The History of Greyhounds

There are murals of dogs strikingly similar to the greyhound that date back over 4,000 years. The greyhound is therefore generally regarded as one of the most ancient breed of dogs. Greyhounds are associated with aristocracy as only royals bred them in ancient times. The earliest depictions of greyhounds goes back to Egypt.

  1. Egypt

    • Carvings in old tombs in Egypt depict an unmistakable greyhound attacking deer and mountain goats. These carvings date back to 2900 B.C. Egyptian pharaohs rated greyhounds top among animals as both hunters and as pets.

    Arab Nations

    • In Arab nations, greyhounds were highly respected dogs. They were the only animals allowed to share tents with humans and ride atop camels. In the early Arab culture, the birth of a greyhound puppy was rated in importance as second only to the birth of a human son.

    Rome

    • The first complete description of a greyhound dog was written by the Roman's between the time of 43 B.C. to A.D. 17. The greyhound is also the only type of dog mentioned in the Holy Bible--Proverbs 30: 29-31.

    England

    • The greyhound is documented as arriving in England over 3,500 years ago. Originally only royalty were allowed to bred them. The Forest Laws were enacted in 1014 by King Canute stating that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds. In the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth I established the first coursings--a sport where greyhounds hunted hares.

    America

    • There are different versions of when greyhounds made it to America. Some say they came in the 1500s with Spanish explorers while others say they weren't in America until the 1800s when they were imported to help mid-western farmers control their jackrabbit problems in the fields. It is believed that George Washington kept a large greyhound named Azor with him during the American Revolution. Greyhounds debuted at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877.