Greyhound Fact Sheet: A Guide to Having a Greyhound as a Pet

Introduction

Greyhounds, often known for their speed on the racetrack, are wonderful companions when given the opportunity to relax and enjoy family life. Despite their history as racing dogs, greyhounds make excellent pets and are often overlooked due to misconceptions about their nature and needs. This fact sheet provides essential insights into the greyhound breed, helping you understand what it's like to have a greyhound as a pet and how to care for them.

1. Greyhound Personality Traits

Gentle and Affectionate

Greyhounds are typically very gentle and calm, especially once they’ve retired from racing. They are known for their sweet, affectionate nature and can be extremely loving towards their human family members. Despite their racing background, they often thrive in a relaxed, loving environment.

Quiet Companions

Greyhounds are relatively quiet dogs and tend not to bark excessively. This makes them great pets for apartment living or quieter neighborhoods. However, they can be sensitive to loud noises, so it’s important to provide them with a peaceful home environment.

Independent but Social

While greyhounds enjoy socialising with humans and other dogs, they are generally independent and may not need constant attention. They are perfectly content lounging around the house, making them great pets for people who work during the day.

Loyal and Bonded

Greyhounds are known to form strong bonds with their owners. They are very loyal and will often follow their humans from room to room, enjoying their company. Once a greyhound trusts you, they will be a lifelong companion.

2. Characteristics of Greyhounds

Size and Weight

2. Characteristics of Greyhounds

Size and Weight - Greyhounds are a large breed, with males typically weighing between 29.5–41 kg and females ranging from 27–34 kg. 

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a greyhound is around 10-14 years, although many live beyond this range with proper care.

Exercise Needs

Despite their speed, greyhounds don’t need intense exercise. Short walks and the occasional run in a secure area are ideal. They often learn to relax at home once they know they are safe. All greyhounds are different and require different things — while some enjoy longer walks and have higher stamina, others may prefer shorter, more relaxed outings. It’s important to pay attention to your greyhound’s individual energy levels and adapt their routine accordingly.

Coat

Greyhounds have a short, sleek coat that is easy to maintain. Regular brushing can help remove loose hair, and they don’t shed excessively. They can be sensitive to cold temperatures, so it's important to provide them with a warm coat or blanket during colder months.

3. Grooming and Health Care

Routine Grooming

Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush will help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Bathing is not needed often unless they get particularly dirty, as overbathing can dry out their skin. Be carful using Ferminator type brushes, greyhound are boney, especially when they first arrive in care. If not used correctly, accidental grazes and sores can occur. 

Nail Trimming

This can be done at your vets or at home. Most owners use things like the dremell or scratch boxes.

Tools you can Use:
Use dog-specific nail clippers or a nail grinder designed for pets. Nail grinders provide a smoother finish and reduce the risk of splitting the nails. We prefer the quiet ones that are not too noisy. 

Tips for Trimming:

  • Handle your greyhound’s paws gently and get them used to having their nails touched early.

  • Trim only the sharp tip of the nail, avoiding the quick (the pink area inside the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels). Cutting the quick can cause pain and bleeding.

  • If unsure, trim small amounts frequently or ask a vet or professional groomer for assistance.

Benefits of Regular Nail Trimming:

  • Prevents nails from curling into the paw pads, which can cause pain and infections.

  • Helps maintain proper posture and gait, reducing the risk of joint strain.

  • Makes walking and running more comfortable for your greyhound.

If you notice your greyhound’s nails cracking, splitting, or your dog showing signs of pain while walking, consult your vet. Regular nail care is a simple but crucial part of your greyhound’s grooming routine.

Dental Health

Like all dogs, greyhounds need proper dental care. Brushing their teeth a few times a week and providing dental chews will help maintain oral health and reduce the risk of dental diseases. Proper dental care is essential to keeping your greyhound happy and healthy. While greyhounds are known for their lean physique and gentle demeanor, their teeth often need special attention especially for retired racers who may not have received consistent oral care in the past.

Why Dental Health Matters for Greyhounds

Greyhounds are particularly prone to dental disease. Poor dental hygiene can lead to:

  • Bad breath

  • Gum infections (gingivitis)

  • Tooth loss

  • Pain while eating

  • Serious health problems such as heart, liver, and kidney disease caused by bacteria from infected gums entering the bloodstream

Greyhound Teeth Care Routine Regular Brushing

  • Brush your greyhound’s teeth ideally daily, or at least 3 times per week.

  • Use dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste—it’s toxic to dogs).

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush for gentle but effective cleaning.

Dental Chews and Toys

  • Provide safe dental chews (approved by your vet) to help reduce tartar and plaque buildup.

  • Durable chew toys can also help massage gums and clean teeth passively.

Healthy Diet

Feed high-quality kibble, a RAW balanced diet, or cooked meats/proteins including fish, veggies, and fruit. You can also include dental diets recommended by vets. Do your research when it comes to health supplements for your greyhounds.

