Greyhound Index
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Greyhound
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Greyhound are blessed with some of the nicest cards and stamps available for any breed.
To check out the
Greyhound Stamps from Around the World, click here.
Greyhound Items that I enjoy, but don't have a source for, click here.
or some lovely Greyhound Art Work and Posters, click here.

Our first card is a gorgeous one put out by John Player & Sons in 1925 as part of their "Scenic Background" series. On the back it says, "The oldest of all breeds of dogs, the Greyhound was highly valued as a hunting dog by the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians, and in type appears to have altered but little during the last six or seven thousand years. Coursing was first conducted under established rules during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The Waterloo Cup - the "Derby" of the coursing world -was instituted in 1836. As a rule Greyhounds successful in the leash are not the best show specimens, though there are notable exceptions. Weight-60 to 65 lbs,. Bitches 55 to 60 lbs. Height-24 ins.
Check out Card 26 below for a larger version issued in 1924
Greyhound Card 1(Players Scenic, 1925)... SOLD OUT

This card was intended to be issued by John Player & Sons in 1940 as part of their "Dogs Heads by Biegel" series, but the outbreak of World War II and it's paper shortage stopped it. Fortunately some of the sets were sold to collectors. On the back it says, "For five thousand years or more the Greyhound has existed in much the same form as we know it today. It was employed by the Egyptians for hunting in the desert, where its good eyesight and immense speed were vital to success. Since then it has become familiar in many countries. It was well known in England in the fifteenth century, and with the advent of coursing as an organised sport it became more and more popular. The modern sport of Greyhound track racing was introduced into this country in 1926. The derivation of the name Greyhound is obscure, but it certainly has nothing to do with its colour."
Greyhound Card 2(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... $7.95 each

This card was also issued by John Player & Sons in 1931 in their series of "Dogs by Wardle - Full Length". On the back it says, "The Greyhound, one of the oldest of all breeds of dogs, was highly valued as a hunting dog by the Ancient Egyptians and Assyrians, and in type appears to have altered but little during the last 6 or 7,000 years. Coursing the hare with Greyhounds was first conducted under established rules during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The Waterloo cup, which is run at Altcar, was instituted in 1836, and is the "Derby" of the coursing world. Greyhound Racing behind the mechanical hare has become a very popular pastime since its introduction at Belle Vue, Manchester, in 1920. Height: 24 in. Weight: Dogs 60-65 lb., Bitches 55-60 lb."
Greyhound Card 3(Players Dogs full length, 1931)... $6.95 each

This lovely card was issued by Gallaher in 1936 as part of their first series of dogs. On the back it says, "The Greyhound is probably one of the oldest known breeds, as the Arabs used it hundreds of years ago for hunting. Recently it has been much in the public eye owing to the great popularity of Greyhound Track Racing. It is intelligent, very fast and has wonderful eyesight and stamina, being absolutely tireless. There are two types known in England, the Racing and Coursing kind and the Show specimen, the latter of which appears here and is built on somewhat finer lines."
Greyhound Card 4(Gallaher Dogs A Series, 1936)... $9.95 each

Our first card issued by Wills in 1937 was from a series simply entitled, "Dogs." On the back it says, "A great sporting dog and a fine companion. Head rather wide and flat between ears, of good length, with long, fine, but powerful, muzzle. Eyes rather small and dark in colour. Ears fine and carried with tips thrown back. Neck long, muscular and gracefully arched. Shoulders sloping. Forelegs well boned and straight with hare feet. Hind legs very powerful and bent at stifle and hock. Chest very deep, moderately wide. Body very powerful, of fair length and well arched at loin. Coat short and hard. Colour: black, red, fawn, blue, brindle; or these colours mixed with white."
Greyhound Card 5(Wills Dogs, 1937)... $5.95 each

John Player & Sons issued a set "Dogs Heads-Eire" in Ireland in 1940. In 1994, they authorized a reprint of these lovely cards. On the back it says, "The antiquity of Greyhounds, regarded by many as the aristocrats of the canine world, is undoubted, and references to them are found in very early history. Dogs of this type are indeed shown in carvings of the days of the Pharaohs. They were bred also in Ireland before the Christian era and have changed little throughout the ages. The sporting abilities of Greyhounds have long been recognised, and coursing is a sport which was carried on in the sixteenth century. Most of the classic honours have been won by Irishbred dogs, and track racing resulted in the export from Ireland of Greyhounds to the value of almost half a million pounds in the year 1931."
Greyhound Card 6(Players Dogs Heads Eire reproduction, 1994)... $5.95 each

