## The Surprise of the Greyhound Owner

**Common Myth**: "Greyhound = super fast, athletic, hyperactive dog."

**Reality**: the Greyhound **sleeps 18-20 hours a day**.

They call it the "**45 mph couch potato**".

**Explanation**:
- Genetically designed for **very short sprints** (30-60 seconds).
- The rest of the time: **rest**.
- Perfect apartment dog.

Let’s see the truth.

## The History: An Ancient Dog

**Origin**: **Ancient Egypt / Middle East**, **over 5,000 years ago**.

**Among the oldest** documented breeds.

**Egyptian Hieroglyphs**:
- Dogs similar to it depicted on tombs.

**Original Work**:
- **Sight hunting**.
- Chasing prey (hares, gazelles).
- Powerful sprints.

**Worldwide Spread**:
- England: greyhound racing.
- USA, Australia: dog racing tracks.

**Modern Sadness**:
- Thousands of racing Greyhounds **abandoned** after their careers.
- Increasing adoptions.

## Physical Characteristics

**Size**: large.

**Weight**:
- Males: 30-40 kg.
- Females: 27-35 kg.

**Height**: 65-75 cm at the shoulder.

**Body**:
- **Lean, athletic**.
- Deep chest.
- Narrow waist.

**Coat**:
- **Short, fine**.
- Practically no undercoat.

**Colors**:
- All.
- Brindle, black, white, gray, red, fawn.

**Life Expectancy**: 10-13 years.

## Unique Characteristics

### Speed

**70 km/h**: maximum speed.

**Sprint**:
- 30-60 seconds.
- Then: rest.

### "Couch Potato"

**Total Rest**:
- 18-20 hours a day.

**Postures**:
- "Roach" (lying on back with legs in the air).
- "Cockroach" (typical posture).

### Cold Sensitivity

**Very short coat + no fat**:
- **They suffer in the cold**.
- Coats needed in winter.

### Sensitivity

**Blood**:
- Visible blood vessels.
- Thin skin.
- Easy cuts.

## Character

### Typical Aspects

**Calm**:
- Low energy at home.
- Sleeps a lot.

**Affectionate**:
- Deep bonding.
- Likes to lick, cuddle.

**Reserved**:
- Social with family.
- Sometimes wary of strangers.

**Sensitive**:
- Punishments are harmful.
- Needs kindness.

**Peaceful**:
- Generally not aggressive.
- Tolerant.

### Complicated Aspects

**Sight Hunting Instinct**:
- Chases anything that moves.
- Cats, squirrels, bicycles.
- **Never free in open spaces**.

**Tendency to "freeze"**:
- "Freezes" in new situations.
- Needs patience.

**Anesthetic Sensitivity**:
- Reactions to anesthetics.
- Inform the veterinarian.

## Daily Needs

### Exercise

**Surprising**:
- **2-3 sprints** a day (1-2 minutes).
- **Moderate walk**: 30-45 minutes.

**Without exercise**:
- No "hyperactivity" at home.
- Still sleeps.

**Never free**:
- Chasing instinct.
- Won't stop on recall.

### Space

**Suitable for**:
- **Apartment** (ironically, perfect).
- House with a fenced yard.

**Vertical Needs**:
- Comfortable bed.
- Soft spots.

### Nutrition

- Quality food.
- Adequate quantities.
- 2 meals a day (risk of gastric torsion).

