Are Greyhounds Good Pets (and What Should I Know About Them)?

However, one thing to note about greyhounds is that they’re gentle giants. Contrary to their large build and reputation on the race tracks, they’re big balls of friendliness and affection. This makes them a bad fit for owners looking for a guard dog to ward off strangers.

There are many other things to explore about the breed, including their characteristics and the pros and cons of getting them.

How Popular Are Greyhounds?

There’s no denying that greyhounds are excellent charmers with plenty of good traits to boast about. However, they’re not really high on the popularity scale, especially over the past decade. Check out how famous they are based on the American Kennel Club’s findings:

Greyhound Ranking (Year)

• 132 (2021)
• 142 (2020)
• 164 (2019)
• 145 (2018)
• 156 (2017)
• 151 (2016)
• 147 (2015)
• 147 (2014)
• 188 (2013)

As you’ve noticed, they’re not exactly on the hot list of canines sought after by pet owners. This doesn’t mean that they have a bad reputation, though. In fact, greyhounds are considered the swiftest dog breed in the world, so fast that they’ve been long-time veterans of the racetrack.

When Did Greyhounds Become Popular?

The existence of greyhounds dates back to Ancient Egyptian times. However, they only started becoming popular during the middle ages. During this period, the breed almost got wiped out due to famine, but clergymen saved and bred them for nobility. This led to the canines solidifying their position as esteemed dogs of royalty.

Greyhounds were highly well-liked by the aristocracy to the point that commoners were forbidden to own them. Ordinary people are not allowed to have the breed as companions or hunting hounds. Any non-noble caught raising a greyhound would be punished, and their canine’s feet mutilated to prevent it from chasing prey.

During the Renaissance era, the breed found itself growing more popular. Their fame grew exponentially when Queen Elizabeth I of England proposed that they be used for coursing races. Aside from this, greyhounds became so well-sought in the arts field. In fact, several poets and playwrights included them in their crafts.

The nobles chiefly monopolized the breed until the end of the sixteenth century. During this period, commoners gained more freedom and began having greyhounds as avid companions. They were bred mainly to explore dense forests and swamps, aiding in the extermination of hares, foxes, and other unwanted animals.

This continued until the nineteenth century, with the breed crossing from England and Ireland to America. Their population and influence snowballed, becoming a familiar sight in several other states. In addition, the early twentieth century introduced the shift from coursing to track racing. This led to another sudden growth in popularity for the canines.

However, as more breeds became established, greyhounds found themselves taking the backseat. Track racing lost its novelty, with only a few countries fostering the commercial greyhound racing industry. In recent years, you’ll see the breed transforming into family dogs – mainly after their running career.

What Country Has the Most Greyhounds?

Among all the countries in the world that have an active greyhound industry, Australia is by far the biggest one. In fact, it registered a whopping 3,006 litters of greyhounds in 2015 alone. This means the nation has plenty of the breed running around on the race tracks. Once retired, most dogs are adopted to serve as companions for pet owners interested in raising a sighthound.

Aside from Australia, here are some of the other countries that serve as a hub for the majority of the greyhound population:

• Ireland
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vietnam

How Rare Are Greyhounds?

Greyhounds, in general, are not a rare breed of dog. These canines are common enough that you can see them everywhere, from racing tracks to even the most mundane of households. You could buy, foster, or adopt them from several sources, such as certified breeders and active adoption centers.

However, if you’re looking for a greyhound that’s hard to find, only one kind fits the bill. It’s those that are classified as purebred – greyhounds that are conceived from pedigreed parents. They’re especially spawned to be racing stars, so they’re pretty uncommon in the market. Breeders would train them to be champions rather than auction them off for human companionship.

Are Greyhounds Good for First-Time Owners?

Although bred as dogs that dominate the race tracks, greyhounds are surprisingly calm and loving. This makes them a perfect pooch for first-time owners, be they young adults or elderly looking for companionship. In addition, since the breed is mainly put up for adoption after their running career, they’re already house-trained.

Yet another trait that makes greyhounds suitable for first-time pet owners is their flexibility. It doesn’t matter what kind of dwelling or lifestyle you have; the pooch will assimilate just fine. For one, they’re gentle giants who love long and uninterrupted naps, meaning you can leave them for a few hours without worry. The best thing is that they’re not big on barking, so neighbor complaints are totally out of the equation.

On the other hand, greyhounds also adore outdoor activities, especially if they’re doing it with their owners. You can definitely bring your canine to a mountain trek or a quick jog around the block. They’re sure to enjoy this even more if you get them to run across a vast, empty field.

However, greyhounds still require special care despite having the ideal traits of first-time pets. Some newbies find this a dealbreaker, so they opt to raise other breeds. For instance, the breed is short-coated, making them prone to weather extremities. They require an extra sweater during the winter and would need to cool down on the heights of summer.

Aside from this, they’re also genetically wired to chase prey, meaning owners must be careful around smaller pets.

Is a Greyhound a Good Family Dog?

Aside from being the stars of the race track, greyhounds are also phenomenal as a family companion. In fact, this is an ideal role for the breed that spent its early life in running competitions. Check out some of the reasons why they’d make such great family dogs:

• Greyhounds Are Gentle and Well-Behaved
• Greyhounds Don’t Require Plenty of Exercises
• Greyhounds are Great With Kids
• Greyhounds Have an Independent Streak
• Greyhounds Live a Long Life
• Greyhounds Have High Adaptability

Greyhounds are Gentle and Well-Behaved

One of the main things that make a greyhound an ideal pet is that they’re gentle. They rarely show aggression despite their hefty frame and intimidating appearance. Due to this, you and your family will have an easier time forming close bonds with the canine.

In addition, you’d mostly have no problems with your pet’s behavior. With their mellow temperament, there’s little to no chance of them harming strangers. As such, you can rest assured that relatives or other visitors won’t face a barrage of barking or other defensive behaviors. Your greyhound will stay obedient and keep to his own space so long as they are not hurt or disturbed.

Greyhounds Don’t Require Plenty of Exercises

You may think that greyhounds will require long periods of exercise since they’re racing dogs. However, contrary to this belief, they’re perfectly fine with short windows of daily physical activities. A twenty- to thirty-minute walk is enough to release your canine’s pent-up energy. This is perfect if you’re a family that doesn’t have plenty of time on your hands.

To note, greyhounds are trained to be sprinters rather than runners for long marathons. This means they have short bursts of energy that can easily be tamed by going on a brief walk. You can also allow them to dart around a wide, fenced space to stimulate and burn off more energy. In fact, watching your greyhound sprint freely can be an enjoyable family activity by itself.

Greyhounds Are Great With Kids

Yet another factor making greyhounds perfect for a family is that they’re well-natured with kids. The breed is known to get along with them without trouble, from babies and toddlers to children of varying ages. With the proper training, you can even command your canine to watch the kids while you do household chores.

In addition, it’s improbable that your pup will harm your children, even when they’re misbehaving. Greyhounds are gentle giants, so they’d mostly bark or whine for help when the kids are annoying them. Of course, you’d still have to minimize your children’s risky behaviors, like snatching their toys or bowls during feeding time.

Greyhounds Have an Independent Streak

It’s true that your pet greyhound is the happiest when spending time with you and your family. However, they’re also a breed that thrives on their alone time. They love to have their own space, lounging on the couch or basking under the sun without interruption.

You can leave them alone for a short period, particularly eight hours at the maximum. They’d happily spend this time sleeping or exploring the house on their own. You’ll also find them trying to solve a treat puzzle or any other entertainment during their solitary period. The point is you and your family can do each of your respective activities without having to worry about a clingy dog.

Of course, note that before leaving your canine, you should bring them outside to relieve themselves. This is important, or they may be uncomfortable holding their wee during the hours you’re not present. This will also prevent furniture damage, especially if your greyhound is still not fully housebroken.

