Greyhounds are as fast as they are smart, as wise as they are loving. Outdoors, it is a thrill to watch this dog run at full stretch. Indoors, he becomes a quiet and dignified family member, expecting hugs and petting from his family.

Greyhounds have been speedy hunters of rabbits and other larger animals for thousands of years. They were treated to lives of luxury by the royalty of ancient Egypt; carvings of them appear in Egyptian tombs. The first written description of the breed appears in ancient Roman texts by the Roman poet Ovid. Greyhounds came to America in the early 1500s, brought by Spanish explorers.

With their tall, slim bodies, Greyhounds strike a royal figure, but they are gentle giants. The Greyhound’s sleek, smooth coat feels like velvet. Any color is permitted for the breed.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Dark, bright eyes showing intelligence and spirit; long and muscular with a deep chest and a long, fine, tapering tail that curves upward.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Weight—males, 65 to 70 pounds; females, 60 to 65 pounds.

Fun Facts

The Greyhound body is designed for speed. He is the fastest dog in the world, able to reach speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour. He is the second-fastest animal on land; only the cheetah is faster.

The sport of Greyhound racing takes place when these fleet-footed dogs follow a mechanical rabbit around a track. When the dogs retire from racing, they can be adopted by families.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.