Greyhound Breed Guide

Contents:

• Greyhound at a Glance
• History of the Greyhound
• Greyhound Characteristics & Traits
• Greyhound Life Stages
• Caring for a Greyhound
• Common Greyhound Health Conditions
• Cost of Owning a Greyhound
• Greyhound Name Ideas

The Greyhound at a Glance

• Breed size: Large (25-40kg) 
• Life expectancy: 10-13 years 
• Exercise needs: Moderate. Around 45–60 minutes of daily activity will suit many adult Greyhounds, often split across walks, play and opportunities to safely stretch their legs.  
• Space needs: Adaptable. Despite their tall frame, many Greyhounds can settle comfortably into different living environments when their daily exercise and enrichment needs are met.  
• Grooming needs: Low. Their short, smooth coat is easy to care for and generally needs a gentle brush around once a week.  
• Shedding: Low to moderate. Greyhounds do shed, but their short, fine coat means loose hair can be less noticeable than with many heavier-coated breeds. Regular brushing can help keep shedding under control.  
• Hypoallergenic? No.  
• Barking tendency: Low. Generally quiet by nature, Greyhounds aren't known for frequent barking, although they may still use their voice to alert you or communicate when something catches their attention.  
• Trainability: Moderate. Intelligent and sensitive, they tend to respond best to patient, positive reinforcement and calm, consistent training. Some can have an independent streak, so finding what motivates your individual dog can make learning more rewarding.  
• People-friendly? Yes. Many Greyhounds are gentle and affectionate with their people and can be friendly with new faces once comfortable.  
• Other pets? It depends. As sighthounds, Greyhounds have a natural instinct to notice and pursue movement. With thoughtful introductions and the right individual match, some can live happily with other dogs and even cats. Always consider your Greyhound's individual temperament and history.  
• Family-friendly? Yes. Their gentle and easy-going nature can make Greyhounds lovely family companions. As with any breed, children should be taught to interact respectfully and give dogs space when they're resting.  
• Suitable for first-time dog owners? Yes. Their calm temperament, manageable grooming needs and moderate exercise requirements can make them a good match for first-time owners prepared to understand their sighthound instincts and individual needs.  
• Best suited to: Individuals, couples and families looking for a gentle companion with moderate exercise needs and an easy-going approach to home life. 

Remember that every Greyhound is an individual with their own personality and behaviours which may differ from the breed's stereotypical characteristics. 

What people love about Greyhounds

Their calm, gentle temperament often surprises people expecting a highly energetic dog. Despite their reputation for speed, many Greyhounds are remarkably relaxed at home and don’t need to be constantly on the go. From their sweet nature to their impressive commitment to finding the softest seat in the house, Greyhounds have a way of surprising people who get to know them. 

• Gentle nature: Sweet and sensitive, they often form strong bonds with their family. 
• Laid-back lifestyle: Many are remarkably relaxed around the home between daily adventures. 
• Quiet companionship: Generally not known for frequent barking, they can be peaceful company. 
• Simple coat care: Their short, smooth coat requires relatively little grooming. 
• Charming quirks: Greyhound leans, sudden zoomies and creative sleeping positions are all part of their appeal. 
• Adaptable nature: Moderate exercise needs can help them settle into a variety of homes. 

Important things to consider

Every breed has its own unique needs, and understanding what makes a Greyhound tick can help you create a home where they feel comfortable, confident and completely themselves. 

• Their sighthound instincts: Fast-moving animals can quickly catch a Greyhound's attention. Secure exercise areas and keeping them on lead in unfenced spaces can help them explore safely. 
• Sensitivity to temperature: Their short coat and low body fat offer limited insulation, so Greyhounds may appreciate an extra layer on chilly days and thoughtful exercise during warmer weather. 
• Patient, positive training: A sensitive nature means calm, reward-based training tends to bring out their best. Gentle consistency can help build confidence and strengthen your bond. 
• Individual social needs: Every Greyhound is different, particularly when it comes to living with cats or smaller pets. Thoughtful introductions and considering each dog's temperament and previous experiences can help you find the right match for your household. 
• Time to settle in: Adopted Greyhounds transitioning from a racing or kennel environment to life as companion dogs may be experiencing many aspects of home life for the first time. Everyday things such as stairs, slippery floors or household sounds can take a little getting used to. With patience, gentle guidance and a consistent routine, they can build confidence and settle comfortably into family life. 

