Greyhound

Greyhounds make wonderful family pets—they are gentle, affectionate, and generally calm. They are typically patient with children and enjoy companionship. Like all dogs, they should always be supervised around young kids to avoid any accidental injuries.

Despite their athletic build, Greyhounds are not high-energy dogs. They need about two 20–30-minute walks daily. They love short bursts of running, but generally spend the bulk of their day snoozing. As long as they get their daily exercise, they’re well suited to urban apartment living.

In some places, Greyhounds are required to wear a muzzle in public, mainly due to their history as racing dogs with a high prey drive. However many retired Greyhounds can be trained to learn how to socialize safely with people, and in some areas muzzle exemption status is available after behavioral assessments. Always check local regulations.

Greyhounds usually live 12 to 15 years. Some Greyhounds can live even longer with proper care, a nutritious diet and regular veterinary checkups. Giving them a comfortable life and keeping them healthy can help extend their lifespan.

A greyhound has a strong instinct to chase, but many can be trained not to chase cats and small pets. The key is early socialization, careful introductions, and supervised interactions. But some Greyhounds will always have a high prey drive, so caution is required.

Male Greyhounds weigh 27–40 kg and stand around 71–76 cm tall at the shoulder. Females are smaller at 26–34 kg and stand 69–71 cm tall.

Greyhounds have short, fine coats that shed moderately year-round. They need very little grooming and weekly brushing helps reduce shedding and keep the coat healthy. Additionally, they’re low maintenance and tend to have very little doggy odor.