They were bred as hunting dogs. They hunt by sight, not smell, and have the keenest eyesight of all dogs. Their hunting strategy is to outrun their prey, a task they easily accomplish. Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. In recent times, this speed has led to the sport of greyhound racing.
Numerous societies exist that promote the adoption of retired racing greyhounds.
The distinctive sillhouettes formed by their graceful, virtually fat-free bodies, their even tempraments, and their power and speed have long made greyhounds favorites of royalty. Greyhounds have also made their mark in art and literature. There are references to greyhounds in the Bible and in classical literature from Homer to Shakespeare.