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61-485: Greyhounds are defined as a tall, muscular, smooth-coated, "S-shaped" type of sighthound with a long tail and tough feet. Greyhounds are a separate breed from other related sighthounds, such as the Italian greyhound . The Greyhound's combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine, and slim build allows it to reach average race speeds exceeding 64 kilometres per hour (40 mph). A racing greyhound can reach

122-751: A "Velcro dog"). Small animals including cats may be the subject of prey-driven behaviour by Greyhounds. The original primary use of Greyhounds, both in the British Isles and on the Continent of Europe, was in the coursing of deer for meat and sport; later, specifically in Britain, they specialized in competition hare coursing . Some Greyhounds are still used for coursing, although artificial lure sports like lure coursing and racing are far more common and popular. Many leading 300- to 550-yard sprinters have bloodlines traceable back through Irish sires, within

183-421: A blond coat and, therefore, produce offspring looking unlike their parents. Starting in 2007, genetic analysis has become available to the public. The companies claim their DNA -based diagnostic test can genetically determine the breed composition of mixed-breed dogs. These tests are still limited in scope because only a small number of the hundreds of dog breeds have been validated against the tests, and because

244-654: A common foundational breed, making them difficult to separate genetically. For example, Labrador Retrievers , Flat-coated Retrievers , Chesapeake Bay Retrievers , and Newfoundland dogs share a common ancestry with the St. John's water dog – a now-extinct naturally occurring dog landrace from the island of Newfoundland. The theory of hybrid vigor suggests that as a group, dogs of varied ancestry will be generally healthier than their purebred counterparts. In purebred dogs, intentionally breeding dogs of very similar appearance over several generations produces animals that carry many of

305-616: A desired physical trait. The genetic health of hybrids tends to be higher. Healthy traits have been lost in many purebred dog lines because many breeders of showdogs are more interested in conformation – the physical attributes of the dogs in relation to the breed standard – than in the health and working temperament for which the dog was originally bred. Populations are vulnerable when the dogs bred are closely related. Inbreeding among purebreds has exposed various genetic health problems not always readily apparent in less uniform populations. Mixed-breed dogs are more genetically diverse due to

366-677: A few generations of racers that won events such as the Irish Coursing Derby or the Irish Cup. Until the early 20th century, Greyhounds were principally bred and trained for hunting and coursing . During the 1920s, modern greyhound racing was introduced into the United States, England (1926), Northern Ireland (1927), Scotland (1927), and the Republic of Ireland (1927). Australia also has a significant racing culture. In

427-650: A full speed of at least 21.3 m/s (77 km/h) 47 mph. However, the most common speeds at which they usually win races are 58–61 Km/h (16–17 m/s ). Its maximal speed is attained whether both running in a straight or bending track. Males are usually 71 to 76 centimetres (28 to 30 in) tall at the withers , and weigh on average 27 to 40 kilograms (60 to 88 lb). Females tend to be smaller, with shoulder heights ranging from 66 to 71 centimetres (26 to 28 in) and weights from 25 to 34 kilograms (55 to 75 lb), although weights can be above and below these average weights. Greyhounds have very short fur, which

488-456: A general lack of body fat, also makes Greyhounds more susceptible to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold); because of this, they must be housed inside. Some Greyhounds are susceptible to corns on their paw pads; a variety of methods are used to treat them. Thyroxine levels in the Greyhound are below the normal reference range for dogs; thyroxine response to thyroid-stimulating hormone

549-468: A mix of breeds , differ from mongrels in being intentionally bred. At other times, the word mongrel has been applied to informally purpose-bred dogs such as curs , which were created at least in part from mongrels, especially if the breed is not officially recognized. Although mongrels are viewed as of less commercial value than intentionally bred dogs, they are thought to be less susceptible to genetic health problems associated with inbreeding (based on

