Greyhounds

Catalog figures are our published profile. Weight also cites the AKC breed standard; height cites AKC’s lifestyle article (the written standard lists weight, not height).

• Our catalog: large · 60-70 lbs · 26-30 inches · energy 3/5 · lifespan 10-14 years
• AKC standard weight: dogs 65–70 lb; bitches 60–65 lb. Coat short, smooth, firm; color immaterial
• AKC lifestyle sizes: males about 28–30 in / 65–70 lb; females about 27–28 in / 60–65 lb
• Temperament lean: Gentle, Quiet, Independent, Affectionate
• Speed: AKC cites up to 40 mph; sprint then lounge
• Origin / AKC: Egypt (ancient sighthound type) · recognized 1885 · Hound Group
• Our lifestyle leans: apartment 1/5 (large-size model) · shedding 3/5 · bark 2/5

Tall, slender dog built for speed. Greyhounds are gentle, quiet, and make excellent family pets.

One of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to ancient Egypt. Bred for coursing and racing.

AKC: Greyhounds have fascinated artists, poets, and kings for thousands of years. Hound Group sighthounds use speed and wide vision to chase swift prey. That prey drive does not clock out in a living room—squirrels, cats, and small dogs that run can still trigger chase. Secure fencing and a leash (or long line) in unfenced areas are the plan, not a hopeful recall.

AKC also says they are happy to lounge with their family and often nap rather than patrol the house. Our exercise note: Surprisingly low energy. Short bursts of exercise followed by long naps.

Exercise. Short, intense running in a fenced area plus daily walks beats a marathon jog. AKC lists lure coursing, Rally, and agility as sports that fit. Never leave a sighthound unsupervised with an unsecured gate.

Grooming. Very low maintenance. Occasional brushing and baths. AKC: weekly brushing and regular baths; short coat, little body fat—many need a coat in cold weather. Thin skin tears more easily than padded breeds.

Training. Gentle and trainable but can be sensitive. Responds well to positive methods. AKC: independent hunters can bore in long sessions—keep work short and positive.

Space. AKC’s apartment guide includes Greyhounds because many are quiet indoors. Our apartment score is 1/5 because the model penalizes large size. Fit is logistics plus a sprint outlet, not a studio with no walks. See best dogs for apartments. Short coat and lean build also appear on AKC’s hot-weather list—still not heat-proof.

AKC: affectionate with their people, reserved with strangers; early socialization helps. Because they have very little fat, AKC says supervise interactions with small children to protect the dog. ASPCA still says never leave a baby or young child alone with any dog (dog-bite prevention).

Small pets that run are a sighthound question mark. Meet the individual dog. Compare kid-focused lists on best dogs for kids if that is your main filter.

Concerns on our profile: Bloat, Osteosarcoma, Heart Disease. The Greyhound Club of America’s AKC health statement lists ophthalmology screening (juvenile cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy) and cardiac screening. GCA educational notes also flag gastric torsion/bloat as an emergency, plus athletic injuries and thin skin.

Anesthesia. AKC, citing AAHA guidelines, notes Greyhounds may have prolonged recoveries after some anesthetics such as barbiturates. Tell your veterinarian the dog is a Greyhound before sedation or surgery.

Adoption. Retired racing Greyhounds are a common path. Do not assume every ex-racer is crate-trained, cat-safe, or a set age—ask the rescue. Puppy purchase: AKC has no per-breed price list (broad purebred band $500–$5,000). Start with dog rescue.

Strong fit if you want a quiet, people-oriented sprinter, can offer a fenced run or lure-coursing outlet, and will manage prey drive and weather. Look elsewhere if you need a bombproof off-leash trail dog around wildlife, a heavy-coat winter specialist, or a high-drive jogging partner all day.

Often compared with: Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Saluki, Ibizan Hound. Side by side: Compare. Or take the breed match quiz.