There is no unanimity, but most dog experts believe that the origins of the Greyhounds are very ancient and above all can be placed in Middle East. All this can be guessed by some drawings who have been found in the walls of the tombs of the ancient Egypt, with a dating that reaches up to 4 thousand years before the birth of Christ. Their diffusion was constant and over time they have earned the nickname of "hunters on sight". Among the prey they prefer the hare (due to the high speed they can reach), but not only. The history of this breed is truly fascinating and deserves to be explored.
Origins of the Greyhound
Il Greyhounds is a very ancient breed that has its origins from greyhounds of north Africa, like it Sloughi and Saluki. The presence of the hound on the European territory, is between sixth and fifth century before Christ by the Celts.
The name, in fact, most likely derives fromArchaic English Grighund. While it was possible to establish that "dog"Is the ancestor of the word"hound", hunting dog, The meaning of "grig" still has not been established.
Just the Britain it was the European area in which they spread the most, so much so that it is thanks to this nation that a standard has been achieved.
The new theories on the origins of the Greyhound
For years the belief of African origins of the hound had ample credit, thanks also to the hieroglyphs inside the Egyptian territories. In recent years, however, some scientists have spread new theories that could upset the existing ones.
Some scientists of theHutchinson center in Seattle, brought an in-depth analysis on the genes of 85 types of races and 414 DNA of as many dogs. With these studies it was understood that many races are related to each other and it was understood how common descent from ancestral dogs that came from different parts of the globe was possible.
Based on these researches they have been identified four groups of dogs who have ancestors in common.
Al first group belong breeds such as the Siberian Husky, the Afghan hound, the Basenji, the Chow chow, the Akita, and the Saluki. These have in common distinctive features that it approach the wolf and which therefore are characterized by aspects that bring them closer to the ancestral dog.
Il second group of dogs consists of the descendants of Mastiff-like breeds, such as the bulldog, the rottweiler and the boxer.
Al third group the dogs descended from the shepherd dogs, such as the Irish Wolfhound, the Collie, the Greyhounds, and the Saint Bernard.
Al room and last group belong breeds such as hounds, terriers, spaniels and retrievers.
From the study you can understand how the Greyhound belongs to group of Celtic origin, which in addition to our hound, gave birth to more recent breeds such as Whippet, Borzoi, Collie and Saint Bernard.
For this reason the origins of the Greyhound must no longer be attributed to the peoples of Egypt and Mesopotamia, but to the Celts.
Their development in Europe
I Greyhounds they were used essentially for the hunting reserved exclusively for nobles. Precisely for this reason, even the dogs that accompanied them on hunting trips were considered in the same way as their masters. It is not difficult to find them protagonists of paintings of great artists such as Botticelli and Pisanello.
Queen Elis herselfAbetta I, makes Greyhounds the dogs par excellence for practicing coursing. The competition took place in the open field and two specimens of the breed competed for chase and catch up with a hare. While it is currently banned in England, it is still legal in Ireland.
Here, in fact, the race in free flat or hilly terrain is still in force because tests the dog's skills who is chasing a fake hare. In this way the characteristic of hunting on sight is awakened.
Physical characteristics of the Greyhound
Il English greyhound, name by which the Greyhound is known, is of big size, with a toned structure and short hair.
Usually the Middleweight reaches up to 32 kilograms. As for the build, the females range from 68 to 71 cm, the males reach up to 76 cm.
The dog has a compact and muscular appearance, the shoulders are slightly inclined so as to furrow the air quickly. There ride is quick, but at the same time it appears elegant and never forced.
Il short-haired coat, anti-friction has various colors and ranges from fawn to black through brindle.
La small and elongated head, has slightly oval and dark eyes, with an imposing and fearsome jaw.
Greyhound character
Used purely for the hunting the cervo al boar and fallow deer, its ability is to follow the prey even away from the master. This makes the dog a independent animal, but in many cases this trait is misunderstood as stupidity.
It is actually a very smart dog suitable for outdoor life. Its main feature is that of run need feel active with long walks. Thanks to the light, but resistant build, he manages to withstand long walks and several hours.
Temperamentally very lively, he is the perfect dog for keep company. The calm, mild and sweet temperament makes the Greyhound the ideal dog to have in the family even if there are children in the house. Indeed, tends to get attached much to both the master and the other family members.
This attitude of his leads him to follow the master step by step and to live in symbiosis with him, but that's enough educate him firmly and he will know when it is time to detach himself from his master.
Like all athletic and lively dogs it needs practice activities, to feel stimulated and not to be left to oneself. Without the right attention, they tend to get lazy and let themselves go.
So if you decide to adopt this dog you must be prepared for one life of walking and running in the company of your four-legged friend.