The Greyhound breed, known for its unique blend of speed, intelligence, and gentle temperament, falls under the hound group and is commonly categorized as a large-sized breed. This breed is highly versatile, making it suitable for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Physical Characteristics
Greyhounds are identified as a large breed due to their significant height and weight:
Height:
- Male: Between 71 – 76 cm
- Female: Between 69 – 71 cm
Weight:
- Male: Between 27 – 40 kg
- Female: Between 26 – 34 kg
Due to their build and composition, Greyhounds are primed for speed rather than stamina and tend to deplete their energy in swift bursts.
| Sex | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 71 – 76 | 27 – 40 |
| Female | 69 – 71 | 26 – 34 |
Lifespan and Retirement
The Average Lifespan of a Greyhound extends up to 15 years, although their professional running career, if they have one, typically concludes much earlier. The Average Retirement Age for a racing Greyhound falls between 3 – 5 years.
Care and Maintenance
With a reasonable level of shedding (medium), Greyhounds require light grooming, therefore making them an easy-to-care-for breed. Their energy needs are also easily accommodated with a couple of brief walks each day.
Moulting Level: Medium
Grooming Requirement: Light
Exercise Requirement: Generally satisfied with two twenty-minute walks per day.
Temperament
Known for their affable nature, Greyhounds demonstrate a mix of Intelligence, Gentleness, Affection, and an Even Temperament. Despite their racing background, they are often characterized by their calm demeanor and adaptability.
Adaptability
A remarkable characteristic of the Greyhound breed lies in their adaptability. They get along well with a broad range of individuals, from children and the elderly to people with disabilities. Greyhounds can also acclimate to living with other pets, including cats. This demonstrates a testament to their gentle and congenial nature.
Greyhound Breed Official Standard
The Greyhound, known for its elongated and slender profile, possesses distinctive features that contribute to its iconic appearance and functionality. This breed standard describes the ideal characteristics of a Greyhound, ensuring the breed’s distinct qualities retained across generations.
Head
The Head of a Greyhound is long and narrow, expanding fairly wide between the ears. With a scarcely visible stop and minimal development of nasal sinuses, the powerful yet refined muzzle, complemented by strong, evenly lined teeth, defines the head structure. The ears are small, fine in texture, and typically folded back. However, when the dog is excited, the ears become semi-pricked.
Eyes and Neck
Eyes: The eyes of a Greyhound are dark, bright, and full of spirit, reflecting their intelligent nature.
Neck: The neck is long, muscular, and features a slight arch. Without showing any signs of throatiness, it widens gradually into the shoulders.
Body and Legs
The standard features of a Greyhound’s body and legs contribute to the breed’s swift speed and agility.
Shoulders: The shoulders should be set as obliquely as possible, muscular without being burdened.
Forelegs: Perfectly straight, they should be well-set into the shoulders, neither turned in nor out. The pasterns are expected to be strong.
Chest: The chest is deep and as wide as is consistent with maintaining speed. The ribs are fairly well-sprung.
Back: Broad and muscular.
Loins: Good depth of muscle, well arched, with the flanks well cut up.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are long, muscular, powerful, and well let down. The stifles are well-bent.
Feet: The feet are hard and closed, more akin to those of a hare rather than a cat, with strong defined knuckles and robust claws.
Tail: The tail is long, fine and tapers with a slight upward curve.
Coat, Color, and Weight
A Greyhound’s coat, color, and weight adds to the overall aesthetic and practical aspects of the breed:
Coat: The coat is short, smooth and firm in texture.
Color: The color of a Greyhound is inconsequential to the breed standard.
