A Greyhound rests in the grass.
A Greyhound rests in the grass.

Greyhound

avatarAlanna Mallory, BS, LVT, VTS (SAIM)

Height27 - 30"
Weight60 - 70 lbs
TypeHound
Life Expectancy10 - 12 years
Area of OriginEgypt

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Greyhound is a wise and affectionate sighthound with an athletic physique that is truly built for speed. Depictions of Greyhounds were first seen in Egyptian tomb carvings, many created over 5,000 years ago. They were a symbol of nobility and used to hunt various sizes of game, ranging from rabbits to deer. Their swiftness is unmatched by any other breed of dog, which is why they are most recognized for their participation in the highly controversial sport of dog racing. They are also reportedly capable of jumping nearly 30 feet in the air. As is true with hounds, they are a pack animal and prefer being around other dogs. They are gentle, sweet, and independent, making them good with children as long as they have a quiet place of their own to relax. With early obedience training, they can also adapt to living with cats and small dogs. Their lean body and short hair coat make them intolerant of cold climates and they require a coat or sweater to keep warm on cool days. Running and chasing is their primary passion, making a human with the same enthusiasm for athletics ideal. It is also best if they have a fenced in yard to run around in, and they should always be kept on a leash when outside.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Greyhounds From?

The Greyhound has been traced back to Ancient Egypt, based on artistic depictions found in 5,000-year-old tomb carvings from the region. Centuries later, they were used for hunting game by the Romans and Greeks. During the Elizabethan Era, sporting events were held to test their speed against other dogs and rabbits.

The breed was imported to the U.S. by Europeans in the 1700s and continued to prove themselves as exceptional game hunters. In the early 1920s, the mechanical lure was invented, making way for the controversial sport of dog racing. Greyhounds were the primary dog used in these competitions, since they can reach speeds of 45 mph and are excellent at spotting small objects. Most Greyhounds found in the U.S. today can be traced back to European imports from the early 1900s. They continue to gain popularity because of their gentle disposition and incredible athletic abilities.

Where Are Greyhounds From?

The Greyhound has been traced back to Ancient Egypt, based on artistic depictions found in 5,000-year-old tomb carvings from the region. Centuries later, they were used for hunting game by the Romans and Greeks. During the Elizabethan Era, sporting events were held to test their speed against other dogs and rabbits.

The breed was imported to the U.S. by Europeans in the 1700s and continued to prove themselves as exceptional game hunters. In the early 1920s, the mechanical lure was invented, making way for the controversial sport of dog racing. Greyhounds were the primary dog used in these competitions, since they can reach speeds of 45 mph and are excellent at spotting small objects. Most Greyhounds found in the U.S. today can be traced back to European imports from the early 1900s. They continue to gain popularity because of their gentle disposition and incredible athletic abilities.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Greyhound Need?

Greyhounds need to be fed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet. They are meant to be lean and muscular, so overfeeding should be avoided.

Caring for a Greyhound

What Kind of Diet Does a Greyhound Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Greyhound Need?

Are Greyhounds Healthy Dogs?

How Much Training Does a Greyhound Need?

How Much Exercise Do Greyhounds Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Greyhound Need?

Greyhounds need to be fed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet. They are meant to be lean and muscular, so overfeeding should be avoided.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Greyhound?

Greyhounds are large, lean, and well-muscled dogs that weigh 60 to 70 pounds and are 27 to 30″ tall.

Their head is snake-like in appearance, boasting a long and narrow muzzle with strong teeth and folded ears.

Greyhounds have strong and wide backs with well-tucked abdomens. Their shoulders are oblique and chest is deep and wide.

Yes, their tails are long and tapered toward the end with a slight curl upward.

The forelimbs are parallel and straight. Legs are long, yet sturdy. Feet are hare-like with solid claws.

The color options for Greyhounds are virtually limitless, including black, white, red, and a variety of combinations of those hues.

The hind legs are long with substantial, well-defined muscles.

Greyhound Facts

1

The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed, and is commonly known as the "cheetah of the dog world." They can reach speeds of 45 mph.

2

Ownership of a Greyhound by common folk was outlawed by English nobles in 1016.

3

The breed was depicted in Edward of Norwich's The Master of Game, a medieval book on hunting.

Other Breeds to Explore

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Meet the Newest AKC Dog Breed — the Azawakh!
Catahoula Leopard Dog

References

  • Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
  • Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.
  • Greyhound Dog Breed Information. American Kennel Club, 2021.
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