610-432: A single recognized breed. Unlike mixed-breeds, crossbreed dogs are often the product of artificial selection – intentionally created by humans, whereas the term mongrel specifically refers to dogs that develop by natural selection , without the planned intervention of humans. The words cur , tyke , mutt , and mongrel are used, sometimes in a derogatory manner. There are also regional terms for mixed-breed dogs. In

671-609: Is prekoplotski avlijaner ( over-the-fence yard-dweller ). In Russia , a colloquial term дворняга (yard-dweller) is used most commonly. In the Philippines , mixed-breed street dogs are often called askal , a Tagalog -derived contraction of asong kalye (”street dog"), while in Singapore, they are known as Singapore Specials. In Puerto Rico , they are known as satos ; in Venezuela they are called yusos or cacris ,

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732-515: Is vira-lata ( trash-can tipper ) because of homeless dogs who knock over trash cans to reach discarded food. In Newfoundland , a smaller mixed-breed dog is known as a cracky , hence the colloquial expression "saucy as a cracky" for someone with a sharp tongue. Guessing a mixed-breed's ancestry can be difficult even for knowledgeable dog observers, because mixed-breeds have much more genetic variation than purebreds. For example, two black mixed-breed dogs might each have recessive genes that produce

793-502: Is a disorder of the fibrinolysis system without derangement of the primary or secondary coagulation systems , and is also not related to platelet count. In this syndrome there is initial adequate hemostasis following trauma or routine surgical procedures, however 36–48 hours later the site undergoes inappropriate hyperfibrinolysis . This results in delayed bleeding which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Standard pre-operative blood work does not identify those at risk It

854-568: Is also lowered. This can impact testing for thyroid disease but it is not a concern for health. "The true origin of the greyhound is unsure, but drawings of findings from the Çatalhöyük site in Turkey (6000 BC), the finding of a greyhound- like dog in a funeral vase in the town of Fusa in Iran (4200 BC) or in rock art in Tassili (dated at 5000 – 2000 BC) indicate that the greyhound is indeed one of

915-501: Is an Italian breed of small sighthound . It was bred to hunt hare and rabbit , but is kept mostly as a companion dog . Small dogs of sighthound type have long been popular with nobility and royalty . Among those believed to have kept them are Frederick II, Duke of Swabia ; members of the D'Este , Medici and Visconti families; the French kings Louis XI , Charles VIII , Charles IX , Louis XIII and Louis XIV ; Frederick

976-451: Is because current accepted breeding practices within the pedigreed dog community result in a reduction in genetic diversity, and can result in physical characteristics that lead to health issues. Studies have shown that crossbreed dogs have a number of desirable reproductive traits. Scott and Fuller found that crossbreed dogs were superior mothers compared to purebred mothers, producing more milk and giving better care. These advantages led to

1037-694: Is distinct from common bleeding disorders in other breeds such as von Willebrand's disease , which is uncommon in Greyhounds. Although high-quality research data are lacking, it is thought that this condition can be prevented and treated by administering antifibrinolytic medication such as tranexamic acid via the oral or parenteral route. Intensive care and blood product administration may also be required in severe cases. Greyhounds do not have undercoats and thus are less likely to trigger dog allergies in humans (they are sometimes incorrectly referred to as " hypoallergenic "). The lack of an undercoat, coupled with

1098-451: Is easy to maintain. There are approximately 30 recognized color forms, of which variations of white, brindle, fawn (pale tan to dark deer-red), black, red, and blue (gray) can appear uniquely or in combination. Greyhounds are dolichocephalic , with a skull which is relatively long in comparison to its breadth, and an elongated muzzle. Greyhounds live most happily as pets in quiet environments. They do well in families with children, as long as

1159-478: Is known as a feist . Slang terms are also common. Heinz 57 , Heinz, or Heinz Hound is often used for dogs of uncertain ancestry, in a playful reference to the "57 Varieties" slogan of the H. J. Heinz Company . In some countries, such as Australia, bitsa (or bitzer ) is sometimes used, meaning "bits o' this, bits o' that". In Brazil and the Dominican Republic , the name for mixed-breed dogs

