Greyhound racing video

What a clever dog! http://youtube.com/watch?v=kD-AbFVRSYM

Greyhound: The Fastest Running Dog
by: George Adams

The fastest running dog of all the canine species is the Greyhound. Because of their great speed, many Greyhound owners use these animals as racing dogs. In this case, the lifespan of a Greyhound depends on how long he can maintain his ability win. After too many losses, some owners will opt to euthanize their animals. For those Greyhounds lucky enough to be rescued, they can be rehabilitated for family pets.

If you decide you'd like to give a rehabilitated Greyhound a home, consider speaking with a trained rescuer about the issues these types of dogs may have. When training a Greyhound to race, they are taught to chase a mechanical rabbit. Many times Greyhounds will have difficulty discerning the mechanical rabbit from a small child or other pet, and will erroneously give chase. Rehabilitated Greyhounds make much better pets when they are not given the opportunity to interact with children and other pets. Being full grown at the time of their rehabilitation, unfortunately does not mean they are house broken and will likely need extra time and patience to learn what is expected of a pet.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Greyhounds as a member of the Hound Group, which first made their appearance in ancient Egypt. There they were taught to hunt down game. After making their way to England, they developed into favored animals with British noblemen who, realizing their speed and ability to turn coin, began racing them. This trend continued when Greyhounds crossed the seas to America.

Large, sleek and strong with narrow bodies, Greyhounds are muscular with long lithe tails and dark eyes. Where most dogs of a specific breed are categorized by their unique color, the Greyhound breed can be a variety of different colors.

Though not known for their energy, Greyhounds are popular for their impossible speed. When not racing, these dogs can be found lazing away in the shade, storing what energy they have for their next race. Greyhounds need plenty of room to run, in a well enclosed area. However, animals that live in more confined spaces like apartments will eventually acclimate themselves to walking on a leash.

Typically Greyhounds are amiable, companionable pets that enjoy time spent with their families playing. Greyhounds are affectionate dogs and love to be close to their owners. They love children and delight in playing with them, and are generally gentle and good natured enough to play with other animals as well. Because the Greyhound's instinct is to prey, it's advisable you watch them closely around other pets and children. Though they are loveable dogs, their natural instincts drive their actions.

Greyhounds require good quality food to sustain their bodies and provide energy. They are notorious for their tendency to bloat, so Greyhound owners must carefully monitor their food intake and make certain they are not eating too much. It's recommended, for the overall health of your pet that they be allowed to eat numerous smaller meals instead of a couple larger ones. It's always a good idea to speak with a veterinarian; they will be able to provide the best information about how to care for your Greyhound, along with recommending a vitamin supplement that will keep your pet in good health.

Luckily Greyhounds don't shed much at all. This is because they have a short coat, which makes grooming for these animals relatively simple. Greyhounds shouldn't need to be brushed more than once a week, and a good rule of thumb is to have their nails clipped by a professional when they begin to sound like tap dancers.

Deciding to become the owner of a rehabilitated Greyhound may seem daunting at first, but with patience and devotion, these dogs can make an excellent addition to any family.

Post edited by: hedvig, at: 2009/05/29 14:28

by: Stephanie Bayliss

History

There are conflicting opinions regarding the origin of the Greyhound, from the Celts who believed that they came from Greece, to the Romans who believed that they came from Gaul (in Western Europe), with many varying opinions inbetween.

There are ancient pictures which date back to 6000BC in the city of Catal-Huyuk in present-day Turkey, depicting dogs very similar in type to Greyhounds. Pictures from 4000BC found on a funery vase in Iran also depict Greyhound-like dogs which suggest that these dogs were held in the highest regard. Ancient artists tended only to depict images of religious or social importance.

Appearance

Greyhounds have an extremley elegant and graceful appearance; slender but also strong. They are propelled by extremely strong hindquarters; when they run it appears effortless and truly beautiful.

It is a pleasure to watch these dogs race, with their long neck and face set on their long, slender frame.

Greyhounds come in a massive variety of colours; Black, red, white, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours broken up with white

Temperament

Despite what most people think, these dogs can be real couch potatoes! Although they are capable of short bursts of speeds of upto 64km/hr, they are not blessed with great amounts of endurance, so love to get home after walkies and sleep it off!

They are great family pets; kind and gentle with their families and very affectionate. They may be a little aloof with strangers, but never nasty.

However, their history must be remembered; they were bred to course and race and therefore have tendencies to chase and catch small things; this can include smaller dogs, cats and other small pets. They must be very carefully socialised with smaller dogs and extreme care should be taken around cats.

Grooming

With their short coats, they will only require a very minimal amount of time spent on grooming.

Exercise

Two 20 minute walks a day is ample for these dogs - they particularly enjoy getting home to relax after their walkies!! Real care should be taken with allowing these dogs off lead - unless they are EXTREMELY well trained, they are liable to run off and chase any small thing that moves - and at 64km/h, there is no chance you'll be able to catch them!!

Health Problems

Greyhounds can be prone to injury when expelling their pent up energy! They don't really suffer from any genetic diseases; they can be a little sensitive to drugs although vets should be aware of this if treating them.

Post edited by: hedvig, at: 2009/05/29 14:29