Greyhound

Size: Large
Other Names: English Greyhound, Dish Lickers
Country of Origin: England
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

Height:

Male: 27-29 inches; Female: 25-27 inches

Weight:

Male: 65-70 pounds; Female: 60-65 pounds

Color(s):

Any

Coat:

Very short, fine, smooth

Description:

The Greyhound is a breed of hunting dog that has been primarily bred for coursing game and racing, who is now also kept as a pedigree show dog and family pet.  Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog on the planet, reaching speeds of around 41 miles per hour.

Temperament:

Generally considered to be wonderful pets, the Greyhound is a soft and intelligent breed that often becomes attached to its owners.  Most are quiet, gentle animals, who get along well with children, dogs and other family pets.  Greyhounds bark very little, and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own family.  It is often believed that Greyhounds need a large living space, however, they can thrive in small spaces.  Due to their temperament, Greyhounds can make better "apartment dogs" than some of the smaller hyperactive breeds.

Training:

Greyhounds are pack-oriented dogs, which means that they will quickly adopt humans into their pack as alpha.

Care & Grooming:

The Greyhound’s coat is easy to maintain.  Although Greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs.  They are printers, and love running, but they do not require extensive exercise.  An adult Greyhound will stay healthy and happy with a daily walk of 30 minutes.  The lack of an undercoat, coupled with a general lack of body fat, makes Greyhounds more susceptible to extreme temperatures.  Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides.  Many vets do not recommend the use of flea collars or flea spray on Greyhounds, unless it is a pyrethrin-based product.  Because the Greyhound’s lean physique makes him ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, provide soft bedding, without which, Greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores.

Shedding:

Low; the fine short coat leaves little hair.

Health:

Greyhounds may develop osteosarcoma and bloat, and they are sensitive to many anesthetics.  Use sighthound-aware veterinary protocols and keep retired racers lean.

Lifespan:

10–14 years

Litter Size:

4–8 puppies