1220-670: Is still used for dogs in general in Scandinavian languages today. Its origin does not appear to have any common root with the modern word "grey" for color, and indeed the Greyhound is seen with a wide variety of coat colors. The lighter colors, patch-like markings and white appeared in the breed that was once ordinarily grey in color. The Greyhound is the only dog mentioned by name in the Bible ( Hebrew : זַרְזִיר מׇתְנַיִם , zarir mosna'im ) in Proverbs 30:29–31 . Many versions, including

1281-441: Is the smallest of the sighthounds. It weighs no more than 5 kg and stands 32 to 38 cm at the withers . It is deep in the chest, with a tucked-up abdomen, long slender legs and a long neck. The head is small, elongated and narrow. The gait should be high-stepping and well-sprung, with good forward extension in the trot, and a fast gallop. The coat may be solid black, grey or isabelline ; white markings are accepted on

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1342-651: The Circolo del Levriero Italiano , was formed under the auspices of the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana ; it was later renamed the Circolo del Piccolo Levriero Italiano . In the nine years from 2011 to 2019, the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana recorded a total of 2557 new registrations of the Italian greyhound, with a minimum of 213 and a maximum of 333 per year. The Italian Greyhound

1403-617: The Czech lands. The earliest archaeological discovery found conclusively to be a greyhound specifically was at the Chotěbuz fort in the Czech Republic . This comprised sighthound type "gracile" bones dating from the 8th to 9th century AD. These bones matched those of a 70 cm (28 in) high "greyhound", and were also genetically compared with the modern Greyhound and other sighthounds, and found to be almost completely identical with

1464-677: The First World War , partly as a result of the work of two individual breeders, Emilio Cavallini and Giulia Ajò Montecuccoli degli Erri . In this post-War period the Italian greyhound was bred principally in Italy, France and Germany, and some Italian breeders imported dogs from outside the country. Of the forty-five of the dogs registered in 1926–1927 by the Kennel Club Italiano (as it was then known), twenty-eight were born in Italy and seventeen were imported. The events of

1525-665: The Jewish Publication Society and King James Version , name the Greyhound as one of the "three that are stately of stride". However, some newer biblical translations, including the New International Version , have changed this to 'strutting rooster', which appears to be an alternative translation. According to Pokorny , the English term 'Greyhound' does not mean "grey dog/hound", but simply "fair dog". Subsequent words have been derived from

1586-522: The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. Mongrel A mongrel , mutt , or mixed-breed dog is a dog that does not belong to one officially recognized breed , including those that result from intentional breeding . Although the term mixed-breed dog is sometimes preferred, many mongrels have no known purebred ancestors. Crossbreed dogs, and " designer dogs ", while also

1647-555: The Proto-Indo-European root *g'her- "shine, twinkle": English 'grey', Old High German gris "grey, old", Old Icelandic griss "piglet, pig", Old Icelandic gryja "to dawn", gryjandi "morning twilight", Old Irish grian "sun", Old Church Slavonic zorja "morning twilight, brightness". The common sense of these words is "to shine; bright". In 1928, the first winner of Best in Show at Crufts

1708-683: The Second World War brought the Italian greyhound close to extinction, and numbers began to recover only in the 1950s, particularly after 1951, when Maria Luisa Incontri Lotteringhi della Stufa brought the influential bitch Komtesse von Gastuna from Austria. The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in October 1956, and in November of that year a breed society ,

1769-626: The United Kingdom , mongrel is the unique technical word for a mixed-breed dog. North Americans generally prefer the term mix or mixed-breed . Mutt is also commonly used in the United States and Canada . Some American registries and dog clubs that accept mixed-breed dogs use the term All-American to describe mixed-breed dogs. There are also names for mixed-breeds based on geography, behavior, or food. In Hawaii, mixes are referred to as poi dogs, although they are not related to

