Home: Greyhounds: Public Education

What is a Greyhound?

A Greyhound is a sighthound or gazehound - one of the ancient breeds that hunt by sight rather than by scent. Greyhounds are portrayed in a wide variety of art forms going back to paintings in the tombs of the Pharaohs and on Greek and Roman pottery. Pedigrees of Greyhounds in Great Britain can be followed back unbroken to the 1700s.

 Currently, most greyhounds in the United States are used in the racing industry and are registered with the National Greyhound Association. A minority of Greyhounds (less than 200 a year) are registered with the American Kennel Club. These dogs are bred by people interested in showing, coursing and a variety of other performance activities enjoyed by dog fanciers. Above all they are treasured as family companions. Although they are the same breed, the two strains have been separated for decades and are rarely interbred.

LIVING WITH A GREYHOUND 

Greyhounds are clean, with no doggy odor. The coat is short, fine and has a single layer only (no undercoat) so very little grooming is needed ­ a quick wipe with a cloth, a light brushing and only an occasional bath. They are affectionate, but not demanding or slobbery ­ they rarely lick, but instead enjoy poking their nose at you. They are at their best lying on the couch with you (or on you) and love body contact.

They are not "barky". If they bark, it's for a reason. They find no sense in incessant barking for no reason. Greyhounds are intelligent, although not necessarily always in the way you would like. Many learn to open gates, garbage containers, etc. They are independent thinkers. Many have done well in obedience, but it takes an innovative trainer as they learn fast, but become quickly bored.

Their temperaments range from sensitive to very outgoing, with most falling in the middle range ­ sensible, sweet, happy and affectionate. They are rarely a one-man dog, but instead like everyone. It's not to say they don't love their owner best, but they generally just like people

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

They jump on people and tend to wrap their front legs over their victim's shoulder. It's all done in exuberant good nature, but a 85 pound male can knock over an unsuspecting visitor. This habit should be kindly discouraged.

Their personal space is sometimes sacred to them, especially when sleeping. If suddenly disturbed they occasionally snap in reflex. They rarely make contact. If it's a person disturbing them, not another dog, they are suitably ashamed of themselves, but never-the-less should be verbally reprimanded. They have no qualms, however, about climbing on top of you while you are sleeping.

Greyhounds can be terrible thieves ­ clothes, Kleenex, children's toys, and bacon right out of the pan. Greyhound owners have very clean kitchen counters and meat is thawed on top of the refrigerator or in the microwave. Puppies can be chewers, but they do outgrow it. Any unsupervised food on the counter or table, however, is fair game throughout their lives.

Greyhounds eat a lot. Most people think they are too skinny so they must not eat much. So wrong. They will out-eat any breed of comparable size.

They cannot be trusted to run loose or stay in an unfenced yard. This is a running/hunting breed and a very social one, too. They can spy a rabbit, squirrel, another dog or a child a half mile away and are gone in a split second to chase the game, make an acquaintance or investigate something interesting. Most Greyhounds like other dogs and children. It is not a street-wise breed and they have no respect for cars. In fact, they may not even see them, so intent are they on their destination.

Greyhounds insist on a soft resting place ­ preferably on the couch or your bed. The floor is not for them. 

IS A GREYHOUND FOR YOU?

1. If you have a large fenced yard. Remember, Greyhounds love to run ­ were born to run. You wouldn't expect to keep a Thoroughbred horse in a small corral so you shouldn't expect less for your Greyhound. They must have room to expend all that energy so they can be what they like best ­ a couch potato ­ and a happy well adjusted companion.
2. If you want a clean, no-smell house dog. Greyhounds are not equipped to be outside dogs, and are not a breed to be relegated to the backyard and neglected. They are very social and desire companionship. To do otherwise is to promote boredom, bad habits, and spooky atypical behavior.
3. If your children are well behaved. Greyhounds generally love children, but will not tolerate abuse. If they cannot get away, they may snap a warning.
4. If you can afford to keep a big dog. What you don't pay in grooming bills you will in dog food, which must be of very high quality providing adequate protein, fat, vitamin, mineral and caloric intake. Grocery store brands just won't do.
5. If you can afford an unusual, elegant, outgoing yet aristocratic purebred. Prices for Pet, Coursing and Show puppies vary.

HEALTH

Greyhounds are very healthy. None of the genetic health problems recognized in many purebred dogs have been proven to be prevalent in Greyhounds. Gastric torsion, which can occur in larger, deep-chested breeds has been seen in Greyhounds. Hip dysplasia is not a problem in the breed. Life expectancy ranges from 9 to 14 years.