Greyhound
Also known as: English Greyhound, Grey
The 70 km/h couch potato — gentle, quiet and happiest on a soft bed.
- Gentle
- Quiet
- Affectionate
- Calm
- Sensitive
The Greyhound is one of the oldest dog types and the fastest breed on earth, yet at home it is famously calm and lazy. Many pet Greyhounds are retired racers, adopted after their careers. They are gentle, quiet and affectionate, need surprisingly little exercise, and suit apartments — but they have strong prey drive and special medical needs.
At a glance
- Origin
- United Kingdom / ancient Middle East
- Breed group
- Hound / Sighthound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 60–88 lb (27–40 kg)
- Height
- 26.8–29.9 in (68–76 cm)
- Lifespan
- 10–14 years
- Coat
- Short, smooth, fine
- Colours
- Black, Brindle, Fawn, Blue, Red, White, Parti
- Average cost
- $90–$160 / month
Breed ratings
Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.
Temperament
Greyhounds are calm, quiet and gentle indoors. They are usually good with people and other dogs but may chase cats and small animals.
Care & upkeep
Exercise
Two 30–45 minute walks and an occasional sprint in a secure field. Lead walking is usually necessary.
Grooming
A weekly rubber-mitt brush. Provide soft bedding and a winter coat.
Training
Sensitive dogs that learn with gentle, reward-based methods. Retired racers may need help adjusting to house life.
Feeding & diet
- Typical diet
- Quality large-breed diet
- Daily amount
- 400–650 g of dry food
- Meals per day
- 2 meals a day
A healthy Greyhound looks lean. Add weight to thin retired racers gradually and look after their teeth.
Foods to avoid
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onion and garlic
- Xylitol
- Cooked bones
Who this breed suits
A good match for
- Apartments
- Quiet households
- Older owners
- First-time owners adopting via rescue
Probably not for
- Homes with cats or small pets (for many individuals)
- Owners wanting an off-lead dog
- Cold outdoor kennelling
Common health problems
This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.
- Anaesthetic sensitivityLow body fat changes how some drugs work. Always tell your vet the breed.
- Dental diseaseCommon in the breed — regular brushing helps.
- OsteosarcomaBone cancer occurs at higher rates; persistent limping needs investigation.
- CornsPainful foot lesions causing lameness, common in Greyhounds.
- Skin tearsThin skin tears easily on fences and brambles.
Find a vet familiar with sighthounds — normal blood values and anaesthetic needs differ from other breeds.
Interesting facts
- Can reach around 70 km/h, the fastest of all dog breeds.
- Greyhound-like dogs appear in ancient Egyptian art.
- Often called 40 mph couch potatoes.
Diet & Feeding
Feed around 400–650 g of quality food daily across two meals. A healthy Greyhound looks lean, with the last ribs and hip bones visible. Retired racers may need weight added gradually. Raised bowls can be more comfortable for tall dogs. Brush teeth regularly, as dental disease is common.
Exercise Needs
Two walks of 30–45 minutes daily plus an occasional sprint in a secure field is enough. Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance dogs, and sleep up to 18 hours a day. Prey drive is strong — many must be walked on a lead and some cannot live with cats. Use a martingale collar or harness, because their heads are narrower than their necks.
Grooming
Very easy: a weekly rubber-mitt brush. Greyhounds have thin skin that tears easily and little body fat, so they feel the cold — a coat in winter is essential. Provide soft bedding to prevent pressure sores. Trim nails every three weeks.
Health & Vet Care
Greyhounds are generally robust but have specific needs: sensitivity to some anaesthetics (always tell your vet the breed), dental disease, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), corns on the feet and thin skin injuries. Bloodwork values differ from other breeds, so vets familiar with sighthounds are valuable.
Training Tips
Greyhounds are gentle and sensitive. They learn with soft, reward-based training and shut down if handled harshly. Retired racers may need time to learn house life — stairs, glass doors and being alone. Recall in open spaces is unreliable because of prey drive.
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