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Greyhound Dogs
Breed Rating (5 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
An old European breed, they are a sighthound originally bred for spotting and coursing game. Thanks to their slim build, long legs and flexible spine, the Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 43 mph over a short distance. They were originally mainly kept by nobility and it wasn’t until the 1920’s that Greyhound racing became popular in Britain and America. In such races the dogs would chase after a mock hare attached to the track. Bets were placed on whoever the better thought would win. Unofficial records suggest that greyhounds are as fast as the Cheetah when it comes to the hundred yard sprint.
Behaviour
Greyhounds are calm and relaxed dogs. Whilst they can reach very high speeds, it is important to bear in mind that these are sprinters and not marathon runners. They’ll often be much more content curled up on top of your bed than on a long walk. They make for good pets as they seem to get along well with children and any other household pets. Due to them being sighthounds, they do have a tendency to chase after small animals they may spot whilst out and about. They are however perfectly happy to walk on lead, ann will enjoy a run in a closed off area.
Greyhounds are intelligent but sensitive dogs. They do respond to training but can also be stubborn, so things such as recall training may not be very effective if prey is involved. They are a loyal and docile pet who adore sleep, usually on your couch or bed. They are very sociable and won’t like being left alone for long amounts of time. They aren’t very vocal and don’t have a tendency to bark unless they are playing with other dogs. This breed has very little body fat and is rather susceptible to the cold, in harsher winters a jacket or coat may be needed. They rarely suffer from any major illnesses and their coat requires minimal grooming.
Greyhounds lack body fat and have very thin skin - very useful for running like a Cheetah, but not very good for protecting them from the cold. They need to wear dog jackets during cold and wet spells. Their coats need minimal grooming (meaning you don’t have to keep taking that jacket on and off through the winter!).
Temperament
Greyhounds are calm and graceful animals, and respectful and relaxed around the home. They love finding a soft, warm place to take a nap, a chilled temperament that’s blown away once you get them off leash outside. In open areas the Greyhound’s speed is simply amazing. They love to sprint and will chase small animals, with every chance of catching even the fastest of them.
This breed is very chilled, making it good with other dogs, although Greyhounds’ size and nervous disposition means they can accidentally knock over children or anyone not too firm on their feet.
Health Problems
Greyhounds may be prone to bone cancer, bloat, epilepsy and blood clotting diseases.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 10 - 15 years
- Weight: 60 - 88 pounds
- Height: 26 - 29"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Short
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Town or Country: Country
- Minimum Home Size: Large House
- Minimum Garden Size: Small to Medium Garden
- Breed Type: Hound
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour
More to love
Greyhound Pictures
Latest Reviews For Greyhound (5 of 5)
Fabulous dogs misunderstood by most - Christine,
My gorgeous Grey called Willow is two. She came to us from a rescue after she failed to be a racing dog. She is funny and kind and a real goofball. She loves to run for fun and did really well at our dog training classes. She loves her house mate Dafne the Spanish Galgo and people are all her best friends. She is the perfect companion my 60mph couch potato
Friendly, fast and facile - Lynne,
One of the most misunderstood breeds of dog I've ever come across. Yes, they are super fast, but they're also the laziest dog you will find! They are built for short burst of speed and the rest of the day, they sleep. They are large dogs but need very little exercise. Best to only let them off lead in an enclosed area due to their speed and inability to be good at recall but they're just as happy on a lead walking by your side. The need little to no grooming and are very clean dogs. Most are not cat friendly but they are very human friendly, particularly with children. As huge food lovers, they can be trained basic things with treats. They are very much gentle giants who like to 'lean' whilst being petted due to their awkward sitting positions (this is because of their powerful back legs). You'll find that all owners would never have any other breed of dog once they taste greyhound life. So easy, so friendly and if you rescue one after it's racing days, they are so appreciative of a comfy sofa.
Greys - James,
Greys are the best!
Greyhounds Rock! - Jessica,
My greyhound Mrs Flannel (Flanny for short) is such a kind natured dog. She's really friendly with children and the elderly gents. We started obedience lessons early and it really paid off. She can also stand on her two back feet and can hop on demand!
A cracking breed with plenty of love to give - Mark,
I've two greyhounds Desmond-Cheese and Panthermonkey (one word). Both have great temperaments and are fairly easy to train. Panthermonkey can walk on her back legs and Desmon-Cheese can say the word Cheese (Hence her name). They don't malt too much and take well with children and elderly. Both have their own kind personality. Desmond-Cheese love nothing more than being sat by the fire for hours on end. As puppies they are quite delicate and are prone to leg injuries.