Greyhounds were bred to be hunters, chasing hares and foxes. They can run as fast as 45mph. These days they are widely used for racing and pets.
They are sweet, kind-natured and calm dogs. This could be the perfect breed for you if you are looking for docile and independent dogs.
Greyhounds don’t need as much exercise as you would think. They love to sprint, but they are not built for stamina, and after a good walk, they will enjoy being couch potatoes. They can even cope with being a flat or apartment dog as long as they get their daily walk and playtime, they will be happy.
Remember, a bored dog will usually become mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They are devoted to their families and are sweet and gentle with children of all ages. They will run around the garden with older kids. They are likely to suffer from separation anxiety, so do not get this breed if you work full time.
Greyhounds are usually good with strangers but perhaps a little un-trusting, so good socialisation will help them. They rarely bark so a good choice for an apartment or close neighbourhood, but if you are looking for a good watchdog, look elsewhere!
They should be fine with other dogs and cats if brought up with them. They are hunters, so the instinctive need to chase neighbour’s cats and small animals is probably too strong to control. Ensure your outside area is well enclosed and they can’t escape when giving chase.
Greyhounds are intelligent dogs but a little stubborn. You will need to discover their motivation reward early on for the best results, but they should be fairly easy to train and work with. Try to keep training both interesting and fun and avoid being harsh with them. Identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results, and it’s normally food. They can be slow to house-train.
Their hair is low maintenance, it’s short, and they shed moderately all year round, and they tend to shed worse during autumn and spring as they change their coats. Weekly brushing will be enough to keep it under control.
Greyhound Stats
This is the fastest dog on Earth and also one of the world’s oldest breeds. The Greyhound dates back 4000 years and prominently features in the ancient pyramids’ hieroglyphics. The mummified remains of many Greyhounds have been found alongside their former masters in various tombs throughout Egypt.
- Weight -30kg –35kg
- Size – 62cm – 72cm
- They live for 10-12 years