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The Greyhound is a lean, elegant, aerodynamic racing dog breed, prized for its hunting abilities and ‘Ferrari’ speeds. They’re the fastest dogs in the world with a top speed of almost 45 mph, but outside of the racetrack, they’re total couch potatoes and make amazing family pets.
They have a gentle, calm temperament and are surprisingly laidback for such athletic dogs. After they’ve expelled their energy in a couple of short bursts, Greyhounds love nothing more than lounging around, often on their backs with all four legs in the air – not their most graceful look, but a look nonetheless!
One of the most notable Greyhound traits is their strong prey drive and desire to hunt. Being a Sighthound, they were bred to course after game, so if it’s small, furry, and moving, chances are your Greyhound will see it. Squirrels, rabbits, and even a fluttering leaf can awaken their killer instincts, and once they’re locked in on a target, calling them back is as useful as a chocolate teapot. For this reason, it’s best to keep them on a lead at all times during walks, and to ensure your back garden is securely fenced in. That way, your Greyhound, the local wildlife, and your neighbour's cat are kept nice and safe.
They might be confident sprinters and hunters, but Greyhounds are sensitive souls that can be easily startled or spooked by loud noises. If there’s tension in the house or lots of shouting, this can cause them distress. They’re the introverts of the dog world, and will avoid conflict at all costs. These sleepy, quiet canines are all about the peaceful life.
While Greyhounds are loving and affectionate towards their family, they’re often pretty aloof around strangers. The idea of new people coming through the door doesn’t overly excite them, and they’re more likely to give your guests the side-eye before deciding whether or not to say hello.
This ability to think for themselves makes Greyhounds intelligent but also very stubborn. They have a mind of their own and won’t do something just to please you. Training this breed can be a challenge, but patience and gentle persuasion (i.e. tasty treats) usually do the trick.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a quirky companion that’s equal parts racecar and couch potato, the Greyhound could be the breed for you.
Calm and docile
Gentle and even-tempered
Friendly and affectionate
Forms strong bonds with family
Lazy couch potatoes
Loyal to loved ones
Can be shy and timid
Aloof with strangers
Highly sensitive
Doesn’t like busy, loud environments
Strong hunting instincts
Intelligent and independent
Often described as ‘cat-like’
Fast and agile
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calm, gentle, and placid | Very strong prey drive |
| Good with children | Aloof with strangers |
| Adaptable to different living environments | Sensitive to cold weather |
| Moderate exercise needs | Independent and stubborn |
| Low maintenance grooming needs | Can be prone to separation anxiety |
| Not prone to barking | Thin skin susceptible to damage |
Yes, the Greyhound makes a great family pet as they’re affectionate, loyal, and people-oriented. However, they’re sensitive dogs that might find the hustle and bustle of a busy household too stressful, so they suit families that lead a calmer, quieter life. While generally independent, some Greyhounds rely on company to feel safe, especially if they’ve come from a racing background where they’ve been surrounded by other dogs and people. This can lead to separation anxiety, so it’s something to be mindful of if you’re planning on adopting an ex-racing greyhound.
Yes, Greyhounds are generally good with children of all ages. They’re calm, gentle, and tolerant, and will usually walk away from a rowdy child rather than snap at them. Despite being large, Greyhounds don’t do well with roughhousing and wrestling. They’re quiet, sensitive souls, and their thin skin is easily damaged. They’re best suited to homes with sensible children who know how to handle dogs with care.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes and no. Greyhounds tend to get on well with other dogs if they’ve been socialised properly from a young age. However, they have a very strong prey drive and might view small dogs, cats, and other furry friends as fair game to chase and attack. For this reason, they shouldn’t be let off lead in open spaces, and it’s not recommended they share a home with small pets.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Greyhound is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
These dogs are different breeds, but they’re all members of the Sighthound family and are variations of the classic Greyhound.
The English Greyhound (also known as just the Greyhound) is one of the oldest known dog breeds that can be traced back over 4,000 years ago. They were bred for coursing, hunting, and racing.