This card was issued in weight machines, where a person put in their money and their weight was printed on the back. Most of these were printed in 1953 by the British Automatic Company.
Greyhound Card 7(British Automatic, 1953)... SOLD OUT

The Priory Tea cards were issued with boxes of tea and on the back, there is a game called, "I Spy" Dogs. It has distinguishing characteristics of the breed of dog and the person is supposed to fill it in when they "Spy" a dog of that breed. They were issued in 1957.
Greyhound Card 8(Priory Tea, 1957)... $5.95 each

Cofton Collections issued three different Dog Series and this is one from their First Series. This is a 1988 reprint of the 1963 original.
Greyhound Card 9(Cofton Collections 1st series reprint, 1988)... $5.95 each

Amaram Tea also put cards in their tea boxes and this series was called "Dogs Heads", issued in 1965. On the back it says, "The Greyhound is of very ancient origin and may be seen depicted on Greek and Egyptian vases. The head is long, thin and snakelike with the eyes set widely at an angle and the ears turning towards the back of the head. His sense of smell is poor and he chases prey entirely by sight. The Greyhound's shape and build is streamlined for speed."
Greyhound Card 10(Amaran Tea, 1965)... $5.95 each

Molassine issued this set of "Dogs at Work" in 1970 to be inserted in Vim's Pet Foods. On the back it says, "The Greyhound is nearly as old as the SALUKI. Some carvings on tombs in the valley of the Nile depict him about 4000 B.C. Much prized by the aristocracy among the Arabs, who used him for coursing the gazelle, the leopard, and the hare. Nowadays the greyhound is a money maker for its owner on the race track where its prey is but a mechanical hare."
Greyhound Card 11(Molassine Dogs at Work, 1970)... $5.95 each

The Typhoo Tea cards are a bit different, since they were printed on the box and had to be cut out by the person saving them. This set was called "Some Popular Breeds of Dogs", and was issued in 1955. There is nothing on the back.
Greyhound Card 12(Ty Phoo Tea, 1955)... $8.95 each

Carreras issued these actual photos of "Dogs & Friend" in 1936. It is interesting to note that the child would be about 70 years old now. They are described by Lady Kitty Ritson. It says, "The Greyhound represents one of the oldest breeds in the world. There are pictures of dogs which are obviously Greyhounds both in Grecian times and the days of the Pharoahs. Nearly everyone is interested in the Waterloo Cup, which is run each year, and which in its way is important as the Derby. In addition, there are the various racecoures all over Britain where they "hunt" the electric hare. The Greyhound is essentially a sporting dog, and should be kept under strict control."
Greyhound Card 13(Carreras Dogs and Friend), 1936)... SOLD OUT

CH. LADY OF LELANT
Sire: - Trenowin King.
Dam: - Vorvas Fly.
This lovely actual photo was issued by Sinclair in their "Champion Dogs" series in 1938. On the back it says, "A White bitch of great size, correct type and full of quality, excelling in shoulders, front legs and feet. A winner of upwards of 200 prizes at the big shows, including over 100 Firsts, Challenge Certificates, Trophies, and Specials. An outstanding Greyhound of the present day."
Owned By: - Mr. A. H. Opie Redruth."
Greyhound Card 14((Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938), 1938)... SOLD OUT

Hignett issued their set of "Dogs" in 1936. The same design was also used for Ogden Cigarettes that same year. On the back it says, "This is a very old breed, sculptures of similar dogs having been made in ancient Egypt. From the earliest times it has been the coursing dog in Britian. The Greyhound hunts by sight, not by smell. Showing does not appear to have spoiled the breed for sport, though many authorities contend that a working Greyhound becomes too muscular for exhibition purposes. Coursing clubs in various parts of the country work the breed in natural conditions, as in the annual contest for the Waterloo Cup in February at Altcar."
Greyhound Card 15(Hignett Dogs, 1936)... $19.95 each

Greyhound.
"The oldest of all breeds of dogs, the Greyhound was highly valued as a hunting dog by the ancient Egyptians and Asyrians, and in type appears to have altered but little during past centuries. Coursing was first conducted under established rules towards the end of the 16th century. The Waterloo Cup--the "Derby" of the coursing world--was instituted in 1836. As a rule Greyhounds successful in the leash are not the best show specimens, though there are notable exceptions.
Weight 60 to 65 lbs. bitches 55 to 60 lbs. Height 24 ins."
Greyhound Card 16(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... $7.95 each

