Greyhound Breed Guide: Temperament, Health and Care

Vet verified. Written by Danielle Montgomery, Copywriter. Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, Team Vet.

Greyhounds are powerful sprinting sighthounds who often become calm, affectionate companions at home. Their speed, pursuit instinct, thin skin, deep chest and distinct physiology make secure handling, gradual conditioning, dental care and breed-aware veterinary planning especially important. Many U.S. adopters meet the breed through retired racers, while show and companion lines also exist.

Greyhound facts at a glance

AKC group	Hound Group
Height	Approximately 27 to 30 inches at the shoulder
Weight	Commonly about 60 to 70 pounds under AKC breed information, with sex and lineage variation
Life expectancy	Approximately 10 to 13 years
Coat	Short, smooth and low-maintenance, with limited insulation
Temperament	Gentle, sensitive, independent, athletic and often quiet indoors
Best fit	Owners who can provide secure leash handling, fenced running options and a calm transition routine

Temperament and Personality

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 leash at all times during walks, and to ensure your fenced yard 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 socialization and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered dog. 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.

Greyhound paw-sonality traits

• 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

Greyhound pros and cons

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

Are Greyhounds good family dogs?

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.

Are Greyhounds good with children?

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 dog is.

Are Greyhounds good with other pets?

Yes and no. Greyhounds tend to get on well with other dogs if they’ve been socialized 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 behavior.

Greyhound versus other sighthounds

The AKC Greyhound is one distinct breed. Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Salukis, Borzoi, Sloughis, Scottish Deerhounds, Afghan Hounds and Spanish Galgos are separate breeds or populations, not “types” of Greyhound. They share sighthound ancestry and some physical traits, but size, coat, history, health and behavior differ.

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs 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.

How much exercise does a Greyhound need?

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 leash 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 dogs 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.

How do you train a Greyhound?

Use reward-based training, secure management and short sessions. Greyhounds were selected to notice movement and pursue independently, so reliability around wildlife develops through careful practice rather than intimidation. Their sensitivity is a reason to make criteria clear, not a reason to skip training.

Start with safety equipment

Condition a properly fitted martingale collar and, during transition, consider a backup connector to a secure harness. Teach the dog to pause at doors and gates. Never test recall beside traffic or attach a long line to the neck for high-speed movement.

Teach a comfortable station, not one required posture

Some Greyhounds sit readily and others find a traditional sit uncomfortable. There is no need to force the position. A stand, down or mat station can provide the same impulse-control function. Sudden difficulty sitting, lying down or rising can signal pain and deserves examination.

Build recall without betting safety on it

Begin at a few feet indoors, say the cue once and reward the dog for reaching you. Move to a fenced area or a long line attached to a harness and increase one challenge at a time. Release the dog back to sniff sometimes so coming to you does not always end access. Even a practiced recall does not make an unfenced area safe for every sighthound.

Teach leash skills around movement

Reward check-ins before the dog fixates and create distance from cats, rabbits or fast dogs. Do not wait for the leash to tighten and then punish the lunge. Use predictable turns, visual barriers and routes with room to move away. A qualified reward-based professional can help when pursuit or fear is intense.

Practice cooperative care

Pair brief touches of paws, mouth, ears and body with a reward and release. Add nail tools, a toothbrush and a basket muzzle gradually. A well-conditioned muzzle can support safe veterinary care and assessed introductions, but it does not treat prey drive or make unsupervised contact safe.

Build comfortable separation

Start with seconds of distance while the dog is relaxed and return before distress escalates. Use video to check for pacing, panting, vocalizing or escape attempts. Food toys and exercise can support a plan, but a panicked dog needs veterinary and behavior help rather than repeated “cry it out” absences.

Use sports thoughtfully

Lure coursing and other sighthound activities can provide controlled outlets when the dog is healthy, conditioned and the venue is secure. Warm up, inspect footing and stop for lameness, overheating or poor recovery. Sprinting is not a substitute for gradual fitness or daily low-intensity movement.

Keep reward pieces small and count calories. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods and advises against aversive tools and techniques. Training should teach the dog what to do while the environment prevents unsafe rehearsal.

How much grooming do Greyhounds need?

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 colors and combinations. Common Greyhound colors include fawn, red, blue, black, gray, white, brindle, and tri-color.

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.

• Check the outer ears routinely and wipe only what is visible when the veterinary team recommends it. Odor, redness, discharge, head shaking or pain needs examination; do not insert tools or unprescribed cleaner into the 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.