Greyhounds Live a Long Life

Greyhounds live a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, making them ideal family companions. Your children can grow alongside your canine, strengthening their bond and connection. Imagine your kid getting up in years with a pet by their side – they’re safer, more compassionate, and have advanced social skills.

Aside from these benefits, a greyhound’s long lifespan means they’re healthy and resilient. This means that they won’t get sick as much so long as you provide them with adequate care. Of course, there are still health risks, but you can save on vet expenses with robust breeds like your canine.

Greyhounds Have High Adaptability

It doesn’t matter if your family has an active lifestyle or if you prefer to stay indoors. Greyhounds, being masters at adaptability, will adjust to your unique routines and practices. They’re even smart enough to learn about the household dynamics and quickly get used to it.

For instance, the canine can quickly identify when it is time for the whole family to go out. They can decipher clues, such as the sounds of keys clinking or if they find you wearing outdoor shoes. They’d settle by the door and wait for anyone in the family to put them on a leash. With the proper training, you can even teach your dog to bring the collar and other items on their own.

Do Greyhounds Do Well With Kids?

Greyhounds chase those smaller than them, so you may think they’re not fit to be around kids. Surprisingly, that is not the case at all. Consider them giant teddy bears that do well around children as long as they are well-trained and socialized. Here are some reasons that make greyhounds a delight for a family with kids or expecting one:

• Greyhounds are Well-Tempered Dogs
• Greyhounds are Indoor Dogs
• Greyhounds are Long-Term Companions
• Greyhounds are Not Too Needy

Greyhounds Are Well-Tempered Dogs

Your greyhound may look large, but behind that intimidating height is a calm, mellow temperament. They’ll surely get along with children of all ages, especially if they’re well-trained. Additionally, although they’re known to chase smaller animals, they can quickly get used to your kids’ other pets.

Barking is also uncommon in this nonaggressive breed, so there’s little to no chance of startling your kiddos. They’ll most likely make noise to warn you of strangers, but other than that, the canine is content to watch and observe. This is ideal if your family has infants or younger ones that require plenty of sleep.

Furthermore, their gentle disposition ensures that they won’t harm kids. They are affectionate and loving, especially to their human family. If your children have annoyed or hurt them, the canine will simply whine, bark, or growl to discourage their hurtful behavior. No scratching or biting will be involved, and in most cases, the dog will quietly walk away.

Greyhounds Are Indoor Dogs

While they may not look like it, greyhounds are actually indoor dogs. They love to spend the whole afternoon lazily lounging on the couch or sleeping on their crates. In fact, you’ll rarely see your greyhound running outdoors aside from when you’re encouraging them to exercise. That, or they may have found a small prey in your yard, which triggered their hunting instincts.

This means they have plenty of time to interact with your children in a safe environment. You won’t have to worry about your kids spending time outside and possibly getting hurt. You can also supervise their interactions and reprimand them for misbehaving around your canine.

Greyhounds Are Long-Term Companions

Generally, greyhounds are a healthy breed that lives a long life. To be specific, their life expectancy ranges from twelve to fifteen years. This is enough time to grow alongside your children, making them ideal childhood pets.

To note, there are plenty of benefits in having greyhounds accompany your kids throughout the years. Here are some of the positives they bring to your children’s lives:

• Lesser chances of acquiring allergies and asthma
• Develop more confidence simply by having a dog around
• More exercise and physical stimulation
• Help siblings develop closer bonds
• Improve self-esteem, social skills, and impulse control
• Learn the value of responsibility and dependability
• Make their childhood happier and more memorable

Greyhounds Are Not Too Needy

Unlike other dog breeds that require 24/7 human supervision, greyhounds are not too needy. These canines have a solid independent streak to the point that they’ll enjoy and treasure their alone time. This is perfect, especially for parents looking to allocate more effort to their growing kids.

For one, you don’t have to bring your hound to a pet grooming salon constantly. Greyhounds have short coats so that they won’t require elaborate haircuts and styles. All you have to do is provide them with sweaters during the winter and cool them down when the heat gets too much.

They’re not high-maintenance in terms of exercise either. In fact, the breed enjoys morning walks for twenty to thirty minutes daily. You can allocate plenty of time prepping your kids for school or walk them to the bus stop together with your canine.

On the other hand, some families with children may not be the best fit for a greyhound. Check out some of the reasons why:

• Greyhounds are low-energy dogs and mostly spend their time indoors. As such, if you want a canine that can keep up with your kids’ energy, then the breed is not for you.
• Greyhounds are large and clumsy, making them a possible hazard for your more minor children. When excited or initiating playtime, they may accidentally knock over toddlers.
• If your children have small pets, your greyhound’s instincts may kick in. They may chase the animal around the house and even outdoors since they consider it prey. While you may discourage this behavior, greyhounds still require supervision around smaller pets.
• Despite their intimidating build, greyhounds are not wired to be guard dogs. They are big softies and more passive than other breeds, so they can’t fight intruders to keep children safe.

Are Greyhounds Good With Babies?

In the initial stages, your greyhound will be unsure what to make of babies. However, once they get used to their presence, expect your canine to be more welcoming and affectionate. The breed is gentle and family-oriented, so they’re bound to be good and handle the babies with great care.

Of course, although these canines are warm-hearted, you should still train them so they won’t harm the babies accidentally. It’s also your responsibility as an owner to plan so your greyhound will receive your bundles of joy with love and care. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Make adequate arrangements so you won’t neglect your hound. Pets are a big responsibility, and babies even more so. As such, you should sit down for a while and figure out how to take care of your infant while not ignoring your canine.
• Set short periods of interactions between your babies and your greyhound. This is necessary to get them used to each other and may result in a close bond later on. Don’t forget that the sessions should be fully supervised, especially during the first few meetings.
• Prepare to baby-proof your canine’s personal space. In addition, you should also greyhound-proof the rooms in which your babies mostly reside. This may need plenty of adjustments on your greyhound’s part, mainly if they’re used to exploring the whole house. As such, it’s best to do these a few months before the infant arrives to give your dog some leeway.
• Teach your greyhound how to interact safely with the babies, especially during the early months. The breed is naturally curious, so expect them to approach your infants for a good sniff. Similarly, it will also be beneficial to train them in basic commands. This will make handling the dog better during supervised interactions.

Once your greyhound gets used to the babies, they’ll be open and excited for more interaction. They may even choose to watch or spend playtime with them. Similarly, your canine can join them for naptimes and quickly get used to their routines.

Are Greyhounds Good With Toddlers?

Greyhounds are good with toddlers, so long as the infants learn to respect their personal space and downtime. The toddler stage (12 to 18 months) is a phase wherein the babies show tendencies that may annoy your canine. During this period, they may exhibit unfavorable traits like emotional volatility and curiosity. This may result in your dog getting uncomfortable with their behavior.

To prevent any unsavory accidents from happening to both your greyhound and toddlers, teach your kids the following:

• Screaming at the Greyhound Is a No-Go. The breed is quite sensitive, so any kind of raised voices or unsavory noise may set it off. This may cause the canine to be agitated and completely stay away from your toddlers.
• Discourage Rough Play and Behaviors. Toddlers get easily excited, and so does your greyhound. As such, you should train them not to engage in activities that may lead to accidents. For one, your greyhound is huge, so jumping around is not ideal for spending time with toddlers.
• Respect Your Greyhound’s Space. The breed is known for its gentle disposition, but they’re still dogs that are possessive by nature. As such, you should teach your toddlers not to take your canine’s toys and avoid disturbing them while sleeping. Snatching away their food bowls should also be avoided so your pet won’t get on the defensive.
• Avoid Startling or Sneaking Up on Your Greyhound. Greyhounds are intelligent, but they quickly get startled. As such, toddlers crawling, running, or laying on them suddenly will warrant an adverse reaction. It’s unlikely that your pet will bite them from the get-go, but it’s still best not to let them feel threatened.

