Hound group · Large

Greyhound

Surprisingly couch-loving sprinter — short bursts of speed, long naps after.

Apartment FriendlyLow SheddingFamily DogFirst-Time OKGentleIndependentNoble

Puppy.College Rating75/ 100

Weight

60–70 lbs

Height

27–30 in

Lifespan

10–13 years

Exercise

30–60 minutes/day

Origin

Ancient Egypt / Middle East

First-time owner

4/5

Overview

Surprisingly couch-loving sprinter — short bursts of speed, long naps after.

The Greyhound is a large breed in the Hound group, typically standing 27–30 in and weighing 60–70 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 10–13 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as gentle, independent, noble.

Breed history & origin

The Greyhound traces its origins to Ancient Egypt / Middle East, with the breed taking recognisable form in the Ancient. Its original purpose — coursing game by sight — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.

As a large member of the Hound group, the Greyhound was selectively bred for independent decision-making, steady temperament and an even pace. Modern owners describe them as gentle, independent, noble — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.

The American Kennel Club formally recognised the Greyhound in 1885.

Several moments shaped the modern Greyhound. The fastest dog breed — capable of 45 mph, second only to the cheetah among land animals. The only dog breed mentioned by name in the King James Bible (Proverbs 30:31).

Today the Greyhound thrives as a racing, retired pet, lure courser. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of gentle and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.

Like every purebred, the Greyhound carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.

Origin snapshot

Country of origin: Ancient Egypt / Middle East
Era: Ancient
Original purpose: Coursing game by sight
Modern purpose: Racing, retired pet, lure courser
AKC recognition: 1885

Breed timeline

Ancient
Greyhound develops in Ancient Egypt / Middle East
1885
Formal kennel club recognition in the Hound group
Today
Established as a racing, retired pet, lure courser

Appearance

Male

Height

28–32 in

Weight

63–74 lbs

Female

Height

25–28 in

Weight

55–64 lbs

Coat length: Short
Coat texture: Tight single coat
Undercoat: None / minimal
Body: Powerful, balanced build with deep chest

Temperament

Greyhounds are gentle, independent, noble. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.

Exercise & activity

Adult Greyhounds need 30–60 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.

Grooming & shedding

Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Greyhound tidy.

Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.

Nutrition guide

Feed a high-quality large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium and slow growth. Greyhound puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.

Puppy nutrition

Feed an AAFCO-approved large-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

Adult nutrition

Adult Greyhounds do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.

Senior nutrition

From age 6, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.

Daily calories (adult)

1,200–1,700 kcal/day

Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.

Never feed:

• Grapes & raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions & garlic
• Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
• Cooked bones
• Macadamia nuts

Training guide

Housebreaking

Crate-train from day 1. Greyhound puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Crate training

Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Greyhounds accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.

Obedience

Greyhounds have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.

Socialisation

Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.

Advanced training

Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.

Common mistakes to avoid

×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)

Health database

Lifespan: 10–13 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia risk

Elevated — screen parents

Elbow dysplasia risk

Moderate — screen parents

Eye disease risk

Standard screening recommended

Cancer risk

Above-average lifetime risk for large breeds

Dental risk

Average

Annual vet cost

$700–$1,200 CAD

Common health concerns

▸Dental disease
▸Obesity (over-feeding)
▸Hip and elbow dysplasia

Recommended screening

▸OFA hip & elbow evaluation
▸CERF / OFA eye exam
▸Cardiac auscultation
▸Annual blood panel

Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.

Living requirements

Apartment: Excellent
House: Yes — ideal
Urban: Strong
Rural / farm: Strong
Cold weather: Average — needs a jacket below freezing
Hot weather: Tolerant
Barking level: Average
Separation anxiety: Above average — bred for human company
Escape risk: Average
Space: Large home or yard preferred

Cost of ownership (Canada)

Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $2,200–$4,500 for a Greyhound puppy. Plan for $2,500–$4,200 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.

Puppy purchase

$2,200–$4,500

Annual all-in

$2,500–$4,200

Insurance

$80–$140 / month CAD

Pros & cons

Pros

+Excellent with children and other family pets
+Adapts well to apartments and condo living
+Low shedding — easier on furniture and allergies

Cons

−Large size = higher food, vet, and boarding costs

Ideal owner profile

First-time ownersFamilies with kidsApartment & condo dwellersOwners with a yard or rural setting

Fun facts

1.The fastest dog breed — capable of 45 mph, second only to the cheetah among land animals.
2.The only dog breed mentioned by name in the King James Bible (Proverbs 30:31).
3.Despite their speed, retired racing Greyhounds are famously couch-potato pets — known as ‘40 mph couch potatoes’.
4.Greyhounds live 10–13 years on average with good preventive care.
5.Adults stand 27–30 in and weigh 60–70 lbs.
6.Daily exercise needs: 30–60 minutes/day.
7.Classified in the Hound group.