Both of these gorgeous headstudies were issued by Phillips as part of their "Our Dogs" series in 1939. They are different sizes because they went in packets of either 10 or 20 cigarettes. On the back it says, "This very popular dog is well known for its speed. When at full strech the hind-feet are implanted in front of the fore-feet. The only other animals which effect this remarkable demonstration are the Hare and the Cheetah."
Greyhound Card 17 left(Godfrey Phillips OUR DOGS, 1939)... $14.95 each

Greyhound Card 18 right(Godfrey Phillips OUR DOGS, 1939)... $14.95 each

Edwards, Ringer & Bigg put out these wonderful cards for their Klondyke cigarettes in 1908, so this card is well over 90 years old. On the back it says, "All authorities agree that this is the oldest breed of dog extant. Used in the sport of coursing the hare. The "Waterloo" Cup is the great trophy in the coursing world equal to the "Derby" in horse racing. He is essentially built for speed with sloping shoulders and deep wellribbed chest, arched loin, and very muscular hind quarters. The great coursing winners would not excel on the show bench. Weight from 40 to 75 lbs."
Greyhound Card 19(Ringers Klondyke, 1908)... SOLD OUT

The Moustafa series of paintings of "Dogs Heads by Leo Chambers" were beautifully executed in 1924. On the back it says, "This is entirely a sporting dog, and competes in many match events, including the Waterloo Cup, and he is easily the speediest dog on the course. A good dog should have a long tapering head, strong neck, straight muscular legs, long tail and plenty of heart room (that is deep chest and big ribs). He is also an excellent companion.
Feed on Spratt's Do cakes and "Rodnim".
Greyhound Card 21(Moustafa Leo Chambers Dogs Heads, 1924)... SOLD OUT

New Zealand Weeties Company issued these cards to go in Weeties, Crispies and Vitabrits in 1940. They are very had to find and are in a series called "Favourite Dogs." On the back it says, "The Greyhound, famed for his great speed, is popularly raced the world over. Coursing matches between them are a favorite sport for many people. Distinguished by his slender form, long legs and tail, the greyhound is incapable of hunting by scent because of his narrow muzzle and small nostrils, and today he hunts entirely by sight.
**
DO remember what a pal you have in your dog and be a pal to him. He needs fresh, clean drinking water each day.
Greyhound Card 22(Weeties Favourite dogs New Zealand, 1940)... $24.95 each

This is probably the prize of all of the Greyhound cards that we have to offer right now. It was issued in 1890 by Goodwin as part of their "Dogs of the World" series. Back then they didn't print a description on the back, just the name of the company and the Old Judge Cigarettes, which is the brand that it was issued in that era.
Greyhound Card 23(Goodwin Dogs of the World, 1890)... $69.95 each

The Quaker Oats Company issued this "Challenge of the Yukon" set in 1938. On the back it says, "GREYHOUND is the swiftest of all dogs. No other breed can match him in speed. Bred mostly for racing. Greyhounds are very old, originating in Egypt about 4,000 B.C. Weight close to 70 pounds and stand from 24 to 27 inches in height. In spite of his size, he can make a good dog for the home. He can withstand both heat and cold. Greyhound shown here is "Champion Magic of Mardormere".
Greyhound Card 24(Quaker Oats, 1938)... $24.95 each

This is an unusual and larger version of the Card 1, listed above. It was also issued by John Player & Sons in 1924 as part of their Scenic Background series. The small cards were issued in packets of 10 cigarettes, while these came in packs of 40 cigarettes instead. On the back it says, "The oldest of all breeds of dogs, the Greyhound was highly valued as a hunting dog by the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians, and in type appears to have altered but little during the last six or seven thousand years. The Greyhound is a fine companion, and if properly trained can be developed into an excellent house-dog. It is, therefore, singular that so few are seen outside the training kennels which are devoted solely to the sport of coursing. Coursing was first conducted under established rules during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The Waterloo Cup -- the "Derby" of the coursing world -- was instituted in 1836. As a rule Greyhounds consistently successful in the leash are not the best show specimens, though there are notable exceptions. Height about 24 inches. Weight 60 to 65 lbs., bitches 55 to 60 lbs.
Greyhound Card 26(Players Scenic, 1924)... $24.95 each

"WILD WOOLLEY"