The Spanish Greyhound (also known as the Spanish Galgo) is an ancient breed still used by hunters in rural Spain today, however they’re sadly considered disposable once hunting season is over.
The Russian Greyhound (also known as the Borzoi) was originally bred by Russian royalty to hunt wolves and other large animals.
The Arabic Greyhound (also known as the Sloughi) has a history of protecting nomads in the Sahara desert.
The Afghan Hound has a fabulous, flowing coat and is often seen flaunting its beauty in dog pageant shows.
The Persian Greyhound (also known as the Saluki), was used by royalty as a hunting dog for thousands of years.
The Whippet is a medium sized dog bred for dog racing, and potentially boasts the fastest acceleration time of any dog.
The Italian Greyhound was bred to be a diminutive companion dog that fits perfectly on your lap, and was popular amongst royalty and nobility.
The Scottish Greyhound (also known as the Deerhound) has a wiry, wavy coat and was bred to hunt large red deer.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Greyhound properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Less than you might think! Although they’re famous for being a racing dog breed – and are the fastest dogs on the planet – Greyhounds are built for sprints, not marathons. As such, they only need up to 1 hour of exercise a day, ideally split into two walks.
Greyhounds spend their energy in short bursts, so a couple of vigorous runs in a super secure enclosed space will do them just fine. As Sighthounds with very strong prey drives, they use their vision, speed, and agility to track prey, and can reach their top speed in just six strides! To keep you, them, and small furry critters safe, Greyhounds should always be kept on a lead in open spaces.
Known as the 45 mph couch potatoes, Greyhounds are content to snooze on their own for most of the day, but they still need their daily walks and plenty of mental stimulation. Without enough exercise, these pooches can become destructive, such as scratching at doors or chewing furniture.
When it’s cold, Greyhounds need to wear a jumper or coat to keep them warm, and they shouldn’t be kept outside for too long.
Greyhounds need unique collars to stay safe on walks. They have slender necks and small heads, making it easy for them to slip out of traditional collars. Also, normal collars can cause injury to their delicate throats if they lunge forward. Wider collars, such as the Fishtail collar, distributes pressure more evenly to provide more comfort, and the shape prevents it from slipping over the dog’s head. The Martingale style collar is another good choice as it has a loop that gently tightens if the dog pulls, preventing them from backing out of their collar and bolting off.
With a lot of patience and paw-sitivity! As they were bred to pursue game independently of humans, they prefer to think for themselves and make decisions on their own. This gives them a stubborn streak that can be challenging to work with. However, with the right approach and lots of consistency, Greyhounds can certainly master (most of) the basics!
Unleash your Greyhound’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats.
2. Be gentle. Greyhounds are sensitive dogs, so be gentle in your approach and avoid any harsh corrections or tones.
3. Don’t teach the ‘sit’ command. Yep, you heard that right! Due to their body shape and muscle tone, Greyhounds can’t sit down comfortably, and will often balance on their tail instead. Sitting isn’t a natural position for them, so teach them to ‘lie down’ or ‘stay’ instead.
4. Socialise, socialise, socialise. Greyhounds tend to be aloof with strangers, and their super strong prey drive can put small animals at risk. They can also become timid or fearful if not socialised properly. Expose them to new people, dogs, animals, children, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Keep training interesting. Avoid too much repetition and keep training sessions short and sweet (about 5–10 minute bursts). Greyhounds get bored easily, so rotate between different commands and games to help them stay interested.
6. Focus on lead training. Learning to walk nicely on a lead is essential, as Greyhounds have a high prey drive and shouldn’t be let off-lead in open areas. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable. As they have slender necks and small heads, it’s recommended to use a wide collar designed specifically for Sighthounds.
7. Practise recall. It’s an important skill to have, but with a Greyhound, you shouldn’t rely on it. These dogs have a deep, instinctual drive to chase after small furry things that move, so recall will rarely work out in the open. However, it’s good to teach these independent dogs to come back when called, especially if an emergency situation arises. Use a long-line lead and some tempting treats, but don’t be too discouraged if they don’t get it – it’s just not in their nature! As long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, Greyhounds can lead perfectly fulfilled lives even if they have to be kept on a lead for walkies.
