Greyhound Breed: Facts, Behavior, Care, & More!
| Height: | 27-32 inches |
| Weight: | 60 – 70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 13 Years |
| Colors: | Blue fawn, black, blue, and brindle (blue. red. black), white, and these colors with white |
| For: | People looking for a dog that is affectionate, adaptable, and happy to run after a ball or lounge on the couch with them. |
| Temperament: | Independent, gentle, noble, and good with other dogs |
Greyhounds are one of the most agile animals on Earth. They will quickly win your heart and take over your bed. Greyhounds are a traditional breed that was developed to hunt with sight and not smell. They make great family pets. Greyhounds can be adopted as adults and are able to adapt to a variety of situations. You’re here to find out more about the Greyhound. Continue reading to learn more about Greyhounds, and what to expect when you adopt one.
Greyhound Puppies: Before You Buy…
Greyhound puppies: What is the price?
Greyhound puppies are not easy to find. Greyhound racing is a huge business and most Greyhound breeders prefer breeding dogs to pets. Greyhound puppies can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 so be prepared to spend a lot. You might be able to pay more for show-quality puppies or pups from rare bloodlines.
Many organizations are committed to the rescue and rehoming of retired racing Greyhounds. You can adopt an adult Greyhound instead of buying a puppy if you’re willing to do so. Adopting a retired racer can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on the organization.
Three Little-Known Facts about Greyhounds
1. They are the fastest dog breed.
Greyhounds can run up to 40-45 mph at full speed. Greyhounds run at such a fast pace that their feet barely touch the ground 25% of the time.
2. They are the oldest dog breed.
Greyhounds’ earliest ancestors date back to 5,000 years ago, in the deserts of Egypt. They were hunting companions for the Pharaohs and then became status symbols for other ancient nobles.
3. They look at the back of their heads.
Although they can’t see the ground, greyhounds can see behind their eyes because of the way their heads and eyes are positioned. Greyhounds can see up to a half mile away. Greyhounds are a formidable opponent to rabbits and other prey!
Greyhound Temperament and Intelligence
Greyhounds have a unique combination of temperament traits. They are gentle and sensitive but also independent. Greyhounds are intelligent dogs but are trained to hunt and work with little direction from humans. They can be difficult to train because of their independent nature. Greyhounds can be fun-loving and entertaining to live with.
These dogs are good for families
Greyhounds are great pets for families. Greyhounds are gentle and tolerant by nature. They can also be trained to play with children. You should supervise any dog around children, especially if they have not been properly socialized with them early in their lives. Greyhounds are often suspicious of strangers, but they can also be affectionate towards their family members.
Greyhounds can also be adapted to changing situations, which makes them an excellent choice for busy families. Greyhounds don’t require a strict daily routine like other breeds. Greyhounds are used to being alone, particularly retired racers. They can often be left alone and enjoy their time.
Is this breed compatible with other pets?
Greyhounds were originally bred to hunt together in packs. This heritage ensures that the Greyhounds get along well with other dogs, particularly dogs of similar sizes. Greyhounds can be preyed upon by small dogs so it is important to introduce them to Greyhounds.
Greyhound racing greyhounds love to spend time with other dogs. They are able to adapt well to living in multi-dog homes in retirement. As they get to know one another, it is important to be patient and supervise them.
Greyhounds can be a difficult choice for small pets or cats due to their prey drive. Greyhounds can be lived with dog-savvy cats who don’t prey on animals. You will need to spend extra time socializing your Greyhound and cat with each other, and closely monitor their interactions.
If you have small exotic pets, it is best to keep them separate from Greyhounds. Even if your Greyhound ignores them completely, exotic animals can be stressed even if they see a predator like dogs.
What you need to know about Greyhound ownership
You might be able to have a Greyhound that is fast, snoozing, and runs well in your home. Before you make the leap to Greyhound parenthood, here are some things to consider.
Food & Diet Requirements
A quality, balanced diet is essential to keep your Greyhound happy and healthy. Your Greyhound’s activity level will determine what type of food they need. Your vet can help you determine the best diet for your Greyhound and the appropriate amount of food to give. If you plan to feed your Greyhound a homemade diet, it is important to consult your vet. This will ensure that your Greyhound receives all the nutrients and vitamins they need.
Exercise
Greyhounds are often called “the world’s fastest couch potatoes” because they are not as energetic as you might think. They should be exercised every day, just like all dogs. You don’t have to spend a lot of time on your Greyhound. A good amount of exercise, about an hour per day, should be enough. Then it’s back to the couch!
Your Greyhound will love to go for a full-speed run if you are able to do so safely. You should not let your Greyhound loose from you unless it is in a controlled area. You could find yourself in the dust as your Greyhound runs (at 45 mph!) an unlucky squirrel or rabbit.
Training
Greyhounds are difficult to train because they were designed to hunt quickly and without any direction from humans. Greyhounds are used to making their own decisions, so they need gentle guidance and patience as they learn. The best training sessions are short and positive.
Greyhounds are sensitive dogs and won’t take to harsh training methods. You will get the best results if you reward your Greyhound and do not make them work for it.
Some Greyhounds are difficult to housetrain, according to some reports. This could be due to the fact that many Greyhounds are adopted at an early age and have been raised in racing kennels. An adult dog can be more difficult to housetrain than a puppy.
Grooming
Greyhounds aren’t hypoallergenic despite their short coats. They shed frequently, but not too often. A hound glove, or rubber curry brush, can be used to brush the coat every week. Regular nail trimming is a must. You should bathe your Greyhound every day, clean its ears, and brush its teeth as often as possible.
Health and Conditions
Greyhounds are one the most healthy dog breeds in terms of inheritable conditions. Responsible breeders will ensure that their dogs are free from any genetic disorders. You might not be able to find out about the history of an adult Greyhound. It is important to be aware that there may be health issues to watch out for.
Minor Conditions
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Severe Conditions
- Bloat
- Greyhound neuropathy
- Osteosarcoma
Severe Conditions
Greyhounds, like all large, deep-chested breeds of Greyhounds, are at risk for bloat. This is a serious medical emergency.
Greyhound neuropathy is also a neurological condition.
Greyhounds are often diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
Minor conditions
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a condition that affects greyhounds.
Greyhounds that are breeding Greyhounds should be tested for the genetic cause of Greyhound neuropathy. To ensure their health, they should have eye and heart screenings.
Male vs. Female
There are not many differences between male and female Greyhounds that will affect your decision. As with all dog breeds, males tend to be larger than females.
Greyhound owners have reported that their Greyhounds are more reserved than their male counterparts. However, every dog is unique and this will not always be true.
Although male Greyhounds are more likely than females to mark, neutering can help curb this problem. Female Greyhounds need to be spayed or dealt with twice a year due to their messy heat cycles.
Last Thoughts
Greyhounds love to race after a ball and lounge upside down while their feet are in the air. Greyhounds are one of the few purebred dogs that can be adopted as an adult. This presents pet owners with a rare opportunity. Learn as much information as possible about Greyhounds and other breeds you are considering buying or adopting. Pet ownership requires love and commitment.