History & Origins of the Greyhound

With their statuesque build and unmistakable silhouette, Greyhound-like dogs have been turning heads for thousands of years. Images of long-legged, slender hounds appear in ancient art and archaeological records, offering a fascinating glimpse at just how long humans have admired dogs built for speed and sight.

As sighthounds, these early hunting dogs relied on their keen vision and incredible pace to spot and pursue game across open land. This is what sets sighthounds apart from scent hounds, which primarily use their nose to follow a trail.

The Greyhound also shares the sighthound family tree with several similarly sleek breeds. Whippets are smaller sighthounds with historical links to Greyhound ancestry, while the much more petite Italian Greyhound has its own ancient Mediterranean history. Despite their similar silhouettes, each is a distinct breed with its own size, personality and story.

Over the centuries, Greyhound-type dogs became closely associated with hunting and coursing, particularly in Britain and Europe. Their speed and graceful appearance also saw them admired by nobility, and the breed continued to develop into the Greyhound we recognise today.

In more recent history, Greyhounds became widely associated with racing. Dedicated adoption and rehoming programs have since helped many former racing Greyhounds transition into life as companion dogs. Today, many Australians know the breed not only for its speed, but for the gentle, laid-back nature that has made Greyhounds much-loved family pets.

Common Traits & Characteristics of Greyhounds

Physical Appearance

Tall, elegant and unmistakably athletic, the Greyhound's streamlined build is designed for speed, combining long legs, a deep chest and powerful hindquarters with a lean, graceful frame. A long, narrow head and gently arched neck add to their refined appearance, while small, rose-shaped ears and bright, expressive eyes give them a soft and alert expression. Their body is strong and muscular without appearing heavy, with a slightly arched loin and tucked-up waist that help create the breed's distinctive sighthound shape. Long legs and a flexible stride allow Greyhounds to cover ground with remarkable ease, while their long, tapering tail generally carries low with a slight curve.

Size

Greyhounds are a large dog breed, known for their impressive height and long, lean proportions.  Their deep chest, narrow waist and long limbs contribute to an athletic frame that's powerful enough for sprinting yet remarkably graceful in motion.

	Male	Female
Height (to withers)	71-76cm	69-71cm
Weight	27-40kg	25-34kg

Coat

With little coat to provide insulation and a naturally lean build, Greyhounds can feel changes in temperature more readily than some breeds. A warm dog coat may be appreciated during chilly weather, particularly on early morning or evening walks.

Coat Trait	Details
Colours	Black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow and brindle, including combinations with white
Coat Length	Short
Coat Type	Single, sleek coat
Hypoallergenic?	No
Shedding Level	Low to moderate

Personality and Temperament

Gentle, affectionate and wonderfully easy-going, Greyhounds often have a much softer personality than their impressive athletic abilities might suggest. They tend to form close bonds with their people and are happiest simply being nearby, whether that means joining you for a walk or stretching out for a well-earned snooze at home.

A calm and even-tempered nature is one of the breed's most endearing qualities. While every dog is an individual, many Greyhounds are quiet companions who prefer a peaceful approach to life. Affection can be understated but incredibly sweet, with some showing their love through the famous ‘Greyhound lean’ – gently resting their body weight against a favourite person.

Sensitivity is another important part of their temperament. These perceptive dogs can be highly attuned to the people and environment around them, and often thrive with a calm, reassuring approach to everyday life.

Don't mistake calm for a lack of personality, though. Playful bursts of energy, sudden zoomies and delightfully unusual sleeping positions can quickly reveal their fun-loving side. One moment they may look every inch the graceful athlete; the next, they're upside down on the sofa with four long legs pointing in completely different directions.

