When a dog is called, “racy,” the speaker isn’t referring to the canine being an erotically titillating creature, but rather, its structure. Being sleek and light and long legged and thin is appropriate for a Whippet or Greyhound – not so much for a St. Bernard or Rottweiler. It’s an old term (how old, we don’t know), but we came across this sentence in an issue of the Dog Fancier: “The next to be trotted out was the young stud dog by Supremacy x Bobolink, a big racy dog with extra long head and a nice ears, but inclined to be a trifle coarse in cheek.” The dog being discussed was a Collie, and the quote appeared in an issue dated October, 1921.  Being “racy” suggests a dog that’s light in bone, long on leg, and perhaps on the narrow side. Not surprisingly, “racy” suggests a speedster, but it’s not a compliment if the breed isn’t supposed to have any of the aforementioned qualities. Some folks use “rangy” to describe much the same look, though “rangy” has (to us, anyway) the tacit suggestion of a chest lacking depth. It’s a big “no no” in breeds like the Akita or Miniature Schnauzer.

“Greyhounds Traveling At 45 mph” by Christine Till is available as a tote bag, print, greeting card, and more here