Frequently Asked Questions about Greyhounds

Remember -- all Greyhounds are individuals!
We have answered these questions to the best of our ability, but not every Greyhound is alike.
Please be sure to thoroughly discuss all things Greyhound with whoever you get your Greyhound from.

Their beauty and attitude is what drew me to Greyhounds. Watching them run is truly a thing of beauty, whether they be young or old. They are smart and exceptional hounds that do enjoy working alongside their masters. You really cannot ask for a better dog.
Annemarie Pack

Living with a Greyhound is like living with of beautiful piece of art.
Anita Rodriguez Pugh

Exercise is important not only for their physical bodies, but for their mental wellbeing. Puppies and young dogs need access to free play in an enclosed area on a regular basis, preferably daily. While mature and senior dogs also should have access to a safe place to run, most do not need it as often. Greyhounds were bred to chase game and love to run so, while they will appreciate a walk, it is important that they have opportunities to run. These opportunities to run lead to their likelihood to relax at home and have given rise to their being known as “45 mph couch potatoes.” (Note: Keep in mind that, like all breeds, puppies and younger dogs are much more active in the house than older dogs.)

Greyhounds are born athletes. Everything about their structure is designed for speed. From the narrow shape of their bodies to the length of their legs; from the way their ears fold tight against their heads when they run, to the flexibility of their spine which allows for their double suspension gallop. Everything about them is aerodynamic. Also, they have a far lower percentage of body fat than other breeds of similar size – less than half – and therefore more lean muscle. Looking ‘skinny’ reflects what they have been bred for over hundreds of years, and a healthy Greyhound is a Greyhound that appears ‘skinny’.

Because Greyhounds love to run, they tend to burn a lot of calories. So, they tend to eat more than other dogs that are the same size but are more sedentary. However, each dog is an individual and it is very important to feed your dog an amount that keeps them in the correct condition. You should easily be able to feel your dog’s ribs when you lightly run your hands along their sides as they are standing with their head facing straight ahead. If your dog is an appropriate weight for a Greyhound, don’t be worried by people telling you that your dog is too skinny. (See FAQ above)

General consensus is that the majority of Greyhounds can live with house cats, but all bets are off with outdoor cats. Any cat outdoors that runs will often trigger the Greyhound’s prey drive and it is important to remember that Greyhounds were bred to chase down and catch prey.
If you have cats or think you might get cats in the future, it is always wise to discuss this with the person you are getting your Greyhound from.
Be sure to check out our 'Greyhounds with cats and other animals' photo gallery

Greyhound owners agree that their dogs would much rather do something – running, training, walking, car rides, etc. However, in the house, if relaxing, they are definitely ‘couch connoiseurs’ and much prefer soft surfaces like couches or beds rather than the floor.
It is important to remember that Greyhounds were bred as athletes and are born to run. Greyhounds, especially puppies and young dogs will happily tear thru your house as fast as possible if they have not had exercise outdoors.

Nails should be dremeled or cut weekly.
They don’t seem to have a ‘doggy’ odor so bathing is a personal preference. Many owners bathe them only when they are going to a show or when they become particularly dirty.
Teeth much be watched for tartar buildup which can lead to bad breath and even major health issues. Some owners brush their dogs’ teeth regularly; others find that a raw diet and/or raw bones work well.

This is definitely possible for the right combination of Greyhound and owner. Since puppies and young dogs need more exercise, apartment living (or a house without a fenced yard is a more appropriate choice for an older, more mature dog. But it must be remembered that living in an apartment with a Greyhound requires a commitment for regular exercise and the necessity to find a safe area for your Greyhound to run. Training in a variety of activities as well as regular walks are a must. Most greyhounds also enjoy hiking, jogging, and bicycling with their owners. (Note: Greyhounds should be older than 2 years old before jogging or bicycling in order to avoid health problems later in life.)

Before even considering these activities with your Greyhounds you must make sure that your dog is old enough that its growth plates have closed to prevent damage to growing pups. This usually means that your dog should be at least 18-24 months old. Please check with your veterinarian to be sure.
Once your dog is old enough, many Greyhounds enjoy these activities. Some are willing to go for longer distances than others. As with any physical activities with your dogs, it is important to start with shorter distances until stamina is built up.

First, as stated in the question above, make sure that your dog is old enough to start sustained exercise. Plus, while bicycling with your dog can be enjoyable for both you and your dog, you must take the time to teach your dog to enjoy the experience.
There are several options available that attach to your bicycle that allow you to bicycle safely. One of our owners regularly bicycles her Greyhounds with the Springer Hands Free Dog Leash Attachment Kit and reports that she has never been pulled over - even when her dog decided to try to chase a squirrel that ran across the bike path.

The answer to this question depends on many factors – how cold the weather is, how long the dog will be in the cold, the age and physical condition of the dog, what the dog is going to be doing in the cold (e.g., waiting in a car for a long period, going for a slow walk, running around), and even the individual dog’s preferences. Some Greyhound owners put a jacket on their dogs often, some jacket their dogs rarely.