Greyhound Racing is a fast-paced sport that originated in the late 19th century. Developed in the United Kingdom, it was adapted from traditional hare coursing and moved to a race track environment where dogs chase a mechanical lure around an oval track. The sport quickly grew in popularity and spread to other countries like the United States and Australia, attracting those who appreciate the speed, agility, and drive of these dogs.
The sport tests a dog’s speed and focus, with Greyhounds traditionally being the main participants due to their sprinting ability, reaching up to 72 kilometers per hour. However, other breeds can compete as well, particularly in their own designated classes.
Our Involvement in Greyhound Racing
At Rebel Offsprings, we have been involved in Greyhound Racing for several years. Both Emelie and Thomas have worked at our local race track—Emelie as a trainer and Thomas as head of livestream for competitions, as well as introducing new sports to the club. While we no longer have a Greyhound in competition, we were proud to have one racing in the past, which gave us valuable experience with the sport.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers in Greyhound Racing
Staffordshire Bull Terriers traditionally aren’t associated with racing, but we have worked to introduce them to the sport. Our dog Wine made history by becoming the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier to earn a SHCF Greyhound Racing License. Although Wine is no longer with us, her daughter City now holds the license, continuing the tradition.
While Staffordshire Bull Terriers may not reach the speeds of Greyhounds, they bring their own strengths to the track. Competing in their own class, these dogs showcase determination, power, and a strong prey drive. We hope to see more Staffordshire Bull Terriers joining the sport, as they have the drive and ability to thrive in this challenging environment.
Training and Competition
Currently, City is the only dog we have competing in Greyhound Racing. The training is focused on building speed, endurance, and focus. Like all racing dogs, she undergoes regular conditioning and mental preparation to ensure she is ready for the demands of the track.
In addition to Greyhound Racing, we also participate in Lure Racing on a 100-meter straight track. This sport, while shorter in distance, offers a similar challenge of speed and prey drive, keeping our dogs physically and mentally sharp.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to work within the sport, we hope to see more Staffordshire Bull Terriers entering the world of Greyhound Racing. The breed’s strength and enthusiasm make them well-suited for the track, and we are excited to see what the future holds for these dogs in the racing world.
Rebel Offsprings 