Page 128 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SIGHT HOUNDS

Greyhound MICK THE MILLER

The UK’s first great racing Greyhound was an
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any color Irish dog belonging to a priest. Born in 1926,
27–30in 60–66lb 11–12 years
Mick the Miller was sickly as a pup but won 15
(69–76cm) (27–30kg)
races in Ireland. He then triumphed at the 1929
Derby at London’s White City, breaking the
world speed record over 525 yards. From 1929
Capable of astonishing speed, this dog makes a docile and to 1931 Mick the Miller (right) won an array of
gentle family pet and is content with short bursts of exercise major races, and he
became a firm favorite
with the public. Once
Developed in the UK, the greyhound’s Capable of reaching 45mph (72km/h)
retired, he earned
earliest ancestors were once thought to in short bursts, the sleek and powerful $90,000 in stud
have been the slender hounds depicted Greyhound is built for running. fees, and also
in Egyptian tombs dating from around It is still used for hare coursing but is appeared in a movie.
4000BCE. However, DNA evidence has more commonly seen at dog races. Some He died in 1939.
suggested that, despite appearances, the Greyhounds are also bred for the show
breed is more closely related to herding ring; these are larger than racing dogs.
dogs. Another possible ancestor is an Retired racing Greyhounds are becoming
ancient Celtic dog called the Vertragus, popular as pets. They are gentle and easy
used for hunting and hare coursing. to keep, requiring only moderate exercise, MICK BEING MASSAGED
WHILE IN TRAINING AT
Large, athletic sight hounds were known but their slender frame and thin coat mean WALTON-ON-THAMES
in Britain by 1000CE. At first they were that they need protection from the cold.
commonly used for hunting, but during
the Middle Ages only the aristocracy could
afford to keep them. In the 18th century
Long and
hare coursing became popular among the narrow head
upper classes, and the first Greyhound
stud books were opened. Small, rose
Muscular, long, ears, fine
slightly arched neck
in texture

Brindle

Short,
smooth coat

Straight,
Deep chest long
housing powerful forelegs
lungs and heart

Long, low-set,
tapering tail

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