Greyhounds may look like elite athletes — all lean muscle and long legs — but off the racetrack, they’re professional nappers. Bred for coursing and racing, these dogs are sprinters, not marathoners. Most retired racers are happiest sprawled across the sofa, snoring loudly, and reminding you that they were born for comfort.
Owner insight: “They make great pets. Loving, friendly and calm. They sleep most of the time and don’t require as much exercise as people think.”
Not sure if a Greyhound’s laid-back vibe is for you? Try the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to see if you’re a match.
Great Names for a Greyhound
Sleek, elegant, and sometimes hilariously lazy — Greyhounds suit all sorts of names. For even more ideas, try our Dog Name Generator.
- Elegant picks: Silas, Grace, Luna, Hugo, Aurora
- Speed-inspired: Jet, Bolt, Dash, Zoomie, Turbo
- Lazy nods: Snooze, Dozer, Pillow, Siesta, Sloth
- Funny choices: Noodle, Twiggy, Sofa, Spaghetti, Beanpole
Pickles’ Aside: “Name them Zoomie, but don’t expect more than one lap of the park.”
Exercise
Greyhounds are sprinters — short, sharp bursts followed by long naps. Forget the idea of running marathons together.
They need:
- Two short walks a day (20–30 mins each).
- Safe, enclosed space for occasional off-lead zoomies.
- Lots of snoozing time to recharge.
Owner insight: “If let off in an open space … the dog will run in an anti-clockwise circle once and come back to you. It will then be absolutely pooped for the rest of the day.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Olympic sprinter meets professional sofa tester.”
Prey Drive Warning
Greyhounds were bred to chase. Cats, rabbits, and squirrels are all fair game in their eyes. Even with recall training, prey drive can be overwhelming.
Pickles’ Aside: “If it runs, they’ll chase. End of.”
Temperament
Despite their size and history, Greyhounds are gentle souls. They adore human company and make surprisingly chilled family pets.
- Affectionate and loyal.
- Gentle with children (best with calmer households).
- Sensitive — loud noise and chaos can stress them.
Owner insight: “I have had three retired ones. They make lovely pets … they don’t like a lot of noise … one would get very distressed when children would shout and cry.”
Training
Greyhounds are intelligent but independent. Many ex-racers have never lived in a home before, so house-training and basic cues take time.
- Positive reinforcement is a must.
- Patience with recall — prey drive overrides training.
- Gentle handling — they’re sensitive and soft-natured.
Need some help? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for guidance, especially if adopting a retired racer.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Greyhounds are lovers, not fighters. They’re friendly with strangers and not natural watchdogs.
- Low tendency to bark.
- More likely to greet intruders than guard.
- Deterrent only by size.
Other Animals
Greyhounds can live peacefully with other dogs, especially fellow sighthounds. Cats and small furries? That’s more complicated.
- Fine with dogs when socialised.
- High risk with cats/rabbits unless carefully trained.
- Rescue charities often test “cat-safe” Greyhounds.
Grooming
Blessedly low-maintenance. Greyhounds have fine coats that shed lightly.
- Weekly brushing is plenty.
- Coats are thin — they need jumpers in cold weather.
- Dental care is important — many ex-racers have dental issues.
Health
Greyhounds are generally healthy but have some breed-specific quirks and risks:
- Bloat (GDV) risk due to deep chests.
- Dental disease common in ex-racers.
- Arthritis as they age.
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia.
Lifespan is usually 10–14 years. Choose a responsible rescue or breeder — see our Best in Breeder Guide for what to ask.
Bloat Warning
Like many deep-chested breeds, Greyhounds are prone to bloat (GDV). It’s a life-threatening emergency.
To reduce risk:
- Feed smaller meals.
- Avoid exercise before/after food.
- Know the warning signs: swollen belly, retching, collapse.
Pickles’ Aside: “Trust me — you don’t want to learn about bloat the hard way.”
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Greyhounds are fairly affordable compared to other large breeds, especially if adopted from a rescue, but ongoing costs are still significant.
- Puppy price (KC/show lines): £1,000–£1,500
- Adoption fee (retired racer): £150–£300
- Food: £40–£60/month
- Insurance: £30–£50/month
- Routine vet care: ~£250–£400/year
- Extras: coats, jumpers, soft beds (they love comfort).
Owner insight: “Greyhounds are idle lazy dogs that aren’t too keen on long walks and would much rather sleep all day — preferably on the most expensive comfortable settee.”
Retired Racer Warning
Most Greyhounds available in the UK are retired racers. That comes with a few quirks new owners should know:
- House training may be new. Many have lived in kennels, so indoor life is a learning curve.
- Stairs and home life. Having never seen stairs, many are baffled or scared of them. Shiny floors and patio doors can also confuse them at first.
- Prey drive is strong. Some are “cat-safe” (tested by rescues), but many will chase small furries.
- Recall isn’t reliable. They’ve been bred to chase — a squirrel will always win.
- Leads & muzzles. Many rescues advise muzzling in public at first, and keeping them on-lead in open spaces.
- Sensitive souls. They may not cope well with chaos, loud noises, or young children.
Pickles’ Aside: “Ex-racer to sofa snoozer — but don’t expect instant house manners.”
Famous Owners & Moments
Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds, beloved since ancient Egypt. In modern times, they’re most famous as ex-racing rescues who prove just how chilled and cuddly sighthounds can be.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They need hours of exercise | False — two short walks and zoomies are plenty. |
| They’re aggressive | Not true — they’re gentle and sensitive. |
| They can’t live in flats | They can — they love lounging and don’t need a garden. |
| They’re fragile | They’re lean, but robust when cared for properly. |
Greyhound FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes, lightly.
- Do they need lots of exercise? No — they’re sprinters, not marathoners.
- Are they good with kids? Yes, especially in calmer homes.
- How long do they live? 10–14 years.
- Do they need coats? Yes, in colder weather.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Greyhound?
If you want a gentle, affectionate companion who’ll happily share the sofa and won’t demand endless exercise, the Greyhound could be perfect. But be mindful of their prey drive and health quirks.
Before you adopt, check out our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And when your Greyhound is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “Fastest sprinter, slowest sofa-hogger.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: Ancient Egypt / UK racing lines
- Weight: 27–40 kg
- Height: 68–76 cm
- Lifespan: 10–14 years
- Best Trait: Gentle, calm, affectionate
- Challenging Trait: Strong prey drive, sensitive