The Gray Hound Dog Guide to Health and Wellness

Gray hounds are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise.

To ensure your gray hound stays healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise, which can be as simple as a 30-minute walk or a short playtime in the yard.

Gray hounds are prone to bloat, so it's crucial to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still necessary to keep them clean and healthy.

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Greyhounds are sleek and athletic dogs, known for their short fur which is easy to maintain. They come in a variety of colors, with around 30 recognized forms, including white, brindle, fawn, black, red, and blue.

Males typically range from 28 to 30 inches in height and weigh between 60 to 88 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, with shoulder heights ranging from 26 to 28 inches and weights from 55 to 75 pounds.

Greyhounds are a relatively tall breed, with males typically reaching 71 to 76 centimeters (28 to 30 inches) in height at the withers.

Their weight can vary, but males usually weigh between 27 to 40 kilograms (60 to 88 pounds), while females tend to be smaller, weighing between 25 to 34 kilograms (55 to 75 pounds).

Greyhounds have very short fur, making it easy to maintain.

There are approximately 30 recognized color forms, with variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red, and blue (gray) appearing uniquely or in combination.

Greyhounds are dolichocephalic, with a relatively long skull compared to its breadth, and an elongated muzzle.

The Greyhound is a sleek, athletic dog. They come in two types: Racing Greyhounds and show Greyhounds.

Racing Greyhounds typically stand between 25 to 29 inches tall. Show Greyhounds are slightly larger, ranging from 26 to 30 inches in height.

Males in both types usually weigh between 65 to 85 pounds. Females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 to 65 pounds.

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Greyhounds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. You should expect to see health clearances from reputable organizations for conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease.

A good breeder should show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).

Greyhounds are sensitive to anesthesia and some other drugs, which can be fatal in a normal dose for their size. This is due to their low percentage of body fat.

Hypothyroidism involves low levels of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and can be treated with daily thyroid medication. A dog that's getting daily thyroid treatment can live a full and happy life.

Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive bone cancer that's generally affecting large and giant breeds. The first sign of osteosarcoma is lameness.

Here are some common health conditions in Greyhounds:

Greyhounds have a strong hunting drive, which means they're naturally inclined to chase small, fast-moving objects or animals. This can be a challenge for families with small pets, such as cats, bunnies, hamsters, or guinea pigs.

To keep your Greyhound safe and happy, it's essential to keep them on a leash when out on walks unless they're in a controlled and enclosed environment. This will prevent them from chasing after small animals.

Greyhounds are generally quiet dogs and don't bark much, but they may communicate with you through a unique crying or whining sound.

Exercise is crucial for Greyhounds, and they need regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. A little "alone time" and ample exercise can prevent destructive behaviors such as digging or inappropriate chewing.

Here are some fun activities you can do with your Greyhound:

Greyhounds are intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn at times, especially when it comes to training. They prefer independent thought over commands, so patience and consistency are key.

Training sessions should be brief to prevent boredom, and a positive training approach is always the best way to go. Find out what motivates your Greyhound and use that as a tool for positive reinforcement.

Greyhounds are naturally shy with strangers, but they're very affectionate with family members. They need routine exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Here are some tips for exercising your Greyhound:

By following these tips, you can help your Greyhound become a happy and well-adjusted member of your family.

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a unique physiology that can make them sensitive to anesthesia, so it's essential to find a veterinarian who's aware of this.

Their high muscle mass and slender limbs make them prone to foot and leg injuries when running at high speeds. They should not be allowed to gallop on rough or hard surfaces. Regular exercise, such as daily walks and sprints in a fenced area, is crucial to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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To keep your Greyhound healthy, make sure to feed them high-quality food, divided into two meals a day. The recommended daily amount is 2.5 to 4 cups for males and 1.5 to 3 cups for females. Keep an eye on their weight, as they can become overweight easily, which is bad for their health.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. It's essential to be aware of these potential problems if you're considering bringing a Greyhound into your family.

One health issue to watch out for is anesthesia sensitivity. Sighthounds, including Greyhounds, are sensitive to anesthesia and some other drugs, which can be fatal if not administered correctly. If you're planning to spay or neuter your Greyhound, make sure to find a veterinarian who's knowledgeable about sighthounds.

Hypothyroidism is another potential health issue in Greyhounds. It's a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like obesity, lethargy, and coarse, brittle fur. Thankfully, hypothyroidism can be treated with daily thyroid medication, which allows dogs to live full and happy lives.

Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, can also affect Greyhounds. This aggressive cancer often affects large and giant breeds, and the first sign is usually lameness. If your Greyhound is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, treatment typically involves amputation of the affected limb and chemotherapy.

Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, is a life-threatening condition that can occur in Greyhounds. It's caused by the sudden influx of gas and air in the stomach, leading to a twisted stomach that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Here are some common health issues in Greyhounds, along with some key facts to keep in mind:

Greyhounds need a fenced area where they can sprint at least once a day. This should be supplemented by at least one long and two short walks on a standard leash.

They tend to chase small animals and may not return, so it's best not to let them off the lead. Greyhounds should not be allowed to gallop on rough or hard surfaces, as their slender limbs and small feet make them prone to foot and leg injuries.

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Their high muscle mass can also cause overheating, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of water and shade. Greyhounds' lack of a thick coat makes them susceptible to the cold, so they need protection from harsh weather.

Occasional bathing and brushing are all that's needed to keep their coat clean and healthy. Greyhounds tend to accumulate plaque on their teeth more readily than other breeds do, so regular dental care is crucial.

Their heart is larger, hematocrit higher, and thyroid level typically lower, making them different from most other breeds physiologically. Finding a veterinarian who is familiar with Greyhound physiology is advisable, especially when it comes to anesthesia.

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Greyhounds require high-quality food that's formulated for high-energy dogs, and it's essential to choose food that's approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Feeding your Greyhound twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time, can help keep them in good shape. This also allows you to measure their food and ensure they're not overeating.

Greyhounds typically require diets with higher calories and protein than other dogs, so it's crucial to choose a food that meets their nutritional needs. A good rule of thumb is to consult your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions based on your dog's weight, age, and lifestyle.

To determine if your Greyhound is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test. Look down at them and see if you can spot a waist, and then place your hands on their back to feel their ribs without having to press hard.

For a Greyhound, a daily feeding amount of 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals, is recommended. However, this can vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.

The Greyhound is an ancient breed that has been around for thousands of years, with its origins dating back to the Middle East and North Africa.

Drawings from the Çatalhöyük site in Turkey (6000 BC) show dogs that resemble the Greyhound breed, and the ancient skeletal remains of a Greyhound-like dog were found in Tell Brak, modern-day Syria, around 4,000 years old.

Historical literature suggests that the Greyhound's origin lies with the Celts from Eastern Europe or Eurasia, and systematic archaeozoology of Britain conducted in 1974 ruled out the existence of a true Greyhound-type in Britain prior to the Roman occupation.

The Greyhound is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with origins dating back to around 6000 BC in Turkey.

Ancient skeletal remains of a dog identified as a Greyhound were excavated in modern Syria and dated to be approximately 4,000 years old.

The Greyhound's history is closely tied to its hunting prowess, which made it a highly valued companion among royalty and nobles in Europe.

The first recorded sighthound in Europe, the vertragus, was mentioned in historical literature by Arrian and is believed to be the antecedent of the Greyhound.

Greyhounds were associated with heraldic symbols of the ruling class in England, France, and the Czech lands during the Middle Ages.

The earliest archaeological discovery of a Greyhound specifically was at the Chotěbuz fort in the Czech Republic, where bones dating from the 8th to 9th century AD were found to be almost identical with the modern Greyhound breed.

The Greyhound is the only dog mentioned by name in the Bible, specifically in Proverbs 30:29–31, where it is described as one of the "three that are stately of stride".

Greyhounds were highly respected for their hunting abilities, with laws in Europe protecting royal game reserves by forbidding anyone living within 10 miles of the king's forests from owning a Greyhound.

The Greyhound's popularity continued to grow in England, thanks to the popularity of coursing and racing, which eventually led to the breed being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

The name "Greyhound" has a fascinating history. It's believed to come from the Old English "grighund", where "hund" is the precursor to the modern word "hound", but the meaning of "grig" is still undetermined.

The word "Greyhound" does not actually mean "grey dog/hound", but rather "fair dog". This is according to Pokorny, who traced the word back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*g'her-" meaning "shine, twinkle". This root is also the source of words like "grey", "gris" (meaning "grey, old"), and "gryja" (meaning "to dawn").

The Greyhound breed has won several awards, including three Best in Show titles at Crufts. The first winner was Primley Sceptre in 1928, and the most recent was in 1956.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of dogs that originated in the United Kingdom, grouped by category:

Herding dogsOtherExtinct