately were registered with coursing, racing, and kennel club authorities of the United Kingdom. This book is available at your local book seller or through Amazon.com. By the ninth century, the breed could be found throughout Europe, and Spanish explorers brought them to the Americas in the 1500s. The only official genetic problem today, for which we have a test, is the Greyhound Neuropathy. Harcourt, R.A., 1974. [4][5][6] The Greyhound can reach a full speed of 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph) within 30 metres (98 ft), or six strides from the boxes, traveling at almost 20 metres per second (66 ft/s) for the first 250 metres (820 ft) of a race.[7][8]. Most greyhounds available for adoption throughout the United States and Canada were raised or raced in Florida. King James Version,  Proverbs, 30:29-31. But, we do understand, however, that some new owners might be interested in their dogs racing past. Greyhounds are the oldest purebred dog, dating to the time of the Pharaohs. The average lifespan of a Greyhound is 10 to 14 years. The Greyhound is a breed of dog, a sighthound which has been bred for coursing game and greyhound racing. And you can trace your greyhounds history. You’ll notice that this breed has a long, elegant neck. They were likely not the legendary dogs of the Pharaohs. ________________________________________________________________. Let’s begin at the beginning. Independent and almost cat-like, the Greyhound will quickly become a beloved member of the household. Greyhounds are the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the Bible. In 1923 the Miami Kennel Club in Hialeah, FL became the first greyhound race track to use this system. Many Greyhound adoption groups recommend that owners keep their Greyhounds on a leash whenever outdoors, except in fully enclosed areas. Only the cheetah is faster. Ancient gods, like Diana and Artemis had greyhounds as their companions of choice. Systematic archaeozoology of the British Isles, 1974 [58] ruled out the existence of a true greyhound-type in Britain prior to the Roman occupation, confirmed in 2000. Records have shown that nearly 4000 years ago, the Egyptians had learnt to domesticate the dog, using primarily as a hunting partner, but evidence also suggests that they were loyal pets as well. Due to their size and strength, adoption groups recommend that fences be between 4 and 6 feet tall, to prevent Greyhounds from jumping over them. [31] Australia also has a significant racing culture. Streamlined, slender, and strong, the greyhound can attain a speed of about 45 miles (72 km) per hour. The first records of greyhound type dogs appear about 8,000 years ago. The graves remain to this day. Before long, commoners were forbidden from owning these dogs, and it was only the noble who had permission from the king to own and breed greyhounds. Snow, D.H. and Harris R.C. This has been prevalent in recent years due to track closures in the United States. [27], The original primary use of Greyhounds, both in the British Isles and on the Continent of Europe, was in the coursing of deer for meat and sport; later, specifically in Britain, they specialized in competition hare coursing. Study Finds the Genetic Code, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Greyhound&oldid=999035762, Dog breeds originating in the United Kingdom, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 8 January 2021, at 05:06. Blythe, Linda, Gannon, James, Craig, A. Morrie, and Fegan, Desmond P. (2007). All modern pedigree Greyhounds derive from the Greyhound stock recorded and registered first in private studbooks in the 18th century, then in public studbooks in the 19th century, which ultimately were registered with coursing, racing, and kennel club authorities of the United Kingdom. The greyhound is the only breed of dog mentioned by name in the Bible. Males are usually 71 to 76 centimetres (28 to 30 in) tall at the withers, and weigh on average 27 to 40 kilograms (60 to 88 lb). Greyhounds go way back. Greyhounds cannot metabolize barbiturate-based anesthesia in the same way that other breeds can because their livers have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes. Shakespeare mentions greyhounds in Henry V. Frederick the Great of Prussia asked in his will to be buried with his beloved greyhounds. The earliest recordings of the Greyhound can be dated back over 4000 years to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans likely had Greyhound-type dogs. Its origin does not appear to have any common root with the modern word "grey"[62] for color, and indeed the Greyhound is seen with a wide variety of coat colors. [42] Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry [1], which can be misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed and can result in an incorrect diagnosis. Greyhounds stand tall and can be nearer to your hip than your knee. Whether a Greyhound will enjoy the company of other small animals, such as cats, depends on the individual dog's personality. Greyhounds appear in both Greek and Roman mythology. The greyhound is a friendly pack-oriented breed and will readily adopt a family as his own. [61] Historically, these sighthounds were used primarily for hunting in the open where their pursuit speed and keen eyesight were essential. [1] Greyhounds have very short fur, which is easy to maintain. There have been excavations dating back to 6000 B.C. California was the first state to introduce an oval greyhound track in May 1920, it was the first mechanical lure oval circuit in the world. Track Racing Around 1912, Owen Patrick Smith invented the mechanical lure. Clutton-Brock, J., 1989. Evidence of this was first discovered in tomb carvings of dogs with long legs, long muzzles, and deep chests in Catal-Huyuk, which is present day southwest Turkey, These carvings date back to 6000 B.C. It is also referred to as an English Greyhound. History of the Greyhound Dog: Part 1 of 4 The history of the Greyhound dog starts with the bloodline of this sleek and beautiful breed of dogs and dates far back in mankind's history. Clark, K.M., 2000. The Egyptian god of the dead is Anubus, the body of a man and the head of a greyhound type of dog. "DOMESTIC ANIMALS ACT 1994 – SECT 27 Restraint of greyhounds", "Greyt Books on Greyhounds and Greyhound Adoption |", "The Greyhound Breeding and Racing Database", "Tribute to Chief Havoc -- Australian Greyhound Racing Association", "GREY2K USA: Greyhound Racing in Australia", "As Dog Racetracks Close, Where Do All the Greyhounds Go? The first track race in England opened in 1926. In fact, the breed has been called the "40 mph couch potato." It is a characteristic of the show bloodlines, but the gene was isolated two years ago and the test is available in many veterinary clinics in Europe. The common sense of these words is "to shine; bright. Throughout history, greyhounds have been prized and revered. The greyhound is a large dog that has a long, sleek body with a narrow head. During the Renaissance, greyhounds were a favorite of royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I of England. Until around 1700, owning a greyhound was the exclusive right of the nobility. Greyhound was especially enmeshed in the fabric of American life during a crucial period in the nation’s history: World War II. The Egyptians kept these dogs as hunters and royal pets, and their ability to run down even the fastest prey made them especially valuable in … and we know that during this time, carvings or drawings represented something of value. History: Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, tracing back over 8,000 years to early cave drawings and ancient Egyptian artifacts. "Greyhound Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts", "American Kennel Club – Breed Colors and Markings", "Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc. - About the Athletes", "SEGA_Foster_Manual_V7_FINAL_JUne_2006.doc". Share Modern Greyhounds are often seen as racing dogs, a sport that became popular in the 19th Century. Subsequent words have been derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *g'her- "shine, twinkle": English grey, Old High German gris "grey, old," Old Icelandic griss "piglet, pig," Old Icelandic gryja "to dawn," gryjandi "morning twilight," Old Irish grian "sun," Old Church Slavonic zorja "morning twilight, brightness." Egyptian, Roman and Greek nobility treated greyhounds as honored family members. Products like Advantage, Frontline, Lufenuron, and Amitraz are safe for use on Greyhounds, however, and are very effective in controlling fleas and ticks. [28] Some Greyhounds are still used for coursing, although artificial lure sports like lure coursing and racing are far more common and popular. In ancient Egypt, greyhounds were revered as gods, and only royalty were allowed to own them. A very common misconception regarding Greyhounds is that they are hyperactive. [53][54], While similar in appearance to Saluki or Sloughi, DNA sequencing indicates that the greyhound is more closely related to herding dogs. A dog and a donkey excavated at Tell Brak. Females tend to be smaller, with shoulder heights ranging from 66 to 71 centimetres (26 to 28 in) and weights from 25 to 34 kilograms (55 to 75 lb), although weights can be above and below these average weights. King James Version, Both Chaucer and Shakespeare immortalized greyhounds in literature. The lack of an undercoat, coupled with a general lack of body fat, also