Gallaher issued this wonderful series of "Dogs" in 1934. In the bottom right Greyhounds card from England

corner of each one is a little action scene. With the Greyhound, it is a rabbit running, which is quite appropos. On the back it says, "It has been claimed, with good reason, that the Greyhound is the oldest pure-bred dog in the world, and although undoubtedly Greyhounds have been crossed at various times with the object of adding characters considered of value, the breed of to-day bears a strong resemblance to the Grehound kept in Ancient Greece, and to the type kept in Early Egyptian times by the Pharaohs. Coins and gems bore the effigy of a Greyhound, or its near prototype, the Saluki. There are two types of Greyhound to-day. The illustration is of "Wild Woolley," one of the finest track Greyhounds of the present age. Among his wins are the Greyhound Derby, 1932. He was narrowly beaten in this event in 1933 by Future Cutlet."
Greyhound Card 27(Gallaher Champion Dogs, 1934)... $14.95 each

"CHAMPION BARMAID"

Greyhounds card from England

This card was issued by ARDATH TOBACCO in 1934 and is No. 8 in a series of 25 "Champion Dogs." The cards were inserted singly into large packs of cigarettes. The fronts of the card depicts an artist drawn picture of a dog named Ch. Barmaid owned by Mr. & Mrs. Marchetti. The back of the card contains a drawing of the dog with the breed points indicated as they were in 1934.
Greyhound Card 28(Ardath Champion Dogs, 1934)... $9.95 each

W.D & H.O. Wills issued this gorgeous set in 1914. They authorized a reprint in 1987, since the originals had become so scarce and popular. On the back it says, "The English Greyhound, which is of great antiquity, is built for extreme speed, the long, slender limbs giving the utmost possible length of stride. For coursing he is unexcelled, and the annual race for the Waterloo Cup, which holds the same position in coursing circles as the Derby does in horse racing, is most enthusiastically supported. In olden times there appear to have been two separate breeds, the Grehounde, which must have been a most powerful dog, and was used for hunting deer, stags, wolves, and wild boars; and the Gazehound, a smaller variety, used for coursing hares. In the time of King John the destruction of a Greyhound was considered as great a crime as the murder of a fellow man, and the Greyhounds were often taken by the King in payment of debts or fines, so highly were they esteemed."
Greyhound Card 30(Wills Dogs A Series ORIGINAL,1914)... $24.95 each

Greyhound Card 30A (Wills Dogs A Series reproduction, 1987)... $5.95 each

A lovely card from Germany with German printed on the back.
Greyhound Card 33(From Germany)... $19.95 each

Greyhound Card 34(left)... $5.95 each

Greyhound Card 35(right)... $5.95 each

Carreras (Turf Slides) of "Famous Dog Breeds" were issued in 1952. There are 50 cards in the set and the Greyhound is no. 49. There is nothing printed on the back of the card as they were part of the packaging and had to be cut out for saving.
Greyhound Card 36(Carreras Famous Dog Breeds, 1952)... $7.95 each

THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG
A DOG was so mischievous that his Master hung a weight from his neck. The Dog showed this weight as a badge of honor, until other dogs told him it was really a mark of disgrace.
Moral:--Don't mistake Notoriety for Fame.
Greyhound Card 37(Mischievous Dog)... $29.95 each

Greyhound Envelope

Greyhound Envelope... $9.95 each

Greyhound Playing Cards

Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly a part of Greyhound history.

Aren't these beautiful?
Greyhound Playing Card 1 and 2... $6.95 for the pair

Greyhound Playing Card 4... $5.95 each

This playing card was issued in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. It was printed in Belgium and the lovely illustrations were done by Tomas Markevicius as part of the Dogs of the World Card Collection. The Greyhound is appropriate the King of Hearts! To the right is a copy of the back of the cards from this set.

Greyhound Playing Card 5(U.S.Games Systems 1996)... $5.95 each

Greyhound Playing Card 7 and 8... $4.95 each pair

To check out the
Greyhound Stamps from Around the World, click here.
Greyhound Items that I enjoy, but don't have a source for, click here.
or some lovely Greyhound Art Work and Posters, click here.

* We can take visa/mc/disc or paypal, but they are first come first served, so let me know if you are interested.

* Truly one of the cheapest unique treats for yourself or a friend (great for club trophies as well!)

* I don't always count on getting more in the near future. I get them when I can find them and the stock is not always constant.

* I do have other breeds available. Let me know and perhaps I can do a page for your breed.

~*~ Francie Stull ~*~
729 Mercer Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Toll free (800) 658-6699, (270) 777-0744

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Greyhound Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Greyhound Envelope

Greyhound Playing Cards

Greyhound
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards