The Complete Guide to Greyhound Dogs

Greyhounds are often misunderstood as being lazy, but in reality, they are bred for speed and athleticism. They can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Greyhounds are a relatively small breed, with most weighing between 50-80 pounds and standing between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

For more insights, see: Are Italian Greyhounds Hypoallergenic Dogs

Greyhounds are sleek and athletic dogs, with a slender build that requires minimal grooming. Their short fur is easy to maintain.

Males typically stand between 28 to 30 inches tall at the withers, while females are slightly shorter, ranging from 26 to 28 inches in height.

Females tend to weigh between 25 to 34 kilograms, while males weigh between 27 to 40 kilograms.

Greyhounds are a relatively tall breed, with males typically standing between 28 to 30 inches at the withers.

Males usually weigh between 60 to 88 pounds, while females tend to be smaller, weighing between 55 to 75 pounds.

Greyhounds have very short fur, making them a great choice for those who don't want to deal with a lot of grooming.

There are approximately 30 recognized color forms, including variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red, and blue.

Greyhounds are dolichocephalic, meaning they have a skull that's relatively long compared to its breadth.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Retired Racing Greyhounds for Adoption

The Greyhound is a sleek, athletic dog.

Racing Greyhounds typically stand between 25 to 29 inches tall.

Show Greyhounds are slightly larger, reaching heights of 26 to 30 inches.

Males of both types usually weigh between 65 to 85 pounds.

Females tend to be lighter, weighing between 50 to 65 pounds.

Greyhounds live most happily as pets in quiet environments, doing well in families with children as long as they're taught to treat the dog properly.

They're generally not barkers, which is beneficial in suburban environments, and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own families.

A 2008 University of Pennsylvania study found that Greyhounds are one of the least aggressive dog breeds towards strangers, owners, and other dogs.

However, Greyhounds can be prone to sleep startle/sleep aggression if suddenly disturbed while napping.

They tend to be outgoing, happy, and sociable with people and seem to relish human contact, even following owners from room to room at home.

Greyhounds have a sensitive nature and gentle commands work best as training methods.

They're intelligent and independent, even catlike in many ways, but most are willing to befriend anyone who presents them with a treat.

As long as they get their routine exercise, they're great couch potato dogs that love to lay around with their people.

They can be patient with children and are more likely to walk away from a child than snap, but they do require their own space.

Greyhounds have a strong hunting drive, which means they tend to have very high prey drives and are not great options for families with small pets in their homes.

This also means that Greyhounds should be kept on a leash when out on walks unless they're in a controlled and enclosed environment.

They're a less vocal breed than most and generally aren't considered loud or consistent barkers.

Greyhounds enjoy a little "alone time" and tend not to exhibit destructive behaviors such as digging or inappropriate chewing.

They're quick to react to tensions in the home and can become shy or timid with mistreatment.

Early socialization helps ensure that your Greyhound puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog, and enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start.

Inviting visitors over regularly and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Greyhounds have a rich history in racing and coursing. Their original primary use was in coursing deer for meat and sport in the British Isles and Europe.

In Britain, they specialized in competition hare coursing. Some Greyhounds are still used for coursing today.

Artificial lure sports like lure coursing and racing have become more popular and common. Many top sprinters have bloodlines that go back to Irish sires, who won prestigious events like the Irish Coursing Derby or the Irish Cup.

Greyhounds have also had success on the amateur race track in the United States. Organizations like the Large Gazehound Racing Association and the National Oval Track Racing Association provide opportunities for Greyhounds to compete.

You might like: Greyhounds Racing

Coursing has been a long-standing tradition with Greyhounds, with their original primary use being to course deer for meat and sport in the British Isles and Europe.

In Britain, they later specialized in competition hare coursing, a sport that's still practiced today, albeit less commonly than artificial lure sports.

Some Greyhounds are still used for coursing, with many leading sprinters having bloodlines that can be traced back to Irish sires who won prestigious events like the Irish Coursing Derby or the Irish Cup.

