From Great Britain (developed to standard there); ancestry believed to trace back to the Middle East, with similar dogs shown in ancient Egyptian art123
The FCI standard sets no weight. UKC gives 65-75 lb (about 29.5-34 kg) for males and 60-70 lb (about 27-32 kg) for females; Wikipedia gives a wider 27-40 kg and 25-34 kg. Show-line Greyhounds are typically larger and heavier than racing lines.
gentle and even-tempered
affectionate with family and usually friendly to strangers
The coat is very short and lies flat against the skin with a fine texture and no undercoat to speak of. Underneath is a tall, powerfully muscled athlete with a long narrow head, long neck, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, an arched loin and a long tapering tail, giving the classic S-shaped sighthound outline.243
Coloursblackwhiteredbluefawnfallowbrindleany of these broken with whiteUKC: colour is immaterial243
Personality what they are like
A quiet, sweet-natured and intelligent hound that tends to be relaxed and low-key at home, often happiest stretched out on a soft bed. It bonds closely with its people and is generally as friendly with visitors as with family, though some start out a little reserved. As a sighthound it has a strong instinct to chase fast-moving small animals, so supervision around them is wise.47683
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour a day and Hill's around 60 minutes; many adults are content with regular leash walks plus a chance to sprint in a safely fenced area. Off-lead running should only happen where the dog cannot chase out of reach.568
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low maintenance. A weekly brush or rub with a grooming mitt keeps the short coat tidy; shedding is light and seasonal. Trim nails regularly. Because the coat is thin and body fat is low, a well-fitting dog coat or jumper helps in cold or wet weather.569
Home where they are happiest
An indoor dog. Despite its size it adapts well to many homes because it is calm inside, though the Royal Kennel Club lists a larger house and garden as ideal. Provide a thick, raised bed away from draughts, keep it warm in winter, and use secure fencing for any off-lead time.5693
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality dog food matched to life stage (large-breed puppy, adult, senior), with enough protein to keep its lean muscle. Monitor body condition, as a lean Greyhound may need a little more food in cold weather to stay warm.69
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and forms strong bonds with its household. Generally sociable with people and often with other dogs of similar size; can do well with respectful children. Introductions to cats and small pets need care because of the chase instinct.634
The story where it all began
Lean, long-legged hounds of Greyhound type appear in the art and archaeology of the ancient Near East and Egypt thousands of years ago, which is why the breed is often called one of the oldest in existence. Such dogs spread through Greece, Rome and the rest of Europe as hunters that caught game by sight and sheer speed. In medieval England they were a status symbol: the Forest Laws of King Canute (1016) limited who could keep them, and hunting with Greyhounds was largely reserved for royalty and the nobility. Coursing, where two dogs chase a hare in the open, became an organised sport, and the breed was refined to its modern standard in Britain. Spanish explorers took Greyhounds to the Americas, 18 were entered at the first Westminster show in 1877, and the AKC recognised the breed in 1885. Track racing with a mechanical lure grew from the 1920s and peaked in the mid-20th century, and today many Greyhounds live as companions, including large numbers adopted after racing careers through rehoming programmes worldwide.3245810
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Guinness World Records lists Star Title as the fastest Greyhound: 67.32 km/h (41.83 mph), covering 366 m in 19.57 s at Wyong, New South Wales, Australia, on 5 March 1994.11
2
The name has nothing to do with the colour grey. It probably comes from the Old English 'grighund', and the breed comes in around 30 colour forms.3
3
Despite being the sprinter of the dog world, the breed is often nicknamed the '40 mph couch potato' because adults are happy to spend most of the day relaxing.8
4
Greyhounds have the highest share of fast-twitch muscle fibres of any dog breed, and their hindleg muscles make up more than 18% of their body mass.3
5
A flexible spine lets them run with a 'double suspension gallop', where all four feet leave the ground twice in each stride.3
6
The Greyhound is the only dog breed mentioned by name in some translations of the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31).3
7
The breed has won Best in Show at Crufts three times, most recently in 1956.3
8
US President Rutherford B. Hayes owned a Greyhound named Grim, and Baron von Steuben was accompanied by his Greyhound Azor during the American Revolution.8
9
In old hunting language two Greyhounds were called a 'brace' and three a 'leash'.3
I woke up on my cloud-soft bed, stretched my long legs, and gave a happy yawn. After a gentle morning walk around the block, I found my favorite spot on the couch and watched the world go by. When the sun came out, I did my famous sprint in the backyard, feeling the wind in my ears. Then it was back inside for a cozy nap, my head on my human's lap. Evenings are for quiet cuddles and maybe a game of tug. I love my calm, happy life.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 158, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 (Short-haired sighthounds); definitive acceptance 23 Apr 1955; current standard dated 13 Oct 2010; no working trial1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound Group; recognised breed with a UK breed standard5
AKC
Recognised (first registrable) in 1885; Hound Group10
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Greyhound, and at what times?
Feed your Greyhound at least two meals a day, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed a complete, good-quality dog food matched to life stage, and you can ask your vet for exact amounts and timing.6913Pet Wiki plan
What should a Greyhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, good-quality dog food with enough protein to support lean muscle is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for any dietary concerns.6914
How often should I bathe a Greyhound?
Bathe your Greyhound at least once every three months, or more often if they get dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their thin coat.15Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Greyhound need brushing?
A weekly brush with a grooming mitt or soft brush keeps their short coat tidy and reduces light shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush every 7 days. Their coat is fine and low-maintenance.569Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Greyhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails regularly, about every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.15Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Greyhound need?
Greyhounds need about 60 minutes of exercise daily, including leash walks and a chance to sprint in a safely fenced area. They are calm indoors but enjoy regular activity. Always keep them on lead or in a secure area due to their chase instinct.568Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Greyhound's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing for teeth and ear checks every 14 days.15Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Greyhound live?
Greyhounds typically live between 10 and 13 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy diet, they can enjoy a long, happy life.65
Is a Greyhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, Greyhounds are generally good with respectful children and other dogs of similar size. However, they have a strong chase instinct, so introductions to cats and small pets should be done carefully and supervised.634
Can a Greyhound be left alone?
Greyhounds bond closely with their people and can be left alone for reasonable periods if well-exercised and comfortable. However, they are very people-oriented and may not do well with long hours alone. It varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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