The greyhound has deep roots in the history of the world. Evidence of the existence of greyhounds over 4,000 years ago is found in murals and paintings of dogs strikingly similar to the hounds we see today.

Greyhounds claim descent from the desert dogs of the pharaohs and Arab sheiks. These ancient dogs were held in high regard in the Middle East and were the companions of Egyptian and Arab princes. Etchings of greyhounds have been found on the walls of the tombs of ancient pharaohs. The pharaohs prized greyhounds both as pets and hunters. The Arabs, too, so admired the greyhound that it was the only dog permitted to share their tents (a high honor in nomadic tribes) and to ride atop their camels. The birth of a greyhound ranked second in importance only to the birth of a son.

Greyhounds are the only canine mentioned in Holy Scripture. In the writings of King Solomon (considered to be the wisest of the wise) greyhounds are described as one of the four mighty beings no one should go against (Proverbs 30:29-31).

Greyhounds were introduced in England just prior to the ninth century through the many conquests, crusades, and wars with Middle Eastern tribes. Their speed, agility, and keen eyesight made greyhounds highly prized as sporting dogs by British royalty. Canute enforced laws which stated that only free men could own and hunt with greyhounds. These restrictions, enacted to keep poachers out of royal forests, became known as the "Forest Laws."

In the late 1800s greyhounds were imported to America to help farmers control jackrabbits and a growing rodent problem. Eventually, greyhounds became a source of great entertainment and greyhound racing was established in many sections of the United States. In 1921 the first successful greyhound track was opened in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Throughout history a number of prominent people have kept greyhounds as pets. Among those are Cleopatra, Queen Victoria, U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, General George Custer, actress Bo Derek, and Roger Caras, President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.