Greyhound Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Greyhound?

Ancient Egyptian art shows several long, slender dogs, and it is possible that these were ancestors of the modern greyhound. Other evidence suggests that these dogs were common in the Middle East in biblical times, indeed some versions of the Bible text refer specifically to a greyhound. They were also a regular sight in Ancient Rome, and the Romans took their dogs with them around Europe as they built their Empire. Many European countries then began to regard greyhounds as sacred animals. In the 10th century, King Howel of Wales even made the killing of a greyhound punishable by death.

Greyhounds were used in hunting to chase foxes, hares, deer, and the like, which perhaps isn't surprising when you consider that they can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour (72 km/h). Their slender build does, of course, make them ideal in any situation where speed is a requirement.

In the 20th century, greyhound racing became increasingly popular as a spectator sport. Many people still enjoy a trip to the dogs today, but greyhounds have become increasingly popular as family pets.

Who are Greyhound dogs best for?

Of course, greyhounds are much in demand from anyone who wants to make a career out of dog racing. They are, however, great small pets for anyone prepared to give them the love and attention they need.

Many families get their dogs from greyhound rescue groups - you're less likely to get one from a pet store. The National Greyhound Adoption Program is a well-established scheme in the US that looks after the welfare of retired racing greyhounds. These families then get to nurture one of the sweetest, gentlest, most elegant of all pets.

How much grooming does a Greyhound need?

A greyhound has a smooth, short-haired coat and doesn't need daily grooming. A weekly brush with a bristle brush or similar will probably be enough. They also don't shed as much hair as many dogs. Loose dog hair can, however, be removed using a rubber curry brush or similar.

Do Greyhound bark much?

On the whole, a greyhound is a quiet dog breed. Like many breeds, however, they might bark when anxious, when seeking attention, or when they meet another dog.

Do Greyhound bite?

A greyhound is not usually aggressive and should not bite frequently. If your pet does, it's probably because they are anxious, and this might occur during the transition from a racing dog to a domestic pet.

What is the temperament & personality of a Greyhound?

Remember that greyhounds enjoy sprinting, and need regular vigorous exercise. No greyhound could ever be described as a couch potato! Taking them for a jog is, therefore, unlikely to suit them. It's much better to let them run around a small, fenced-in area.

A greyhound can be somewhat sensitive. They are naturally shy and might get startled when touched. As you might when raising a sensitive child, they need to meet other people and animals and visit a variety of places in order to overcome their shyness.

A greyhound is generally good with children, although you will need to ensure your children don't steal their food, as this can aggravate them.

Although you might think of them as active animals, greyhounds might surprise you as they often want to spend a lot of time resting.

What is the weight & size of a Greyhound?

Many greyhounds are between 55cm and 75cm tall, although breeds such as the Russian are likely to be taller. An adult male greyhound might weigh 25 to 35 pounds and a female greyhound between 20 and 30 pounds.

How much training does a Greyhound need?

Training a greyhound is very important. One of the first things you'll learn is that they do like to chase smaller animals and small dogs, but with the right training, hopefully, they will stop doing this.

As with any other dog, the main thing a greyhound needs from its owner is love and affection. In addition to their running sessions, they probably need two walks per day.

You also need to perfect the familiar commands such as 'walk', 'no', 'sit' etc. and ensure that your greyhound responds to these. Reward-based training can also be important - let them know when they have been good.

As with any breed of dog, there are lots of training manuals for greyhounds, as well as formally run courses they can attend. Using the services of a professional dog walker can also be very valuable.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Greyhound?

If you own a greyhound, take care not to leave them outside for a long period, especially in cold weather. As they have so little body fat, this could cause them harm.

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs but are more likely than certain other breeds to experience certain health conditions. Greyhounds might, for example, be more likely to have allergies contract cancer, or experience heart problems. Because they do so much running and have fragile, thin legs, they are more likely to experience leg fractures and muscular injuries. Also, a large proportion of vet visits for greyhounds are for dental health problems.

What is the lifespan of a Greyhound?

Greyhounds tend to be healthy into their old age. Their likely life span is between 10 and 15 years, but they frequently retire from racing at five years old or younger. This means that, for most of their lives, it's up to pet owners to give them the care they need in order to remain healthy dogs.

How much should you feed a Greyhound?

Two meals a day with a good mix of meat (perhaps 500 grams worth) and kibble dog food (maybe two cups) will be sufficient for most greyhounds. Given that they are prone to dental problems, sheep brisket is one of the recommended meats. They obviously need plenty of clean water as well, perhaps as much as seven cups per day.

What is the price of a Greyhound in Australia?

Using the Greyhound Adoption Program, you might be able to get a greyhound for between $150 and $200. Otherwise, a greyhound puppy or adult dog might set you back between $2,500 and as much as $15,000 if you buy one in the open market.