The Ultimate Guide to Grey Hound Puppies

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Posted Oct 9, 2024

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Italian Greyhound in Close-up Shot
Credit: pexels.com, Italian Greyhound in Close-up Shot

Greyhound puppies are a bundle of energy and joy, but they require a lot of care and attention. With their short coats and adorable wrinkles, it's hard to resist their charms.

Greyhounds are known for their gentle nature, making them a great fit for families with children. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

To bring a greyhound puppy into your life, be prepared for a commitment of around 10-15 years. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

Physical Characteristics

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed dog, often referred to as a "sighthound in a small package".

They love to run and chase, but are extremely gentle and sensitive.

Their reserved and often timid nature around strangers is a characteristic worth noting.

Italian Greyhounds are devoted to their family and get along well with children, other dogs, and pets.

However, care should be taken to ensure they're not injured by boisterous children or larger dogs.

A fresh viewpoint: Italian Hound

Care and Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, Things Nobody Told You About Owning a Greyhound? - Vet Dr Alex

Greyhound puppies require daily exercise, but they're sprinters, not endurance runners, so they need a chance to run in a safe location or longer walks on leash.

To keep them happy and healthy, provide a safe area for them to run and play outside, as they love to run and chase. They can easily run into danger at great speed if not exercised in a safe area.

Greyhound puppies relish creature comforts and need soft bedding and warmth to feel cozy and comfortable. I've seen them snuggle up in their favorite blankets and sleep for hours.

Their coat is extremely easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. A quick brush a few times a week will keep their coat looking its best.

Greyhound Basics

Greyhounds are a medium to large breed, typically weighing between 50-80 pounds and standing 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for their athletic ability and short coats.

Greyhounds are often referred to as "40 mph couch potatoes" because they can reach high speeds but also enjoy spending time relaxing at home.

What is a Greyhound Puppy?

Credit: youtube.com, Greyhound Puppies

A Greyhound puppy is a bundle of energy and joy, with a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

They typically weigh between 20-30 pounds at birth and grow to a lean, athletic build, with males reaching up to 27 inches in height and females up to 25 inches.

Greyhound puppies are born after a gestation period of about 60-70 days, and their large ears and curious nature are evident from an early age.

Their short, compact bodies allow them to conserve energy for short bursts of speed, making them natural sprinters from the start.

New owners should be prepared for a lot of exercise and playtime, as Greyhound puppies need to burn off their excess energy to stay happy and healthy.

Why Choose a Greyhound Puppy?

Choosing a greyhound puppy can be a thrilling experience. Greyhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children.

Credit: youtube.com, A beginners guide to living with a greyhound

They are relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring only short periods of exercise each day. This makes them perfect for busy owners who want a pet that won't keep them up all night.

Greyhounds are naturally quiet dogs, which is a plus for apartment dwellers or those who live in noise-restricted areas. They are also relatively easy to train due to their intelligence and willingness to please.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for owners who don't want to spend a lot of time brushing their pet's hair.

Health

As you're considering bringing a Greyhound into your family, it's essential to be aware of the health concerns that can affect this breed. The average lifespan of a Greyhound is between 10-15 years.

Greyhounds are prone to certain health issues, with periodontal disease being a major concern. This can lead to bad breath, yellowing teeth, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Credit: youtube.com, Introducing Greyhound Dental Health Awareness Month

Other minor concerns include epilepsy, leg fractures, patellar luxation, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any potential issues early on.

Occasionally, Greyhounds may experience color dilution alopecia, cataracts, Legg-Perthes disease, or hypothyroidism. Portacaval shunts are also possible, although rare.

To monitor your Greyhound's health, suggested tests include knee, eye, hip, and thyroid checks. Keep in mind that Greyhounds are also susceptible to leg and tail fractures, and may react poorly to barbiturate anesthesia.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the health concerns that can affect Greyhounds:

  • Major concerns: periodontal disease, osteosarcoma
  • Minor concerns: epilepsy, leg fractures, patellar luxation, PRA, esophageal achalasia, gastric torsion
  • Occasionally seen: color dilution alopecia, cataract, Legg-Perthes, hypothyroidism, portacaval shunt, SAS, DCM, osteogenesis imperfecta

History

The Greyhound has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. The first sighthounds were selectively bred by humans to run after and catch game by outrunning it.

Greyhound-like dogs have been depicted in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times, showcasing their enduring popularity. The name Greyhound may come from Graius, meaning Greek, or from the Latin gradus, denoting high grade.

Credit: youtube.com, JIM REYNOLDS HISTORY

In Britain, Greyhounds were well established by Saxon time and were valued by both commoners for their ability to put food on the table and by nobility for the sport of the chase. The Forest Laws prohibited all but nobility from keeping Greyhounds near royal forests unless they had been “lamed”.

Greyhounds remained the dogs of nobility for centuries, used for coursing hare for sport, and early American immigrants often brought them to the New World. They proved adept at coursing on the open plains.

The Greyhound's fate was sealed when track racing became popular in 1926, leading to dogs being bred specifically for short bursts of speed. They were AKC recognized in 1885 and soon became divided into show and racing types, which were seldom interbred.

You might like: Greyhounds Racing

Greyhounds

Greyhounds are a sight hound breed, known for their incredible speed and agility. They can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Credit: youtube.com, Basic Dog Training with Greyhound Guru, Dog Behaviourist & Trainer Rachel

Greyhounds are often referred to as "40 mph couch potatoes" because they are happy to spend most of their time sleeping or lounging around the house. They need plenty of rest to recover from their high-energy bursts of speed.

Greyhounds typically weigh between 50-80 pounds and stand between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a medium to large breed, but their slender build makes them appear smaller than they actually are.

Greyhounds are known for their short coats, which require minimal grooming. They are also relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring only occasional nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Junior Varsity

If you're considering adopting a greyhound, you might be wondering about the different types of dogs available. GALT's Junior Varsity puppies are a great option for those who want a younger dog.

These puppies are typically young, energetic, and playful, making them perfect for families with kids or for people who want a lively companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Greyhounds make good pets?

Yes, Greyhounds can make great family pets with proper socialization, but they do require special care to ensure they get along with smaller pets. With the right attention and training, they can be loving and loyal companions.

How long do pet Greyhounds live?

Pet Greyhounds typically live for 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion. With proper care, they can thrive as loving family pets.

Sources

  1. Italian Greyhound Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
  2. Instagram (instagram.com)
  3. Donate to GALT (greytstore.org)
  4. Greyhound Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
  5. Greyhounds as Pets (greyhoundfriends.com)
  6. Finding a Greyhound Puppy (greyhoundclubofamericainc.org)

Eduardo Toy

Senior Writer

Eduardo Toy is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. With a focus on animal-related topics, Eduardo brings a unique voice to the table, drawing from personal experiences and in-depth research. His articles have been featured in various online publications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as dog breeds and pet care.