Interesting Greyhound Facts
Greyhounds are the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the Bible.
Greyhounds are the second fastest animals on earth. Only the cheetah is faster.
When running, greyhounds spend 75% of their time in the air.
Some greyhounds sleep with their eyes open.
Greyhounds come in 18 primary colors and over 55 different color combinations.
Greyhounds wear muzzles while racing to protect themselves from injury during the excitement of the race and to make it easier to determine the winner in a photo finish.
At one time only noblemen were allowed to own a greyhound.
Most (we would say some) greyhounds are physically unable to sit.
Greyhounds have a higher body temperature than any other dog.
Greyhounds have significantly more red blood cells and a bigger heart and lungs than any other breed. Red blood cells carry oxygen that helps them to run faster.
Greyhounds have a universal blood type and are used for blood donors.
Greyhounds have a 270-degree range of vision. They can see objects behind them and over ½ mile in front of them.
Greyhounds have stereoscopic vision, which means they are suited to seeing moving objects. When calling a greyhound it is sometimes helpful to move your body while calling.
Greyhounds are in the top five gentlest dogs.
Some very famous people including Cleopatra, Christopher Colombus, Teddy Roosevelt, General George Custer, Bo Derek, Jackie Gleason, Babe Ruth, Al Capone, Betty White, Leonard Nimoy, Frank Sinatra, Queen Victoria and King Henry VIII have owned greyhounds.
Gray is now the least common colour because at one time it was thought that gray dogs ran slower and the colour was bred out.
A greyhound uses its tail like a rudder while racing.
Greyhounds are mentioned in 11 of Shakespeare’s plays.
A content greyhound will often “cockroach” or "roach" (lay on its back with legs up).
The day before Custer’s last stand, he sent his 40 greyhounds away with a soldier thus saving their lives.
For every greyhound registered with the AKC there are 150 registered with National Greyhound Association.
During a 30-sec race 100,000 watts of waste heat energy is produced, enough to bring 600 ml of tap water to boil in 2 minutes.
Greyhounds can lose up to 5 pounds in a single race.
Out of all the purebred dog breeds up to date, many animal experts have come to believe that the Greyhound is perhaps the healthiest breed of dog when it comes to staying clear of developing any hereditary health issues. It’s truly amazing how a dog breed as ancient as the Greyhound can have a practically perfect health record.