June 24, 1997
Greyhound Trivia
I have collected a good amount of greyhound trivia during the months I have been writing these weekly articles. So,here they are -- all together in one article -- some are unusual, some helpful -- they are just what the title says--trivia!
I was really surprised to discover that there is a constellation containing two greyhounds! The constellation is Canes Venatici. These are the greyhounds of Bootes--Asterion and Chara. They help Bootes pursue the Bear (Ursa Major) around the Pole. These are the Hunting Dogs (no relation to Orion�s dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor) held on a leash by Bootes as he hunts for the bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. This minor constellation was invented by Johannes Hevelius in 1687.
One of the most surprising things I first learned about greyhounds was the number of beautiful colors they came in. Each color has its own uniquely exquisite quality. The color most believe to be the rarest is dark brown. Interestingly enough, there are no �gray� greyhounds. When my 5 year old grandson first saw Whitney (she is white), he ask, �why aren�t they called whitehounds?� Actually this was a very good observation for Tyler to make! A debatable point among many greyhound owners is which color is the closest to being gray? Some say the light brindle, and others argue the �blue� or �blue fawn.� I have only seen two blue greyhounds, and they were absolutely gorgeous! Fact or fiction?--The feeling in the racing world is that blue greyhounds are not good runners. Many think they are prone to cancer and skin problems. As far as I know, neither of these statements have been proved. There are eighteen recognized colors of greyhounds: blue brindle, brindle, black and white, fawn brindle, fawn, white and black, red brindle, black brindle, red fawn, red and white, light brindle, blue, red, white and brindle ticked, dark brindle,black, dark red, and white and brindle.
There is also a ghost story about a greyhound. The story goes like this: William Courtney of Sarina, Australia had a female greyhound named Lady who died of distemper in 1953. For several years following her death, Mr. Courtney claimed that he would hear her footsteps coming softly into his bedroom at about 10 p.m. (the time that she was usually brought inside), followed by a thud as she dropped to the floor, and then a long deep sigh as she curled up to sleep beside his bed.
Now this next bit of information is indeed important for new greyhound owners to know. Greyhounds need to be bathed the same as any other dog; however, there is something called �the greyhound collapse� that can scare the pants off a new owner! Imagine yourself bathing your new grey, when all of a sudden he just falls to the floor! You may think to yourself, �Oh no, I�ve killed him!� No need to panic, your new pet is not dead! This can happen when the water is a little too warm--it may be the temperature you have always used, but because a greyhound does not have a double coat of insulating fur like some other breeds of dogs, the water needs to feel slightly cool to you in order to be just about right for a greyhound.
Some other interesting facts:
Greyhounds are the ONLY canine mentioned in the Bible. (King James version, Proverbs 30:29-31) This statement has been a matter of contention among some, as different versions of the Bible use different words.
Our American General Custer was a big greyhound fancier.
Actor John Barrymore always kept a houseful of greyhounds as pets.
President Abraham Lincoln had a greyhound on his family coat-of-arms.
In 1804, Australia issued a proclamation ordering the destruction of all dogs EXCEPT greyhounds and sheepdogs.
The mythical Greek Goddess Diana is usually pictured with a greyhound at her side.
There is an Irish greyhound named Master McGrath, who has been memorialized in poetry and song for his winning the English Waterloo Cap race.
Actress Bo Derek owns several retired racing greyhounds, and is a great advocate of promoting greyhounds as pets.
For many years the American make of car, the Lincoln, had a greyhound as its hood ornament.
Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, reaching top speeds of 40 miles per hour!
Greyhounds can see CLEARLY for a distance of a half-mile.
At Harrison,Ohio in the 1930s, Olympic track star Jesse Owens raced against a greyhound for 3/16th of a mile. Supposedly Jesse Owens won by a step.
A retired racing greyhound will return the love and affection you give him by 110%. Few things in life are quite as satisfying as adopting one of these lovely greyhounds and being rewarded with never-ending love!
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A Breed Apart
A Breed Apart is the first on-line magazine about greyhounds. This is a great site! There are discussion forums where you can learn more about greys. One section includes pictures and stories about greyhounds. Another interesting section has greyhound trivia. There is adoption info, lists of greyhound groups activities, and also a chat forum. If you want an easy to access web site--this is it. Everything is right there--organized well.You will enjoy this one!
Greyhound Friends Northwest
GFN is located in the state of Washington. It serves all of western Washington, British Columbia and portions of Alberta. They receive retired racing greyhounds directly from the race tracks and locate loving homes for them. Their site is very informative--and very easy to navigate around in--They have medical info on ghs, also articles about ghs, and many links. When checking out their site be sure to read about how to adopt "greyhound ghost puppies!"--
Adopt A Greyhound
Another excellent site for greyhound information. This site is maintained by The Greyhound Project--a volunteer, non-profit organization which provides information about greyhounds and promotes adoption of retired racers. Includes general advice to new greyhound owners. Also has one section called "A Tail To Tell" which includes all sorts of stories about greyhounds. A very interesting site to visit.
GEMA
GEMA--greyhound emergency medical assistance, a Florida based greyhound organization. They have applications for financial assistance--they also hold auctions on gh items--with money going to gh help. They also have a good list of greyhound related sites.
Greyhound Gang
This one is really fun to visit!! Beautiful graphics!! It has lots of greyhound facts; also has one part which lists greyhounds for immediate adoption. There are some pictures of some very magnificent greyhounds!! Have fun with this one!!
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Greyhounds