• Brush with dog toothpaste and follow the veterinary dental plan. A chew or spray does not replace diagnosis or professional care.

Do Greyhounds shed?

Yes. Their short coat sheds, with individual and seasonal variation. A rubber grooming mitt can lift loose hair while giving the owner a chance to check thin skin for cuts, pressure spots, parasites and new lumps.

Coat length does not make a Greyhound weatherproof. In cold or wet conditions, watch for shivering, a tucked posture, lifting paws or trying to return home and use a well-fitted coat when appropriate. In warm weather, schedule exercise for cooler hours and provide water and shade. Heavy panting that does not settle, weakness, vomiting, confusion or collapse requires immediate cooling and emergency veterinary care.

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Greyhound life expectancy is commonly listed by the AKC at about 10 to 13 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 dog regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Common Greyhound health concerns

Greyhounds have physiologic features that differ from many other dogs, so clinicians experienced with sighthounds can help interpret laboratory values, anesthesia plans and body condition. Breed association does not diagnose the individual.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus

GDV is an emergency in which the stomach dilates and may twist. Repeated unproductive retching, a swollen abdomen, drooling, restlessness, weakness or collapse requires immediate emergency care. Feeding tools and scheduling cannot guarantee prevention. Ask whether preventive gastropexy is appropriate for the individual.

Osteosarcoma and unexplained lameness

Bone cancer is an important concern in Greyhounds. Persistent or worsening lameness, swelling or pain needs veterinary examination and imaging rather than prolonged rest alone. Treatment and prognosis depend on location, stage, overall health and specialist advice.

Dental disease

Many retired racing Greyhounds arrive with substantial periodontal disease, but bad breath is not the only sign. Bleeding, dropping food, chewing on one side, facial swelling or reluctance to eat needs assessment. Daily brushing and veterinary dentistry are different parts of one plan.

Heart and thyroid interpretation

Athletic remodeling and breed-specific reference patterns can complicate interpretation of heart size, murmurs or thyroid laboratory values. Do not diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy or hypothyroidism from one isolated number or image. The veterinarian may recommend repeat testing, specialist examination or additional measurements.

Anesthesia and medication

Modern anesthetic planning is individualized to the dog, procedure and available monitoring. Greyhounds can handle and metabolize some drugs differently, but “never anesthetize a Greyhound” is unsafe advice because dentistry, surgery and imaging may be medically necessary. Tell the clinic the breed and complete history and use a team familiar with sighthound protocols.

Greyhound neuropathy

NDRG1-associated polyneuropathy is a serious inherited neurologic disease relevant to some show lines. Weakness, an abnormal gait, exercise intolerance, tremors, muscle loss, voice change or swallowing difficulty needs veterinary evaluation. DNA screening informs breeding decisions; it is not a complete neurologic exam.

Skin, feet and temperature

Thin skin and low insulating body fat make cuts, pressure areas and cold more noticeable. Inspect feet after activity, provide soft bedding and use a well-fitted coat when conditions and the individual dog require it. Heat illness remains possible too, so schedule exercise around temperature and recovery.

Food and nutrition

Feed a complete and balanced diet for life stage, medical needs and body condition. Greyhounds are naturally lean, but visible anatomy varies with muscle, posture and lineage. A veterinarian familiar with the breed can teach an appropriate body-condition target rather than using a generic rib count.

How much should a Greyhound eat?

There is no reliable breed-wide cup amount. Foods differ in calories per cup, and an active sport dog, newly retired racer and sedentary senior have different needs. Weigh the daily portion, count rewards and adjust from body weight, muscle and condition trends.

Many adults tolerate two measured meals, but feeding frequency and activity timing do not eliminate GDV risk. Ask about individualized risk reduction and the signs that require emergency care. Do not add joint, protein or vitamin products simply because the dog once raced.

Preventive habits that matter

• Use a secure leash setup and properly fitted martingale or sighthound equipment.
• Provide soft bedding and inspect thin skin, feet and pressure points.
• Build conditioning gradually and investigate persistent lameness.
• Maintain dental home care and schedule professional treatment when indicated.
• Keep a complete medical and racing history available for anesthesia planning.
• Follow regional vaccination, heartworm and parasite recommendations.
• Use visible identification and keep the microchip record current.

Living conditions

Greyhounds can adapt to apartments or houses when they receive daily outdoor access, secure exercise and a comfortable place to rest. Square footage is less important than safe routines. Slick floors may need runners, and cold homes may require warm bedding.