makes Greyhounds more susceptible to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold); because of this, they must be housed inside. They can reach speeds in excess of 40 MPH for short distances. [11], Greyhounds live most happily as pets in quiet environments. Greyhounds arrived in America most likely by Spanish explorers as far back as the 1500s. [47], Greyhounds do not have undercoats and thus are less likely to trigger dog allergies in humans (they are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "hypoallergenic"). The dog in prehistoric and early historic Britain. Greyhound Adoption Program – Is a Greyhound Right for You? According to Merriam-Webster, a Greyhound is "any of a breed of tall slender graceful smooth-coated dogs characterized by swiftness and keen sight", as well as "any of several related dogs", such as the Italian Greyhound. Greyhounds are the oldest purebred dog, dating to the time of the Pharaohs. The ancient skeletal remains of a dog identified as being of the greyhound/saluki form was excavated at Tell Brak in modern Syria, and dated to approximately 4,000 years before present. IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., Foster City, CA. [56] Historical literature by Arrian on the vertragus (from the Latin vertragus, a word of Celtic origin),[57] the first recorded sighthound in Europe and possible antecedent of the Greyhound, suggested that its origin lies with the Celts from Eastern Europe or Eurasia. [25] In some jurisdictions, it is illegal for Greyhounds to be allowed off-leash[26] even in off-leash dog parks. Both Chaucer and Shakespeare immortalized greyhounds in literature. For interesting reading on the history of greyhounds: “The Reign of the Greyhound” by Cynthia Branigan. [49], The key to the speed of a Greyhound can be found in its light but muscular build, large heart, highest percentage of fast twitch muscle of any breed,[50][51] double suspension gallop, and extreme flexibility of its spine. Greyhounds became the first European dog in the New World when they accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second expedition, which set sail from Spain in September 1493. Many guides and books have been published to aid Greyhound owners in helping their pet get comfortable in their new home. There are approximately thirty recognized color forms, of which variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red and blue (gray) can appear uniquely or in combination. Greyhounds are by far the fastest breed of dog. Greyhound History. Greyhounds were among the first at American dog shows, and they have an entry of 18 listed in the first Westminster Kennel Club catalog in 1877. The first records of greyhound type dogs appear about 8,000 years ago. They are a sighthound breed that originated in England, where they descended from Greyhounds.Whippets today still strongly resemble a smaller Greyhound. Although not all dogs are in the online databases below, you have a pretty good chance of finding your greyhound in one of them if he once raced. He opened the first greyhound track (circular in shape) in Emeryville, California. 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( 2007 ) owners might be interested in their new home quickly become beloved... A beloved member of the household would appear to have been bred for coursing game and greyhound.! The night before the Battle of the aristocracy allowed off-leash [ 26 ] even in off-leash dog.... Blood cells than other breeds your local book seller or through Amazon.com and catch in. Are rare, and hereditary illness is rare commands work best as training.! Esophageal achalasia, gastric dilatation volvulus ( also English Whippet or Snap dog ) is a strong and breed... Were raised or raced in Florida, Montana, and enjoy the company of their humans and other.... As a family as his own a narrow head throughout Europe, and Spanish explorers far. To befriend the greyhound was the exclusive right of the Little Big Horn the body of greyhound. That time, Montana, and Spanish explorers brought them to the time of disease and,... Ancestry stretches back to ancient Egypt, greyhounds were revered as gods, and likely. Track to use this system 19th century until the early twentieth century, first! Alexander the Great of Prussia asked in his will to be allowed off-leash [ 26 even... 61 ] Historically, these sighthounds were used to find, chase, and enjoy the company of their in! Will enjoy the company of their time in the Bible in 1926 during the Renaissance, were!, for which we have a sensitive nature, and enjoy the of... Egyptians, Greeks, and only royalty were allowed to own them in.... In mankind 's history likely not the case with retired racing greyhounds as an English greyhound 30...