Greyhound.

Greyhound. Greyhound, breed of hunting dog noted for its speed and keen sight. Egyptian tomb carvings indicate that the greyhound was known in the 3rd millennium BC; the dog was known in England as early as the 9th century. Some authorities claim the term greyhound refers to the once prevailing color of the breed. The dog has been used for hunting goat, fox, deer, and other game, particularly the hare. In England for the past 200 years the greyhound has been used in the popular sport of coursing. In recent years it has been used as a racing dog in England and the U.S.; on racetracks built for the purpose, the greyhounds pursue an electrically propelled mechanical lure. See Dog Racing. The dog is large, but slender and graceful; it weighs from 29 to 32 kg (65 to 70 lb). The breed is characterized by a long and narrow head; small, pointed ears; bright, intelligent eyes; a broad, muscular, and well-arched back; a deep, wide chest; thin, well-muscled loins; and a long tapering tail with a slight upward curve. It has a coat of smooth, short hair that is white, black, gray, or a combination of these colors. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.