🐾 Greyhound 101: Everything You Need to Know
About the Greyhound Breed
Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate dogs that make wonderful companions
Greyhounds are often misunderstood, with many people associating them solely with the racing industry. However, they are much more than their racing origins—they are affectionate, gentle, and ideal companions for families and individuals alike. Whether you're in a bustling city apartment or a suburban home, greyhounds adapt well to a variety of living situations, making them a wonderful choice as a house pet.
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Temperament and Companionship
Greyhounds are known for their sweet, affectionate, and calm nature. Despite their background as race dogs, they are typically relaxed and well-behaved at home, making them excellent family pets. These dogs thrive on close companionship and often form strong bonds with their owners, enjoying time spent together whether it's cuddling on the couch or lying beside you.
They are very much people-oriented and prefer to be around their human family members. While they are not overly demanding in terms of attention, they do appreciate being included in family activities and loved ones. Greyhounds are generally calm indoors and have a gentle, non-aggressive demeanor. This makes them great companions for households with other pets or children.
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Exercise and Activity Needs
One of the common myths about greyhounds is that they require an excessive amount of exercise due to their history as racing dogs. In reality, they are relatively low-energy dogs that enjoy lounging and sleeping for much of the day. Most greyhounds only need moderate exercise—short walks of 15-20 minutes once or twice a day are enough to keep them fit and healthy. They do enjoy playing in bursts, but these moments are typically short, making them suitable for people with a more relaxed lifestyle.
Their exercise needs can be met with a daily walk or occasional play sessions, and they will be content with lounging around the house when not on a walk. It’s important to note that while they may not require long runs, regular short walks help maintain their fitness and provide the necessary stimulation for their mental well-being.
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Living Space and Safety
Greyhounds are a breed known as sighthounds, meaning they have incredible vision and can see clearly from up to a kilometer away. This sharp sight means they are more prone to chase moving objects, which is why exercising them off-lead in unsecured areas is not recommended. Greyhounds are not bred as boundary dogs, so a secure, fully enclosed yard is necessary to keep them safe, especially if they spot a small animal or moving object in the distance.
To ensure your greyhound’s safety, a fully fenced area with 5ft (1.5 meters) or higher fencing is required. This helps prevent escapes and protects them from dangers that could arise from wandering. A fenced yard also provides them with a safe space to enjoy their outdoor time and allows for off-lead play in a controlled environment.
Health and Grooming
Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, with a lifespan ranging from 10 to 14 years, though this can vary depending on individual health. They are particularly suited for those looking for a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming. Their short, sleek coat sheds minimally, and they require very little upkeep in terms of brushing. Their thin coats and low body fat mean they are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s important to keep them warm during cold weather, especially in Australia’s cooler months. Many owners invest in dog coats for extra warmth.
Despite their lean appearance, greyhounds are robust dogs. Like all breeds, they may be susceptible to specific health conditions such as bloat (gastric torsion) - if fed incorrectly or walked after feeding ( which all dep chested dogs can get) , corns on the paws and pannus ( eye disease ) . Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help keep them in top health.
Adoption and Lifestyle Considerations
Adopting a greyhound is an incredibly rewarding experience, especially if you're ready to give a retired racer a chance at a loving home. Most greyhounds available for adoption have been carefully assessed and are rehomed only when they are ready for a new chapter in life. Many greyhounds will require some adjustment when transitioning from racing to home life, but with time and patience, they quickly adapt.
Greyhounds make excellent pets for a wide range of people. They are particularly suitable for individuals or families who prefer a calmer, low-energy dog, but who still want a dog that enjoys short walks and occasional bursts of play. Their quiet and laid-back nature also makes them great pets for apartment living, provided they get their daily walks and safe outdoor space.
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Diet
For an average sized greyhound, it is recommended to feed a good quality dry food twice daily. This is usually about one to two cups of kibble/dry food. Greyhounds should have a combination of dry food with fresh or cooked meat, tinned sardines, vegetables, pasta, rice and eggs etc.
Greyhounds do not do well with a dry-food only diet, please ensure your greyhound is getting a balanced intake of all necessary dietary requirements.
An example diet based on an average 32‐35kg greyhound is 200‐300 gram (depending on size of dog) of raw or cooked mince/meat, pasta rice and veggies twice daily.
Pets Tucker for food requirements (the Pooraka and Gawler stores know BTG and can recommend diet suggestions)
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In Summary
Greyhounds are much more than their racing reputation—they are loving, adaptable, and wonderful companions. If you're looking for a loyal, easygoing dog with a bit of playful energy, the greyhound may be the perfect fit for your family. With proper care and attention, a greyhound will become a cherished member of your household, offering both affection and calm companionship for years to come.