Trainability and Behaviour

Greyhounds are intelligent and observant dogs that can be rewarding to train, particularly when learning is approached with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Their sensitive nature means calm, reward-based guidance tends to bring out their best, while short and engaging sessions can help maintain their interest.

As sighthounds, Greyhounds can be quick to pursue fast-moving animals or objects. While recall training is still valuable, many should remain on lead outside securely fenced areas, as their natural instincts and impressive speed can make them difficult to call back once something catches their attention. Developing calm lead manners is therefore particularly important.

For Greyhounds transitioning from a racing or kennel environment, some aspects of home life may also be completely new and take a little time to learn.

Common behavioural challenges seen in Greyhounds may include:

• Becoming distracted by fast-moving animals or objects due to their sighthound instincts.
• Pulling or suddenly changing direction on walks when something catches their attention.
• Taking time to adjust to unfamiliar household experiences, such as stairs, slippery floors or glass doors.
• Boredom-related behaviours if they don't receive enough companionship, enrichment or opportunities to explore.
• Finding alone time challenging if they haven't been gradually taught how to feel comfortable by themselves.

Early training, positive socialisation and gentle, reward-based guidance can help Greyhounds develop into calm, confident and well-mannered companions. Allowing them to learn at their own pace can make training a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Sociability

Greyhounds often enjoy being part of family life, although their social style can be gentle and understated. Some are naturally confident and quick to make friends, while others prefer time to observe new people and environments before joining in.

Some Greyhounds can be a little reserved when meeting unfamiliar people or experiencing new situations. Retired racing Greyhounds may also have had limited exposure to household environments, meaning everyday sights, sounds and routines can feel unfamiliar at first. Gradual, positive introductions to different people, dogs and surroundings, while allowing them to engage at their own pace, can help build confidence. Once settled, their loyal, affectionate nature is often what makes people fall so completely in love with the breed.

Do Greyhounds get along with...

Children?

Greyhounds can be gentle and affectionate family companions, particularly with children who understand how to interact calmly and respectfully with dogs. As with any breed, interactions with young children should always be supervised.

Other dogs?

Many Greyhounds get along well with other dogs and can happily share their home with a canine companion. Calm introductions and positive social experiences can help build comfortable relationships.

Cats and other pets?

This will depend on the individual Greyhound and their natural chase instincts. Some can live happily with cats and smaller pets when carefully matched and introduced, while others may be better suited to a home without them.

Strangers?

Often polite and gentle with new people, Greyhounds may be friendly or prefer to quietly observe before saying hello. Giving them time to approach at their own pace can help them feel comfortable and confident.

What to Expect as Your Greyhound Grows

Greyhounds go through several developmental phases, each with their own unique needs. From a long-legged puppy finding their feet to a gentle senior enjoying a slower pace, understanding each stage can help you support them throughout their life.

Puppyhood (0–18 months)

The first eighteen months of a Greyhound’s life are full of growth, learning and discovery. During this stage, you may experience:

• Rapid physical growth and development
• Teething and chewing behaviours
• A playful, curious personality
• Early training and socialisation milestones
• Learning household routines and developing good manners

This stage provides the perfect opportunity to establish positive habits, introduce a variety of new experiences and build a strong foundation through Puppy School and reward-based training. As Greyhounds grow quickly, appropriate nutrition and age-suitable exercise can help support their developing bodies.

As puppyhood progresses, adolescence may bring greater confidence and the occasional testing of boundaries. Remaining patient and consistent with training can help reinforce good manners as they mature. Most Greyhounds reach their adult height by around 18 months, although they may continue filling out and maturing beyond this point.

Adulthood (1.5–5years)

Once fully grown, Greyhounds enter their prime years. During this stage, you may notice your dog:

• Develop greater confidence and emotional maturity
• Settle into a calm, easy going routine
• Enjoy daily walks and short bursts of play
• Strengthen the close bond they share with their people

A balanced routine of regular exercise, mental enrichment and quality time with their family can help support a happy, healthy and fulfilled adult Greyhound throughout their prime years.

