A black Greyhound

Greyhound

Everything you need to know about Greyhounds

Size
Large
Life Expectancy
typically 10+ years
Shedding
Short length with moderate shedding

Greyhounds generally have an athletic and streamlined build with a long head and neck. Their coat is short and fine. There are lots of standard greyhound colours including black, white, blue and fawn.

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Greyhounds, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a Greyhound or ex-racing Greyhound a forever home? Here are some Greyhound facts that might help you decide.

Greyhound crossbreeds

One common Greyhound crossbreed is the Lurcher. A Lurcher is a mix between a sighthound breed like a Greyhound, Saluki or Whippet and a Collie or Terrier. These speedy dogs can be long-haired or short-haired.

Caring for Greyhounds

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Greyhound.

Health issues

Before you give any type of Greyhound a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential health issues for ...

How much food does a Greyhound need?

The amount of food a Greyhound needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, taking...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does a Greyhound need?

Greyhounds are usually moderately active dogs who also enjoy their lounging time. They tend to like short bursts of activity but could manage longer walks. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity...

How much grooming does a Greyhound need?

Greyhounds have short fur that generally only needs an occasional brush.

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. Teaching your dog to fee...

What size crate do you need for a Greyhound?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comfortabl...

Greyhound behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Greyhounds, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

What’s the temperament of a Greyhound?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every Greyhound temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their ow...

Are Greyhounds easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

Are Greyhounds good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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