Greyhounds 101

Hound group

For many years, most Greyhounds found homes with families following brief racing careers. But with Greyhound racing now illegal in most of the United States, it's more typical to find them bred to be pets. The breed is loving and prefers exercise in short, intense bursts, followed by long naps on soft beds. Although loving with human family members, some former racers may not be compatible with smaller pets, such as rabbits.

What we love about Greyhounds

Famous worldwide as "the 40 mph couch potato"

Energy level
Bark level
  • Talkative
Size
27 to 30 inches tall
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Weight
60 to 70 lbs

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Greyhound

5 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Trauma

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

Dental disease

Senior Greyhound

7+ years

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Bone cancer

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

Lymphatic cancer

Greyhound puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Foreign body ingestion †

Gastroenteritis †

Conjunctivitis †

Young adult Greyhound

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Trauma

Gastroenteritis

Foreign body ingestion

Mature adult Greyhound

5 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Trauma

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

Dental disease

Senior Greyhound

7+ years

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Bone cancer

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

Lymphatic cancer

Greyhound puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Foreign body ingestion †

Gastroenteritis †

Conjunctivitis †

Young adult Greyhound

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Greyhound conditions

Trauma

Gastroenteritis

Foreign body ingestion

Greyhound image

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Greyhound image

Greyhounds have a legitimate claim to being one of the oldest breeds and are thought to have first been developed as swift hunters more than 5,000 years ago.

Greyhound coat care and colors

The short, sleek coat of the Greyhound is easy to care for, but these dogs do tend to get cold easily. A sweater or coat is not a luxury but rather a necessity in chilly temperatures, especially for older dogs.

Greyhound exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

Greyhounds are pretty laid-back most of the time. Regular walks keep them happy, and if you have a large, fenced area, they'd love the chance to stretch those long legs and fly. Amateur coursing meets – chasing plastic bags, not rabbits – are held all over the United States and can provide great fun for these fast dogs.

Independent study

Trainability

When Greyhounds see something worth chasing, they're very difficult to call back. They were developed to work independently, and they still do. Get an early start on socialization and house manners with positive training methods – but keep them on leash in open areas.

Greyhound fun facts

Top girl names for Greyhounds

100%

of Greyhounds are female

0%

of Greyhounds are male

Top boy names for Greyhounds

Nationwide loves Greyhounds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

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Other breeds like Greyhounds

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