The original primary use of Greyhounds, both in the British Isles and on the Continent of Europe, was in the coursing of deer for meat and sport; later, specifically in Britain, they specialized in competition hare coursing. Some Greyhounds are still used for coursing, although artificial lure sports like lure coursing and racing are far more common and popular. The name 'Greyhound' is generally believed to come from the Old English grighund. 'Hund' is the antecedent of the modern 'hound', but the meaning of 'grig' is undetermined, other than in reference to dogs in Old English and Old Norse. Its origin does not appear to have any common root with the modern word 'grey' for color, and indeed the Greyhound is seen with a wide variety of coat colors. Organizations like the Large Gazehound Racing Association (LGRA) and the National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) provide opportunities for Greyhounds to compete.
grighund.
grighund.