The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent over the pandemic.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect puppy.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Greyhound – they regularly crop up lists of Britain’s most popular dogs and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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9. A racing certainty
Greyhounds haven't always been most famous for racing - they were originally bred for hare coursing and hunting. In the 1920s the sport was introduced to both the United States and United Kingdom, instantly becoming hugely popular with the general public. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. A jacket required
Unlike many breeds, the Greyhound doesn't have an undercoat - making them perfect pets for allegry sufferers but meaning they find it hard to regulate their body temperature. Due to this they must be housed indoors and it's a good idea to get them a jacket to wear for long winter walks. Photo: Canva/Getty Images