Greyhound is a breed of dog originally bred to become hunting dogs to chase after foxes, deer, and hare. Because of its characteristic and running speed, it eventually became engaged in large-scale racing, which eventually dimmed out. The breed resurged in popularity as a family pet. One interesting fact about this dog breed is that it is the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the bible.

History of Greyhound Dog Breed

The Greyhound is an ancient breed, as evident of it being mentioned in the bible. It originated in the Middle East and North Africa. The breed has been adored by many ancient civilizations including the Greeks and the Romans.

During the Dark ages, the Greyhounds found their way into Europe. They became a respected dog breed for being excellent hunters. In England, their popularity continued to grow when they were used in sports racing and coursing (chasing prey).

Greyhounds were then brought to the Americas by British colonizers and Spanish explorers. They were used to course after coyotes and jackrabbits.

Greyhounds were also one of the first dog breeds to appear in dog shows in America. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. They reached the peak of their fame when they were used in coursing races. The sports, however, faced controversy because Greyhounds that did not win in the race were euthanized, abandoned, or sold into laboratories. The sports became less and less popular over time. And now, people own Greyhounds not for coursing and racing but to become lovely pet companions at home.

What is the only dog breed specifically mentioned in the bible?

Moving on to the interesting part, the Greyhound is actually the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the bible. The King James Version of Proverbs 30:29-31 mention:

There be three things which go well, yea,
Which are comely in going;
A lion, which is strongest among beasts and
Turneth not away from any;
A greyhound;
A he-goat also.

Some, however, argue that this version mentioned the greyhound due to mistranslation. They argue that the right term should be a “strutting rooster”. Some also say that the term greyhound was used instead of a strutting rooster because that would be more appropriate to be compared to a king.

Racing Dog

Greyhounds have long and powerful legs. They also have a deep chest and a thin waist (which make them look waif or starved but they are not). They have a flexible spine and a slim build. Because of these characteristics, they reach an average speed of more than 64 kilometers per hour or 40 miles per hour in a 30 meter or 98 feet range. This fast speed is the reason why Greyhounds were used in sports racing and coursing, which eventually disappeared from society because of the controversial issues mentioned above.

Getting a Greyhound

You can get a Greyhound by either getting a baby one or by adopting a retired racing Greyhound. Puppy shops may offer a baby Greyhound up for adoption so you might want to check that out. When you adapt a Greyhound puppy, make sure to train it not to bite. On the other hand, there are retired racing Greyhounds that get abandoned every year. You might want to adopt these dogs since they will still give your family a lovely pet companion. You can check out Greyhound rescue for this.

Fencing the Yard

It is recommended to have a Greyhound be on a leash most of the time when you let it free in an open area. Because of its speed, it might run away from you and you won’t be able to catch it. That is why it is highly recommended to install the best wireless dog fences or the best electric dog fences in your yard so you can let your Greyhound roam around freely in the yard without it being on the leash most of the time.

Proper Socialization

When you train your Greyhound, make sure not to forget the important aspect of socialization. When you forget to train your dog in this part, it can become timid and have problems in adapting to changes in environment or schedule. Hence, take time to socialize your Greyhound by exposing it to different places, people, animals, and situations. Let it meet your friends and their pets. Walk it around town for it to meet the people around and also for it to experience different kinds of environment. When it gets overly excited or jumpy, you can train your dog not to jump.

During Cold Climates

Greyhounds look thin. That is their natural appearance. They actually have thin coats which is why they are sensitive to cold. When the climate is cold, make sure to put on some warm coat to them when they go out during snow or rain. This way, they won’t shiver and feel uncomfortable.

Shedding

Greyhounds are categorized as low to average shedders depending on the time of the year. Because of this, they require less grooming. However, their minimal coat also means that they are more vulnerable to tears, scrapes, and nicks. Hence, you should give attention to these possible issues.

Conclusion

Greyhounds are indeed special dogs. They are even specifically mentioned in the bible – the only ones out of the hundreds or even thousands of dog breeds we have in our world. They were once used in coursing and racing. But the maltreatment they receive from that dimmed the popularity of the sports. Fortunately, many people still want to offer their sincerest love to Greyhounds. And if you are one of them, get your own Greyhound now. It will be a nice additional member to your family.[/box]