Greyhound

also known as English Greyhound

Pros History


The Greyhound is a breed of dog that is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was used for hunting large game such as deer and wildcats. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of many cultures and countries.

The origins of the Greyhound can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was depicted in art as early as 4,000 B.C. The breed was also used in ancient Greece and Rome for hunting and as a symbol of nobility. From there, it was brought to England and Ireland by the Celts and the Romans, where it was further developed for hunting and racing.

The breed's name, "Greyhound," is thought to have been derived from the Old English word "grighund," which means "dog hunter." This name reflects the breed's history as a hunting companion.

The Greyhound was a popular breed in England and Ireland during the Middle Ages, and it was often used for hunting and racing. However, the breed's popularity began to decline in the 19th century, as a result of the rise of other breeds such as the Pointer and the Setter.

Today, the Greyhound is recognized by kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognized the breed in 1885, The Kennel Club (UK) which recognized the breed in 1891 and other international kennel clubs.

Breed Information


Type

Is Greyhound a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Greyhounds originally used for?

Coursing, Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Greyhounds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Greyhound? How long can Greyhounds live?

10-13 years

The average Greyhound lifespan is somewhere between 10-13 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Greyhound Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Greyhound?

What is the average height of a Greyhound? How big is a Purebred Greyhound height? Greyhound dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-30 inches (71.1 - 76.2 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm) 29.0 inches (73.7 cm)
Female 27-28 inches (68.6 - 71.1 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Greyhound? How much should Greyhounds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 65-85 pounds (29 - 39 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg)
Female 50-65 pounds (23 - 29 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Greyhounds get fat easily?

The Greyhound is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Greyhounds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Greyhound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Greyhound personality? What are Greyhound dogs best known for?

Intelligent
Affectionate
Outright
Tempered
Gentle
Athletic
Quiet

Shedding Level

Are Greyhounds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Greyhound Shed?

Greyhound dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Greyhound. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Greyhound dog?

The Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Greyhounds come from?

Egypt

Ancestry

What are Greyhounds descended from?

Arabian Sloughi

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Greyhound breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Greyhounds first bred? How old is the Greyhound breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Greyhound?

Hound (AKC:1885)
Sighthounds and Pariahs (UKC)

Greyhound Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Greyhound eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Greyhound nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Greyhound coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
Silver
White
Pied
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Greyhounds coat?

Greyhounds are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Greyhound Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Greyhound?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Greyhound have in a litter? How many puppies can a Greyhound have in her first litter?

10-13 puppies per pregnancy

A Greyhound can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Greyhounds are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Greyhound Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Greyhounds have a lot of health problems?

The Greyhound is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Greyhound?

Osteosarcoma
Bloat

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Greyhounds?

Hyperthyroidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Greyhound breed?

Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Greyhound Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Greyhounds have a lot of energy?

Greyhounds may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Greyhounds need socialization? How social are Greyhounds?

Greyhounds have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Greyhounds get?

The Greyhounds a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Greyhound have? Do Greyhounds sleep a lot?

The Greyhound breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Greyhound drool a lot?

The Greyhound is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Greyhound could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Greyhounds are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Greyhounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Greyhound dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.

Mouthiness

Are Greyhounds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Greyhound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Greyhound dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Greyhounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Greyhound busy?

Nose work, Walk, Run, Nap, Running, Walking, Sniffing, Fetch, Go to Park, Frisbee, Walks, Jogging, Sprinting, Fast walking, Beach, Hiking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Greyhound? How much energy does a Greyhound have?

Medium

Greyhounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Greyhound walk each week? How many miles should a Greyhound walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Greyhound, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Greyhound should exercise a day? How much activity does a Greyhound need?

60 minutes

In general most Greyhounds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Greyhound?

The Greyhound is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Greyhound?

Daily

Ideally, Greyhound should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Greyhounds?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Greyhound eat?

3 cups

For an average 65-85 pound (29 - 39 kg) Greyhound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Greyhound Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Greyhound is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Greyhound Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Greyhound is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Greyhound Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Greyhound?

Greyhounds has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Greyhound is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Greyhound dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Greyhound dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Greyhound do well in apartments? Are Greyhounds good indoor dogs?

Greyhounds are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Greyhounds good with kids? Are Greyhounds good around children?

A Greyhounds typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Greyhounds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Greyhounds good with cats? How friendly Greyhounds are toward cats?

Greyhounds are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Greyhounds can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Greyhound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Greyhounds OK with other dogs?

Greyhounds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Greyhound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Greyhounds friendly with strangers?

Greyhounds are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Greyhounds like to play? Are Greyhounds playful?

Greyhounds have an average level of playfulness. The Greyhounds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Greyhound easily trained?

Greyhound dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate with their owners
    They form strong bonds with their owners
  • Rarely barks
    This breed is known for being relatively peaceful, making it a good choice if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed is well-adapted for the demands of therapy dog work.
  • Good with other pets and children
    They get along well with other animals and children
  • Apartment Friendly
    Greyhound are perfect pets for apartment living.
  • Independent
    They are independent and do not need constant attention
  • Generally healthy and long-lived
    Greyhounds are generally healthy and have a long lifespan

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Greyhounds may find an office setting too stressful.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Greyhounds may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Greyhound dogs do not get along well with cats.
  • High energy and needs a lot of exercise
    They need plenty of exercise and can become destructive if not given enough physical activity