Greyhound Discussions

Discussion in 'Greyhound' started by Discussion Thread, Apr 28, 2004.

  1. Discussion Thread

    Discussion Thread New Member

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    Greyhound

    Greyhound
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  3. migirlsuk

    migirlsuk New Member

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    Name:
    Alyson
    This is my dog Jack (Number One Son)
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    This is Jacks dad (Plasterscene Gem)
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    This is grandad (Frightfull Flash)
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    Animal anthropologists generally agree that the Greyhound - type dog is one of the seminal canine breeds from which virtually all domestic dogs descend. They can be traced back over 8000 years to early cave drawings and decorative artifacts. The distinguishable modern Greyhounds are descendants of an ancient identifiable breed that goes back to the Egyptians and Celts. The Egyptians worshipped Greyhounds as a god and frequently showed them on murals in the tombs of kings. In old England "You could tell a gentleman by his horses and his Greyhounds." Old paintings and tapestries showing hunting feasts frequently included Greyhounds.

    Legend has it that Cleopatra had coursing Greyhounds, and they are the goddess Diana's hunting hounds. Modern history has been replete with famous Greyhound owners including Frederick the Great, Prince Albert, and Generals Von Steuben and Custer.

    The derivation of the term Greyhound is unknown, but has nothing to do with color. One possibility is that it is from old English gre-hundr, meaning dog hunter or high order of rank. Over the centuries, Greyhounds have traveled with explorers and generals, adorned the suites of kings and queens, appeared in fine art and literature, and been the focus of major industries in both Europe and the United States.


    The Greyhounds placed by adoption organizations are generally retired, trained athletes. Although organizations may very infrequently have Greyhound puppies or dogs that have never been trained for the track, these are much more the exception than the rule.

    Greyhounds are generally bred by professional breeders who look for speed, endurance and even temperament. Most are bred on "farms" located throughout the country where the breeders pay close attention to the physical soundness and emotional disposition of the puppies. As a result, hereditary physical and temperament problems have been avoided in the breed.

    For the first year of their lives Greyhound puppies live together with their litter mates and are handled frequently by the breeders and other staff associated with the breeding "farm," but they are not exposed to other breeds of dogs. Consequently, they are surprisingly socialized to people and strangers but not to other breeds of dog.

    Basically a Greyhound is like all other dogs, but because of its training and racing career has some unique characteristics.

    Greyhounds, like all other dogs, are pack animals which means that they are social creatures who live in a social hierarchy. This socialization is particularly strong with Greyhounds because they have been in the company of a large numbers of other dogs from birth.

    They need to know who the "alpha" figure, the pack leader, is so that they know how to behave. The "alpha" figure sets the rules, enforces discipline and is responsible for the safety, health and well being of the pack. There is always competition and testing in a pack for taking over the role of leader; the strongest member leading the pack insures its survival. As a pet, your dog will look to you to be the "alpha" figure. One of the first behaviors you will probably notice is your new dog following you from room to room looking to you for leadership. If you do not fill the role of the "alpha" figure in terms your dog can understand, it will be perfectly willing to take over if it is allowed.

    Most dog behavior problems arise out of an owner's misunderstanding of the proper role of the pack leader. Among the more common problems arising out of a misunderstanding of the leader role is the reinforcement of shy insecure behavior by trying to avoid all distressing situation in an attempt to comfort an insecure dog.

    Because of their early training, retired Greyhounds have never been without the company of other Greyhounds and have never had the opportunity to really be a puppy. They may need to act out some puppy behavior, like chewing, which they typically quickly outgrow. They are anxious to please and can be trained to standard obedience commands with patience and consistency. They are used to a leash, love to walk and will learn to heel quickly. Most Greyhounds do not know how to sit, climb stairs or play games only because they have not yet learned. With time they can learn all of these things.

    Greyhounds have never been exposed to other breeds of dogs. They know other Greyhounds but may be perplexed, frightened or simply ignore other breeds. They do not know cats. Greyhounds do not know how to defend themselves except by flight and will often "freeze" if attacked.

    Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars.

    Greyhounds do not typically bite but sometimes show affection as a wolf does with mouth agape, gently grasping. They will lick your hand, too. They show affection with their whole body and may rub up like a cat or lean against you.

    Greyhounds have no fat layer on their bodies which makes them sensitive to winter cold or rain. If outside for more than a short time in bad weather, they should be protected with a coat. No dog should be left outside in the cold.

    They are not barkers by nature, but will bark if excited or trying to tell you something like needing to go out.


    Here are both my dogs, Jack and Judy
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  4. Alphatest

    Alphatest Adminstrator

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    Azz
    Great pics and info Migirlsuk!
  5. Gems

    Gems New Member

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    Gemma
    Great looking dogs!!! they are stunning!
  6. Naomi

    Naomi New Member

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    Naomi
    Lovely dogs!
  7. gordon lover

    gordon lover New Member

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    kate
    lovely dogs. :D
  8. migirlsuk

    migirlsuk New Member

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    Alyson
  9. Insomnia

    Insomnia New Member

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    Melanie
    not mine, but a friend of mines greyhound called 'tilley' she is a sweetie and even though smaller, can floor and pin her utonagan housemate!
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  10. Anne

    Anne Global Moderator

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    Anne
    WOW! Tilley is gorgeous :smt049
  11. Insomnia

    Insomnia New Member

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    Melanie
    thanks, i think so too!
  12. nygreys

    nygreys New Member

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    dee
    Oh my... they are all beautiful.:smt049

    Here are my adopted greys.

    First there was Mindy.
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    ThenAbby.

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    And finally my big momma's boy Rusty.

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  13. Alphatest

    Alphatest Adminstrator

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  14. Hayley SBT

    Hayley SBT

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    hayley
    AWWW i had a greyhound called Max he was the brindle type! I just love htis breed and would consider owning onces again, lve the racing type and all the pics are beautiful
  15. stuart owen

    stuart owen New Member

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    stu
    hi lots of nice lookin dogs i am thinking bout getin a greyhound wot r they like in the houes
  16. Evie

    Evie New Member

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    Evie
    They tend to lie around sleeping all day at home. There alot of rescue sites/centres that have ex racers in need of homes. Do an online search to have a look. :grin:
  17. stuart owen

    stuart owen New Member

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    stu
    im lookin for one to work with would a rescue one worrk
  18. ramoth

    ramoth New Member

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    Sarah
    Great stuff :grin:

    I never realised they had such an upbringing, great for them but must be difficult when they go into a family pet environment. The info is invaluable thank you :grin:
  19. -GreyhoundGirl-

    -GreyhoundGirl- New Member

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    GreyhoundGirl
    Beautiful greys! :D :D Photos of my Grey mix coming soon... Just got to sort through and find the best ones :p

    Greyhounds make the best pets, don't they?
  20. -GreyhoundGirl-

    -GreyhoundGirl- New Member

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    GreyhoundGirl
    Last edited by a moderator: May 24, 2007
  21. AliceandDogs

    AliceandDogs New Member

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    Alice
    These dogs are gorgeous, I'll DEFINATELY have one some day!
    Last edited by a moderator: May 25, 2007

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