Greyhound
Also known as Greyhound, Lévrier anglais
- Height at the withers
- 68 to 76 cm
- Weight
- 27 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Great Britain
- FCI group
- 10 · Sighthounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
Less suited to
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
An ancient sighthound with a tall, slender, elegant build designed for exceptional speed. Known for its gentle temperament and often described as a “70 km/h couch potato,” it combines incredible athleticism with calm at home.
History and origins
The sighthounds of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art are often presented as its ancestors, but genetic studies do not confirm this. The modern breed was established in Great Britain, first to hunt hare by sight, then for racing. It is the fastest dog in the world, able to reach nearly 70 km/h.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Sensitivity to anesthetics
- Osteosarcoma
- Dental disease
- Corns on the paw pads
- Thin skin prone to injury
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very quiet, 1 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Greyhound FAQ
How big does the Greyhound get?
The Greyhound stands 68 to 76 cm at the withers and weighs 27 to 32 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Greyhound shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Greyhound live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Greyhound need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Greyhound good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Greyhound live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are sensitivity to anesthetics and osteosarcoma.
