13 Things About Greyhounds That Explain Their Special Place in Cleopatra’s Heart ❤️

Greyhounds seem like they’re a much smaller dog than they actually are because of their weight! Greyhounds are classified as medium to large dogs, however, on average, greyhounds weight between 50 to 80 pounds. Other breeds the same size as greyhounds tend to weigh 20 to 30 pounds more. 

Greyhounds can run up to 45 mph, making them the second fastest animal on Earth! Only cheetahs can run faster, since they can reach a top speed of 65 mph. Their long legs and deep chest give these dogs a unique body structure, which allows for their “double suspension gallop.” Greyhounds spend a whopping 75% of their time in the air while running. 

Greyhounds are one of the oldest purebred dogs still around in modern times, and trace all the way back to Ancient Egypt. The first known greyhound dates back 4,000 years, however the breed could be older. Cave paintings depict a breed that looks similar, meaning this breed of dog could be 8,000 years old! Greyhounds were mentioned in both the Bible (specifically, the Book of Solomon), and 11 of Shakespeare’s plays. 

Today, greyhounds are most associated with busses and racing, however they didn’t start being used for racing until the end of the 1800s. Unfortunately, dog racing is still legal in 11 states, however, many organizations, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, are working diligently to end the practice in the United States for good. 

Greyhounds were originally bred to be hunting dogs, and were a favorite among nobility. So it’s no wonder these historical dogs have been made pets by historically-notable people! Cleopatra, Henry VIII, Christopher Columbus, Queen Victoria, Teddy Roosevelt, General George Custer, Al Capone, Babe Ruth, Frank Sinatra, and even Betty White have all owned greyhounds.  

Aside from their shape, there’s a lot that sets greyhounds apart from the pack. Greyhounds have more red blood cells than other breeds of dogs, which allows them to run faster! They also have a larger heart and lungs, and a higher body temperature than other breeds. Greyhounds also have a universal blood type, and are used as blood donors. 

Greyhounds aren’t also prone to health problems due to breeding, unlike some other dogs. Out of all the purebred dog breeds, greyhounds have the least hereditary health issues, making this ancient dog quite healthy! On average, the life expectancy of greyhound dogs is normally between 12 to 15 years.

According to the American Kennel Club, greyhounds can come in almost any color. Their short, smooth coats can come in 18 colors, with over 55 different color combinations. They’ve been known to be tri-colored and even spotted. Grey is actually the least common colors for greyhounds, because it was believed grey dogs ran slower, so the color was bred out!

Greyhounds are one of the top five gentlest dogs, and like to avoid conflict by slinking away or freezing. They also love cuddling so much they often find their way into “Top 10 Cuddliest Dog Breeds” lists. It might be because of their skinny structure. Greyhounds are low in body fat, so they like to seek out warmth so they don’t get cold! These docile dogs are also 100% hypoallergenic, making them great family dogs. 

Even though they’ve been bred as racing dogs and have a high prey drive, greyhounds are big couch potatoes. Greyhounds love to sleep and don’t need to be in constant motion like other breeds. They’ve been known to “cockroach” by lying on their backs with their legs sticking up in the air! Like other breeds, it’s important to take them on a daily walk. However, Greyhounds only need one or two walks a day, making them do well in both apartments and cities.

Greyhounds come in all different shapes and sizes. While small greyhound dog breeds are the size of a toy dog, others are some of the largest dogs around! For instance, Italian greyhound dog breeds are a small animal at 13 to 15 inches tall, while the Irish greyhound dog can be nearly 3 feet tall. While most greyhounds have short hair, the Persian greyhound dog, also known as the Saluki, is known for its long ear hair, which almost looks like pigtails! 

While whippets look similar to the Italian greyhound, whippets are more than just a mini-greyhound. Both dogs are a member of the toy group, and both are sighthounds, however whippets tend to weigh more than the Italian greyhound, yet are smaller than the standard greyhound. Whippets also tend to shed less and have a slightly longer life expectancy. But if you’re looking for an answer as to which breed is better in the whippet dog vs greyhound debate, the answer is both! 

Adopt a greyhound month is celebrated in April to encourage people to give the breed a loving home. Retired racing greyhounds are often brought to shelters – or worse, abandoned – once they’re considered too old to compete. Unfortunately, many retired racing greyhounds are put to sleep. But these dogs are fully worthy of a good home, daily exercise, and a lot of love. Here are some rescue groups that specialize in rehoming retired grehounds.

American Greyhound – Dedicated to finding homes for retired racing greyhounds and other sighthounds in need.

Friends of Retired Greyhounds – A non-profit, volunteer organization focused on placing retired greyhounds in loving homes.

Greyhound Adoption Center (Houndsavers) – Since 1987, this non-profit has rescued, rehabilitated, and found homes for thousands of greyhounds.

National Greyhound Adoption Program – Founded in 1989, aiming to find loving, adoptive homes for former racing greyhound dogs.

Paws on the Mountain Greyhound Adoption – Dedicated to finding forever homes for retired racing Greyhounds, serving multiple states including West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Greyhounds Only – A non-profit adoption group based in Northeastern Illinois, taking in retired racing greyhounds from all over the country.

Golden State Greyhound Adoption – Places retired racing greyhounds in adoptive homes in Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and the greater Sacramento area.