Greyhound vs popular breeds

Trait	Greyhound	Labrador Retriever	Golden Retriever	German Shepherd	French Bulldog	Poodle (Standard)
Size	Large	Large	Large	Large	Small	Large
Lifespan	10–13 years	11–13 years	10–12 years	9–13 years	10–12 years	10–18 years
Energy	3/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	2/5	4/5
Trainability	3/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	3/5	5/5
Family-friendly	4/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Apartment	4/5	2/5	2/5	2/5	5/5	3/5
Shedding	2/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	3/5	1/5
Exercise	30–60 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	20–40 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day

Frequently asked

Greyhound — 30 questions answered.

Are Greyhounds good family dogs?+

Yes — Greyhounds score 4/5 for family friendliness and are widely considered one of the better breeds for households with children.

Are Greyhounds good for first-time owners?+

Yes — they rank 4/5 for first-time suitability.

How much exercise does a Greyhound need?+

How much does a Greyhound puppy cost in Canada?+

Reputable Canadian breeders charge $2,200–$4,500 for a well-bred Greyhound puppy. Adoption through breed-specific rescues runs $400–$900.

What's the annual cost of owning a Greyhound?+

Plan for $2,500–$4,200 CAD per year covering food, vet care, insurance, training, and grooming.

Do Greyhounds shed a lot?+

Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.

Are Greyhounds hypoallergenic?+

No — Greyhounds shed dander and hair like most breeds. ‘Hypoallergenic’ is a myth; severity varies by individual.

How long do Greyhounds live?+

Typical lifespan is 10–13 years. Lean body weight and routine vet care add years.

What health problems are Greyhounds prone to?+

Most commonly: Dental disease, Obesity (over-feeding), Hip and elbow dysplasia. Buy from a breeder who screens for these and provides documentation.

Are Greyhounds good apartment dogs?+

Yes — they adapt well to apartments when exercised daily.

How often should I groom my Greyhound?+

Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Greyhound tidy.

How smart is a Greyhound?+

Greyhounds rank 3/5 for trainability — in the average range. They learn best with short, motivated sessions.

Are Greyhounds good with kids?+

Yes — patient and tolerant with children, especially when raised together. Always supervise toddler interactions.

Are Greyhounds good with cats and other dogs?+

Generally yes, when socialised from puppyhood.

Can Greyhounds be left alone?+

Greyhounds bond closely with their people; 4 hours alone is a reasonable maximum for adults. Build alone-time slowly to prevent separation anxiety.

Do Greyhounds bark a lot?+

Average barking. Most Greyhounds alert to strangers but settle quickly.

How big do Greyhounds get?+

Adults typically stand 27–30 in and weigh 60–70 lbs.

What should I feed a Greyhound puppy?+

Feed an AAFCO-approved large-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

How many calories does an adult Greyhound need?+

Roughly 1,200–1,700 kcal/day for an average-activity adult. Active or working dogs need 20–40% more.

When does a Greyhound stop growing?+

Around 18–24 months — large breeds finish later.

How do I housebreak a Greyhound?+

Crate-train from day 1. Greyhound puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Do Greyhounds do well in cold weather?+

Average — needs a jacket below freezing

Do Greyhounds tolerate hot weather?+

Tolerant

Are Greyhounds good guard dogs?+

Yes — natural protective instincts and an imposing presence make them good watchdogs.

Do Greyhounds like water and swimming?+

Varies by individual; start in shallow water with a flotation vest.

Can Greyhounds do agility or dog sports?+

Possible, but recall and focus take longer to develop in this breed.

Are male or female Greyhounds better?+

No meaningful temperament difference at the breed level — individual personality, socialisation, and training matter far more than sex.

Should I get pet insurance for a Greyhound?+

Strongly recommended. Expect $80–$140 / month CAD for accident & illness coverage. Large-breed orthopedic claims can exceed $8,000.

What questions should I ask a Greyhound breeder?+

Health clearances on both parents (hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac as applicable), the right to return the dog at any age, contract terms, references from previous puppy buyers, and a meet-and-greet with the dam.

Where can I adopt a Greyhound in Canada?+

Start with breed-specific rescues on Petfinder.ca and the Canadian Kennel Club's breed club referrals, then check provincial humane societies.

What's the difference between Canadian, American, and European Greyhound lines?+

Bloodlines differ in size, structure, and working drive. North American show lines are typically larger and calmer; European working lines are leaner and drivier. Ask the breeder which lines they breed and why.

Greyhound curriculum