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Greyhound Dogs
Breed Rating (5 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
The Greyhound is an old European breed which was bred as a sighthound; used for spotting and coursing game. WIth it's slim build, long legs and flexible spine, Greyhounds can reach speeds of 43 miles per hour over a very short distance. Mainly kept by nobility, it wasn't until the early 1920's that Greyhound racing became popular in America and Britain. Dogs would chase an artificial hare attached to a track for the purpose of sport, with bets being taken on the winning dog.
Behaviour
Greyhounds are quiet, calm and relaxed dogs. Whilst they can reach impressive speeds, they are sprinters not marathon runners. They are much happier fast asleep on your bed, rather than a long walk, provided they like your duvet. They make good pets and are usually fine with other animals and children. Bearing in mind they are sighthounds, they do tend to chase small animals when out on walks. However, they are happy when walked on a lead, but should only be let off lead when they are in an enclosed area.
Greyhounds are intelligent, yet sensitive but do respond to training, however they can be stubborn so recall will never be perfect if prey is involved. A loyal and docile pet, they sleep an awful lot, usually on your sofa or bed; they have a fondness and ability to locate the comfiest place to sleep. They are very sociable within the family and dislike being left alone for long periods of time. They rarely bark, unless they are playing with other dogs.
Greyhounds have little body fat and very thin skin, so do feel the cold. They will need a dog jacket when the weather turns cold and wet. They rarely suffer any major health problems and their coat needs minimal grooming.
Temperament
Greyhounds have a calm and graceful temperament. Around the house they tend to be respectful and relaxed, loving to find a soft, warm place to fall asleep. When outside in open areas you really see how they were built for speed. They love to sprint and pursue small animals like rabbits galloping across a field in a matter of seconds.
They are good with other dogs although their large size and sometimes nervous disposition means they can easily knock over small children or elderely people.
Health Problems
Health problems that may affect Greyhounds include bone cancer, bloat, epilepsy and blood clotting diseases.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 10 - 15 years
- Weight: 27 - 40 kg
- Height: 26 - 29"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Short
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Town or Country: Country
- Minimum Home Size: Large House
- Minimum Garden Size: Small to Medium Garden
- Breed Type: Hound
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour
More to love
Greyhound Pictures
Latest Reviews For Greyhound (5 of 5)
Fabulous dogs misunderstood by most - Christine,
My gorgeous Grey called Willow is two. She came to us from a rescue after she failed to be a racing dog. She is funny and kind and a real goofball. She loves to run for fun and did really well at our dog training classes. She loves her house mate Dafne the Spanish Galgo and people are all her best friends. She is the perfect companion my 60mph couch potato
Friendly, fast and facile - Lynne,
One of the most misunderstood breeds of dog I've ever come across. Yes, they are super fast, but they're also the laziest dog you will find! They are built for short burst of speed and the rest of the day, they sleep. They are large dogs but need very little exercise. Best to only let them off lead in an enclosed area due to their speed and inability to be good at recall but they're just as happy on a lead walking by your side. The need little to no grooming and are very clean dogs. Most are not cat friendly but they are very human friendly, particularly with children. As huge food lovers, they can be trained basic things with treats. They are very much gentle giants who like to 'lean' whilst being petted due to their awkward sitting positions (this is because of their powerful back legs). You'll find that all owners would never have any other breed of dog once they taste greyhound life. So easy, so friendly and if you rescue one after it's racing days, they are so appreciative of a comfy sofa.
Greys - James,
Greys are the best!
Greyhounds Rock! - Jessica,
My greyhound Mrs Flannel (Flanny for short) is such a kind natured dog. She's really friendly with children and the elderly gents. We started obedience lessons early and it really paid off. She can also stand on her two back feet and can hop on demand!
A cracking breed with plenty of love to give - Mark,
I've two greyhounds Desmond-Cheese and Panthermonkey (one word). Both have great temperaments and are fairly easy to train. Panthermonkey can walk on her back legs and Desmon-Cheese can say the word Cheese (Hence her name). They don't malt too much and take well with children and elderly. Both have their own kind personality. Desmond-Cheese love nothing more than being sat by the fire for hours on end. As puppies they are quite delicate and are prone to leg injuries.