Teaching your toddlers the correct behavior when interacting with a greyhound may take a while. However, you should never neglect this and constantly explain to them how important it is to respect your canine.

Similarly, your greyhound should also be trained and socialized to better deal with your babies. This will ensure that a great relationship dynamic will bloom within the family – with your pet forming bonds with the toddlers.

Is a Greyhound a Good Dog for Seniors?

If you’re looking for a dog you can pair your senior with, nothing’s a better match than a greyhound. Seniors have specific circumstances that make owning a dog difficult. However, the breed has suitable characteristics to deal with it. To elaborate, check out the details below:

Greyhound Adoption

While it may be fun for seniors to raise a canine from puppy age, it’s simply a task that may prove too much for them. It’s one of the main reasons why greyhounds are their perfect match. For reference, the breed spends their early life running in tracks and being raised to be master sprinters. Most of them become available in the market and adoption hubs only after finishing their careers as racing dogs.

This means that elderlies won’t have such a hard time training or housebreaking them. They’re not as needy as their younger counterparts, so greyhounds won’t require much elaborate care. In addition to this, the breed is versatile and can adapt to almost all situations. Greyhounds can adjust to any of the elderly’s daily routines. They can even serve as a couch companion during long resting hours.

Walking With a Greyhound

Greyhounds needing intense daily exercises are a myth. Instead, the breed only requires twenty to thirty minutes of paced walking to burn off daily energy. Seniors can easily keep up with this brief, low-intensity activity. In fact, this may even help them get much-needed physical stimulation.

These daily walks may even become the duo’s favorite pastime since greyhounds adore spending time with their owners. So long as the canine has been trained to walk on a leash and socialize with strangers, seniors won’t have difficulty handling them. Of course, note that it’s essential for the greyhound to learn not to chase small outdoor animals before going outside.

Maintaining a Greyhound

Maintaining a greyhound may be one of the easiest things to do from a senior’s perspective. They’re a short-coated breed, thanks to their genetics meant to dominate the race tracks. This means that elderlies won’t have to routinely visit the groomers for a trim or pull out the vacuum due to excessive shedding.

At most, greyhounds would only need to have their nails clipped every few weeks or so. They’re also clean freaks and will independently try to groom themselves. As a bonus, they’re not exactly the kind of canine that drool, which saves your seniors time cleaning up.

All in all, they’re one of the few breeds that can get along well with the elderly. They’re huge couch potatoes and would love to spend most of their days indoors. This, together with their other traits, make them a good choice for seniors looking for a companion.

Are Greyhounds Good for People With Anxiety?

Aside from being quick runners, greyhounds have another thing they’re swift about. Due to their sensitive nature, they’re speedy in picking up their owner’s emotions. This makes them great companions for people coping with anxiety, and they may even be trained to be professional support dogs.

Check out some of how greyhounds can help when you’re suffering from this condition:

• Greyhounds can provide the necessary physical contact to help ease anxiety. Interacting with them can help ground you and prevent extreme panic episodes.
• They can stay by your side throughout your panic episodes. They will be present to listen to your thoughts and even your darkest secrets without judgment.
• They’ll provide a sense of security and make you feel safer in unknown surroundings. The breed may not be effective guard dogs, but their intimidating appearance is enough to dispirit most strangers.
• With the proper training, greyhounds can provide you with much-needed personal space. They’re big dogs that can use their body to block interruptions that may trigger anxious thoughts.
• Greyhounds are in-tune with your emotions. As such, they can alert you of even the most subtle changes in your mood. This helps you prepare for panicked, repetitive behaviors.

Are Greyhounds Lap Dogs?

Contrary to their prominent appearances, greyhounds are professional lap dogs by heart. They can form strong bonds with their owners and would love nothing more than to have snuggle sessions with them. If you’re looking for a big teddy bear, you shouldn’t miss out on this breed.

