Greyhound Information

The Greyhound is a breed of hunting dog that has been primarily bred for coursing game and racing, but with a recent resurgence of popularity increasingly as a pedigree show dog and family pet. It is a soft and intelligent breed that often becomes attached to its owners. It is the fastest breed of dog. A combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allows it to reach speeds of around 43 mph.

Males are usually 28 to 30 in tall at the withers and weigh around 60 to 88 lb. Females tend to be smaller with shoulder heights ranging from 27 to 28 in and weights from 60 to 75 lb. Greyhounds have very short hair, which is easy to maintain. There are approximately thirty recognized color forms, of which variations of white, brindle, fawn, black, red and blue (gray) can appear uniquely or in combination.

Although Greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs. They are sprinters, and although they love running, they do not require extensive exercise. Most are quiet, gentle animals. An adult Greyhound will stay healthy and happy with a daily walk of as little as 10 to 25 minutes. Greyhounds have been referred to, many times, as “45 mile per hour couch potatoes.”