The Reign of the Greyhound: A Popular History of the Oldest Family of Dogs (Dog Breed Books) [Hardcover]

Cynthia A. Branigan (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dog Breed Books | Publication Date: August 1, 1997

This is the first full-length history book on this phenomenally popular breed. Cynthia Branigan, author of the best-selling Adopting the Racing Greyhound, traces the role of the Greyhound from its earliest appearances in classical culture through medieval Europe, the American West, and into the present. Today, the Greyhound occupies a special place in the homes of thousands of animal lovers, many of whom discovered the breed when the plight of ex-racing Greyhounds began receiving national attention. Owners of ex-racing dogs will be impressed by this beautiful book, illustrated with historical depictions of Greyhounds from every culture. The Reign of the Greyhound promises to restore this elegant and noble breed to its proper heritage. Cynthia Branigan is the foremost authority on plight of ex-racing Greyhounds, and is the president and founder of Make Peace with Animals, a group that promotes various animal welfare causes.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

For centuries, Greyhounds were the favorite dogs of kings and queens, emperors and earls. Today, this noble inheritance is all but forgotten. In The Reign of the Greyhound, Cynthia Branigan, author of the best-selling Adopting the Racing Greyhound, recovers the forgotten history of this noble dog. Look inside to learn more about the tremendous role the Greyhound has played in western history for thousands of years.

• Greyhounds are the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible.
• Greyhounds appear in both Greek and Roman mythology.
• Alexander the Great's favorite dog was a Greyhound.
• In 1493, Greyhounds became the first European dogs in the New World.
• General George Custer coursed his fourteen Greyhounds the night before the Battle of Little Big Horn.
• Each year in the United States, over 16,000 retired racers begin new careers as pets.

In this scholarly and personable account, Cynthia Branigan examines these and other claims-to-fame of this ancient breed.

From the Back Cover

The regal history of a revered, elegant breed

They were one of the first wild animals to come under the protection of humans. They have sat at the feet of the Pharaohs. Their likenesses have graced coins, stamps, seals, and coats of arms. And they have won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide with their sweet nature, intelligence, and grace.

Beautifully illustrated with more than 100 black-and-white reproductions and photos, The Reign of the Greyhound is a rich, historical testimony to the breed, celebrating its extraordinary place in canine history and human civilization. Passionately written by Greyhound expert Cynthia Branigan, this updated edition features new information on the history and current state of ex-racer adoptions, which save the lives of thousands of Greyhounds each year. From ancient Egypt to modern times, from the temple to the show ring to the track, you’ll see how this noble breed has evolved from a royal pet to a racing dog to a loving companion–and you’ll no doubt deepen your understanding and appreciation of this fine animal, whose regal history has been too long ignored. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876056966
• ISBN-13: 978-0876056967
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,331,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars greyhounds' popularity is ancient history!, August 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reign of the Greyhound: A Popular History of the Oldest Family of Dogs (Dog Breed Books) (Hardcover)

I thought I knew all there was to know about my Greyhound until I read this book. In it I learned that my dog's ancestors have been delighting humans for literally thousands of years. The book takes you on a tour of the history of civilization with Greyhounds in the leading role. If only history had been so interesting when I was in school! The artwork is breathtaking, the adoption anecdotes are both hilarious and touching and Cynthia Branigan is obviously both a scholar and a person with a big heart. If you own a Greyhound you owe it to your dog to learn more about his contribution to history.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful history of a beautiful breed, February 10, 2004

By 

Marilynn Cherluck (Ferndale, Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Reign of the Greyhound (Hardcover)

Being both a sighthound owner and a history buff, I was so delighted to have found this book. I can't recommend it enough.
I can guarantee that if you haven't had experience with sighthounds, you will want to after reading this! For those of us who know the breed, it is a long overdue salute to one of the most overlooked and unappreciated dog breeds in the world.
I especially liked the photos that accompanied the text. It was wonderful to see so many representations of greyhounds through the ages.
I thought that chapter 1, on the Greyhound family, was very informative, and the author managed to put a lot of information that is rarely found all in one place into a very readable and enjoyable format.
Read this book- You'll love it, even if you don't own a Greyhound! I hope that Cynthia Branigan's book helps many many more retired racing Greyhounds find homes with people who learn about them from her book as well.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable and interesting book., January 8, 1998

By 

C. J. Kues (Loveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reign of the Greyhound: A Popular History of the Oldest Family of Dogs (Dog Breed Books) (Hardcover)

I was not really interested in the history of greyhounds, but have been contemplating adopting one. I received this book as a gift, and enjoyed it much more than I expected. She makes it interesting with some amazing stories, with some astronomical numbers in some cases. The most interesting part is her own experiences with these dogs. A good read.