Weight:
- Male: 65 – 70 pounds
- Female: 60 – 65 pounds
| Sex | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|
| Male | 65 – 70 |
| Female | 60 – 65 |
Scale of Points
Each feature of a Greyhound is evaluated based on a point system that adds up to a total of 100. The distribution of points for each characteristic is as follows:
General symmetry and quality: 10 points
Head and neck: 20 points
Chest and shoulders: 20 points
Back: 10 points
Quarters: 20 points
Legs and feet: 20 points
Total: 100 points
| Characteristics | Points |
|---|---|
| General symmetry and quality | 10 |
| Head and neck | 20 |
| Chest and shoulders | 20 |
| Back | 10 |
| Quarters | 20 |
| Legs and feet | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Greyhounds as Pets
Highly adaptable and affectionate, Greyhounds have emerged as the pet of choice for many individuals and families alike. Appreciated for their modest maintenance needs, serene demeanor, and moderate exercise requirements, these dogs slot perfectly into a wide range of household environments. A common sight is a greyhound dozing off peacefully by your side, often on their backs with all four legs sprawled in the air!
Exercise and Temperament
Exercise Requirements: Despite their reputation as fast runners, Greyhounds do not demand excessive daily exercise. Contrarily, their energy expenditure is usually satisfied with a couple of leisurely walks a day.
Temperament: Gentle, amiable, and laid-back, Greyhounds are endearing companions. Their overall mellow nature and propensity for quiet rest time make them an easy fit into varied lifestyles.
Age and Adoption
The lifespan of Greyhounds and their prospects for adoption are open and inviting, making these dogs often sought after by prospective pet owners.
Age at Retirement: Greyhounds typically retire from their racing careers between the ages of three and five. Hence, they are relatively young dogs, brimming with life at the onset of their post-racing phase.
Adoption Opportunities: Greyhounds of varying ages and temperaments are continually available for adoption. The wide range of options allows potential owners to identify a pet that fits perfectly into their lifestyle or household setting.
Preferred Lifestyle
Beyond exercise and temperament, Greyhounds as pets integrate harmoniously into various living situations:
Relaxed Lifestyle: Greyhounds are the epitome of couch potatoes in the pet world. They’re happy to pass their time dozing alongside their humans, often amusingly sprawled on their backs with all four legs in the air!
Adaptable Companions: Greyhounds make great companions for all kinds of individuals and families. Whether you lead a laidback life or have an active family bustling with energy, a Greyhound can adapt and become a loving part of your home.
Unraveling the Myths About Greyhounds: 5 Essential Insights
Ever considered welcoming a Greyhound into your life? Before you dive into this rewarding journey, let’s debunk some common misconceptions and elaborate on some frequently asked questions about these graceful pets.
Greyhounds and Kids are a Great Match
Contrary to misconceptions, Greyhounds appreciate the energetic company of children as much as – if not more than – most dog breeds. These dogs are characteristically gentle and have been socialized around humans their entire lives. Generally people-oriented, Greyhounds are usually very good with children, illustrating their adaptable and affectionate nature.
Not All Greyhounds Need Muzzles
It’s not necessary to muzzle your Greyhound all the time, contrary to popular belief. While it is advisable to keep your pet muzzled when in public, until you’re sure about their behavior around other dog breeds, Greyhounds are typically quite comfortable wearing muzzles as they associate them with enjoyable walks. If you plan to let your dog off the leash, have them wear a muzzle and choose a confined space for added safety. Rest assured, each Greyhound adopted from a kennel comes with a collar, lead and muzzle.
Greyhounds and Other Dogs Get Along Well
Most Greyhounds exhibit a sociable disposition and interact amicably with other dogs. Many Greyhounds even share their homes with dogs of different breeds. It’s prudent, however, to introduce new dogs cautiously and with common sense. If you already own a pet, many kennels encourage you to bring them over to help select their new Greyhound friend.
Can Greyhounds Co-habit with Cats and Other Small Pets?
Although Greyhounds are natural sighthounds with an instinct to chase, numerous Greyhounds can be trained to live in harmony with cats and other small pets. Some dogs may even become best friends with the existing pets. This should be discussed in detail at your local branch before adoption, ensuring they can recommend suitable greyhounds who are likely to adapt to your household successfully.
Remember, Greyhounds are highly adaptable, and homing policies are flexible. Volunteers dedicatedly aim to match the right Greyhound with the right family, taking all circumstances and individual situations into account. Regardless of whether you’re at work for most of the day, have children, or have other pets, Greyhounds prove to be excellent companions.
