Because of their speed and agility, some people are now breeding greyhounds to chase coyotes and other prey. Dogs are found abandoned in the nearby deserts and rural areas, often starving and dehydrated. This new and dangerous version of coursing is endangering the lives of even more greyhounds. These gentle dogs do make excellent pets as they are friendly by nature, socialize well, and are great with children. Contrary to the images portrayed at racetracks, greyhounds are calm, quiet, clean, and need no more exercise than a typical dog.
Greyhounds are highly intelligent and very appreciative of their new homes.
The typical greyhound is between 50 and 75 pounds and may be of nearly any color and pattern. It is difficult to understand the current status of the greyhound when examining the history of these special animals. Greyhounds were highly regarded in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome and were often featured in the mythology, literature, and art of the times. During the Middle Ages, greyhounds were protected from harm by royal decrees and the punishment for killing a greyhound in Wales, circa 900 AD, was death. The greyhound was a favorite subject for several Renaissance artists.