Senior Years (6+ years)

As your Greyhound enters their senior years, you may notice:

• A gradual reduction in energy levels
• More time spent resting and relaxing
• Changes in mobility and flexibility
• A greater need for supportive bedding
• Increased importance of routine veterinary care

Many senior Greyhounds continue to enjoy gentle walks, enrichment and plenty of time with their family, although their routine may gradually be adapted to suit their changing needs. Regular health checks, age-appropriate nutrition and supportive care can help them remain comfortable, engaged and enjoying a wonderful quality of life throughout their golden years.

Caring for a Greyhound

Food & Nutrition

Greyhounds need a complete and balanced diet made for large breed dogs. Their nutritional needs will change as they grow, so choosing food that is complete and balanced for their current life stage can help support everything from early development to healthy ageing.

Greyhound Age	What to Feed
Weaning to 17 months	Large breed puppy food
1.5-5 years	Large breed adult dog food
6+ years	Large breed senior dog food

Portion sizes should be guided by your Greyhound's individual needs and the feeding recommendations on their chosen food. Their naturally lean build means maintaining a healthy body condition is particularly important.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Built for short bursts of speed rather than long-distance endurance, Greyhounds don’t need hours of exercise each day. Around 45–60 minutes of daily activity will suit many adult dogs, often split across walks, playtime and opportunities to safely stretch their legs. While Greyhounds should generally remain on lead in unfenced spaces due to their natural sighthound instincts and ability to accelerate quickly, secure, fenced areas can provide opportunities to run.

Exercise doesn’t always need to be fast-paced. Opportunities to sniff and explore can be just as mentally enriching as physical exercise, giving Greyhounds the freedom to investigate their surroundings at a more leisurely pace.

Greyhounds may enjoy activities such as:

• Sniffing and exploring on walks
• Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys
• Short, positive training sessions
• Gentle interactive games
• Exploring new, dog-friendly environments

The key is finding a balance between physical activity, mental enrichment and rest. Every Greyhound is an individual, so their exercise routine should be adjusted to suit their age, health and energy levels.

Space Requirements

Despite their large size, Greyhounds can be surprisingly adaptable when it comes to living space. Their calm nature and love of downtime mean many can settle comfortably into apartments, townhouses and larger homes, provided their daily exercise and enrichment needs are met.

A large backyard isn't essential, although access to safe, securely fenced areas can give them opportunities to stretch their legs and enjoy short bursts of speed. Indoors, a comfortable resting space is particularly important. With their lean frame and minimal body fat, soft, supportive bedding can help keep them cosy and comfortable. Those long legs also have a talent for taking up more room than expected, so don't be surprised if your Greyhound somehow claims the entire sofa.

Grooming Needs

With their short, fine coat, Greyhounds have relatively low grooming needs. A gentle brush once a week can help remove loose hair, distribute natural oils and keep their sleek coat looking its best.

A regular grooming routine should include:

• Brushing once a week with a soft-bristled brush
• Occasional bathing when needed using a gentle dog shampoo
• Regular nail trimming
• Routine dental care to support long-term oral health

Dental care is particularly important for Greyhounds, as the breed can be more prone to dental disease. Establishing regular tooth brushing and dental care routines early, alongside routine veterinary dental checks, can help support healthy teeth and gums throughout their life.

Their thin coat and sensitive skin also mean a gentle approach to grooming is best. Regular grooming provides a great opportunity to check their skin, paws and body for any changes while enjoying some quiet one-on-one time together.

Common Health Conditions in Greyhounds

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be more prone to certain health conditions. Understanding what to look out for and keeping up with regular veterinary care can help you take a proactive approach to their health throughout every life stage.

