Greyhound

Temperament & Personality

The most defining and often misunderstood aspect of the Greyhound is its temperament. They are sprinters, not marathon runners, a fact that shapes their entire personality. Bred for centuries to hunt by outrunning prey in short, explosive bursts, their physiology is perfectly tuned for anaerobic exercise. This biological design means that after a brief period of intense activity, they require significant rest to conserve energy. The result is the famous "couch potato" persona you'll witness at home. While they relish the chance for a full-out run in a safe, enclosed area, their default indoor state is one of calm repose.

Greyhounds are gentle, sweet-tempered, and noble dogs. Their history as independent hunters, working at a distance from humans, has fostered a self-possessed and somewhat reserved nature. They are deeply affectionate and loyal to their families but express it in quieter ways; they are companions who will happily lounge near you, but not dogs who will constantly demand attention or dote on you. This independent spirit makes them sensitive souls who do not respond well to harsh commands.

With their own families, they are patient and gentle, often getting along well with children who know how to interact respectfully with a dog. They are typically reserved with strangers and are not prone to barking, making them polite housemates but not vigilant watchdogs.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Caring for a Greyhound is a direct lesson in the breeder's credo, "Form follows function". Their specialized anatomy, perfected for speed, dictates their unique daily needs. The most critical of these is providing soft, comfortable places to rest. A Greyhound's lean build and very low body fat percentage mean there is little natural padding over bony areas like hips and elbows. Lying on hard surfaces for extended periods can easily cause painful pressure sores (skin ulcers), making plush bedding a medical necessity, not a luxury.

This same lack of insulating body fat, combined with a thin, single-layer coat designed for cooling during a run, makes them very sensitive to cold. You will likely need to provide your Greyhound with a sweater or coat during walks in cooler climates.

Despite their size, Greyhounds can adapt remarkably well to apartment living, provided their exercise needs are met with daily walks and occasional opportunities to sprint in a securely fenced area. Indoors, their calm demeanor makes them unobtrusive and peaceful companions.

Grooming, thankfully, is one area where their functional form simplifies care. The short, smooth, velvety coat is very low-maintenance.

• Weekly: A quick brush with a hound mitt or soft brush will remove loose hair and keep the coat gleaming. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, as long nails can cause foot injuries, especially at high speed. Dental care is crucial; Greyhounds are prone to tartar buildup and dental disease, so brushing their teeth at least three times a week is highly recommended.
• As Needed: Baths are only required when your dog gets dirty. Routine ear cleaning with a vet-approved solution helps prevent infections.

Training & Socialization

Training a Greyhound revolves around one central theme: responsibly managing their powerful, innate prey drive. The instinct to chase small, moving objects is not a behavioral flaw; it is the very essence of the breed, hardwired through centuries of selection. You cannot "train out" this instinct, and the cornerstone of responsible ownership is accepting and managing it. This means your Greyhound must always be on a leash when not in a securely fenced area. A sturdy fence of at least four to six feet is an absolute must for any yard.

Many pet Greyhounds are retired from racing careers and enter homes as adults, requiring a unique form of socialization. A racetrack is a highly structured, sheltered environment. Your new companion may have never seen stairs, glass doors, vacuum cleaners, or even other breeds of dogs. This transition can be a "culture shock," and it requires immense patience from you. Introduce new sights, sounds, and experiences slowly and positively, acting as a calm and reassuring guide.

Greyhounds are sensitive and intelligent. They respond beautifully to positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training and food rewards but can shut down with harsh methods or excessive repetition. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to hold their attention.

Health Considerations

Greyhounds are often cited as a generally healthy breed, with a low incidence of common hereditary issues like hip dysplasia. However, this profile comes with serious asterisks. Their health risks tend to be low-frequency but high-severity, meaning that while they may have fewer chronic problems, they are susceptible to several acute, life-threatening conditions. Their average life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, though one recent UK study found a median of 11.5 years.

One of the most critical aspects of Greyhound ownership is becoming an educated advocate for your dog at the veterinary clinic. Their physiology is unique among canines. A landmark study by IDEXX Reference Laboratories confirmed that Greyhounds have different "normal" values for many common blood tests; for example, their baseline creatinine levels are high enough to indicate kidney failure in other breeds. Furthermore, they have a well-documented sensitivity to certain anesthetic drugs (specifically thiobarbiturates) and can be prone to delayed post-operative bleeding 36-72 hours after a procedure. You must discuss these breed-specific sensitivities with your veterinarian before any surgery is scheduled to ensure the safest possible protocols are used.

Common health concerns include:

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat): As a deep-chested breed, Greyhounds are at high risk for this sudden, life-threatening twisting of the stomach. Owners must learn the symptoms (retching without vomiting, distended abdomen, restlessness) and seek immediate emergency care if they occur.
• Osteosarcoma: This aggressive bone cancer is a leading cause of death in the breed.
• Dental Disease: Without diligent care, they are highly prone to tartar buildup, gum infections, and tooth loss.
• Greyhound Neuropathy: A rare, inherited condition affecting nerve function in young dogs for which genetic screening is available.
• Heart Conditions: Like any athletic breed, they can be prone to certain heart issues. Regular check-ups are important.

Cost of Ownership

Owning a Greyhound involves a moderate and predictable financial commitment for routine care, but you must be prepared for potentially high costs associated with breed-specific emergencies. While adoption fees for retired racers are often reasonable, ranging from $200 to $500, the ongoing expenses require careful budgeting. The most significant financial risks are emergency surgeries for conditions like bloat or bone fractures, which can cost thousands of dollars. For this reason, many owners opt for pet health insurance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Gentle, quiet, and calm indoors
• Minimal grooming and shedding
• Loving and loyal without being demanding
• Adaptable to apartment living
• Generally healthy with few chronic ailments

Cons

• Extremely high prey drive requires constant management
• Must always be on a leash or in a secure, high-fenced area
• Sensitive to cold weather and needs a coat
• Prone to severe health issues like bloat and bone cancer
• Not a suitable off-leash companion

Fun Facts

• Greyhounds are one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, with depictions found on the walls of Egyptian tombs dating back thousands of years.
• They are the only breed of dog mentioned by name in the King James Version of the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31).
• A Greyhound's incredible speed is achieved through a unique "double-suspension gallop," where all four feet are off the ground twice during each full stride.
• Due to their blood chemistry, many Greyhounds are universal blood donors and can help save the lives of other dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Greyhounds shed a lot?

No, Greyhounds are considered low shedders. Their short, fine coat requires only minimal weekly brushing to manage loose hair and maintain its condition. They are one of the easier breeds to keep clean in the home.

Are Greyhounds good apartment dogs?

Yes, surprisingly, they can make excellent apartment dogs. Despite their reputation as athletes, they are calm and quiet indoors and spend much of their day napping. As long as you provide daily walks and occasional chances to run safely, they are content in smaller living spaces.

How much exercise does a Greyhound need?

Greyhounds need daily walks on a leash, just like any other dog. More importantly, they need opportunities for short, high-speed runs a few times a week in a securely fenced area. They are built for sprinting, not endurance, so they tire quickly.

Can first-time owners handle a Greyhound?

Yes, a dedicated first-time owner can be a great match for a Greyhound. Their gentle nature and low grooming needs are appealing. However, a new owner must be fully committed to understanding and managing their high prey drive and unique safety needs (leash and fence security are non-negotiable).

References

1. American Kennel Club – Greyhound
2. Greyhound Club of America
3. iHeartDogs – Monthly Cost to Own a Greyhound
4. PetMD – Greyhound
5. CitizenShipper – 10 Surprising Greyhound Facts