Facts about greyhounds
Contributed by
Greyhound Lifesavers

• The only land animal that is faster than a greyhound is a cheetah. Greyhounds can reach speeds of 45mph in seconds.

• Greyhounds can see clearly for a distance of a half mile!

• Greyhounds have a hinged spine, which is unique in the animal world. As a result, greyhounds have a small divot in their back, set just behind their shoulder blades.

• The racing gait of the greyhound is a double suspension gallop, in which all four feet are off the ground twice during each full stride.

• Greyhounds come in 19 colors and over 55 color variations. When a greyhound is actually gray, it’s referred to as a blue.

• Greyhounds are the only breed of dog specifically mentioned in the Bible (King James version): Proverbs 30:29-31.

• The first dog mentioned in literature in 800 B.C. was a Greyhound. In The Odyssey , Argus, Odysseus’s greyhound recognized him when he returned after 20 years.

• A greyhound registered with the NGA is issued a Bertillon card, which measures 56 distinct identifying traits, and the Bertillon number is tattooed inside the dog's ear. This ensures that the dog who races is in fact the dog it is claimed to be.

• Famous greyhound owners: Legend has it that Cleopatra had coursing Greyhounds. The goddess Diana’s hunting hounds were greyhounds. Other famous Greyhound owners including Frederick the Great, Prince Albert, and General George Custer. And don’t forget Babe Ruth, Al Capone, Bo Derek, Betty White, and Tony Stewart.