Of course, you may have difficulty cuddling with these canines, especially with their long limbs. However, longer legs just mean more of them to hug. They’d also enjoy spending several hours staying by your side, relaxing or watching what you’re doing.

As such, you may want to free up some space on your work setup at home to satiate their curiosity. They’re even content to lounge on the couch with you by their side, watching documentaries or several movies in a row.

Are Greyhounds Friendly With Strangers?

Greyhounds are loving and affectionate with those they consider family. They can also extend this friendliness around strangers, showing little to no aggression to humans they haven’t met before. However, when they aren’t socialized enough, the breed will become timid and aloof around unfamiliar faces.

To counter this shy behavior, here are some things you can do:

• Schedule play dates with other canine owners
• Bring your greyhound to a pet daycare or the dog park
• Expose your canine to fresh environments and let them meet new individuals and pets
• Know how to reward excellent behavior and discourage bad ones effectively
• Train your dog to do basic commands like ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’, and ‘Down’ to prevent any mishaps

On the other hand, you may also find your greyhound getting extremely aggressive around strangers. They do not guard nor are they watchdogs, so it’s out of their usual personality. In this case, bring your canine to a vet first to rule out any medical conditions. Once proven to be in tip-top shape, take your pet to a professional dog trainer.

Do Greyhounds Pick a Favorite Person?

Greyhounds, like the majority of canines, pick a favorite person from their social circle. Some may even favor several humans at once, and they may not necessarily come from the breed’s family. For instance, your canine may show extra love to your neighbor, whom they have been visiting since puppyhood.

Canines picking their favorite humans depends on their personality but may also be due to early interactions. Often, the breed will choose those who can match their energy levels and stick to them like glue.

They may also lean more towards people who offer their favorite kind of positive interactions. Clue: your greyhound may form more solid attachments to familiar faces that are soft-spoken and whom they met during their early years.

It can be saddening not to be your canine’s chosen person. However, you shouldn’t worry about this one bit. Greyhounds are friendly and smart, so their circle of favorites is not set in stone. They may change one way or another due to the following reasons:

• Major Transitions in the Home Environment. Greyhounds are sensitive, so they get uncomfortable in transitions in the home environment. You may have welcomed a new pet, moved to a different location, or lived with several other housemates. These changes may make your canine uncomfortable so they will stick to the person they feel safe with the most.
• Routine Changes. Greyhounds like to have something constant in their daily lives, so they’re sure to assimilate into your routines. However, these are bound to change if you get a new job requiring you to be away for longer or if you get into a relationship. This will result in you spending less time with your canine, prompting them to seek affection from anyone else.

Why Do Some Greyhounds Attach to One Person?

More often than not, greyhounds attach themselves to one particular family member. There are two main reasons why this occurs, mainly depending on the canine’s age when they got adopted.

First, if the family obtained the dog during puppyhood, they would choose to bond with the person who cared for them the most. Note that greyhound puppies from up to six months are in their crucial socialization period. This is the phase where they form strong bonds which can last a lifetime.

If you want to ensure your place as the greyhound’s favorite over the years, ensure that you provide for them the most. Ensure you’re their one constant companion, always there to feed, walk, train, and take care of them.

On the other hand, if you’ve adopted an older greyhound, they may attach to one person due to feelings of security. They will most likely form solid bonds with a person in the family that they think will keep them safe at all times. They may also show more favor to a human that functions on the same energy wavelength as them.

How Much Attention Does a Greyhound Need?

Ultimately, the amount of attention a greyhound requires is dependent on two things: their age and character. First, if you’re dealing with a greyhound puppy, they need plenty of your attention. During this phase, the breed depends on you, their owner, for almost everything. They’re untrained, curious, and a magnet for accidents, so they need round-the-clock supervision.

In addition to this, puppies require plenty of sustenance. You’d have to feed your greyhound pooch three to four times daily, each meal tailored to their health requirements. Puppies have a lot of growing up to do, so they need all the nutrients they can get. Also, don’t forget that your greyhound puppy has yet to be housebroken at this age – they’re bound to make a mess several times daily.

