Dog Breed

Greyhound

Primary image of Greyhound dog breed
Full Name
Greyhound
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Life Span
10 - 13 years years
Weight
50 - 70 pounds
Description

Affectionate, Athletic, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Even Tempered

Bred For
Coursing hares
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Greyhound good with children?

    Yes! The Greyhound is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Greyhound is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Greyhound friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Greyhound is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Greyhound is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Greyhound friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Greyhound is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Greyhound is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Greyhound like to cuddle?

    The Greyhound likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Greyhound like to play?

    The Greyhound will almost always be ready for play! The Greyhound is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Greyhound make a good service dog?

    The Greyhound is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Greyhound good for first-time owners?

    The Greyhound would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Greyhound be trained?

    The Greyhound does not have high levels of training potential. There are exceptions, but the Greyhound is not typically seen in competitions or as a service dog or police dog.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Greyhound shed a lot?

    The Greyhound does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Greyhound easy to groom?

    The Greyhound requires some grooming, but less than the average dog breed. Typically you will not need to take the Greyhound to the pet salon, and occasional combing at home should be enough.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Greyhound need a lot of exercise?

    The Greyhound requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Greyhound to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Greyhound?

    The Greyhound has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Greyhound bark? Does the Greyhound bark too much?

    The Greyhound barks all the time. They are big talkers, and want to show it! In general, barking and being expressive can be beneficial, such as for guarding property or livestock. But it is important to consider whether heavy barking suites your lifestyle.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Greyhound a good guard dog?

    The Greyhound is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Greyhound is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Greyhound good at staying alone? Is the Greyhound independent?

    The Greyhound does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Greyhound a good apartment dog?

    The Greyhound is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Greyhound
    Size

    How big is the Greyhound?

    The Greyhound is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Greyhound tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Greyhound?

    The Greyhound can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Greyhound tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Greyhound?

    The Greyhound can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Greyhound try to run away?

    The Greyhound has huge wanderlust, meaning that it's natural for them to want to run away. They are known as escape artists. It's important to test your yard and have a tall fence that cannot be jumped or climbed over. Sometimes the Greyhound is not well suited for being off-leash, even if they are well trained.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Greyhound a healthy dog? The health of a Greyhound should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Greyhound is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Greyhound?

    The Greyhound has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the Greyhound daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Greyhound drool?

    The Greyhound drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Greyhound have a large prey drive? Does the Greyhound like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Greyhound has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Greyhound may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Greyhound atheltic?

    The Greyhound is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
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  1. Hound
  2. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Hound dog breed group.
Hound group: The hound has traditionally been used alongside hunters to track or chase prey. Unlike retrievers who are bred primarily to retrieve and bring back the prey, hounds were typically bred to have excellent vision, scent, or speed to pursue the prey. Because of the Hound's excellent vision, scent, and focus, they are a common police and secret services dog. Hounds are typically categorized into either "scent hounds" or "sight hounds". Both exercise and mental stimulation is important for hounds because of their history. They want to feel they have a "job" and want to go to bed feeling they have done their day's duty.

Greyhounds for adoption

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