Some health conditions commonly seen in Greyhounds include:

• Dental disease: A build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth that can lead to inflammation, mouth pain, tooth loss, and more.
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Their deep chest can place Greyhounds at greater risk of GDV, also known as bloat. This is a veterinary emergency where the stomach becomes enlarged and may twist.
• Osteosarcoma: This type of bone cancer is seen more commonly in Greyhounds and some other large dog breeds. Persistent limping, swelling or signs of discomfort should always be checked by your vet.
• Osteoarthritis: Changes to the joints can occur as Greyhounds age, affecting comfort and mobility. 
• Corns: Painful, hardened areas can sometimes develop on the paw pads and may cause limping or sensitivity when walking.

These are some of the common conditions your Greyhound may experience but they are not the only health issues that may arise. Many illnesses are not breed-specific, so it's important to be familiar with the common signs of pain and illness in dogs and know when to contact your vet.

Routine health checks, preventative care and monitoring changes in behaviour, appetite, mobility, skin, ears or eyes can help identify potential health concerns early and support your dog's long-term wellbeing.

How Much Does a Greyhound Cost?

The cost of welcoming a Greyhound into your family will vary depending on whether you adopt or purchase from a registered breeder, as well as your dog's individual needs. Beyond the initial cost of bringing them home, it's helpful to consider costs associated with the everyday essentials and ongoing care that will support them throughout their life.

Initial Costs

• Purchase or adoption fee: Adoption fees vary between Greyhound rehoming organisations, while puppies from registered breeders may have different purchase prices depending on the breeder and individual dog.
• Desexing: This may already be included when adopting through a rehoming organisation. Otherwise, speak to your vet about the appropriate timing and cost.
• Microchipping: A legal requirement in many areas. Your Greyhound may already be microchipped before coming home, particularly when adopting.
• Vaccinations: Puppies require an initial vaccination course, while adopted adult Greyhounds may already have received routine vaccinations.
• Basic supplies: A supportive bed, food and water bowls, collar, lead, toys and grooming essentials will help your Greyhound settle comfortably into their new home.

Ongoing Costs

• Food: As a large breed, Greyhounds require a complete and balanced diet for large breeds suited to their age.
• Health care: Routine health checks, vaccinations, parasite protection, dental care and treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries all contribute to ongoing healthcare costs.
• Training and enrichment: Puppy School, training classes, puzzle toys, enrichment activities and interactive games can help keep your Greyhound engaged and support positive behaviours.
• Grooming: While their coat doesn't require regular clipping, a soft brush or grooming mitt can help remove loose hair and keep their sleek coat looking its best.
• Replacement leads, collars, harnesses and bedding: Everyday items naturally wear over time and may need replacing as your dog grows or through regular use.
• Pet insurance: Can help manage the financial impact of unexpected veterinary expenses and provide additional peace of mind throughout your Greyhound’s life.
• Registration: Dog registration requirements and fees vary by location. Check with your local council for further details.

Best Names for a Greyhound

With their elegant appearance, incredible speed and quietly charming personality, Greyhounds offer plenty of inspiration when it comes to choosing the perfect name. Whether you want something that celebrates their graceful looks or captures their softer, sillier side, the best name is one that feels just right for your dog.

Some types of names that suit Greyhounds include:

• Elegant and timeless names that complement their graceful, statuesque appearance.
• Speed-inspired names that give a playful nod to their incredible athletic ability.
• Soft and sweet names inspired by their gentle, affectionate nature.
• Funny or ironic names that celebrate their love of snoozing and taking life at a leisurely pace.
• Long and lanky-inspired names that capture their unmistakable silhouette and endless legs.
• Short, easy-to-say names that are simple to call out on walks and during training.

Take your time getting to know your Greyhound's personality before settling on a name. Sometimes the perfect choice becomes obvious once their individual quirks, habits and favourite sleeping position start to shine through.

Find Everything Your Greyhound Needs from Puppyhood to their Golden Years

Whether you're welcoming a gentle, long-legged Greyhound into your family or caring for a much-loved companion, Petbarn has everything you need to support them at every stage of life. Explore our range online or visit your local Petbarn store to find everything your Greyhound needs to thrive.