07/06/2023
Borrowed from a friend...
Greyhound Energy: "45mph Couch Potatoes" Explained
It can be almost incomprehensible to new greyhound adopters, and the general public, that a greyhound lounging so lazily on a sofa can be the same canine that is often referred to as a "45mph couch potato" but facts are indeed facts, and should be presented in a truthful manner in order to fully understand this unique breed of canine.
Greyhounds reach young "adulthood" at around 12 to 18 months of age. At this stage, a healthy, fit greyhound in peak condition has energy levels in high abundance. In fact, according to studies by licensed veterinarians specializing in Greyhounds and other canine athletes,
"at maximum acceleration, a greyhound reaches a full speed of 70kmh (43.5mph) within 30 meters (32.8 yds) or six strides...traveling at almost 20 metres per second (44.7mph) for the first 250 metres (273.4 yds) of a race."
Sound impossible? It's actually proven fact, and even experienced greyhound adopters can testify that the gorgeous 4-legged sleeper on their sofa can untangle its legs and be in high motion mode with astounding speed if the doorbell rings or the refrigerator door opens. That's the major reason adoption groups are constantly teaching the unusual aspects of greyhound ownership to new adopters. Just how does such speed result from what appears to be a dog that's basically being as still as a statue? Granted, your greyhound that jumps from sofa to floor won't reach top speed, but that motion, or movement, requires energy, just like in our own much slower species. The fact is that Mother Nature and meticulous breeding has gifted (and kept) this unique breed having a body that is meant to produce massive energy levels, from the tip of its pointed nose to the end of its whip-like tail. Greyhound veterinary experts have solidly proven that "a greyhound produces around 100Kcals or 100,000 watts of waste heat energy during a 30 second race, sufficient to bring 600mL (2.5 cups) of tap water to the boil in around 2 minutes." While you shouldn't depend on your pet greyhound to have your dinner awaiting you at the end of a long work day, it's really pretty amazing that in its early athletic years, that same pet could have at least produced enough energy to supply you with 2.5 cups of morning coffee that would literally be boiling hot in 2 minutes, and they could produce it in a span of 30 seconds.
Sources:
https://www.easypetmd.com/doginfo/greyhound-athelete-facts
Article: "Greyhound Athlete Facts" Vet News,
Dr John Kohnke, citing works by Drs. Ross Staaden (Australia) and Robert Gillette (USA)
Everything Greyhound Athelete Facts; breed history, temperament, videos, health, grooming, breeders, rescues, pedigrees and more.
