The greyhound’s muscular, aerodynamic silhouette is familiar to people around the world, and has been for thousands of years. The breed’s other defining trait—their speed—is similarly famous. Greyhounds are the quickest dogs, and can run up to 45 miles per hour (which would get a driver a ticket on many local roads). But there’s more to these majestic dogs than their trademark physique and their speed.
Greyhounds are smart, affectionate dogs who can make wonderful companions to families who are willing to give them the training, exercise, and affection they need. Below, we’ll run down the basics on these topics, plus grooming, nutrition, vet care, and everything else you need to know to share your life with a greyhound.
Basic greyhound breed facts
According to the American Kennel Club, adult greyhounds typically weigh 60–70 pounds, and are 27–30 inches tall. Males tend to be on the larger side of that range, while females tend to be smaller. A greyhound in good health lives an average of 10–13 years. Their coats are short, smooth, and come in a variety of colors.
Greyhounds are “sighthounds,” meaning they hunt primarily using vision and speed. They have exceptional peripheral vision—which is great for spotting movement, even something that happens partially behind them. Being light-sensitive, greyhounds see best at twilight, while their vision is better at a distance than it is close-up.
Venus
Greyhound breed history
Numerous pieces of art featuring greyhound-like animals have been traced to caves and tombs in the Middle East, with many such paintings and artifacts found in Egyptian pyramids. “Greyhound-like dogs were the favorites of Egyptian Pharaohs,” says Christine A. Dorchak, president and general counsel at Arlington, Massachusetts–based greyhound protection organization GREY2K USA Worldwide. “The dogs were prized as royalty; the birth of a greyhound was celebrated almost as much as the birth of a son, and death was mourned with elaborate ceremony. When a member of the Egyptian nobility died, his sighthounds were often buried with him and pictured in the tomb.”
Famous greyhound owners have included Cleopatra VII, Bo Derek, Trent Reznor and, if you count cartoon characters, Bart Simpson.
The image of a greyhound has long held an iconic position in society as a metaphor for speed (or aspiring to speed in the case of, say, a national long-distance bus carrier).
Unfortunately, greyhounds have also long been used in dog racing. While greyhound racing existed in various forms around the world for many years beforehand, it became popular in the United States early in the 20th Century. The activity has received considerable criticism—and, in more recent years, become illegal in many jurisdictions—because of the suffering it visits upon the dogs involved.
As the popularity of racing exploded, so did the number of dogs that were produced for the track. As recently as 15–20 years ago, more than 25,000 racing dogs were bred each year in the United States alone.
Thankfully, as greyhound racing nears its end in the United States, American rescue groups are now opening their doors to needy dogs from other countries where racing continues, such as Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom. “Every greyhound airlifted to safety is another life saved,” says Dorchak. A list of adoption groups may be found here.
Gaara
Greyhound personality
Every dog is different, and there’s nothing wrong with your greyhound if they don’t act the way you might expect based on their breed. Having said that, people who live with greyhounds do report certain traits as being common.
Beyond their athleticism, greyhounds are intelligent, good-natured, laid-back, loyal companions. “They make wonderful family friends, for both young and old,” says Dorchak. “Their gentle and affectionate temperaments make them well-suited for a variety of living situations, even apartments.”
Because the majority of pet greyhounds are adopted or rescued from the racing world, they can understandably come with a little “baggage” from their former environments. For example, most greyhounds are sensitive, eager to please, and looking for reassurance. Extra-sensitive animals are likely best suited to quieter, calmer home situations.
“Despite their size, they can be somewhat fragile and shy,” notes Dorchak. “While racing, they are kept confined in small, stacked cages and they are not given the opportunity for socialization that other dogs may normally experience. Additionally, many greyhounds suffer injuries while racing—so it is important to understand that they need a loving and patient hand.”
Joe DeMichael, owner of Dusty, his fourth adopted greyhound, endorses these points. “We had two greyhounds that had raced, and their bodies were pretty beat up,” he says. “All of our greyhounds have been very sensitive and can feel your energy.”
Bear in mind, too, that many adopted greyhounds are getting their first taste of a family home—give them the time and understanding they need as they adjust to their new lives.
Lisa Sallie, president of Huntington, New York–based adoption agency Grateful Greyhounds, says of dogs rescued from racing, “they have never climbed stairs or viewed themselves in a mirror, so it can be fun watching them discover themselves.”
