Form and function are major themes for this breed. The Greyhound boasts a striking, lean, aerodynamic body that is made for speed. In fact, this is the fastest dog on the planet. Providing a fenced-in yard and lots of exercise is a must!
Independent and almost cat-like, they will quickly become a beloved household member.
Fun fact: The Greyhound is one of the most ancient breeds. Interestingly, it can be traced to almost every country in the world.
History
The original ancestors of the Greyhound are believed to come from the Celts in Eastern Europe. The breed originates from a line of sighthounds used for hunting because of their superior eyesight.
It's also noted that the Ancient Egyptians had similar-looking breeds, but there's no definitive connection between these dogs and Greyhounds.
The name Greyhound is probably from the Old English grighund, which doesn't mean grey but possibly fair hound/dog. This makes sense, as they are actually a variety of colors.
Greyhound Training & Temperament
As a sighthound, Greyhounds were bred to spot animals and hunt on their own along with humans. This leads them to be more independent than some other breeds. Training requires beginning from a young age and lowering expectations to short, simple training sessions. Using positive reinforcement over a longer period of time is the most effective.
Greyhound Exercise
Greyhounds are a mix of bursts of high-speed energy and relaxation. They don't need constant exercise, but it's best to give them some opportunities to run free. This can mean running in a fenced dog park or chasing a ball at high speed. After getting that energy out, they're happy to lounge around the house.
Grooming
The Greyhound's coat is short and smooth, requiring little maintenance. They need the occasional bath or brush, and their ears should be checked for buildup.
Health
Owners should watch for bloat, where the stomach can expand. It's best to avoid running them immediately after meals or drinking large amounts of water.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.
Breed FAQs
Can Greyhounds be apartment dogs?
The Greyhound does fine in apartments. They don't need lots of space, so they should adapt well to apartment living.
Can Greyhounds be left alone?
Greyhounds don't like being left alone for too long. They tend to show some separation anxiety when left apart from their people.
Are Greyhounds good with kids?
Greyhounds can do fine with kids. They need some monitoring and training so they react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Greyhounds friendly with strangers?
Greyhounds love other people and will often run up to them for affection. They quickly become friends with almost anyone.
Do Greyhounds get along with other dogs?
Typically, Greyhounds get along well with other dogs or are easy to socialize. It is uncommon for them to be overly aggressive.
Do Greyhounds bark a lot?
As far as dogs go, Greyhounds bark an average amount. Expect barking to alert you, get attention, or react to strangers and other dogs.
Do Greyhounds shed a lot?
The Greyhound isn't a heavy shedder. Some brushing and occasional cleaning should prevent much hair buildup.
Do Greyhounds need a lot of grooming?
With a Greyhound you won't need to dedicate extra time to special grooming. Their coats are easy to care for.
Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
The Greyhound has a good amount of energy and needs walks and play to stay happy.
Are Greyhounds easy to train?
Although Greyhounds can be a challenge to train, they can learn with dedicated work or some professional help.
Can Greyhounds handle cold weather?
Expect Greyhounds to struggle in the cold. A cold climate needs special consideration for this breed.
Can Greyhounds handle hot weather?
The Greyhound does quite well in hot conditions. They enjoy the heat and sun, as long as they have water.
