English Grey Hound Origins and Grooming

In last article we have talked about English Grey Hound Health Problems, and now in this article we will pen down some of the cool points and facts about the English Grey Hound Origins and Grooming which will be helpful for you to understand them better .

English Grey Hound Origins

1. Dogs similar in structure have been disputed in ancient Egyptian civilization.
2. This indicated that dogs similar to grey hound were existed as early as 2000BC.
3. Later DNA analysis proved that grey hounds are not related to Persian hounds and Soulgli.
4. Further DNA studies revealed grey hounds to be related to “herding breeds”.
5. There are three different types of directories that have recorded and documented history of this breed in recent times.
6. There were coursing, racing and kennel club authorities.
7. At first these registries were developed in U.K and there pattern were later adopted by other authorities outside U.K.
8. The first of public registries were opened in 19^th century whereas the first private registry dedicated to grey hound was came into existence in 18^th
9. Some even claim that Grey hounds were as old as 4000BC, but we don’t find any definitive description that specifically grey hound existed at that time.
10. Dogs similar to Grey hounds were certainly be found in depictions from Egypt.
11. A certain documentation of Grey hound can be witnessed in Homer’s Odessey’, 800BC.
12. Goddess Diana, the roman goddess associated with hunting has often been depicted with hounds closely resembling the modern day grey hound.
13. Later in middle age they almost lost their acclaim from the royalty.
14. When time progressed to mid middle age they again gained their popularity and eventually become most favored breed of English Nobility.
15. Their cult status rose to such an extent that commoners were forbidden from keeping and breeding Grey hounds.
16. Even Nobles have to secure a formal permission from the king to keep and breed this dog.
17. The status of this breed was that killing or morbidly damaging this dog attracted capital punishment.
18. It is a common belief that this breed descended from Asiatic hounds.
19. Ancestors of modern Grey hounds were introduced to the British islands in 5^th -6^thC.
20. As reported by Wiki, the “Grey hounds” name is derived from the term “Grighund” of the Viking culture.
21. In bible also this is the only dog breed that have been clearly mentioned by its name as “Grey hound”.
22. During the age of industrialization this breed remained a status, symbol of wealthy and influential people.
23. During this time several important, powerful and wealthy people have been protracted with grey hound dogs.
24. During the rise of industrialization the popularity of grey hound rose as a sporting and coursing breed.
25. It is the time when grey hound racing was explored.
26. Grey hound racing, though started as a friendly competition to test and witness superiority of dogs amongst friends.
27. Soon this friendly competition evolved into a full fledge sport of Dog racing.
28. Swiftly Grey hound racing rose to such prominence that they gathered similar attention and crowd as horse racing circuits.
29. They grey hound races as we know today owes their development to an American, Mr. Owen Patrick Smith.
30. O.P.Smith was responsible of the development of mechanical or artificial hare behind which Grey hound runs in a circular or an oval circuit.
31. The development of mechanical hare have saved thousands of jack hares since its introduction in the year 1912.
32. Additional to saving hares this invention have given an identification to moderndog races as we know it today and have imparted this sport a very close resemblance to the horse racing.
33. This have in turn given rise to the lucrative business of betting that attracts millions of dollars in revenue.
34. Later in the year 1926, another American Mr. Charles Munn and a Canadian military personal Major Lynne – Dixson introduced mechanical hare in Britain.

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English Grey Hound Grooming

1. Grey hound have a short type of coat that is not very dense.
2. They lack undercoat so problems related to excessive oil secretion is not a problem with this breed.
3. They are very easy to groom.
4. A soft nylon brush or a rubber grooming glove with medium length and soft bristles is the best tool for regular grooming.
5. A through rub using a dry towel will bring the shine back.
6. The lack of an undercoat and a short and thin coat makes this dogs very easy to maintain and bathe.
7. Even with minimal maintenance the doggy odor will not pose any problem.
8. Bathing this breed won’t be a problem and the frequency of cleaning is dependent upon how fast your dog gets dirty.
9. While bathing your dog a shampoo suitable for long shiny and soft coat should be used.
10. They should be given bath with shampoo at an interval of two to three months.
11. Less than this period, quick bath will strip natural oils from the skin of your dog.
12. For dandruff problems oatmeal based hair care.
13. A close attention be paid to ears and teeth of this breed, especially in the case of adopted grey hounds that come from racing circuits.

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