It’s an experience that is familiar to Zach Ready and his dog Gaara. “You have to realize this is all new for them,” he says. “Teaching a greyhound to walk up and down stairs can be a daunting task, but they’re willing to learn with some food incentives. And once they do, you can say goodbye to all personal space—because you now have a bathroom and bedroom buddy for life!”
Chilly
Greyhounds can suffer from separation anxiety—with some of the more severe symptoms being howling, barking, scratching or chewing at furniture in the owner’s absence. It’s best to get a greyhound used to being alone gradually, leaving them for short periods of time at first and gradually extending your absences. It is important to not punish them—even if they destroy your favorite couch while you’re out—as they will learn to fear both your leaving and your return.
As sighthounds, greyhounds hunt primarily using their vision, and need to be kept on a leash unless in a fully fenced area or inside the home. They need a comfortable harness or a collar that won’t injure or irritate them, and that will also prevent their small heads from slipping out. Talk to your vet about what option is best for your dog.
Greyhounds generally get along well with other pets—but, because they are bred to chase, they may not be well-suited to homes with cats or other small animals that they could misinterpret as prey. If you’re considering bringing a particular greyhound into your home, ask the rescue organization or foster as much as you can about their personality, and spend some time with them to see what they’re like.
If you have a greyhound puppy, you’ll increase your chances of good relations between them and other pets by introducing them safely at a young age.
“The most important factor to consider,” suggests Dorchak, “is the suitability of any individual dog to one’s own lifestyle and family.”
Grooming considerations
Greyhounds require little grooming on account of their short, smooth coats. Give them a regular bath (every 3–4 weeks is a good frequency) and weekly rubdowns with a dog-safe shampoo (not one for humans!) and a damp cloth or glove.
Try to brush your greyhound every few days to help keep their coats healthy, using rubber brushes, grooming mitts or soft brushes. Avoid spiky brushes or ones with thin metal points. Greyhounds have thin coats, and these products can irritate them.
Greyhounds’ nails can grow fast—be sure to trim them whenever they start to get too long. And brush their teeth every day using a dog-safe toothpaste—not a product made for people, as those can be very toxic to dogs.
Exercise, mental stimulation, and training for greyhounds
Greyhounds are capable of amazing speed and energy when they encounter potential prey (or even a tennis ball). They must only be allowed off-leash in a securely fenced area, as they may not be able to resist the urge to run off in pursuit of whatever they find intriguing.
“I knew greyhounds liked to run, but I had no idea how insistent they were on running,” says Tony Greco, owner of Diva. “When I take her to the dog park, she starts every time with two warm-up laps. Once she’s warmed up, then she turns on the jets.”
Greyhounds need at least an hour of exercise per day. Backyard exercise is fine, although daily walks provide great mental and physical stimulation. Living space is a key factor when evaluating exercise requirements. If you live in an apartment or a small home with no yard, a typical greyhound will need around 2–3 short walks per day and 1–2 long walks. In most cases, they should also get the chance to enjoy a good run in a completely enclosed fenced area at least a couple of times a week.
“Greyhounds are wonderful companions and enjoy going for walks,” says Grateful Greyhounds’ Sallie. “But when they have access to a fenced yard, their speed is incredible to watch.”
Training must be interesting, challenging, and fun. Greyhounds may learn quickly, but may also bore easily. Again, these are all generalizations based on the accounts of people who live with greyhounds—but breed is no guarantee of personality, and you should tailor your training and care to the dog you have.
Note that sitting can be uncomfortable for greyhounds, because their weight is on their hind legs and their rear ends usually do not touch the ground. Racers have also often been discouraged from sitting and trained to be ready to take off running at any moment.
Common greyhound health concerns
Along with ailments common to all dogs, greyhounds are at particular risk for the following:
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Greyhounds can be predisposed to bloat and the life-threatening condition gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). GDV requires immediate medical attention—minutes can make the difference. If you notice a distended abdomen, retching, or signs of pain, contact a veterinarian as soon as you can. For details, read our guide.
Dental problems: Untreated periodontal disease can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and even more serious health problems, such as heart disease. Have your vet regularly examine your dog’s teeth during check-ups, get professional cleanings as needed, and start a daily tooth-brushing routine at home.
