greyhound (redirected from Arabian Greyhound)

greyhound, breed of tall, swift, sight hound developed nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. It stands about 26 in. (66 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs about 65 lb (29.5 kg). Its short, smooth coat may be colored black, white, or various shades of fawn, brindle, blue, or red. Known in England before the 9th cent., the greyhound was bred and raised by the aristocracy. In fact, for approximately 700 years it was illegal under English law for a commoner to own a greyhound. It was used to hunt small game, especially hares, and by the early 19th cent. the coursing of hares had developed into an organized sport. In recent years, with the invention by Owen Patrick Smith of the mechanical rabbit for use on a round or oval track, the racing of greyhounds has grown widely in popularity. See dog.

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greyhound

 or grayhound

Greyhound.

(credit: Sally Anne Thompson)

Italian greyhound.

(credit: Sally Anne Thompson/EB Inc.)

Fastest dog, one of the oldest breeds (dating from about 3000 BC in Egypt), and long symbolic of the aristocracy. It has a narrow head; long neck; deep chest; long, muscular hindquarters; a long, slim tail; and a short, smooth coat, of various colors. It stands 25–27 in. (64–69 cm) high and weighs 60–70 lbs (27–32 kg). Streamlined and slender, it can reach a speed of about 45 mph (72 kph). Greyhounds hunt by sight and may be used to hunt hares, deer, foxes, and small game. They are frequently raced for sport.