Greyhound Harness: What to look for in a harness

History of the Greyhound

The Greyhound, a breed known for its grace, speed, and elegance, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Originating in ancient Egypt, this breed has captivated the hearts of many civilizations throughout history. Let's delve into the captivating history of the Greyhound.

The exact origins of the Greyhound are still debated among historians, but it is widely believed that they were first bred by the ancient Egyptians around 4,000 years ago. These magnificent creatures were highly regarded and were often depicted in ancient Egyptian art and literature. Greyhounds were not only valued for their hunting prowess but were also considered sacred and were even buried alongside their owners.

Greyhounds made their way to Europe around 900 BC when Phoenician traders introduced them to the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks were particularly fond of these dogs and used them for hunting game, including deer, boar, and hares. They were admired for their incredible speed, agility, and keen eyesight. In fact, the word "Greyhound" is derived from the Old English word "grighund," which means "dog of the Greeks."

During the Roman Empire, Greyhounds were highly sought after and were often given as gifts to nobles and aristocrats. They were considered a symbol of wealth and status. The Romans also developed the sport of coursing, where Greyhounds would chase hares or other small game. This sport became immensely popular and spread throughout Europe.

As time went on, Greyhounds continued to be cherished by royalty and the nobility. In mediaeval England, only the ruling class was allowed to own Greyhounds and severe penalties were imposed on commoners who possessed one. These dogs were highly valued for their hunting abilities and were often used to pursue deer, foxes, and other game. They were considered a symbol of prestige and power.

In the 16th century, Greyhounds were introduced to the Americas by European settlers. However, they were primarily used for hunting rather than racing, as the latter gained popularity much later. It wasn't until the early 20th century that Greyhound racing emerged as a sport and it quickly became a beloved pastime.

Today, most rehomed Greyhounds are retired from the track due to age or injury. With their gentle and affectionate nature, they have become cherished companions and family pets all over the world. 

Benefits of the Greyhound

If you're considering adding a new dog to your family, the Greyhound breed should definitely be on your radar. Known for their graceful and sleek appearance, Greyhounds offer a wide range of benefits that make them a wonderful addition to any household. 

Here are some of the key advantages of having a Greyhound as your loyal companion.

1. Gentle and Affectionate Nature: 

Despite their athletic build, Greyhounds are incredibly gentle and affectionate dogs. They have a calm and loving demeanour, making them excellent companions for families, couples, and individuals alike. 

2. Low Exercise Needs: 

Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are not high-energy dogs that require excessive exercise. While they do enjoy a good sprint every now and then, Greyhounds are generally couch potatoes. They are content with a daily walk and some playtime, making them a perfect match for individuals or families with a more relaxed lifestyle. They are known as the ‘40mph couch potato!’

3. Low Grooming Requirements: 

Another fantastic benefit of owning a Greyhound is their low grooming needs. Their short, smooth coat requires minimal maintenance, meaning less time spent on brushing and grooming. This makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance pet.

4. Excellent Temperament: 

Greyhounds are known for their calm and even-tempered nature. With their intelligence and willingness to please, Greyhounds quickly adapt to training routines and, like all dogs, respond well to positive reinforcement.

5. Good with Other Animals: 

Greyhounds have a gentle and friendly disposition, which extends to their interactions with other animals. They are typically good with other dogs and, given appropriate training, even cats, making them a suitable choice for multi-pet households. However, it's important to note that proper introductions and socialisation are still necessary to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

6. Health and Longevity: 

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs with a longer lifespan compared to other large breeds. They are known for their athleticism and lack of genetic health issues. Additionally, their slim build helps prevent obesity-related health problems commonly seen in other breeds.

Greyhounds offer a multitude of benefits that make them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a companion. From their gentle and affectionate nature to their low grooming needs, they are a perfect fit for a variety of lifestyles. Their adaptability, good temperament, and compatibility with other animals further contribute to their appeal. 

So, if you're considering adding a four-legged friend to your family, don't overlook the numerous advantages that come with having a Greyhound by your side!

Why a Harness is Good for Greyhound

When it comes to walking or exercising your Greyhound, using a harness is undoubtedly the best choice. A Greyhound harness is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this breed, ensuring their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. 

Below are reasons why a harness is good for Greyhounds and how it can greatly enhance their walking experience.

1. Comfort: 

Greyhounds have a slender and delicate body structure, making them more prone to injuries, especially around their neck area. Traditional collars can cause strain on their necks, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. A harness evenly distributes the pressure across their chest, eliminating any strain on their neck and reducing the risk of injury.

2. Control: 

Greyhounds are known for their incredible speed and agility and although they are not known for their pulling tendencies, they have a strong prey drive, which means they may be easily distracted and inclined to chase after small animals. Using a harness provides you with the security of knowing that your Greyhound won’t injure their neck if they do lunge. A front & back ring of a harness allows you to gently steer them away from potential dangers when necessary and maintain their focus during walks by using food or a toy as a reward. 

3. Preventing Escapes: 

Greyhounds have a slim head and neck, making it easier for them to slip out of a collar or harness if they feel anxious or frightened. A well-fitted harness ensures a snug and secure fit, significantly reducing the chances of them escaping during walks or outdoor activities.

4. Training Aid: 

If you are in the process of training your Greyhound, a harness can be a valuable tool. It provides a more comfortable and secure attachment point for a lead, making it easier to guide and teach your Greyhound to walk calmly.

5. Injury Prevention: 

Greyhounds have a thin coat and minimal body fat, which makes them more susceptible to injuries caused by sudden movements or excessive pulling. Harnesses provide better support to their body, reducing the risk of strain or injury to their neck, spine, or limbs.

Using a harness for your Greyhound is highly beneficial for their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. It ensures a secure and comfortable fit, helps with control and training, prevents escapes, and reduces the risk of injuries. 

Make sure to consider their size and weight to ensure the perfect fit. Measure your Greyhound’s girth (around the widest part of their chest) and refer to the sizing calculator on our website, to find the most suitable size.

Investing in a high-quality Greyhound harness will not only enhance your walking experience but also provide your beloved Greyhound with the utmost care and protection they deserve!

Why a PerfectFit Harness is the best choice

The PerfectFit Harness has a modular design to fit any dog type including a Greyhound. Our harness has a large range of sizes and fits to choose from, a massive benefit of our harness is that it is comfy and calming for your dog ensuring that both you and your dog are content on your walks. You can purchase our harness in 3 sections, so you can purchase the exact size for each part of the chest area, providing your dog with the perfect fit! We know how worrying it can be when your dog is pulling on their lead, causing their harness or collar to pull on their neck, however, our harness is designed with a Y-shaped front to avoid the soft tissues of the throat and neck. This will reduce the risk of any injury caused by the pulling. Our harness isn't just safer, it is also stylish. We offer a large range of colours and as you can remove and replace each piece you can have multiple different harness colours! We are the perfect fit for you!