1830-543: The Great of Prussia ; Anne of Denmark ; Catherine the Great and Queen Victoria . Dogs of this type have often been represented in sculpture – including a second-century Roman statue now in the Vatican Museums – and paintings, notably by Giotto , Sassetta and Tiepolo . Dogs of this kind were taken in the first half of the nineteenth century to the United Kingdom, where they were known as Italian Greyhounds;

1891-550: The United Kingdom. Historically, these sighthounds were used primarily for hunting in the open where their pursuit speed and keen eyesight were essential. The name "Greyhound" is generally believed to come from the Old English ' grighund ' . Hund is the antecedent of the modern "hound", but the meaning of grig is undetermined, other than in reference to dogs in Old English and Old Norse . The word "hund"

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1952-701: The United States, aside from professional racing, many Greyhounds enjoy success on the amateur race track. Organizations like the Large Gazehound Racing Association (LGRA) and the National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) provide opportunities for Greyhounds to compete. Historically, the Greyhound has, since its first appearance as a hunting type and breed, enjoyed a specific degree of fame and definition in Western literature, heraldry and art as

2013-461: The United States. Outside the racing industry and coursing community, the Kennel Clubs' registered breed still enjoys a modest following as a show dog and pet. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 11.5 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . A 2005 Swedish study of insurance data found 60% of Greyhounds died by the age of 10, higher than

2074-502: The breed is generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly when anesthesia is required. Greyhounds cannot metabolize barbiturate -based anesthesia in the same way that other breeds can because their livers have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes . Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry, which can be misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed and can result in an incorrect diagnosis. Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides . Many vets do not recommend

2135-544: The chest and feet only. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . In the United States, the Ortheopedic Foundation for Animals has found the Italian Greyhound to be the least affected by hip dysplasia of 157 breeds studied, with an incidence of 0. The original function of the Italian greyhound

2196-460: The children are taught to treat the dog properly with politeness and appropriate respect. Greyhounds have a sensitive nature, and gentle commands work best as training methods. Occasionally, a Greyhound may bark; however, they are generally not barkers, which is beneficial in suburban environments, and they are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own families. A 2008 University of Pennsylvania study found that Greyhounds are one of

2257-637: The early period of Roman occupation, the Vindolanda tablets (No. 594), demonstrate that the occupying troops from Continental Europe either had with them in the North of England, or certainly knew of, the vertragus and its hunting use. During the Middle Ages , greyhounds could only be owned by rulers and nobles, having long been associated with heraldic symbols of the ruling class in England, France, and

2318-518: The extinct Hawaiian Poi Dog . In the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands , the common term is potcake dogs (referring to the table scraps they are fed). In South Africa, the tongue-in-cheek expression pavement special is sometimes used as a description for a mixed-breed dog. In Trinidad and Tobago , these mixed dogs are referred to as pot hounds ( pothong ). In Serbia , a similar expression

2379-813: The first volume of The Kennel Club Calendar and Stud Book , published in 1874, lists forty of them. A breed association , the Italian Greyhound Club, was established in Britain in 1900. Registrations by the American Kennel Club began in 1886. The history of the modern Italian greyhound goes back to the last years of the nineteenth century. A total of six of the dogs were shown in 1901 in Milan and Novara , two in Turin in 1902, and one in Udine in 1903. Numbers began to increase only after

2440-404: The ground in two phases, contracted and extended, during each full stride. The musculature of both hindlimbs constitutes more than 18 % of their body mass. The proportion of both forelimbs muscle mass is very similar. The proportion of back musculature is 12 % of their body mass. Due to the Greyhound's unique physiology and anatomy, a veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to

