Introduction

The Greyhound is a remarkable sighthound breed, uniquely designed to rely on incredible speed and agility to pursue prey, setting them apart from most other hounds that track scents with endurance. Their sharp, keen eyesight detects even the slightest motion, while their sleek, lean physique allows them to burst into breathtaking sprints during the chase.

For thousands of years, Greyhounds have captivated artists, poets, and royalty alike with their elegant, lean “inverted S” silhouette—a body perfectly sculpted for velocity. Coupled with their spirited independence, these gentle, sweet-tempered dogs make devoted and loving companions in any home.

Classified as a large breed, Greyhounds typically stand between 27 to 30 inches tall and weigh around 60 to 70 pounds. Their narrow, aerodynamic build starts at their aristocratic head and extends gracefully along the length of their streamlined body.

Caring for a Greyhound

Bred for speed and sharp vision, Greyhounds possess a lively energy and a strong hunting instinct. While they don’t require nonstop exercise, they benefit greatly from regular physical activity to keep their minds engaged and avoid boredom.

Due to their pronounced prey drive, Greyhounds are generally not suited to households with cats or smaller pets. When outdoors, they should always remain on a leash, with off-leash play only occurring in securely enclosed areas under supervision. Thoughtful socialization can help manage their instinctual chase behaviors, but owners should always stay vigilant to prevent any unintended incidents.

Despite their hunting roots, Greyhounds have a soft, gentle demeanor with their human families, making them excellent companion dogs when their exercise requirements are met.

Greyhound Health Issues

Greyhounds generally enjoy robust health but are prone to certain inherited conditions detectable through genetic testing. Additionally, several health concerns warrant awareness among their pet parents.

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus

Thanks to their distinctive deep chest tapering into a narrow waist, Greyhounds are susceptible to bloat and gastric torsion, serious conditions that require immediate veterinary attention.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) affects many deep-chested breeds and often follows a large meal that causes the stomach to balloon with gas and food. This distension can trap stomach contents, creating dangerous pressure and potentially cutting off blood flow.

This may lead to:

• Impaired blood return from the abdomen to the heart
• Loss of blood supply to the stomach
• Risk of stomach rupture
• Pressure against the diaphragm, hindering normal breathing

Watch for these warning signs indicating bloat or GDV:

• Standing and stretching repeatedly
• Excessive drooling
• Noticeably swollen abdomen
• Attempts to retch without vomiting
• Signs of discomfort or abdominal pain

If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care without delay.

Preventative options include prophylactic gastropexy surgery, which tacks the stomach in place and is commonly recommended for deep-chested dogs. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large portion daily can also help reduce the risk.

Polyneuropathy

Greyhound polyneuropathy arises from a genetic mutation in the NDRG1 gene causing nerve dysfunction, especially when both parents carry this defect.

Symptoms usually appear between three and nine months of age and include:

• Muscle weakness
• Lethargy or unwillingness to exercise
• A distinctive “bunny-hopping” gait while moving

Currently, there is no specific treatment for this condition, but genetic screening tests are available to help breeders and owners identify carriers.

Drug Sensitivity

Unique among breeds, Greyhounds exhibit sensitivity to certain anesthetic drugs due to a deficiency of the cytochrome p450 enzyme, which normally metabolizes these medications. This results in potentially prolonged recovery times following anesthesia, such as during dental procedures or spay/neuter surgeries.

While this sensitivity doesn’t impact everyday care, veterinarians remain especially cautious when Greyhounds require sedation or anesthesia.

Delayed Postoperative Bleeding

Another concern is delayed postoperative bleeding, often occurring 36 to 72 hours after surgery. This condition is believed to stem from irregularities in clotting factors specific to Greyhounds.

Though it rarely affects routine care, owners should monitor closely for any unusual bleeding following surgical procedures and consult their vet promptly.

What to Feed a Greyhound

Greyhounds typically thrive on diets richer in calories and protein compared to other breeds. Select a high-quality dog food specially formulated for active, high-energy dogs and verified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Make sure you choose food appropriate to your Greyhound’s life stage—whether puppy, adult, or senior—to support their nutritional needs effectively.

How to Feed a Greyhound

Most Greyhounds do well with straightforward feeding routines, usually two balanced meals daily—morning and evening.

How Much Should You Feed a Greyhound

Consult your veterinarian alongside the feeding guidelines on your dog food package to determine the perfect portion size tailored to your Greyhound’s age, activity level, and health.

For an average adult Greyhound weighing about 60 to 70 pounds, this typically translates to around 3 to 3⅓ cups of food per day, divided into two meals.

Nutritional Tips for Greyhounds

For athletic or sporting Greyhounds, supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can support robust joint health.

