Greyhound
Quick Summary
Gentle giants with surprising indoor calmness. Best for owners seeking quiet, low-maintenance companions. Key consideration: secure exercise space and understanding of prey drive.
Contents
Weight Range
60-70 lbs
♂ Male: 65-70 lbs
♀ Female: 60-65 lbs
Height Range
69-76 inches
♂ Male: 28-30"
♀ Female: 28-30"
Life Expectancy
10-13 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #32
Above Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Racing dogs of ancient Egyptian nobility, these swift hunters evolved into competitive racing athletes by the 1800s in Great Britain, excelling in coursing and track racing
Popularity
#145
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 28"-30" |
| Female Height | 28"-30" |
| Male Weight | 65-70 lbs |
| Female Weight | 60-65 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include adoption fees ($300-800), basic supplies ($200-400). Monthly expenses cover food ($50-70), preventive care ($30-50). Annual veterinary costs average $500-800, excluding emergencies.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Noble and gentle in nature, Greyhounds exhibit surprising calmness indoors despite their athletic capabilities. They're typically quiet, well-mannered, and show affection without being overly demanding. Their independent streak requires patient training.
Social Needs
Moderately social dogs who bond closely with family. Generally good with other dogs but may need supervision with small pets. Can handle alone time well if properly conditioned, though prefer company.
Breed Overview
Graceful and athletic, Greyhounds possess a distinctive streamlined silhouette with deep chest, powerful legs, and long, elegant neck. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors. Despite their racing heritage, these noble sighthounds are gentle souls at home, displaying a calm and dignified demeanor that belies their incredible speed and agility.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Gentle and calm indoors
- ✓ Low grooming needs
- ✓ Good with other dogs
- ✓ Quiet and well-mannered
Cons
- ✗ High prey drive
- ✗ Needs secure fencing
- ✗ Cold sensitive
- ✗ Independent nature
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Gentle, Independent, Noble |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 30-45 minutes of daily exercise, including short bursts of high-intensity running in secure areas. Despite their racing background, they're generally content with moderate activity and enjoy daily walks mixed with occasional sprinting opportunities.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Adult greyhounds need protein-rich diet with moderate fat content. Special attention to prevent bloat through proper feeding schedule.
Feed 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Consider grain-free options for sensitive individuals. Fresh water always available. Monitor weight as breed can be sensitive to weight changes.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to apartment living despite size, needs soft bedding and quiet spaces. Thrives in homes with fenced yards for safe running. Sensitive to extreme temperatures, especially cold.
Requires minimal space despite large size. Adapts well to apartment living if given adequate exercise. Needs soft bedding and quiet spaces for resting. Secure fencing essential for outdoor areas.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Ancient Egyptian artifacts depict these noble hounds, prized for their incredible speed and hunting prowess. British nobility refined the breed for coursing during the Middle Ages, eventually leading to modern racing Greyhounds.
Historical Purpose
Racing dogs of ancient Egyptian nobility, these swift hunters evolved into competitive racing athletes by the 1800s in Great Britain, excelling in coursing and track racing.
Fun Fact
Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 45 mph, making them the fastest dog breed in the world.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Requires secure fencing due to high prey drive. Sensitive to extreme temperatures. Needs soft bedding for joint protection. Regular dental care essential.