Greyhound Origin and History
The Greyhound’s roots are widely believed to trace back to the Middle East, particularly ancient Egypt, where depictions of greyhound-like dogs appear on tombs dating as far back as 4000 BCE. These dogs, ancestors of today’s sighthounds like the Greyhound and Saluki, were highly valued for their speed, stamina, and beauty. They were prized by Egyptians and later traded to foreign dignitaries.
In Great Britain, Greyhounds became a symbol of status and were bred into the modern form known today. Their status was so high that in 1016 owning one was illegal for peasants, reserved only for nobility.
Breed Name and Meaning
The term "Greyhound" does not relate to the dog’s color but likely originates from a linguistic evolution, possibly a corruption of "gazehound" or derived from Latin gradus meaning "swift," or the Old English word for dog, "Grech."
Physical Characteristics
Greyhounds are streamlined athletes with a body designed for exceptional speed. They have long heads and necks, clean shoulders, deep chests, arched loins, and strong, sound legs and feet. Their coat is fine and close, with color variations including black, white, red, blue, and brindled.
The breed’s structure supports remarkable agility and stamina, allowing efficient and low-motion movement.
Body Features
- Head: Long and moderately wide with a flat skull and slight stop.
- Muzzle: Long, powerful, with well-chiseled jaws. Fault: Coarse muzzle.
- Eyes: Oval-shaped, dark, bright, and intelligent in expression.
- Ears: Small, rose-shaped, fine in texture; lie back at rest and semi-pricked when alert.
- Neck: Long, muscular, and well-arched blending into shoulders.
- Forelegs: Long, straight with well-set elbows.
- Chest: Deep and capacious for heart room.
- Hindquarters: Wide, muscular, powerful with well-bent stifles and well-let-down hocks.
- Feet: Moderate length, compact toes with strong pads.
- Tail: Long, low-set tapering with a slight curve.
Historical Importance and Usage
Greyhounds have been cherished for thousands of years as hunting dogs, especially for hare coursing. Their speed and ability to capture game made them favorites among noblemen and sportsmen. This heritage was preserved and refined through centuries, particularly in England.
"So favored by the wealthy were these dogs that in 1016, it was deemed illegal for any peasant to own an animal so magnificent."
Breed Standards and Recognition
The Greyhound is recognized by kennel clubs such as the Continental Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. The breed standard emphasizes a blend of strength, power, and swiftness, with smooth muscles and harmonious body transitions. Deviations from these standards are considered faults depending on their impact.
Summary
The Greyhound is a historically significant and elegantly built breed, renowned for its speed, stamina, and noble heritage, prized for millennia as a hunting companion and a symbol of status.