8. Tap into their inner athlete. Engage in fun games where their athleticism can shine. Lure courses are an obvious one, as these safely simulate the pursuit of game and allow your Greyhound to tap into their deep-rooted instincts. You can also play chase in your back garden or a fenced-in space, just don’t expect to win when you’re up against the world’s fastest dog!
9. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While dogs should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat that’s super easy to care for, giving you more time for cuddles on the couch.
Despite their name, these dogs come in a variety of colours and combinations. Common Greyhound colours include fawn, red, blue, black, grey, white, brindle, and tri-colour.
Here are some Greyhound grooming tips to ensure they look gorgeous all year round.
Brush daily or a few times a week to keep shedding to a minimum. Use a rubber curry brush (also known as a hound mitt) to remove loose hairs, massage their muscles, and make their coat extra shiny.
They don’t need to be bathed very often, but when you do, use a dog-friendly shampoo.
Clean their ears regularly using a soft, damp cloth to prevent infection, but don’t insert anything down their ear canal.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Greyhounds are prone to dental problems, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
Yes, Greyhounds do shed fur, but they’re considered to be a low to moderate shedding breed, with heavier shedding during spring and autumn.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Greyhound lifespan is 12–15 years. However, like all dogs, they’re prone to a few health conditions.
Healthy Greyhounds should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Polyneuropathy. This congenital condition affects the nervous system and usually shows up between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Signs include mobility and coordination issues, tremors, exercise intolerance, and loss of muscle mass. This loss of muscle tone can spread to the throat, which can change their voice and cause difficulty swallowing. There’s no cure for polyneuropathy, but dogs with mild cases can still lead relatively normal lives.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.
Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Dogs usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication.
Drug Sensitivity. Greyhounds are highly sensitive to anaesthesia due to a deficiency in the cytochrome p450 enzyme that metabolises the drugs. They also have a low percentage of body fat, so the drugs stay in their system longer, prolonging recovery time. A normal dose for other dogs could prove lethal for a Greyhound, so it’s recommended they’re only put under anaesthetic if absolutely necessary, and you work with a vet that’s experienced with the breed.
Osteosarcoma. This aggressive bone cancer typically affects large and giant breeds, with most cases being the leg bones. Once detected, treatment usually involves amputation of the limb and chemotherapy, however this will only extend the dog’s life, not cure the condition.
Feeding your Greyhound a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Greyhound will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
As these dogs are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed them 2 times a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly.
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Greyhound’s nutritional needs. A high protein dog food is a good choice as this breed typically needs more calories and protein than other dogs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.
Regular exercise
They’re not the liveliest of dogs, but Greyhounds love to run in short bursts, so it’s vital they get out and about each day to let off steam in a secure area.
Prevent bloat
These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated.
Protect their joints
These agile dogs are built for high speed running, so consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet if they’re going to be involved in racing.
Monitor weight
A healthy Greyhound weight is 27–32 kg, and you should be able to see their waist from the side or top, as well as 3–4 ribs and a bit of their spine. Although naturally lean, Greyhound’s can easily become overweight, so make sure table scraps don’t become a daily occurrence. This breed is also known to steal food from countertops at any chance, so ensure your snacks are kept safely out of reach. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and organs, reducing their quality of life.
Keep them warm
Greyhounds have thin skin and barely any body fat, so cold weather can be their nemesis. Invest in some warm canine attire to stop the shivers when out on walks.
Use a special collar
Invest in a wide collar such as the Fishtail style or Martingale style. They’re designed especially for sleek and slender Sighthounds to prevent them from backing out of their collar on walks.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Greyhound’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Individuals, couples, and families with quieter households who can dedicate time to training and spend more time at home. |
| Outdoor space? | A very secure back garden or access to safe, enclosed areas where they can exercise without the risk of chasing and attacking prey. |
| Adaptability? | They’re adaptable to different living environments and can live in flats, providing they get daily walks and any balcony area is highly secure. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live with other dogs if trained and socialised well, however they can’t live with cats or other small animals due to their high prey drive. |
The unconditional love of a Greyhound is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
Greyhound puppies can cost anywhere between £500 and £5,000, as some may come from racing bloodlines. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Greyhound is around £100.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £30-40 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Greyhound should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Greyhound even more with these interesting tidbits and tales about the world’s fastest dog!
Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world, able to reach a top speed of almost 45 mph! While they’re not as fast as the Cheetah (which can run 65 mph), they have the same running style known as the double suspension gallop. With a streamlined body, deep chest, and long legs, they share a similar physique as the Cheetah too.
Nobody really knows where the name ‘Greyhound’ comes from, but there are a few interesting theories. The obvious one is that it’s a nod to the coat colour, and that the early Greyhounds were predominantly grey. Some say it’s a mispronunciation of ‘gazehound’ – another term for ‘sighthound’ – that became widely used over time. Others suggest it derives from the word ‘Greekhound’, which would have been used when the dogs came to England from Greece. Another theory is that the term ‘grey’ derives from the Latin word ‘gradus’, which means high grade or rank. Given these dogs were revered by royalty throughout their early history, it certainly makes sense!
Being a Sighthound, Greyhounds hunt their prey through sight rather than scent. They have a 270-degree range of vision, enabling them to see small moving objects up to 1 km away. Looks like someone doesn’t need to go to Specsavers!
Greyhounds are the only breed to ever be mentioned by name in the Bible, notably proverbs 30:29-31, King James Version. In other variations of the Bible, dogs are described as aggressive scavengers that can’t be trusted, whereas in King James’ Bible, the Greyhound is admired.
There are many dogs similar to the Greyhound, especially as there are 9 different types! The English Greyhound, Borzoi, Saluki, Sloughi, Whippet, Deerhound, Italian Greyhound, Afghan Hound, and Spanish Greyhound are all similar but unique in their own ways.
A Greyhound named Primley Sceptre was the very first winner for Best in Show at Crufts in 1928
Have you ever seen a Greyhound perched on their tail and wondered ‘can Greyhounds sit down?’ It’s actually a really uncomfortable position for these dogs, due to the tightness in their leg muscles. Lying down is definitely more preferable for these lazy bones.
The Greyhound has been around for thousands (and thousands!) of years, and is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Due to their long and fascinating history, there’s some confusion around their exact origins, but what’s clear is that this Sighthound has long been loved by many cultures for many millennia.
Depictions of sleek, slender dogs resembling the Greyhound appear in ancient temple drawings from 6,000 BC in modern-day Turkey. The Ancient Egyptians revered them as gods, with pictures of them decorating the walls of tombs. They’ve appeared in Greek and Roman mythology and are the only dog to ever be mentioned in the Bible.
Boasting speed, agility, poise, and grace, Greyhounds were used as a skilled hunter and beloved companion for the upper class and royalty of these ancient civilisations. This didn’t change when they made their way over to mediaeval England in the Middle Ages. After nearly being wiped out due to famine, Greyhounds were saved by Clergymen who began to breed them for nobility. Killing a Greyhound was punishable by death, and in 1014, King Canute passed a law stating only royalty and the aristocracy could own these highly valued dogs.
In the 16th century, coursing (chasing after game using sight rather than scent) became a popular canine sport, so Greyhounds would chase after live rabbits and hares for noble audiences. Queen Elizabeth I wanted to accurately judge these races, so The Duke of Norfolk established some rules that would lay the foundations for Greyhound racing.
Since transitioning from hunting hounds to racing stars, Greyhounds have continued on the same track, wowing the world with their crazy speeds and gentle, laidback personalities. Whether they’re running at 45 mph or lazing about on the sofa, Greyhounds are nothing short of great!
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Greyhound.
1. Research the breed. Greyhounds are sensitive dogs that can be pretty stubborn, so you need to make sure you’re up for the challenge of training.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Greyhound puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Greyhounds and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Greyhound, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Greyhounds in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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