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About Greyhounds Overview |
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About Greyhounds Overview |
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One look into their eyes and you'll melt. Greyhounds -- one of the best-natured breeds -- are smart, sweet, calm, gentle, and loving with children and adults. They've lived with other dogs all of their lives, so they love to socialize with other four-legged friends. And, naturally, they enjoy being with you -- anywhere and everywhere! |
Past Lives
Greyhounds enjoy a rich heritage dating back over 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt where they were kept as companions and hunting partners. Explorers from Greece brought greyhounds back from Egypt. Greek and Roman gods, such as Diana and Artemis, had greyhounds as their companions of choice.
During the Dark Ages, a time of famine and disease, greyhounds were saved from extinction by priests who bred them for noblemen. During this period, ownership of a greyhound became an exclusive right of the nobility. Greyhounds were so highly prized that traveling noblemen would often present a greyhound as a gift to their hosts.
During the Renaissance, Greyhounds were a favorite of royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I. Shakespeare and Chaucer immortalized them in their literature.
Today, greyhounds live their lives on a track, either in a crate or in a run -- a far cry from the pampered lives their ancestors lived. But the centuries of breeding are still part of the greyhounds' demeanor. They are elegant, gentle, loving animals who make wonderful companions. Though they are coming from a track into a home, they are amazing dogs and quickly and happily adapt. The more time and patience you give to them, the quicker they learn and give you their allegiance.
Style
Greyhounds are elegant and gorgeous and come in all sizes, colors and ages. Males are over two feet at the shoulder, averaging 75 pounds. Females stand about two feet, and weigh around 60 pounds. Their many coats of color include brindle, black, fawn, and white with spots. Greyhounds are usually 2 to 5 years of age when rescued, and will live to be 12 to 14 years old with love and good medical care.
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They're Sweet |
They're Easy-Going
If you want to laze around, they will too. If you want to play, they're more than happy to oblige. Needing no more exercise than any dog of similar size, they enjoy daily walks with you, and a romp in a fenced-in area.
They're Smart
Greyhounds are very smart and so, very trainable. They want to please you, and take direction well. Housebreaking can take one day. Climbing stairs may take a week or two. Finding soft spots will take mere seconds. But loving a greyhound will last a lifetime.
Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Greyhound
10. They don't slobber.
9. They hardly shed.
8. They like to hang with well-behaved kids.
7. They're the fastest dogs on the block, but don't brag about it.
6. They're bigger couch potatoes than you are.
5. They could qualify for Mensa (most of them...).
4. They're always unfailingly sweet and polite.
3. They don't smell like dogs.
2. They look you in the eye when you talk to them.
1. They're forever thankful to you for saving their lives!
© Copyright Greyhound Gang 1999-2007