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Greyhound

Loved by 83% of pet parents

Graceful and affectionate, this breed is known for its gentle demeanor and athletic build. Calm indoors yet quick on the run, it thrives as a loving companion.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Playfulness
Adaptability
Greyhound dog breed

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

71–76 cm (male)

68–71 cm (female)

WEIGHT

29–32 kg (male)

27–30 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

10–14 years

Greyhound: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Greyhound

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Greyhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Greyhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

Greyhounds are gentle, calm, and friendly dogs known for their affectionate nature and reserved demeanor with strangers. They tend to be quiet and adapt well to home life.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Gentle and sociable with people and dogs

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Moderate activity needs, enjoys short sprints

Playfulness

Playful in short bursts, not overly active

Adaptability

Easily adjusts to various living environments

Greyhound playing

Strengths

  • Gentle and calm indoors
  • Low grooming requirements
  • Generally friendly with other dogs
  • Adapts well to apartment living
  • Minimal barking tendency

Challenges

  • High prey drive toward small animals
  • Prone to separation anxiety
  • Sensitive to extreme temperatures
  • Can be difficult to train off-leash
  • Thin skin prone to injury
Greyhound with family

Protect your Greyhound

Greyhound can develop bloat and osteosarcoma. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

Intelligence & exercise needs

Greyhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Quick learner

Overall rating

Greyhounds are intelligent and quick learners but may display independent thinking. They respond best to positive, gentle training methods and can excel with consistent guidance.

Trainable Tasks:

Recall training for off-leash safety
Loose leash walking
Calm greetings with strangers
Crate and house training
Gentle handling for vet visits
Scent discrimination games

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

45–60 minutes daily

recommended per day

Greyhounds require regular daily exercise, such as brisk walks or short sprints, to maintain health. Though fast runners, they are generally low-energy indoors and enjoy lounging and relaxation.

Recommended Activities:

Short sprinting sessions
Lure coursing events
Leisurely leash walks
Indoor play with toys
Canine nosework games
Socialization with calm dogs

Is this breed right for you?

Greyhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Greyhound would fit well in your home.

First-time Owner

Good option

Calm temperament suits beginners with basic research and commitment

Apartment Living

Excellent fit

Quiet, low-energy indoors, and adapts well to small spaces

Active Lifestyle

Moderately suitable

Enjoys short bursts of activity but not high endurance

Kids

Supervised recommended

Gentle, but large size and sensitivity need monitoring with toddlers

Multiple Pets

Usually compatible

Generally sociable, but high prey drive may affect small animals

Being Left Alone

Not ideal

Dislike being alone and prone to separation anxiety if left too long

Breed comparisons

Wondering how Greyhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.

Frequently Asked Questions about Greyhound

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed

Interactive Tools

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