The Greyhound Breed - Find out more.

• Keep sessions short – about five to ten minutes at a time as Greyhounds can tire easily.
• Due to their high intelligence and easy-going nature, they tend to be sensitive, thus positive reinforcement works best.
• A high value-treat reward (such as a small cube of cheese or a small piece of sausage) is a great way to hold their attention.
• Greyhounds struggle to “sit” so teaching them the “stay” or “lie down” command may be more effective and comfortable for your dog.
• It is best to keep your Greyhound on a lead at all times when out on walks unless you are in a secure area with no chance of other animals to chase. Greyhounds who have little or no prey drive tend to be trained more easily to be off the lead. When having a new Greyhound it is usual to utilise a muzzle for the first few weeks whilst they are out. (Greyhounds are used to them).
• When in a secure location to keep your pet safe try a game of “Tag”.  Your Greyhound will almost certainly outrun you but they will love the interaction. It’s also a great way for you both to keep fit and cement a closer bond.
• Licky mats are a great way for your Greyhound to enjoy some nutrients (doggy peanut butter, doggy Ice cream (etc.)) whilst enjoying the chance of a good “lick” Note: Xylitol, often used as a sweetener is toxic to dogs as is chocolate in ice cream. 
• Some Greyhounds can work with “doggy games” that can be purchased at Pet Stores, but hiding treats under small pots can be just as much fun for them.

• As sprinters, Greyhounds prefer to use their energy in bursts so shorter, active walks are ideal.
• Even though your Greyhound appears to be lazy, exercise and playtime are still essential to avoid boredom that may lead to destructive behaviour such as scratching and chewing.
• We recommended that Greyhounds receive a minimum of 1 hour of exercise a day.  Greyhounds exert their energy in short spurts, so two 30-minute walks a day minimum are recommended.
• Some Greyhounds can be built up to walk for 2-3 hours with training, proper breaks and soft ground.
• During a 30-second race 100,000 watts (100kW) of waste heat energy is produced, enough to bring 600 ml of tap water to boil in 2 minutes. Greyhounds are the second fastest animals on earth. Only the cheetah is faster. 
• Greyhounds are the world’s fastest dog breed. Racing Greyhounds can reach speeds of 45mph with the fastest ever recorded at just over 50mph.
• Greyhounds are inclined to give chase to perceived prey and can be single-minded in their pursuit. For this reason, it’s vital that you spend extra time on recall training with your Greyhound and only let them off the lead in safe, secure areas initially.

When it comes to food, Greyhounds love a treat but can be picky eaters when it comes to mealtimes.

• It is best to feed Greyhounds twice a day as they don't want to expend energy in short, sharp bursts on an over-full stomach.  Feeding times should be considered based on home life but it is not recommended to feed Greyhounds after 4 pm.
• Greyhounds can be prone to tummy troubles so it’s important to keep an eye on their diet and ask your vet for advice on feeding.
• Greyhounds are sleek and slim by nature. Make sure you can see a waist and two or three pairs of ribs.  Greyhounds can die from being overweight.
• Whilst "working/racing" Greyhounds are fed a high protein diet.  Upon retirement they no longer require so much protein but still require good nutritious food.
• When adopting a Greyhound from Home Run Hounds we will give you all the information needed on the suitable diet for your new pet.

• A Greyhound’s coat is short, sleek and easy to care for but like any dog they can be prone to shedding as its natural, but can certainly be considered for people with allergies.
• Greyhounds shed moderately all year round, with heavier sheds during the spring and autumn months. There’s nothing you can do to prevent shedding as its natural, but regular brushing will help to remove any loose hair and maintain a healthy shine to the coat.  A suitable "Furminator" will greatly assist de-shedding used gently.
• Despite their name, Greyhounds can come in a variety of colours, including fawn, black, red, blue, grey, white, parti-colour or brindle, a striped pattern.
• Greyhounds have very little “doggy smell” compared to other breeds and don’t need to be bathed very often.
• As a breed, Greyhounds can be prone to dental problems so grooming should include regular brushing of the teeth and dental checks with the vet.
• Whilst their coat is low maintenance, weekly brushing can help remove any loose hair, whilst massaging with a “hound glove” will add that extra shine.

• Petplan is proud to partner with Home Run Hounds to help ex-racing Greyhounds find homes.
• Greyhounds’ gentle nature means they are great family pets, but their sensitivity means that a very busy home might be too much for them to handle.
• Training a Greyhound needs patience and a gentle approach, but they respond well to edible incentives!
• As pack animals, Greyhounds get on well with other dogs, but owners of cats and small animals should beware – some Greyhounds will chase smaller pets.
• Retired racing Greyhounds are usually well-socialised with people and other Greyhounds but tend to be wary of other dog breeds initially.
• Like all dogs, Greyhounds can suffer from a range of health conditions so always look carefully at the veterinary cover provided when shopping around for pet insurance as not all policies are the same and ensure your Vet is familiar with the Greyhound breed, as there are some differences. 
• Bred as sprinters, rather than distance runners, Greyhounds are happy in many gardens and homes, as long as they receive adequate daily walks. Fencing must be 5ft or above as Greyhounds can jump.
• Whilst they are very gentle, Greyhounds can struggle if there is too much going on, so do best in quieter homes with older children or a home where they can have their own space when needed.
• Greyhounds are known to be very gentle dogs making them ideal companions for children. They tend to be very tolerant and will allow children to handle them, but some dogs may find boisterous play too much. As with all dog breeds, make sure you supervise any time your Greyhound spends with children to ensure everyone stays safe and happy.
• Greyhounds love attention. The breed can be prone to separation anxiety if you’re likely to be out and about a little more. You should make sure they’re not alone for more than a few hours at a time.
• Home Run Hounds will home to Boaters and people living in flats provided the circumstances are right.   We have volunteers who live on boats and flats who will work with hounds to match suitability. 