### Coat Care

**Minimal**:
- Weekly brushing.
- Occasional baths.

## Health

**Generally robust** (for a large breed).

**Predispositions**:

**1. Gastric Torsion (GDV)**:
- Deep chest.
- Multiple meals.

**2. Osteosarcoma**:
- Bone tumor.
- Common in large breeds.

**3. Anesthetic Sensitivity**:
- Inform the veterinarian.

**4. Dental Problems**:
- Early tartar.

**5. Physical Trauma**:
- Thin skin.
- Easy cuts.

**Life Expectancy**: 10-13 years.

## Cost

**Purchase**:
- Adoption (ex-racing Greyhounds): 100-300 € (more common).
- ENCI breeder: 1,000-2,500 €.

**Year 1**:
- Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, kit: 500-700 €.

**Annual**:
- Quality food: 500-800 €.
- Veterinarian: 200-400 €.
- Winter coats/shoes: 100-200 €.
- Total: 800-1,400 €.

**Total life (10-13 years)**: 10,000-20,000 €.

## Adopting Ex-Racing Greyhounds

### What It Means

**"Retired" racing dogs**:
- Career 1-5 years.
- Then: abandonment or adoption.
- 4-7 years old.

**Advantages**:
- Already adult.
- Known character.
- Socialized (lives in groups).

**Challenges**:
- Possible trauma (life in shelters).
- Needs "acclimatization" to home life.
- Sometimes has never seen stairs.

### Associations

**In Italy**:
- **Pet Levrieri**.
- **Lievrieri in Cerca di Casa**.

**Adoption Cost**: 100-300 € (includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchip).

**Waiting list** often.

## Relationship with Others

**With other dogs**:
- Social (pack life from racing).

**With cats**:
- **DANGEROUS**: hunting instinct.
- Difficult coexistence.
- Some "specific" Greyhounds tested as "cat-friendly".

**With children**:
- Generally excellent.
- Patient, gentle.

**With small animals**:
- No.

## A Typical Day

**Morning**:
- Walk (20-30 min).
- Meal.

**Noon**:
- **Sleep**.

**Afternoon**:
- **Sleep**.

**Evening**:
- Walk (20-30 min).
- Meal.
- Cuddles.
- **Sleep**.

**Night**:
- **Sleep**.

Style: very serene.

## The Perfect Greyhound for

**Suitable for**:
- Apartment living.
- Calm individuals.
- Workers outside the home (the dog sleeps).
- Families with older children.
- Seniors.

**Not suitable for**:
- Families with small animals (cats, rabbits).
- Highly active lifestyle (daily intense sports).
- Very cold climates without heating.

## Typical Stories

**Heartwarming story**:
- Greyhound adopted from a shelter in the USA.
- Had never seen grass before adoption.
- 8 years of serene life in a family.

**Typical story**:
- Family adopts an ex-racing Greyhound.
- Adjustment time: 2-3 months.
- Result: calm dog, perfect "couch potato".

## Related Breeds

**Whippet**:
- "Mini Greyhound".
- 8-15 kg.
- Same character.

**Galgo Español** (Spanish Greyhound):
- Similar, tragic mistreatment in Spain.
- Often available for adoption.

**Saluki**:
- Arabian Greyhound.
- More "exotic".

**Sloughi**:
- North African Greyhound.

## Myths to Debunk

**Myth 1**: "Greyhounds need daily running."
**False**: 2-3 short sprints are enough.

**Myth 2**: "Apartment dog? Too big."
**False**: ideal for apartments.

**Myth 3**: "Aggressive by nature."
**False**: among the most peaceful dogs.

**Myth 4**: "They can be let loose."
**Dangerous**: they chase.

**Myth 5**: "They don't live long because they are large."
**True**: average 10-13 years.

## The Truth

The **Greyhound** is one of the **most underrated dogs**.

**Pros**:
- ✅ Perfect "couch potato".
- ✅ Suitable for apartments.
- ✅ Sweet with family.
- ✅ Minimal maintenance.
- ✅ Possible adoption of ex-racers.
- ✅ Many are available for adoption (lots!).

**Cons**:
- Not with cats (generally).
- Never free in open spaces.
- Sensitivity to cold.
- Not the longest life expectancy.

**Adopt it if**:
- You're looking for a "calm" dog.
- Apartment living.
- No small animals at home.
- Want to save a life.

**Investment**: 200-500 € adoption + care.

**Benefit**: 8-12 years of quiet companionship.

And remember: the racing Greyhound abandoned after "career" is waiting for a family. **Adopting = saving a life**.

The "canine Ferrari" that just wants a couch and cuddles. Perhaps the perfect dog for modern life.