2501-496: The hound to move larger quantities of oxygen faster from the lungs to the muscles. Conversely, Greyhounds have lower levels of platelets than other breeds. Delayed haemorrhage following trauma or routine surgery is more common in Greyhounds, with one study reporting significant haemorrhage in 26% of Greyhounds following routine gonadectomy , compared to 0-2% in other dog breeds. This is often termed greyhound fibrinolytic syndrome or breed-associated hyperfibrinolysis, where in there

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2562-429: The lack of genetic diversity. If the dog breed is popular, and the line continues, over hundreds of years diversity increases due to mutations and occasional out-breeding. This is why some of the very old breeds are more stable. One issue is when certain traits found in the breed standard are associated with genetic disorders. The artificial selective force favors the duplication of the genetic disorder because it comes with

2623-450: The latter being a contraction of the words callejero criollo (literally, street creole, as street dogs are usually mongrels); and in Chile and Bolivia , they are called quiltros . In Costa Rica , it is common to hear the word zaguate , a term originating from a Nahuatl term, zahuatl , that refers to the disease called scabies . In the rural southern United States, a small hunting dog

2684-692: The least aggressive dog breeds towards strangers, owners, and other dogs. However, Greyhounds can be prone to sleep startle/sleep aggression if suddenly disturbed while napping. Owners can encounter this problem, as many greyhounds sleep with their eyes at least partially open, appearing awake. A survey of those adopting rescue Greyhounds found that Greyhound adoptions have higher short term adoption success than shelters. The survey also found reported hyperactivity levels to be below that of shelter dogs. Greyhounds tend to be outgoing, happy and sociable with people and seem to relish human contact, even following owners from room to room at home (known colloquially as being

2745-508: The low risk category". Data from Denmark also suggest that mixed breeds have greater longevity on average compared to purebreds. A British study showed similar results, but a few breeds (notably Jack Russell Terriers , Miniature Poodles and Whippets ) lived longer than mixed breeds. In one study, the effect of breed on longevity in the pet dog was analyzed using mortality data from 23,535 pet dogs. The data were obtained from North American veterinary teaching hospitals. The median age at death

2806-537: The modern Greyhound breed, with the exception of only four deletions and one substitution in the DNA sequences, which were interpreted as differences probably arising from 11 centuries of breeding of this type of dog. All modern pedigree Greyhounds derive from the Greyhound stock recorded and registered first in private studbooks in the 18th century, then in public studbooks in the 19th century, which ultimately were registered with coursing, racing, and kennel club authorities of

2867-432: The more haphazard nature of their parents' mating. The offspring of such matings might be less likely to express certain genetic disorders because there might be a decreased chance that both parents carry the same detrimental recessive alleles, but some deleterious recessives occur across many seemingly unrelated breeds, and therefore merely mixing breeds is no guarantee of genetic health. When two poor specimens are bred,

2928-400: The most elegant or noble companion and hunter of the canine world. In modern times, the professional racing industry, with its large numbers of track-bred greyhounds, as well as international adoption programs aimed at re-homing dogs has redefined the breed as a sporting dog that will supply friendly companionship in its retirement. This has been prevalent in recent years due to track closures in

2989-527: The offspring could inherit the worst traits of both parents. This is commonly seen in dogs that came from puppy mills . Several studies have shown that mixed-breed dogs have a health advantage over purebred dogs. A German study finds that "mongrels require less veterinary treatment". Studies in Sweden have found that "Mongrel dogs are less prone to many diseases than the average purebred dog" and, when referring to death rates, that "mongrels were consistently in

3050-463: The oldest breeds of dog.". The ancient skeletal remains of a dog identified as being of the greyhound/ saluki form were excavated at Tell Brak in modern Syria, and dated as being approximately 4,000 years old. Dogs that look similar to Salukis and Greyhounds were increasingly depicted on Egyptian tombs from the Middle Kingdom (2134 BC–1785 BC) onward. Historical literature by Arrian on