•  Periodontal disease
• Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented by regular brushing of the teeth and having dental descales on veterinary advice, helping the dog to lead a normal, pain-free life.
• Back, spine & neck issues
• Greyhounds can be prone to issues with their spine and neck as they are athletes!
• Arthritis
• Greyhounds can suffer from arthritis, which means ‘inflammation of the joints’ again because they are athletes. There are many different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and immune-mediated arthritis. The most common form in dogs is osteoarthritis, which is also known as ‘degenerative joint disease’. This type always involves an underlying issue (wear and tear, for example) or a specific condition (such as cruciate rupture or hip dysplasia, which are common in many larger breeds and can occur in young dogs). Arthritis is an irreversible condition but can be successfully managed to help the dog enjoy a good quality of life.       
• Corns
• Corns are hard bumps that form inside the foot pads. In dogs, they almost always occur in the breeds known as the ‘sight hounds’, a group that includes Greyhounds. At first, a tiny dot appears that eventually gets bigger until a corn breaks through the pad. Corns can grow quite large if left unchecked and must feel like having a pebble in your shoe. Treatment varies depending on the site and painfulness of the corn, but the dog can usually continue to live an active life.
• Bone cancer
• All dogs can suffer from osteosarcoma, a bone tumour. It’s mostly found in middle-aged or elderly dogs but can affect a dog of any age, with larger breeds like Greyhounds tending to develop tumours when they are younger. While any bone can be affected, most cases occur in the leg bones. Unfortunately, while surgery and chemotherapy may extend the life of a dog with osteosarcoma, they won’t cure the condition.

• Greyhounds are the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the Bible.
• “Greyhound” is the King James Version translation of the Hebrew words zarzir mothnayim, meaning literally “one girded in loins,” used in Proverbs 30:31. Verses 29-31list four things that “go well” and are “comely in going” (beautiful and lovely to look at as they walk with dignity/majesty). The other things listed are a lion, a male goat and a King at the head of his army.
• When running, greyhounds spend 75% of their time in the air.
• Some greyhounds sleep with their eyes open.
• Greyhounds come in 18 primary colours and over 55 different colour combinations.
• Greyhounds wear muzzles while racing to protect themselves from injury during the excitement of the race and to make it easier to determine the winner in a photo finish.
• At one time only noblemen were allowed to own a greyhound.
• Greyhounds have a higher body temperature than any other dog.
• Greyhounds have significantly more red blood cells and a bigger heart and lungs than any other breed.  Red blood cells carry oxygen that helps them to run faster.
• Greyhounds have a universal blood type and can act as blood donors for other canines.  Many adopters carry on this wonderful work with their Greyhound and the Pet Blood Bank or their vets.
• Greyhounds have a 270-degree range of vision. They can see objects behind them and over ½ mile in front of them.
• Greyhounds have stereoscopic vision, which means they are suited to seeing moving objects.  When calling a greyhound it is sometimes helpful to move your body while calling.
• Greyhounds are in the top five gentlest dogs.
• Some very famous people including Cleopatra, Christopher Colombus, Teddy Roosevelt, General George Custer, Bo Derek, Jackie Gleason, Babe Ruth, Al Capone, Betty White, Leonard Nimoy, Frank Sinatra, Queen Victoria and King Henry VIII have owned greyhounds.
• Grey is now the least common colour because at one time it was thought that grey dogs ran slower and the colour was bred out. Today grey dogs are now referred to as blue.
• A greyhound uses its tail like a rudder while racing.
• Greyhounds can sit, but due to their distinctive shape and muscular back legs, most find this position uncomfortable. Usually, you’ll find your Greyhound will be more comfortable standing up or lying down.
• Greyhounds are mentioned in 11 of Shakespeare’s plays including Taming of the Shrew

• • Petruchio
  • Nay, that you shall not. Since you have begun,   
  • Have at you for a better jest or two.    
  • Bianca
  • Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush,
  • And then pursue me as you draw your bow.    
  • You are welcome all.    
  • [Exit Bianca, Katherina, and Widow]
  • Petruchio
  • She hath prevented me here, Signor Tranio,        
  • This bird you aimed at though you hit her not.    
  • Therefore a health to all that shot and missed.    
  • Tranio
  • O, sir, Lucentio slipped me like his greyhound,    
  • Which runs himself and catches for his master.

• A content greyhound will often “cockroach” or "roach" (lie on its back with legs up).
• The day before Custer’s last stand, he sent his 40 greyhounds away with a soldier thus saving their lives.
• Out of all the purebred dog breeds up to date, many animal experts have come to believe that the Greyhound is perhaps the healthiest breed of dog when it comes to staying clear of developing any hereditary health issues. It’s truly amazing how a dog breed as ancient as the Greyhound can have a practically perfect health record.