A fenced yard is useful but not a substitute for walks or supervision. Check fence height, gaps and gate latches. Electronic boundaries do not physically contain a sprinting dog or keep other animals out. Off-leash exercise belongs in a securely enclosed area.

Living with children and other animals

Supervise every child-dog interaction and protect sleep and eating areas. For other pets, use an individual behavior assessment. Some Greyhounds live peacefully with cats and small dogs; others have pursuit behavior that makes the match unsafe. Muzzles and barriers are management tools, not proof that unsupervised contact is safe.

Cost of ownership in the United States

Adoption fees for retired racers and purchase prices from breeders vary by organization, region, health work and support. Price does not prove quality. Collect local quotes for veterinary care, dental treatment, insurance, boarding and emergency services.

Setup and ongoing costs

Plan for a secure crate or resting zone, deep bed, raised-edge bowls if the dog finds them comfortable, a properly fitted martingale collar, backup leash connection, identification, coat, nail tools, toothbrush, secure fencing and safe transport. Ongoing costs include complete food, preventive care, dental work, parasite control, replacement equipment and pet care.

Emergency planning

Insurance, dedicated savings or both should account for GDV, fractures, lacerations, dentistry, cancer diagnostics and specialist care. Read exclusions, waiting periods and limits before symptoms appear. Former racing injuries or dental disease may be considered preexisting.

Fun Greyhound Facts and Trivia

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 color, and that the early Greyhounds were predominantly gray. 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 ‘gray’ 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.

History and Origin

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 couch, Greyhounds are nothing short of great!

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

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 prioritize 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 organization, 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.

Want to compare more breeds?

Browse the Finch & Barker breed library for American care, training and health context.

Health testing for U.S. breeding dogs

The Greyhound Club of America’s CHIC guidance includes cardiac evaluation, an ACVO eye examination, participation in the OFA/CHIC DNA repository and NDRG1 polyneuropathy DNA testing, with autoimmune-thyroiditis evaluation listed as optional but recommended. Ask for registered identities and verify public results in the OFA database. A CHIC number confirms required results are public, not that every result is normal.

Helping a retired racing Greyhound adjust

Start with a small predictable world

A newly adopted dog may be unfamiliar with glass doors, slippery floors, household stairs, mirrors, small animals or being alone in a quiet home. Introduce one change at a time, use nonslip paths and provide a protected bed. Stress can look like freezing, panting, pacing, refusing food or sleeping deeply after the first few days.

Use secure equipment

Fit a martingale collar so the dog cannot back out without restricting breathing, and consider a backup connector to a harness during transition. Never attach a long line to a neck collar for high-speed running. Identification and microchip details should be current before the first walk.

Assess prey drive individually

Do not test compatibility by releasing the dog near a cat, rabbit or small dog. Work with the adoption organization and qualified behavior professional, use barriers and controlled distance and accept that some combinations are unsafe. A basket muzzle can add protection during assessed situations but does not make pursuit disappear.

Prepare safe transport and identification

Use a crash-tested restraint or secured crate that gives the long-bodied dog adequate room, and practice entering the vehicle without jumping from an unsafe height. Keep a current photograph, microchip number, adoption contact and medication list accessible. During travel, use a leash before any door opens and never rely on a fenced rest area unless its gates, height and gaps have been checked. A loose Greyhound can cross a parking lot or road before a person has time to react.

Frequently asked questions

Are Greyhounds good apartment dogs?

Many are quiet indoors and can adapt well when owners provide regular toilet breaks, walks, enrichment and access to secure exercise. Apartment success depends on the individual dog and routine, not a “couch potato” label alone.

Can Greyhounds be off leash?

Use a securely fenced area. A fast-moving trigger can override recall, and a Greyhound can cover distance before an owner reacts. Local leash laws also apply.

Do Greyhounds need special anesthesia?

They need individualized, monitored veterinary anesthesia that accounts for sighthound physiology, health and the procedure. Necessary dentistry or surgery should not be avoided because of a blanket internet rule.

Can a Greyhound live with a cat?

Some can after careful individual assessment and management; others cannot. Never assume safety from breed alone or force a test interaction.

Trusted sources

• American Kennel Club: Greyhound
• Greyhound Club of America: CHIC health screening
• Greyhound Club of America: finding a puppy
• AVSAB: humane dog training position statement

This breed guide is educational. Individual exercise, nutrition, behavior and medical decisions belong with the dog’s veterinarian and qualified care professionals.