A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Greyhound
The Greyhound is a streamlined sighthound known for speed, a fine coat, and an often gentle but independent manner. Choose safely enclosed exercise spaces; recall practice should not be treated as a guarantee around moving distractions.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Greyhound questions
How fast can a Greyhound run?
Greyhounds have been clocked at 45 miles per hour, with an average racing speed of about 38 to 39. The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog. A pet in ordinary condition will usually top out somewhat slower.
Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
They need chances to run more than they need hours of activity. Regular free running in a safely enclosed area is what lets them relax at home, which is where the nickname 45 mph couch potato comes from. Apartment living can work, more easily with a mature dog, if you commit to daily exercise and find a secure place to run. Let a Greyhound off leash only inside a secure fence.
How big does a full-grown Greyhound get?
Males usually stand 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh 65 to 70 pounds, and females stand 27 to 28 inches and weigh 60 to 65 pounds. Everyday weights run wider, from 65 to 85 pounds for males and 50 to 70 for females.
How long do Greyhounds live?
Life expectancy is usually 10 to 13 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Why are Greyhounds so skinny?
Because they are built for speed. The breed's body fat percentage is less than half that of other breeds of similar size, so a healthy Greyhound looks lean and you can feel the ribs easily. If you are unsure whether your own dog is at a good weight, ask your veterinarian rather than going by how other breeds look.
Do Greyhounds shed?
Yes, a little. They do shed, some more than others, but most owners find the short hairs are not very noticeable. Coat care is a weekly rubdown with a damp cloth or hound glove, plus regular nail trims because the nails grow fast.
Can Greyhounds live with cats?
Often, with care. Most Greyhounds can live with indoor cats, but a cat running outdoors can trigger the chase instinct the breed was developed for. Talk it through with whoever you are getting your Greyhound from before you bring one home.
What is the difference between a Greyhound and a Whippet?
Size, mostly. The Whippet looks like a smaller Greyhound, at 18 to 22 inches tall and 25 to 40 pounds, compared with 27 to 30 inches and 60 to 70 pounds for the Greyhound. They are separate breeds, both sighthounds that sprint hard and then rest.
