Greyhound Breed Profile

Dog Breed profiles

Greyhound Breed Profile

Greyhound fact file

KC Group: hound
Size: large
Good with children?: yes recommended
Exercise requirement: moderate
Good guard dogs?: no
Moulting level: medium
Grooming: little
Jogging partner: top dog!

The Greyhound can trace its origins back to Ancient Egypt, tomb relief's dating back to 4000BC show Persian Greyhounds hunting. Current UK breeds do not share any genetics with these early examples; the European Greyhound was introduced by Celtic tribes in the 5-6th century. Greyhounds were originally used as hunting dogs because of their incredible turn of speed.

Greyhound Character

The Greyhound has a very laid back temperament and has become affectionately known as the '45mph couch potato'. It is a fallacy that the breed requires a large amount of exercise. The Greyhound in fact needs no more than 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Due to their hunting ancestry, the Greyhound has a strong pack mentality and will quickly integrate itself into a family group. They are patient with children and are very affectionate.

Greyhound Size

Dog - 71-76cm, bitch - 68-71. Weight: Dog - 27-40kg bitch - 27-34kg.

Greyhound Health

In general the Greyhound is a very healthy breed and often lives to its mid teens. Hereditary illness is rare and the breed doesn't tend to have any common ailments. Due to the Greyhound's build they are not suited to sleeping on hard surfaces and can often develop sores. Soft bedding is vital for all sleeping areas

Greyhound Special Care

The breed has a very specific physiology and care should be taken to ensure a vet has the specific breed knowledge before consulting them.

Remember! All breed profiles are general and every dog is an individual.