History of the Greyhounds
The Greyhound is "one" of the first canine breeds from which virtually all-domestic dogs descended from. They can be traced back well over 8000+ years to early cave drawings and decorative artifacts. The Egyptians worshipped Greyhounds as a god and frequently showed them on murals in the tombs of kings. In old England "You could tell a gentleman by his horses and his Greyhounds." In ancient times only the upper classes were allowed to own a greyhound and doing harm to any Greyhound was severely punished.
The Greyhound is the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible. Solomon wrote that there were 4 things with a stately walk - a lion - a greyhound - a male goat and a mighty king. Proverbs 30: 29-31
A Greyhound is a sight hound descended from southern wolf strains and related to Afghans, Salukis and other sight hounds. As hunters they work cooperatively with other hounds and develop strategies of pursuit spontaneously during the chase. This characteristic can be seen in the independent behavior frequently exhibited by even the best-trained show Greyhounds in obedience competitions. Although they have exceptionally keen eyesight, Greyhounds also have keen hearing and sense of smell. Greyhounds have been trained to chase white fluffy mechanical lures. They are NOT vicious predators as many believe, but chase things that move by nature. It is the Greyhound's nature to run. They are sprinters who can run up to 47 miles an hour for very short periods. Some of them love to run; others are simply not interested after they retire. In spite of their early training for the racetrack, Greyhounds love people, in fact more than most breeds, and tend to be quite sociable. They have been handled a great deal during their early years by dog walkers, trainers, veterinarians and others.
About the Breed
A Greyhound is very different from other dogs; biologically, physiologically, and mentally because of its history, background and training. Greyhounds, like all other dogs, are pack animals which means that they are social creatures that live in a social hierarchy. This "dog" socialization is particularly strong with Racing Greyhounds because they have been in the company of a large numbers of other dogs from birth- or a "pack". They need to know who the "leader" is clearly so that they know how to behave appropriately. The "leader" figure sets the rules, enforces discipline and is responsible for the safety, health and well being of the pack. Much like a parent does for their children. As a pet, your dog will look to you to be the "Leader" figure but we should not confuse "authority" with domination or power with abuse. We need to nurture our relationship with our dogs and never harm the delicate trust factor.
They possess superior intelligence, and can exhibit a quiet but surprising independence. These are not animals whose spirit has been broken by their training or racing experience. They are anxious to please and can be trained to standard obedience commands with patience and consistency always done with positive methods. They are also extremely affectionate and very grateful for everything you do for them and with them.
They are used to a leash, love to walk and will learn to heel quickly with proper training and consistency. Most Greyhounds do not know how to sit, climb stairs or play games only because they have not yet learned. With time they can learn all of these things and obedience classed are always very useful and good for your dog is so many ways.
Most dog behavior problems arise out of an owner's misunderstanding of the canine way of thinking and communicating. Just as children need parents as an authority figure to set the rules and boundaries, so do our dogs. Being a benevolent and trustworthy lead for your dog is imperative. They should always have to work for everything, even if its just waiting a few seconds at the beginning. This and much more is explained in the MGAP training session.
Greyhounds right off the track may have never been exposed to other breeds of dogs but "most" adjust quickly with little problems. They know other Greyhounds but may be perplexed, frightened or simply ignore other breeds. Most Greyhounds are good with cats but some are not. Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars.
Their life at the track: Sometime between four and eighteen months, they generally are placed in individual crates in the kennel where they spend most of their time between exercise periods and training. The crates become the dog's private, safe space where they cannot be bothered by other dogs. Generally, Greyhounds are not abused or mistreated, although their handling is straightforward and utilitarian. For these reasons, and others, we highly recommend the use of a crate when you bring a Greyhound into your home. It will be securing and a safe haven for your new ex-racer. They will not need their crate forever, but it is an invaluable training tool in the beginning.
