Tradition / Region: English Mythology
Alternative names: None known
Category: Cat, Deer
The Myth
The Calygreyhound is a fantastical beast with the head of a wildcat, the body of a deer or antelope, the foreclaws of an eagle, ox hooves, antlers or horns, the hind legs of a lion or ox, and the tail of either a lion or a poodle. In rare depictions, it also possesses eagle’s wings.
Unlike many legendary creatures, the Calygreyhound has no surviving myths or folktales describing its deeds or adventures. It appears exclusively in medieval heraldry, most notably as a heraldic supporter of the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford, during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was traditionally associated with speed and swiftness, and its appearance varied considerably between artistic depictions, suggesting it was an entirely imaginative heraldic creation rather than a creature from popular legend.
Sources
“Calygreyhound.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calygreyhound