GREYHOUND
Breed Group: Sight Hound
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 68 - 77 cms (27 - 30 in)
Average Weight: 27 - 32 kgs (60 - 70 lbs)
Coat Length: Short
Life Span: 10 - 13 years
Colours:Â black, black and white, black brindle and white, blue fawn, blue brindle, fawn, liver and white, liver, red brindle, white, white and black, black brindle, white and blue fawn
HISTORY
Greyhounds were originally created as a hunting dog with high speed function. The greyhound is the breed from which other coursing breeds have developed.
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L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Â
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR GREYHOUND
- They are elegant, reserved, and affectionate
- They are gentle and noble, even-tempered, and independent
- Â They are one of the healthiest dog breeds with regards to hereditary health issues
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- Most greyhounds are physically unable to sit comfortably (but happy to lie down)
- They have a very strong prey drive
- They are prone to bloat because of their deep chest
YOUR GREYHOUND PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
They are considered 'cats of the dogs world', so it's important to respect their space. Enjoy spending time with them, but provide them with their own area to retreat to when interactions get to be too much for them or when they get overwhelmed. They are mostly great to walk on leash, though if something interesting moves at high speed, it's bound to catch their eye. They don't need hours of exercise. They are highly independent, quiet and so long as they have exercise will fit in happily to many environments.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Flight risk due to high prey drive and speed
- Independence
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- They need proper physical restraints to stop prey behaviour
- Plan ahead and manage the environment to avoid reactivity and over-stimulation. While teaching them, focus on building trust and respect
- Treat them as the regal gentlemen and royal ladies that they are
- They benefit from a predictable routine
UPBRINGING
Recognize that less is more and quality over quantity with regards to interactions of all kinds.
LIFESTYLE
They are a dog with high prey instincts in the face of potential prey, otherwise they are docile.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
They love cuddling together, playing with toys, and general proximity of their trusted circle. Respect for their personal space is highly regarded. They are highly independent when potential prey is around. They also tend to enjoy the company of other greyhounds.
EDUCATION
Less is more when it comes to interactions of many kinds. A predictable routine and well fenced-off areas are a must if off-leash.
