Greyhound
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| Other names | English Greyhound, Spanish Greyhound | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Origin | Europe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Traits | |||
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| Weight | Male | 27 to 40 kilograms (60 to 88 lb) | |
| Female | 27 to 34 kilograms (60 to 75 lb) | ||
| Height | Male | 71 to 76 centimetres (28 to 30 in) | |
| Female | 68 to 71 centimetres (27 to 28 in) | ||
| Coat | Fine, smooth | ||
| Color | Any | ||
| Litter size | 1–12 pups | ||
| Life span | 9–11 years | ||
| Classification / standards | |||
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| FCI | Group 10, Section 3 Short-haired Sighthounds #158 | standard | |
| AKC | Hound | standard | |
| ANKC | Group 4 (Hounds) | standard | |
| CKC | Group 2 – Hounds | standard | |
| KC (UK) | Hound | standard | |
| NZKC | Hounds | standard | |
| UKC | Sighthound & Pariah | standard | |
The Greyhound is a breed of dog, a sighthound which has been bred for coursing game and Greyhound racing. Since the rise in large-scale adoption of retired racing Greyhounds, it has seen a resurgence in popularity as a family pet.
According to Merriam-Webster, a Greyhound is "any of a breed of tall slender graceful smooth-coated dogs characterized by swiftness and keen sight", as well as "any of several related dogs", such as the Italian Greyhound.
It is a gentle and intelligent breed whose combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allows it to reach average race speeds in excess of 64 kilometres per hour (40 mph). The Greyhound can reach a full speed of 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph) within 30 metres (98 ft) or six strides from the boxes, traveling at almost 20 metres per second (66 ft/s) for the first 250 metres (820 ft) of a race.
Males are usually 71 to 76 centimetres (28 to 30 in) tall at the withers and weigh around 27 to 40 kilograms (60 to 88 lb). Females tend to be smaller with shoulder heights ranging from 68 to 71 centimetres (27 to 28 in) and weights from less than 27 to 34 kilograms (60 to 75 lb). Greyhounds have very short fur, which is easy to maintain. There are approximately thirty recognized color forms, of which variations of white, brindle, fawn, 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 can be aloof and indifferent to strangers, but are affectionate with their own pack. They are generally docile, lazy, easy-going, and calm.
Greyhounds wear muzzles during racing, which can lead some to believe it is an aggressive dog, but this is not true. Muzzles are worn to prevent injuries resulting from dogs nipping one another during or immediately after a race, when the 'hare' has disappeared out of sight and the dogs are no longer racing but remain excited.
Contrary to popular belief, adult Greyhounds do not need extended periods of daily exercise, as they are bred for sprinting rather than endurance. Greyhound puppies that have not been taught how to utilize their energy, however, can be hyperactive and destructive if not given an outlet, and they require more experienced handlers.
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Wikipedia