Since they never had close human bond, or friendship, they bond quickly with their new families. They realize what you have done for them and are forever thankful. But remember, they are not disposable items when they misbehave, get old or outlive their entertainment or “fashion” value. If you have given up on a dog before for behaivor reaons, you should seriously re-think adoption. Examine your motivations and be certain that you are able to assume the financial, physical and emotional responsibilities that are part of dog ownership. It will take a greyhound 3-6 months to adjust to your home on average and it will be stressful especially the first couple of weeks. Be sure you are ready and capable of dealing with this before you make the comittment. The cost of caring for a dog doesn’t stop with the adoption fee and the cost of food and crate. There is also vetrinary care which can be expensive. Pet insurance is a great option; are you able to afford that or does having a fund set aside for your vet care work better for you? Either way you have to provide this.
Not any one breed is right for everyone, and the greyhound is not the perfect breed for everyone either. We we cannot guarantee that the greyhound is the right dog for you but we can help you with your decision. We cannot guarantee you, that we willl find you the PERFECT greyhound as PERFECT dogs do not exsist! But then again, either do PERFECT people! If you want to save a dog and are willing to committ and work through any problems, then you may find in the end- the dog saved you!
They truly are the sweetest and dearest friends you could ever ask for.
They possess superior intelligence, and can exhibit a quiet but surprising independence. These are not animals whose spirit has been broken by their training or racing experience. They are anxious to please and can be trained to standard obedience commands with patience and consistency always done with positive methods. They are also extremely affectionate and very grateful for everything you do for them and with them.
They are used to a leash, love to walk and will learn to heel quickly with proper training and consistency. Most Greyhounds do not know how to sit, climb stairs or play games only because they have not yet learned. With time they can learn all of these things and obedience classed are always very useful and good for your dog is so many ways.
Most dog behavior problems arise out of an owner's misunderstanding of the canine way of thinking and communicating. Just as children need parents as an authority figure to set the rules and boundaries, so do our dogs. Being a benevolent and trustworthy lead for your dog is imperative. They should always have to work for everything, even if its just waiting a few seconds at the beginning. This and much more is explained in the MGAP training session.
Greyhounds right off the track may have never been exposed to other breeds of dogs but "most" adjust quickly with little problems. They know other Greyhounds but may be perplexed, frightened or simply ignore other breeds. Most Greyhounds are good with cats but some are not. Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars.
Their life at the track: Sometime between four and eighteen months, they generally are placed in individual crates in the kennel where they spend most of their time between exercise periods and training. The crates become the dog's private, safe space where they cannot be bothered by other dogs. Generally, Greyhounds are not abused or mistreated, although their handling is straightforward and utilitarian. For these reasons, and others, we highly recommend the use of a crate when you bring a Greyhound into your home. It will be securing and a safe haven for your new ex-racer. They will not need their crate forever, but it is an invaluable training tool in the beginning.
Since they never had close human bond, or friendship, they bond quickly with their new families. They realize what you have done for them and are forever thankful. But remember, they are not disposable items when they misbehave, get old or outlive their entertainment or “fashion” value. If you have given up on a dog before for behaivor reaons, you should seriously re-think adoption. Examine your motivations and be certain that you are able to assume the financial, physical and emotional responsibilities that are part of dog ownership. It will take a greyhound 3-6 months to adjust to your home on average and it will be stressful especially the first couple of weeks. Be sure you are ready and capable of dealing with this before you make the comittment. The cost of caring for a dog doesn’t stop with the adoption fee and the cost of food and crate. There is also vetrinary care which can be expensive. Pet insurance is a great option; are you able to afford that or does having a fund set aside for your vet care work better for you? Either way you have to provide this.
Not any one breed is right for everyone, and the greyhound is not the perfect breed for everyone either. We we cannot guarantee that the greyhound is the right dog for you but we can help you with your decision. We cannot guarantee you, that we willl find you the PERFECT greyhound as PERFECT dogs do not exsist! But then again, either do PERFECT people! If you want to save a dog and are willing to committ and work through any problems, then you may find in the end- the dog saved you!
They truly are the sweetest and dearest friends you could ever ask for.
Greyhounds come in 18 official colors according to the American Greyhound Track Operators Official Color Chart, but the variations are endless!
