About Greyhounds

Greyhounds are graceful, gentle dogs known for their lean build, athletic history, and surprisingly low‑maintenance lifestyle. Most retired racers are 2–10 years old and weigh 50–85 pounds, with males typically larger than females. They come in nearly every color and are famous for curling themselves into tiny spaces despite their height.

Temperament & Behavior

Retired greyhounds are calm, clean, affectionate, and loyal. They adapt beautifully to home life, including apartments, and are usually quiet dogs who rarely bark. Though they enjoy walks and occasional play, they need far less exercise than people expect. Because they are sight hounds, they must always stay on leash unless in a fully enclosed area.

Health & Grooming

Greyhounds are generally healthy and have a life expectancy of 12–14 years. They need regular dental care, nail trimming, and light grooming. Their low body‑fat and low‑oil skin mean minimal odor and shedding, and many allergy‑sensitive families do well with them. Owners should be aware of bloat risks and anesthesia sensitivities and discuss both with their veterinarian.

Housebreaking

Track greyhounds are “kennel‑broken,” making housetraining easier with routine, patience, and consistency. They respond well to gentle correction and should never be hit.

Children & Other Pets

Greyhounds are patient and typically walk away from rough play rather than react, but all interactions with children should be supervised. Many greyhounds live peacefully with cats and other pets when introduced slowly and safely, often starting with a muzzle.

Exercise & Safety

Greyhounds are sprinters, not distance runners. They walk well on leash but must never be allowed to run loose outside a secure area—they can take off after something they see and do not understand traffic.