Greyhounds as pets

Demeanour

Greyhounds are very regal animals, and they love virtually every human they meet. They are calm and quiet, and very rarely bark. They like to hug and are very easy on a lead. Greyhounds are playful animals, however, racing Greyhounds were taught (since they were puppies) to chase small furry things. This means you may have to look out for small dogs walking off their lead and be aware that the sighting of a squirrel may result in some excitement. This doesn’t mean Greyhounds can’t become part of a happy home that includes other, smaller dogs or even cats.

Greyhound Activity

Greyhounds have often been described as 45mph couch potatoes, and that’s because though they are able to run at great speeds, they prefer to recline and reflect. Greyhounds are typically only active for a few hours each day, and if you think a teenager can sleep, wait till you see a Greyhound’s schedule. It’s not abnormal for a Grey to sleep 18 hours a day. Mind you, if you open a biscuit tin on the other side of the house, they will be sure to give up a moment’s rest to investigate.

A typical daily exercise regime for a Greyhound consists of two 20-30 minute walks a day. Because Greyhounds have very low amounts of body fat and only 1 layer of fur, they can get quite cold in the winter (this is why you commonly see Greyhounds dressed up in the winter months). Otherwise, your biggest decision is whether you want them lying on the sofa with you. Greyhounds are the quintessential lap dogs and love nothing more than curling up on something soft and padded, or beside/on you on the sofa if you allow it!

Feeding Time

Greyhounds have a very high metabolism, but this is only useful for high speed running. Greyhounds eat the same amount as any dog of their weight and can lose their slender waist quite quickly if feed too much. This doesn’t stop them from asking, mind you, and a Greyhound will eat his dinner about as fast as you can pour it into the bowl. Feed them the amount recommended on the food label for their weight, and stick to a routine of feeding (and treats) and you’ll find a Greyhound will maintain their hourglass figure for many years.

Health

Greyhounds are powerful dogs but are quite delicate creatures (a sleepy Greyhound working its way out of bed is a little like watching a baby giraffe get to its feet for the first time). They have few innate disorders and generally live between 10-14 years. Greyhounds have a short, single coat, that generally only needs stroking with a grooming mitt about once a week.

Heatstroke

We all know that our precious hounds suffer in the cold and wet (some more then others!) but the summer months can pose just as much, if not more, the risk to them. To learn more about Heatstroke and Hyperacute Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (HER), and how you can help to minimise the risks, please read more.

Fireworks

Please don’t leave your greyhound (or any pet) alone during fireworks or storms as they can be terrified of loud noises. To find out more about how to minimise anxiety for your hound during firework season please read more

Points to consider before adopting a greyhound

Greyhounds can jump over low fences, so you will need to have a secure garden with fences which are at least six feet high, or equivalent (e.g. a thick hedge). Gates must be secured by latch and bolt; greyhounds are good at opening gates secured by simple latches.

We strongly advise that you have pet insurance.