It’s a different case with a greyhound adult in their prime years. If your canine is in this phase of their life, you can breathe a lot easier. They don’t need as much attention and are capable of doing plenty of things on their own. In fact, you can leave them alone for several hours and come back to a house as clean as you left it.

To note, eight hours is the maximum time you can leave your canine unattended. This is ideal for people working regular jobs or attending classes at a nearby university. While alone, your greyhound will most likely entertain themselves by sleeping or exploring their own space.

Of course, even though they’re fairly independent at this point, you still have to give them adequate attention. This is crucial if you want to build a solid connection with your canine. Additionally, you’re obligated to train the adult greyhound and teach them about the right behaviors.

Senior greyhounds are different, though; they need plenty of your care and attention. This is especially the case if they’re diagnosed with an ailment, be it simple arthritis or an unfortunate IVDD case.

Aside from your greyhound’s age, their personality is also a significant factor when it comes to needed attention. Generally, the breed is known to be independent, smart, and strong-willed. They have a knack for doing things independently and are not as clingy as other canines.

However, some greyhounds love their owners too much and fear being left alone. This means that they need extra attention, especially during the moments when they feel insecure. To break down this overly-attached behavior, you have to learn how to manage their separation anxiety.

How Much Activity Does a Greyhound Need?

Despite their athleticism and racing reputation, greyhounds don’t require much physical activity. They’re content with their daily 20 to 30 minutes of walking, maybe even an hour at most. The breed will then spend the rest of their time being notorious couch potatoes.

One thing to note about these canines is that they run on short bursts of power. They don’t have high stamina, meaning they tire pretty easily. A nice quiet walk or a quick sprint is all they need to burn through their energy reserves.

Aside from physical exercises, remember that your greyhound needs mentally-stimulating ones. However, you don’t have to do so much to provide them with mental activities.

They love to sleep and lounge on the couch for hours on end, so giving them one or two toys is enough. For one, you can hand them some complicated toy puzzles and watch as they enjoy solving them for treats. If you have time, you can also do scatter feeding to get their brain working even more.

Are Greyhounds Easy or Hard to Take Care of?

There are plenty of reasons why greyhounds became popular, particularly during the Middle Ages and onwards. Of course, most of this is because they’re great hunters, but also because they are low-maintenance. Unlike other breeds, you don’t have to exert great effort to care for these racing stars.

First, they don’t require frequent sessions of professional grooming. They’re a short-coated breed, so there’s almost no need for trimming and haircuts. Of course, someone must clip their nails, but you can do this on your own every few weeks.

Additionally, greyhounds are also not bouncing balls of unbridled energy. Instead, most of their day is spent sleeping or lounging in their own space. All they need for stimulation is a pleasant twenty- to thirty-minute walk, and they’re good to go. Throw in some fun toys, and they’re sure to have the best moments every day. They have a bone of curiosity, but these canines are mostly well-behaved.

Greyhounds are also of gentle, mellow temperament. These giants are affectionate to humans they consider family, but they can also socialize well with strangers. This is, of course, if you expose them to interaction early on. You won’t have any trouble controlling them around people they’ve never seen before, as they will mostly keep to themselves.

There’s no shortage of reasons why greyhounds are easy to take care of. However, it all boils down to the breed being undemanding and good-natured. This doesn’t mean you can skimp out on maintaining them. They are dogs that deserve to be loved, whether they come from famous breeders or adoption centers.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Greyhound Per Year?

Getting a greyhound, or a pet in general doesn’t stop at only spending money for purchasing or adoption. You’d also have to worry about the maintenance budget, ranging from a whopping $1500 to $9900 yearly. The upkeep costs may increase or decrease depending on your canine’s needs and health requirements.