Many of these champion racers were involved in events that took place over distances of 300 to 550 yards, a testament to the breed's speed and agility.

Greyhounds have a long history of racing, dating back to the early 20th century in the United States, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.

Modern greyhound racing was introduced in the United States during the 1920s, and it's still a popular activity today.

You might like: Shiba Inu in Usa

In the United States, aside from professional racing, many Greyhounds enjoy success on the amateur race track. Organizations like the Large Gazehound Racing Association (LGRA) and the National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) provide opportunities for Greyhounds to compete.

Australia has a significant racing culture, and it's clear that Greyhounds are well-suited for the sport.

Greyhounds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. You should expect to see health clearances from reputable organizations, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

Some potential health issues to be aware of include anesthesia sensitivity, hypothyroidism, osteosarcoma, and gastric torsion (bloat). Anesthesia sensitivity is a concern, as a normal dose for another dog can be lethal for a Greyhound. Hypothyroidism involves low levels of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland and can be treated with daily thyroid medication.

To keep your Greyhound healthy, provide regular exercise, such as daily walks, and a balanced diet. They also need mental stimulation, which can be achieved through training and socialization. A solid fence is essential to prevent them from chasing small animals, and they should always be kept on a leash during walks.

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. It's essential to be aware of these conditions if you're considering bringing a Greyhound into your family.

A good breeder will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents, which prove they've been tested for and cleared of specific conditions. You should look for clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease.

Greyhounds are sensitive to anesthesia and some other drugs, so it's crucial to choose a veterinarian who's knowledgeable about this sensitivity. This is especially important if you can't find a vet who specializes in sighthounds.

Readers also liked: Hip Dysplasia Bernese Mountain Dog

Hypothyroidism is a common health issue in Greyhounds, causing symptoms like infertility, obesity, and coarse, brittle fur. It can be treated with daily thyroid medication, which your dog will need to take for the rest of its life.

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that affects large and giant breeds, including Greyhounds. It's typically treated with amputation of the affected limb and chemotherapy.

If you're a Greyhound owner, it's essential to be aware of the signs of gastric torsion (bloat), which can cause death if not treated promptly. Keep an eye out for sudden vomiting, restlessness, and a distended abdomen.

Here's a list of common health issues in Greyhounds, along with some tips for managing them:

Greyhounds are a unique breed that requires special care and attention. They need a fenced area to sprint at least once a day, and their favorite games involve running and chasing.

To keep your Greyhound healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise, but not too much, as they can become prone to foot and leg injuries from high-speed running. They also need to be protected from the cold due to their slender limbs and lack of a thick coat.

Consider reading: Grey Hound Running

Greyhounds are prone to accumulating plaque on their teeth, so regular dental care is crucial. They also require occasional bathing and brushing to maintain their coat.

When it comes to training, Greyhounds can be stubborn at times, but they respond well to patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They're independent and need a confident owner who can provide clear guidance and rewards.

To socialize your Greyhound, introduce them to new people, places, and situations gradually. This will help prevent them from becoming timid or fearful. Many obedience schools offer socialization classes, which are a great way to start obedience training.

Here are some essential health checks to consider when bringing a Greyhound into your family:

By being aware of these potential health issues and providing regular care and attention, you can help your Greyhound live a happy and healthy life.

Greyhounds are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. The recommended daily amount varies depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Males need 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals, while females need 1.5 to 3 cups.

The quality of dog food makes a difference, so choose a high-quality food that's formulated for high-energy dogs and approved by the AAFCO.

You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your Greyhound, and you should feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.

Consult your veterinarian and the feeding instructions on the bag to find the right amount of food for your Greyhound, based on their specific nutritional needs and lifestyle.

For an average weight of 60-70 pounds, this would be roughly 3 to 3 1/3 cups daily, divided into two meals.

A fresh viewpoint: Shiba Inu Reach 1 Cent