The royal treatment

Greyhounds have long been a favourite of aristocracy. They are a sighthound with a rich history that can be traced back to ancient times. They are even the only breed of dog to be mentioned in the Bible. A treasured hunting companion and a symbol of nobility, they were so highly revered in the Middle Ages that laws were put in place reserving them for the upper class.

From cave paintings to Tutor heraldry, the elegant, graceful beauty of the greyhound has been captured by artists and poets throughout the centuries.

From the track to the sofa

Modern greyhound racing rose in popularity in the early 20^th century. In this, greyhounds showcase their athletic ability by chasing a mechanical lure around a racecourse. Today, this is a highly regulated sport and is overseen in Great Britain by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).

During their racing careers, these incredible athletes are cared for by professional trainers and their teams at residential kennels. Many racing owners decide to bring their greyhounds home with them when they retire, but those who can’t use the expertise of homing centres. Along with the GBGB, every racing owner pays towards the cost of finding their athlete a forever home when it’s time for them to swap the track for the sofa.

As they usually retire between the ages of three and five, greyhounds still have a whole lot of life ahead of them to enjoy – and lots of love to give.

Top sprinters, not sitters

The second-fastest mammal on earth, greyhounds are the world’s fastest dog breed and can reach speeds of up to 45mph.  When it comes to sitting still, however, they can find it a bit tricky. Due to the shape of their back legs, they often find it more comfortable to lie down rather than sit.

Strike a pose

Playful and goofy, anyone who has owned a greyhound will tell you that they love to strike a pose. As well as enjoying a comforting lean against their favourite human companion, they can be found having a snooze on their back with all four legs in the air, affectionately known as ‘roaching’. How elegant.

The breed with a big heart

Aside from their impressive performances on the racecourse, greyhounds are an easy-going, gentle and kind-natured breed. They – quite literally – have a larger heart than other breeds of dogs.

While every greyhound will have its own character, the majority are laid-back and enjoy human company and affection. Despite their love of speed, they will happily snooze for hours.

Although they enjoy attention and fuss, greyhounds are generally independent and are usually happy to be left alone for short periods. They love nothing more than a comfy sofa to curl up on.