3111-498: The origins of dog breeds. Purebred dogs have been, for the most part, artificially created from random-bred populations by human selective breeding with the purpose of enhancing desired physical, behavioral, or temperamental characteristics. Dogs that are not purebred are not necessarily a mix of such defined breeds. Therefore, among some experts and fans of such dogs, mongrel is still the preferred term. Dog crossbreeds , sometimes called designer dogs , also are not members of

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3172-424: The overall rate of 35% of dogs dying by the age of 10. The speed of a Greyhound is due to its light but muscular build, large heart , highest percentage of oxidative–glycolytic fast twitch muscle fibers (Type IIa) of any breed, double suspension gallop , and extreme flexibility of its spine . "Double suspension rotary gallop" describes the fastest running gait of the Greyhound in which all four feet are free from

3233-429: The same alleles , some of which are detrimental. If the founding population for the breed was small, then the genetic diversity of that particular breed may be small for quite some time. When humans select certain dogs for new breeds, they artificially isolate that group of genes and cause more copies of that gene to be made than might have otherwise occurred in nature. The population is initially more fragile because of

3294-474: The same breed in different geographical areas may have different genetic profiles. The tests do not test for breed purity, but for genetic sequences that are common to certain breeds. With a mixed-breed dog, the test is not proof of purebred ancestry, but rather an indication that those dogs share common ancestry with certain purebreds. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the use of DNA tests to determine breed. Many newer dog breeds can be traced back to

3355-464: The theory of heterosis ), and have enthusiasts and defenders who prefer them to intentionally bred dogs. Estimates place the prevalence of mongrels at 150 million animals worldwide. In the United States, the term mixed-breed is a favored synonym over mongrel among people who wish to avoid negative connotations associated with the latter term. The implication that such dogs must be a mix of defined breeds may stem from an inverted understanding of

3416-405: The use of flea collars or flea spray on Greyhounds if the product is pyrethrin -based. Products like Advantage , Frontline , Lufenuron , and Amitraz are safe for use on Greyhounds, however, and are very effective in controlling fleas and ticks . Greyhounds have higher levels of red blood cells than other breeds. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this higher level allows

3477-647: The vertragus (from the Latin vertragus , a word of Celtic origin), the first recorded sighthound in Europe and possible antecedent of the Greyhound, suggested that its origin lies with the Celts from Eastern Europe or Eurasia. Systematic archaeozoology of Britain conducted in 1974 ruled out the existence of a true greyhound-type in Britain prior to the Roman occupation, which was further confirmed in 2000. Written evidence from

3538-425: Was breeder/owner Mr. H. Whitley's Greyhound Primley Sceptre . Greyhounds have won the award three times in total, the most recent being in 1956. Historically, English Greyhounds were grouped: two for coursing, as a "Brace", three for hunting, as a "Leash", otherwise known as a "couple and a half". Italian greyhound The Italian Greyhound or Italian Sighthound ( Italian : Piccolo levriero Italiano )

3599-436: Was determined for purebred and mixed-breed dogs of different body weights. Within each body weight category, the median age at death was lower for purebred dogs compared with mixed-breed dogs. The median age at death was "8.5 years for all mixed breed dogs, and 6.7 years for all pure breed dogs" in the study. In 2013, a study found that mixed breeds live on average 1.2 years longer than purebreds, and that increasing body weight

3660-490: Was negatively correlated with longevity (i.e. the heavier the dog, the shorter its lifespan). Another study published in 2019 confirmed this 1.2 year difference in lifespan for mixed-breed dogs, and further demonstrated negative impacts of recent inbreeding and benefits of occasional outcrossing for lifespan in individual dogs. Studies that have been done in the area of health show that mixed-breeds on average are both healthier and longer-lived than their purebred relations. This

3721-645: Was to hunt hare and rabbit ; it is capable of bursts of speed up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Although assigned to the sighthound or hare-coursing groups by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana, the Italian Sighthound is – as it was in the past – kept mostly as a companion dog . It is classified as a toy breed by the American Kennel Club and

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