Greyhound vs Australian Kelpie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Greyhound
Hound Group
Australian Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Greyhound 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.
Australian Kelpie Overview
Australian Kelpies are medium-sized herding dogs with distinctive athletic builds and remarkable agility. Their double coat features a short, dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat, typically in black, red, or chocolate colors. Alert ears, keen eyes, and muscular bodies reflect their working heritage, while their intelligent expression and nimble movement showcase their herding instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Greyhounds are less energetic than Australian Kelpies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to Australian Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greyhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Australian Kelpies.
- Trainability: Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Australian Kelpies adapt better to apartment living, while Greyhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Greyhound and Australian Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greyhound | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greyhound | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 69-76 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | Unknown Unknown |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Greyhound | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Independent, Noble | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greyhound | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Greyhound Temperament
The Greyhound is known for being gentle, independent, noble, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Australian Kelpie Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is characterized by being loyal, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Greyhound and Australian Kelpie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greyhound
Rating: 4/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greyhound
Rating: 4/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greyhounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Kelpies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Osteosarcoma
- Heart issues
- Dental disease
- Eye problems
Australian Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CEA
- Cryptorchidism
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Pros & Cons
Greyhound
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
Australian Kelpie
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Low maintenance coat
- Exceptional agility
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be too intense for novice owners
- May herd children and pets
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn if not properly trained
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Greyhound and Australian Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.