Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
Easy to train: | 5/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
Energy level: | 5/5 |
Grooming needs: | 5/5 |
Shedding: | 4/5 |
- Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
- Basic training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Needs under an hour of walking a day
- Large dog
- Minimum drool
- Requires grooming once a week
- Quiet dog
- Welcomes everyone happily
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large garden
- Can happily live in the city
- Can be left occasionally with training
The Greyhound breed may be prone to:
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Dental problems including decay and tooth loss.
- Osteosarcomas¹ which are a serious type of bone cancer.
- Greyhound neuropathy an inherited disease that causes muscle wastage.
- Malignant hyperthermia which is a serious disorder that causes a sudden increase in body temperature and muscle rigidity.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy² which is a condition where the heart muscle becomes progressively weak and cannot beat properly.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹J. T. Caro et al, 'Markers of iron metabolism in retired racing Greyhounds with and without osteosarcoma', Sept 2013, Veterinary Clinical Pathology
²J. Dukes-McEwan, 'Proposed Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Canine Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy', Nov 2003, Journal of Veterinary Cardiology
Personality
These dogs are calm and social. When indoors and can even be rather lazy. They are sensitive dogs who can make ideal family pets if given the right owners! While they are gentle by nature, their natural hunting instinct is always present and owners must be willing to take on the necessary responsibilities that go with the breed. Greyhounds are affectionate with their families, though usually aloof with strangers. They normally get on well with other dogs in the household, but cat owners should exercise extreme caution.
Did you know?
The Greyhound is the fastest dog on earth reaching speeds of over 40mph on short sprints.
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