Check out the annual expense breakdown below:

Aside from this, you also have to add flea and tick prevention fees. You must not skip it, especially since greyhounds like to spend time outdoors for their daily walks. Here are other things that can increase your canine’s yearly expenses:

• Dog insurance
• Emergency bills
• Wellness checkups

Which Is Better – Male or Female Greyhounds?

Greyhounds, no matter what sex, are top-notch companions. However, if you’re looking for a better choice between the males and females of the breed, you’d have to weigh your preferences. Check out the table below to help you decide which fits your needs the best:

Ultimately, choosing between male and female greyhounds depends on your needs and inclinations. If you aim to raise a canine that will serve as a companion, you’re better off getting a male one. On the other hand, if you prefer to raise a litter for your family, choose a female instead.

Should I Get a Greyhound?

Greyhounds are phenomenal on the race track, but they shine even more with the right owners after their career. To know whether you’re the ideal match for this breed, you should weigh whether their traits fit you. You should get a greyhound if you’re fond of the following characteristics:

• They Fit Well in Compact Environments. Greyhounds may be racing dogs but they don’t require big spaces to thrive. In fact, they can lounge in your mini apartment all day and enjoy every minute of it. They’re also quiet, indoor canines, so there’s little chance of them causing disturbance to neighbors.
• They’re Smart and Gentle. Contrary to their appearance, greyhounds are gentle giants. They’re nonaggressive, meaning you’ll have an easier time getting used to them. In addition, the breed is known for being smart, so training will be a breeze.
• They’re Not Barkers. Some dogs bark so much that they become annoying. Greyhounds are the opposite; they won’t bark or make noise unless startled. This makes them ideal companions for socializing and meeting people. Note that doing so will eliminate their timidness and shyness.
• They Get Along Well With Others. They may act shy at first around strangers and first-time visitors. However, once they warm up to them, expect greyhounds to be big balls of affection. They love being the center of attention so long as they also get their much-needed alone time.
• They’re Low-Maintenance. Greyhounds have been bred from carefully-selected genetics. The result of these combinations is a swift, short-haired canine that sheds little to no hair. You won’t have to book several sessions with the groomers yearly, saving plenty of time and money.
• They’re Fond of Sleeping. Greyhounds are very much like cats with their constant sleeping habits. They spend the majority of their time sprawled on the couch or napping on their crates. This means they’re well-behaved and will do well with being on their own for several hours.

Despite the many benefits of owning a greyhound, the breed is not the right fit for all. Check out some of the reasons why you should not get a greyhound:

• You Prefer a Guard Dog. Although armed with an incredible physique, greyhounds are not born to be protectors. They’re big, scaredy animals that will most likely get shy when a stranger approaches. Of course, they may bark to warn you of incoming visitors, but they’re not aggressive enough to fight them off.
• You’re Not Keen on Sharing Your Bed or Couch. The breed is known as big sleepers, able to spot potential resting places quite quickly. You may find the greyhound’s habit annoying if you have a no-couch rule in your household. They like their space soft and comfortable, and they may just own your bed and couch.
• You Want an Outgoing Pet. Greyhounds are racing dogs, but this doesn’t mean they enjoy every moment outdoors. They have more cat-like characteristics, meaning they very much enjoy lounging indoors. They’re not the best choice if you want long marathons or if you’re looking for a canine who loves the outdoors.
• They’re Not the Greatest Cuddlers. With the greyhound’s lanky build, expect them to give you snuggles full of joints and elbows. Of course, this won’t discourage them from being affectionate. However, you may find this unappealing, making the breed not the right one for you.
• They Can Be Too Expressive. In general, greyhounds are quiet, barely making noise in a nice, secure environment. However, wait for the melodramatic sounds they make when they deem something dangerous. The breed has quite a cowardly streak, so they may scream in panic when something unexpected happens. These include being touched by a vet, getting startled by a stray leaf, or being surprised by their own reflections.
• They’re Sensitive and Overly Emotional. The breed is known to be so in tune with their emotions that they can be overly sensitive. You can’t scream or raise your voice at them without any big emotional backlash. They’re big dogs, and they feel a lot.