Osteosarcoma: This bone cancer most commonly causes tumors in a dog’s legs, but it can also impact other body parts. It is usually very aggressive. If you notice that your greyhound is experiencing any pain or limping, don’t panic—there are many possible reasons for this—but do call the vet right away.
Greyhound neuropathy: This condition is rare, but can be inherited among greyhounds. Dogs afflicted with greyhound neuropathy experience muscle weakness and develop a “bunny-hop gait.” The condition impacts puppies, usually emerging between 3 and 9 months. There is no cure for greyhound neuropathy, though treatment can help alleviate the pain. Genetic testing can reveal whether a dog is carrying the gene that causes the condition.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): In this degenerative condition, dogs’ intervertebral discs—pieces of cartilage and other tissue between the vertebrae of their spine—herniate. Signs may include dragging or weakness of the hind limbs, reluctance to move, a hunched back or neck, or crying out in pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your dog to the vet immediately—prompt treatment can make a huge difference in their prognosis. It’s not possible to guarantee that your dog will never develop IVDD, but you can improve their chances of good spinal health by keeping them in an ideal body condition and not letting them jump off of furniture.
Arthritis: Greyhounds may be more prone to developing arthritis than most dogs. Be on the lookout for signs like a stiff gait, difficulty getting up and lying down, and reduced willingness to exercise. You can help improve your greyhound’s chances of avoiding arthritis with proper nutrition and an appropriate amount of exercise, and by keeping them in an ideal body condition. Still, there’s no guarantee that they won’t encounter the condition as they age. Dogs with arthritis can often live normal, happy lives with proper management, so tell your vet if you suspect it’s afflicting your greyhound.
Corns: Many greyhounds develop corns—hardened skin on their paws. Greyhounds with corns may limp or seem to be in pain when walking, especially on hard surfaces. You should be able to see the corns on their feet; they’ll look round and may have an outline or a raised edge. They tend to get bigger over time. If you think your greyhound has corns, bring them to the vet to discuss treatment options; they are painful for dogs to live with. If the corn is mild, the vet may recommend filing it. In more severe cases, the treatment is surgery.
Hookworms: Dogs can catch this parasite by coming into contact with infected feces or other contaminated items in their environments. Hookworms are dangerous to any dog, and can cause anemia and blood in the stool. They are especially hazardous to puppies, and can be fatal. Greyhounds have a reputation for recurrent, medication-resistant hookworm infections, in part due to their treatment in racing, where many were routinely treated with dewormers whether or not they were infected. Dogs with hookworms do need medication, though—so if you notice signs like weight loss, diarrhea, or a dry coat, call your vet to have your greyhound examined.
Sunburn: Because their coats are short and light colored, and can have spots that are bald, they’re susceptible to sunburns. You can protect them by avoiding the sun during peak hours, seeking shade, and—if the sun is unavoidable—using a dog-safe sunscreen product (do not just slather on whatever you use when you go to the beach; human sunscreens can harm dogs). Another option for sun protection: light, breathable clothing.
Food and nutrition for greyhounds
As with all dogs, it’s important to provide greyhounds with healthy, complete and balanced food in the right amount. Here are some other things to consider:
Support joint health: A fresh diet that provides balanced omega-3 fatty acids may help keep joints healthy. A pre-portioned fresh food plan also makes it easy to feed the right number of calories every day. This helps maintain a healthy weight, which is another key factor in keeping joints healthy, as well as improving general health and quality of life.
Mind those teeth: Eating for dental health means eating for overall health–a fresh, whole-food diet promotes a healthy immune system, which helps ward off dental maladies. Crunchy kibble is often said to clean teeth, but most kibble does no such thing.
Watch their weight: Extra weight puts added stress on a dog’s heart and joints, and is linked with an array of health conditions, so it’s important to determine the appropriate calorie intake while ensuring proper nutrition. One way to improve your dog’s chances of continued good health is to keep them in an ideal body condition. A fresh-food plan makes it easy to feed the right amount for their age, size, and activity level.
Limit treats and snacks: Treats and snacks should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake—and this goes even for very active dogs. They make great training rewards, but don’t go overboard on the quantity.
A healthy diet—alongside training, exercise, vet care, and lots of quality time—is among the keys to helping your greyhound live a happy, healthy life.
Where to get a greyhound
If a greyhound sounds like the right dog for you, consider a local shelter or rescue organization.
