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Greyhound vs Labrador Retriever

Discover the differences between Greyhound and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Greyhound
England

Greyhound

Hound Group
Large

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.

Labrador Retriever
Canada

Labrador Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

Eager, friendly, and intelligent, this breed loves being part of an active family. Their gentle nature and loyalty make them outstanding companions for all ages.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

29–32 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–14 years

Female:

27–30 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Large

Male:

29–36 kg

Coat:

Short double coat, water-resistant

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Greyhound

Friendliness
4/5

Gentle and sociable with people and dogs

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys short sprints

Playfulness
2/5

Playful in short bursts, not overly active

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to various living environments

Labrador Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with people and animals

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts easily to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Greyhound

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
45–60 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, struggles with cold
Health concerns:

Bloat, osteosarcoma

Labrador Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Greyhound

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Calm temperament suits beginners with basic research and commitment

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

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

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys short bursts of activity but not high endurance

Kids
3/5

Supervised recommended

Gentle, but large size and sensitivity need monitoring with toddlers

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Generally sociable, but high prey drive may affect small animals

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not ideal

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

Labrador Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Extended alone time can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors in this breed.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Greyhound

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

Labrador Retriever

  • Friendly and sociable with people and dogs
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Excellent with children and families
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
  • Generally adaptable to various living situations

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Greyhound

  • 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

Labrador Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • Can become destructive if under-exercised
  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
  • May develop hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Needs significant daily physical activity

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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