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Animal profile

Greyhound

Canis familiaris

MammaliaKennels, homes and racing tracks; historically open country

Field profile

The greyhound is a sighthound bred to pursue game by vision and speed over open ground. Its deep chest, flexible spine and long limbs support a double-suspension gallop in which the body leaves the ground twice per stride. Retired racing greyhounds are commonly rehomed and are generally low-energy indoors.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-04-02

Greyhound

The greyhound leaves the ground twice per stride

In a full gallop a greyhound is airborne during two separate phases of each stride, once with legs gathered and once with legs extended. This double suspension, not raw leg speed, is what places the breed among the fastest land mammals.

Read with evidence →

Greyhound | Daily Animal Facts