Additionally, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into their diet helps maintain supple joints as well as soft, shiny skin and a lustrous coat.

Greyhound Personality and Temperament

Greyhounds are energetic and prefer an active lifestyle that challenges their bodies and minds. Their families need to provide regular physical activities and mental stimulation to keep them content and balanced.

Training can sometimes be challenging because Greyhounds are bred for independent decision-making during hunting, which means they often prefer to think for themselves rather than obey commands blindly. Patience during training is key.

While they might be reserved or shy with strangers, Greyhounds are deeply affectionate with their people. Their independent streak can lend them a somewhat aloof, cat-like charm, but a treat quickly wins their friendship. Despite their reputations as racing dogs, most Greyhounds are calm and laid-back at home, rarely showing excitement over new faces or places.

With consistent exercise, Greyhounds make wonderful “couch companions” who love lounging at their family’s side. They typically tolerate children well, often avoiding conflict by quietly walking away, though they do appreciate having their own peaceful space away from boisterous youngsters.

Greyhound Behavior

Because Greyhounds hunt by sight, they possess a very strong prey drive and respond instinctively to quick, small-moving animals or objects. This makes them less suitable for homes with small pets such as cats, rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs.

For their safety and the safety of others, Greyhounds should always be leashed while walking outside unless in a securely fenced area. Although some Greyhounds can be trained to coexist with small animals, this natural chase instinct remains strong and requires careful management.

Unlike many dog breeds, Greyhounds tend to be quieter and are not known for constant barking. However, they may communicate with unique vocalizations—soft cries or whines—to connect with their families.

Given sufficient exercise, Greyhounds generally don’t exhibit destructive tendencies such as digging or chewing when left alone, appreciating their downtime.

Greyhound Dog Training

Interestingly, teaching a Greyhound to “sit” can be tricky because their slender, muscular rear ends make sitting an awkward and uncomfortable posture. Some Greyhounds compensate by balancing on their tails to obey this command.

Their thoughtful, independent nature means training sessions often require creativity and flexibility. Short, engaging sessions help maintain their interest and reduce boredom.

Using positive reinforcement techniques—treats, praise, or toys—paired with patience and consistency yields the best results. Harsh training methods can discourage these sensitive dogs, so kindness and encouragement are essential.

Discover what motivates your Greyhound most, whether it’s a favorite toy, tasty treat, or playtime, and use this to encourage learning and cooperation.

Fun activities to keep your Greyhound stimulated include:

• Playing fetch with balls or favorite toys
• Participating in lure coursing events
• Going for regular walks
• Running in safely enclosed spaces
• Socializing with compatible dog friends

Greyhound Grooming Guide

Grooming a Greyhound is refreshingly low maintenance. Except for occasional baths and nail trims, they require minimal grooming attention.

Skin Care

Typically, Greyhounds have resilient skin that rarely causes problems. Individual needs may vary, but skin care routines are generally straightforward.

Coat Care

Thanks to their short, sleek coat, Greyhounds need only routine baths to maintain cleanliness and shine.

Eye Care

Wiping their eyes gently with a soft, damp cloth helps prevent tear stains and debris buildup.

Ear Care

Keeping their ears clean with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser is vital to prevent infections. This is especially important after swimming or bathing, as trapped moisture can foster bacterial growth.

To clean, apply the cleaner into the ear canal, gently massage the base to loosen debris, and wipe away excess with a cotton ball. Avoid using cotton swabs (Q-tips) inside the ear canal, as these can cause injury.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Greyhounds thrive in homes that offer plenty of physical and mental engagement while minimizing exposure to small animals that might trigger their prey drive. Though affectionate, they also cherish quiet “me time,” making a calm, child-free environment preferable for some.

Is a Greyhound a good family dog?

Yes, Greyhounds make loving family pets. They often prefer calmer, older children over younger, more energetic ones, and benefit from having a dedicated space where they can retreat if needed.

Are Greyhounds smart dogs?

Absolutely. Greyhounds are intelligent but may challenge traditional training because they prioritize independent thinking. Short, motivating training sessions that tap into their preferred rewards—like treats or toys—help keep them engaged.

What are the drawbacks of a Greyhound?

Their vulnerability to bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus makes timely veterinarian attention essential.

Additionally, their strong prey drive can make living with small pets challenging. Outdoors, Greyhounds should always be leashed except in safely enclosed areas. While socialization can reduce prey instincts, vigilance is crucial.

What are some good features of a Greyhound?

Greyhounds generally enjoy good health and possess gentle, affectionate personalities. They make superb canine companions for families prepared to meet their unique needs.