Greyhounds claim descent from the desert dogs of the pharaohs and Arab sheiks. These ancient dogs were held in high regard in the Middle East and were the companions of Egyptian and Arab princes. Etchings of greyhounds have been found on the walls of the tombs of ancient pharaohs. The pharaohs prized greyhounds both as pets and hunters. The birth of a greyhound ranked second in importance only to the birth of a son.
Greyhounds are the only canine mentioned in Holy Scripture.
Greyhounds were introduced in England just prior to the ninth century through the many conquests, crusades, and wars with Middle Eastern tribes. Their speed, agility, and keen eyesight made greyhounds highly prized as sporting dogs by British royalty. Canute enforced laws which stated that only free men could own and hunt with greyhounds. In the late 1800s greyhounds were imported to America to help farmers control jackrabbits and a growing rodent problem. Eventually, greyhounds became a source of great entertainment and greyhound racing was established in many sections of the United States.