Greyhound - Dog Breed Information

Information about Greyhounds

Greyhound breed information
Should I get a Greyhound?
Greyhound personality
Taking care of Greyhounds
Common Greyhound health conditions
The cost of insuring a Greyhound
Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?
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Greyhounds have been bred as hunting dogs that can easily outrun their prey, reaching speeds of up to 72km per hour. They are usually intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs that have easy-going personalities.

Although Greyhounds are athletic, they don’t require excessive exercise because of their low endurance. Mostly calm, this dog breed is very happy with being a lapdog.

Want to learn more about this breed? Read our guide below to see if Greyhounds are the pet for you.

Greyhound breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Greyhound:

How long do Greyhounds live?

On average, Greyhounds have a lifespan of 10-12 years.

How big do Greyhounds get?

On average, male Greyhounds can grow to 76cm tall, and female Greyhounds can grow to 71cm tall.

Do Greyhounds shed?

Greyhounds have a smooth, short-haired coat that is relatively easy to maintain. However, they shed an average amount of hair and might need to be brushed frequently.

Should I get a Greyhound?

Greyhounds can thrive in social households that have plenty of love to give and the time and energy to socialise them. If not socialised early and thoroughly, Greyhounds might become timid and have trouble adapting to new environments.

Once they become comfortable with their surroundings, these friendly pups have no difficulty becoming best friends with other dogs and animals. Although Greyhounds can be shy initially, they tend to love human company and are highly affectionate and intelligent pets that know how to give and receive love.

Despite being great sprinters, they have low endurance and tend to tire out quicker than other breeds. For this reason, Greyhounds might be better suited for living in apartments and smaller houses than other dogs of a similar size. However, they still need to be taken out for regular walks and visits to the park to keep them active, burn off extra energy, and interact with other dogs.

Greyhound personality

Greyhounds can be low-maintenance dogs and quickly gain their way into people’s hearts through their friendly nature.

They can be a good addition to households with children, so long as the dog is socialised to live with children early.

Greyhounds are intelligent dogs that are well in tune with their sensitive side; for this reason, they tend to pick up on tensions at home quite easily.

Although Greyhounds are generally great with other dogs and people, they do tend to take a little while to warm up to their new surroundings. This is especially true for rescued Greyhounds or retired racing Greyhounds that require a little more time and patience to acclimatise to their surroundings. Rescue Greyhounds will need extra care and patience, and rescue owners should be aware that their Greyhound dog may never socialise as well as other dogs raised at home from when they were just Greyhound puppies.

Taking care of Greyhounds

Grooming

Greyhounds have a short-haired, silky and smooth coat. They are usually moderate shedders and require some grooming.

Regular brushing with a rubber curry brush or hand mitten can help to control their shedding.

Exercise

Greyhounds usually need moderate exercise. Their low energy levels and affinity for naps means that playtime is usually limited. Visits to the dog park and daily walks for half an hour can be help keep them active.

Diet

Greyhounds can thrive on well-proportioned and balanced meals. A combination of wet and dry food can be a good option, as is incorporating cooked and raw veggies into their diet. A carrot every now and then can help keep their diet full of flavour and nutrients.

Common Greyhound health conditions

Like most dog breeds, Greyhounds are susceptible to certain health conditions. Here are some examples:

Bloating

Greyhounds tend to experience bloating issues. If your Greyhound usually devours their food, bloating could become a concern. Severe cases of bloating can be life-threatening, so preventing the condition is key. To avoid bloat, you can divide your pet’s meals into smaller portions throughout the day.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease or gum disease is caused by bacteria causing decay in the teeth. This leads to the dog avoiding eating, as it can cause pain. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth to remove plaque can help to combat periodontal disease, as well as making sure that your dog has plenty of water to wash their food down after they eat.

The cost of insuring a Greyhound

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Greyhound, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that can help protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

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Greyhound dog breed information