Hound group
Greyhound
The 45 mph couch potato — gentle, quiet and surprisingly low-maintenance.
Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed, yet most are calm, gentle and happy to sleep much of the day. Many retired racers make wonderful pets for quiet homes, provided their prey drive is managed.
- Height
- 27–30 in69–76 cm
- Weight
- 60–70 lb27–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- England (ancient Middle Eastern ancestry)
Coat: Short, smooth, fine coat. Colours: Any colour or pattern.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Greyhounds are sweet-natured, quiet and affectionate. They are usually polite with strangers and gentle with children, and most love soft beds and routine.
Their chase instinct is extremely strong; many cannot live with cats or small pets. Retired racers may need time to adjust to household life, stairs and being alone.
Living with a Greyhound
Exercise
Two walks a day and occasional sprints in a secure area. Most are calm indoors.
Grooming
Very easy: weekly brushing and nail trims. Thin skin needs protection from cold and scrapes.
Training
Sensitive and responsive to gentle, reward-based training. Recall is unreliable around prey.
Kids & other pets
Good with respectful children and other dogs. Many are not safe with cats or small pets — ask adoption groups for cat-tested dogs.
Time alone
Many adapt well to moderate alone time; ex-racers may need gradual adjustment.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Greyhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Greyhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Greyhound typically lives 10–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Anaesthesia sensitivity
Low body fat affects drug metabolism; choose a vet familiar with sighthounds.
Osteosarcoma
Bone cancer is more common in Greyhounds; limping in an older dog needs prompt attention.
Dental disease
Greyhounds are prone to tartar and gum disease; daily brushing helps.
Corns
Painful foot corns are common, especially in retired racers.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A deep-chested breed; learn the warning signs.
Ask a breeder for
- Cardiac examination
- Eye examination
- BAER hearing test
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Greyhound; Greyhound Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Greyhound-like dogs appear in Egyptian art from thousands of years ago. In England, Greyhounds were prized by nobility for coursing hare, and laws once restricted ownership to the upper classes.
Modern Greyhound racing began in the 20th century and has been banned in many places. The AKC recognised the Greyhound in 1885, and adoption groups now rehome thousands of retired racers each year.
Did you know?
- Greyhounds can reach speeds of about 45 mph.
- Greyhound blood values differ from other breeds; vets familiar with sighthounds interpret tests differently.
- The Greyhound is the only dog breed mentioned by name in the Bible (in some translations).
Library guides for Greyhound owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Greyhound.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Greyhound breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Greyhounds good apartment dogs?
- Yes — most are quiet and calm indoors with regular walks.
- Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
- Less than people expect: daily walks and occasional sprints.
- Can Greyhounds live with cats?
- Some can; many cannot. Adoption groups often test for cat compatibility.