Routine Vet Check-Ups

Greyhounds should have their teeth checked during annual vet visits. Professional cleanings may be needed under anesthesia, especially if plaque and tartar have already built up.

Signs of Dental Problems

Watch for these signs and consult your vet if you notice:

  • Bad breath

  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth

  • Difficulty eating or chewing

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

  • Loose or missing teeth

Dental Scaling Routine Frequency

Professional dental cleanings should be scheduled at least once a year, depending on:

  • Your greyhound’s age

  • Diet and dental habits

  • Previous dental issues

Retired racers often need a dental clean-up shortly after adoption, as many have not had thorough dental care during their racing careers.

Health Considerations

Bloat

A potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists.

Heart Disease

Greyhounds may be more prone to certain heart conditions, so regular vet visits are essential.

Joint Problems

While they are not particularly prone to arthritis, older greyhounds or those that have raced may develop joint pain or stiffness.

Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)

Signs to Watch For

  • Persistent limping or lameness

  • Swelling on a leg, particularly near the joints

  • Reluctance to walk, jump, or climb stairs

  • Pain or sensitivity when touched

  • Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawn, lethargic)

Diagnosis & Treatment

  • X-rays are usually the first step.

  • Biopsy or fine needle aspirate confirms the diagnosis.

  • Treatment may involve:

    • Amputation of the affected limb

    • Chemotherapy to slow metastasis

    • Pain management and palliative care for non-surgical cases

Prognosis

With treatment, greyhounds can often enjoy several more quality months or even years. Without treatment, the disease typically progresses rapidly.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Malignant tumors that arise from connective tissues like fat, muscle, or fibrous tissue.

What to Look For

  • A lump under the skin that grows over time

  • A firm, non-painful swelling

  • Changes in gait or function if the tumor presses on nearby tissues

Diagnosis & Management

  • Needle biopsy or surgical excision for analysis

  • Surgery is the primary treatment

  • Radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended if margins are unclear or the tumor is aggressive

When to See a Vet

Always consult your vet if you notice new lumps, changes in mobility, or unexplained pain. Early detection and intervention are critical.

Regular Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are important to ensure your greyhound stays healthy and happy. Greyhounds often need vaccinations, flea and tick control, and heartworm prevention.

4. Training and Behaviour

Training

Greyhounds are intelligent dogs, but they can be a bit independent. They respond well to positive reinforcement, including treats and praise. Start training early, and be patient. Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” should be taught using calm, consistent methods.

House Training

Greyhounds may need some time to adjust to living in a home after retiring from racing. It’s important to give them time to understand the routine and get them accustomed to using the bathroom outdoors. Crate training is often helpful during this transition phase.

Leash Training

Greyhounds are strong, and because they were once trained to race, they can sometimes pull on a leash. It’s crucial to teach them how to walk calmly on a leash, and using a harness designed for strong pullers can be helpful.

Socialisation

While greyhounds are generally good with other dogs, early socialisation is essential. Some greyhounds have a strong prey drive, meaning they may be inclined to chase small animals like cats or rabbits. However, with proper training, many greyhounds can live harmoniously with other pets.

5. Greyhounds and the Home Environment

Living Space

Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given regular walks and opportunities to stretch their legs. They don't need a huge backyard to be happy, although access to a securely fenced area for off-leash play is ideal. Greyhounds are known for being relaxed indoors and enjoy lounging on a soft bed.

Comfort

Greyhounds tend to get cold easily due to their thin coats and low body fat. Providing them with a warm bed or blanket, especially during the colder months, is important. Some owners also invest in dog coats or sweaters to keep their greyhounds comfortable.

Food and Diet

Greyhounds generally do well on high-quality, well-balanced dog food. They may need slightly less food than other breeds of their size due to their lean build, but portion sizes should be adjusted based on age, activity level, and metabolism. Always consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your greyhound.

6. Adopting a Greyhound

Rescue Organisations

Many greyhounds are retired from racing and placed into adoption programs. These dogs are often well-suited to family life and can be a great choice for adoption. Be sure to adopt from a reputable rescue organisation that thoroughly vets each dog for temperament and health.

Adjusting to Home Life

While greyhounds are often very adaptable, they may need time to adjust to their new home. Be patient as they learn your routine, house rules, and expectations. Many greyhounds have been used to living in kennels, so your home may be a very different experience for them.

7. Conclusion: Why Greyhounds Make Wonderful Pets

Greyhounds are often overlooked, but they are gentle, affectionate, and loyal pets that thrive in the right environment. With their calm demeanor, low-maintenance grooming, and love of lounging, they are perfect companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. If you're looking for a dog who enjoys short walks, naps, and the occasional burst of speed, a greyhound might be the perfect fit for you.

By understanding their personality, needs, and care requirements, you'll be able to provide your greyhound with a loving, comfortable, and fulfilling life. So, if you're considering adopting a greyhound, be prepared for a wonderful journey filled with joy, love, and wagging tails!