Greyhounds are the oldest purebred dog, dating to the time of the Pharaohs. The first records of greyhounds appear about 8,000 years ago. All sight hounds are descended from the ancient greyhound.

The greyhound is the only dog mentioned by name in the Bible. King James Version, Proverbs, 30:29-31.

Greyhounds appear in both Greek and Roman mythology. Alexander the Great's favorite dog was a greyhound. In Homer's “Odyssey,” the only one to recognize Odysseus after this 20 year absence was his faithful greyhound, Argus.

The origin of the name “greyhound” is lost in antiquity, but most certainly has no relation to color. Only about 1/2 of 1% of all greyhounds are gray, and those are referred to as “blue.”

Throughout history, greyhounds have been prized and revered. During the Dark Ages, a time of disease and famine, greyhounds were saved from extinction by priests who bred them for noblemen. Until around 1700, owning a greyhound was the exclusive right of the nobility.

Greyhounds became the first European dog in the New World when they accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second expedition, which set sail from Spain in September 1493.

During the Renaissance, Greyhounds were a favorite of royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I.

Both Chaucer and Shakespeare immortalized greyhounds n literature. Frederick the Great of Prussia asked in his will to be buried with his beloved greyhounds. The graves remain to this day.

General George Custer coursed his pack of 14 greyhounds the night before the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Every racing greyhound alive today can trace its lineage back to one dog, King Cob, whelped in England in 1839.

Greyhounds are by far the fastest breed of dog, and can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour for short distances.

Greyhounds have such keen eyesight that they can spot a small moving object at distances of up to one-half mile.

Each year in the United States, more than 30,000 greyhound puppies are born, with approximately 80% of those registered with the National Greyhound Association to be eligible to race. Florida is the leading state for greyhound racing.

Source: The Reign of the Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan