Greyhound

Greyhound dogs are designed for running fast. Often called “couch cheetahs,” they have long legs and curved backs that allow them to stretch and contract fully during their unique galloping style. Sleek and strong, Greyhounds possess a lot of muscle and light limbs, contributing to their impressive speed. Their long tails serve a purpose beyond appearance; they help slow them down while they run. Despite their speed, these dogs are playful and gentle, enjoying to snuggle with their owners after a brief run outdoors.

Quick Info

Size

Large

Colours

The short, fine coat comes in black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow, or brindle. Any of them can be mixed with white.

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

27 to 30 inches

Type

Sighthound

Hypoallergenic

Weight

60 to 78 pounds

Family

Personality

Often referred to as “the fastest couch potato in the world,” Greyhounds are gentle, relaxed, and exceptionally well-behaved inside the home. They generally get along well with other dogs, pets, and kids if they grow up together. However, they retain their hunting instincts and may chase after things when outside. Greyhounds tend to be shy around new people, are quite sensitive, and can be a bit timid. Even though they have an independent streak, they are keen to make their trusted companions happy.

History

Sighthounds, which are dogs that hunt using their vision instead of their sense of smell, were among the earliest breeds developed by humans, with Greyhounds being the top example. These dogs have appeared in artwork dating back to ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome. They gained popularity in Britain and were appreciated by people from all walks of life, including both the rich and the poor.

Ideal Owner

Get ready for a lot of patience and a sense of humor, as Greyhounds can be playful and as restless as a child who just had candy. These dogs are built for speed, not long-distance running, so they need a safe outdoor area to run fast for short bursts throughout the day. Training them can be challenging, so expect to face some difficulties while teaching your Greyhound.

Exercise Needs

It may seem strange, but the most active dogs don’t require a lot of continuous exercise. Typically, two brief runs each day are enough to wear out a Greyhound. These dogs are often called 40mph couch potatoes because they prefer quick bursts of speed over long strolls. It’s best to keep them on a leash since they enjoy chasing after things and tend to be indifferent when it comes to training.

Space Requirements

Despite being a big breed, Greyhounds don’t require a lot of room since they enjoy relaxing on a cozy couch. However, they do need a safe outdoor area where they can run and play.

Training

Greyhound dogs aren’t big fans of training. While they can pick up skills like walking on a leash and commands like sit and lie down, training isn’t something they care about much. They may have a tendency to chase after small animals and cats, so it’s important to teach them how to live peacefully with any cats in the home.

Grooming

Owners of Greyhound dogs have hit the jackpot when it comes to grooming. These dogs have a short and smooth coat that only requires a quick brushing now and then.