by M Dee Dubroff

Created on: August 25, 2006   Last Updated: December 21, 2009

"A boy can learn a lot from a dog; obedience, loyalty and the importance of turning around three times before lying down." ~ Robert Benchley

Why are these sleek, intelligent dogs so misunderstood? Why aren't more of them adopted into loving homes after their racing days are over? Read on for some sobering answers and a new and humorous perspective.

A few years ago while visiting friends in sunny Florida, I spent an evening at the dog races for the very first time in my life. Little did I know that these competitions involved a very special breed of dog. I had never met a greyhound up to that time and my exposure to them was limited to short bus trips, visiting various places and people throughout the country. Their grace, vitality and agility mesmerized me. They seemed almost godly creatures, blessed with the speed of Mercury and the beauty of Adonis. (I have been informed and not without some disappointment, that while many ancient Greeks owned them, greyhounds do not have a drop of Greek blood running through their veins.)

Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and appear throughout history in both literature and art. They are beautifully proportioned hunters, bred to outrun their prey by sight rather than scent. They were not intended to be solitary hunters but to work with their dogs. Selective breeding has rendered an athlete's body with the grace of a dancer. Agile, sensitive and intelligent, to watch one of these creatures run is a breathtaking experience. They can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and can run 5/16th of a mile in an average 31 seconds. More recent breeding for racing has not altered the basic characteristics of the greyhound, but has increased their general health and soundness. The end result is one of the most pleasant yet misunderstood breeds of dog. They are not widely known as being suitable as pets and unfortunately, many of these dogs are discarded after their racing days are over.

The greyhound has a long neck and head, with a barely noticeable bridge to its nose. The ears are small and usually folded back against the neck. The back is long and muscular with an arch over the loin. The deep chest and narrow waist give the breed its distinctive silhouette. (Just check out the profile of any greyhound bus in your neighborhood. You'll see. I am right.) The legs are long and powerful and feet are small and compact, with well-knuckled toes. The tail is long and curved and its coat is short and smooth, the result of crossing

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