Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our regular series, Dog Breed of the Month. Next up, we take a look at everything you need to know about Greyhounds.
"The sprinters of the dog world, Greyhounds are gentle and noble dogs that make a great and loyal companion," Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for The Kennel Club, tells Country Living. "Despite reportedly being the fastest dog breed they can be surprisingly laid-back too and enjoy a lazy day on the sofa. They can be very independent, but have a soft side too."
Take a look at everything you need to know about these speedy pups...
Are Greyhounds a good family dog?
Yes, the well-mannered greyhound makes brilliant devoted companions for a family. Thanks to their playful and kind nature, they are perfect house pets and playful friends for all.
"Greyhounds can be a good choice for many owners and can suit different lifestyles, as long as they have access to enough outdoor space and have regular exercise," Bill tells us. "Despite being known for their speed, Greyhounds are also happy to hang out at home after stretching their legs on a walk or high speed run."
Are Greyhounds good for first-time owners?
While they make wonderful companions, Bill tells us that Greyhounds are better for more experienced owners.
"They might not be the best choice for first-time owners, as their hound heritage means they can think and act independently, and their training therefore can be more demanding," he adds.
What colours do Greyhounds come in?
According to the Kennel Club, Greyhounds come in the following colours:
- Black
- Black & White
- Black Brindle
- Black Brindle & White
- Blue
- Blue & White
- Blue Brindle
- Blue Brindle White Particolour
- Brindle & White
- Fallow
- Fallow & White
- Fawn
- Fawn & White
- Red
- Red & White
What were Greyhounds originally bred for?
According to The Greyhound Club, the ancestors of modern greyhounds were used in hunting and kept as companions. Interestingly, many Egyptians considered the birth of a Greyhound second in importance only to the birth of a son, and would go into mourning when the dog dies.
Bill explains: "Greyhounds are ancestors of ancient hounds which were depicted on the walls of Egyptian tombs and were later bred in Britain in the Middle Ages, when they were the favourite hunting hounds of nobility, using their impressive speed when hunting."
Are Greyhounds smart dogs?
They might be as quick as a hiccup, but they are pretty happy spending most of the day sleeping. As well as this, Greyhounds are smart and intelligent dogs with a quiet disposition. It's worth knowing that they do have a sensitive side and are quick to react to tensions in the home.
7 interesting facts about Greyhounds you probably didn't know
- Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 45mph
- When running, greyhounds spend 75% of their time in the air
- Some Greyhounds sleep with their eyes open
- Greyhounds are the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the Bible
- They can see in the dark
- They are incredibly gentle and considered to be one of the most gentle dog breeds
- For thousands of years, greyhounds were bred to hunt by outrunning their prey
12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
