Last updated: 13 Apr, 2022
Published on: 20 Jul, 2020
Here are some amazing greyhound facts
They can be ideal apartment pets
Looking for an easy-going pet to crash your couch? Branded as the typical ‘couch-potatoes’, greyhounds are easy-going breeds and depending on the dog, most don’t necessarily require a lot of physical activity and can comfortably adjust to apartment life.
They can be quite the hoarders
If you’re missing a shoe or a sock, there’s a good chance your beady-eyed housemate whisked it away from right under your nose. Not one to shy away from stashing treasures, greyhounds find it comforting to collect bits and bobs from around the house.
Their muzzles have nothing to do with behaviour!
Some states in Australia require a greyhound to have a muzzle when they are out, however, this antiquated law has nothing to do with their actual temperament (most are gentle giants!). The law was introduced in 1927, to protect greyhounds from injuring themselves while racing, however, states including Western Australia, Victoria, and ACT have removed or changed these laws to allow greyhounds to be muzzle-free!
They have eyes at the back of their heads!
Or rather, because of their dolichocephalic skulls, greyhounds can see up to 1 kilometre and have a 270-degree peripheral vision (while a human’s total field of vision is 180 degrees), allowing them to see objects behind them 👀
They like to play dead cockroach!
Well not literally… but greys do like to lay on their back with all four legs up in the air, a position, funnily enough, dubbed ‘roaching’ given its resemblance to a dead cockroach. This is an indication that the greyhound feels happy and safe in their current environment!
They were probably a part of your high school reads
Thanks to a certain William Shakespeare who mentions greyhounds by name in over 11 plays including classics such as The Taming of the Shrew, Merry Wives of Windsor, and Macbeth, greyhounds have officially been engraved in classic literature.
They are up for adoption on PetRescue!
Yup, probably the most fun fact of them all! So many adorable greys listed on PetRescue are looking for awesome humans like you. Check out some of these local greyhound groups near you to meet your new four-legged soulmate!
Image credits: Jack, available for adoption via Amazing Greys
Video credits: Greyhound Rescue & Gumtree Greys