Greyhound

Physical Characteristics

Greyhounds are large, slender sighthounds known for their incredible speed, streamlined build, and graceful movement:

Coat:
They have a short, smooth, and fine coat that lies close to the body, requiring minimal grooming. Coat colors vary widely, including black, white, fawn, blue, red, brindle, and various combinations of these colors.

Face:
Greyhounds have a long, narrow head with a slight stop and a fine, tapering muzzle. Their dark, oval-shaped eyes convey gentleness and alertness. Ears are small and rose-shaped, folding back when relaxed and semi-erect when alert.

Body:
Built for speed, they have a deep chest for maximum lung capacity, a narrow waist, and an arched loin that aids in propulsion. Their long, muscular legs are straight in the front and well-angulated in the rear, providing exceptional stride length.

Tail:
Long, fine, and tapering to a point, the tail is carried low in a gentle curve when relaxed and higher when alert or running.

Size:

• Length (Body): Approximately 33 to 38 in (84 to 97 cm) from chest to rump.

• Shoulder Height:

  • Males: 28 to 30 in (71 to 76 cm)

  • Females: 27 to 28 in (69 to 71 cm)

Weight:

• Adult Female: 60 to 70 lbs (27 to 32 kg)

• Adult Male: 65 to 85 lbs (29 to 39 kg)

Greyhounds’ physical characteristics are finely tuned for sprinting, with their aerodynamic head, deep chest, flexible spine, and long, powerful legs allowing them to reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h), making them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Greyhounds follows the general domestic dog pattern, but their athletic build and sensitive nature require attentive care during breeding and whelping:

1. Mating and Courtship:
Greyhounds typically reach sexual maturity between 6 and 9 months, but responsible breeding is delayed until females are at least 18–24 months old to ensure full skeletal and muscular maturity. Courtship often involves calm interaction, as Greyhounds tend to be gentle rather than boisterous in breeding situations.

2. Estrus Cycle:
Females generally come into heat twice a year, with each cycle lasting about 2–3 weeks. The most fertile period is typically between days 9–14, although ovulation timing can vary between individuals.

3. Gestation:
The gestation period averages 63 days (about 9 weeks). Pregnant Greyhounds benefit from a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet to support fetal development without excessive weight gain, as extra weight can stress their lean frame. Moderate, low-impact exercise helps maintain muscle tone.

4. Birth of Puppies:
Typical litter sizes range from 6 to 8 puppies, though litters of 4–10 are possible. Greyhounds usually whelp naturally, but breeders should be present to assist if needed. Puppies are born blind and deaf, fully dependent on their mother for warmth and nutrition.

5. Care and Nurturing:
For the first 3–4 weeks, the mother nurses and cares for her puppies. Puppies open their eyes around 10–14 days and begin to walk shortly thereafter. Because Greyhound puppies grow quickly, early monitoring of nutrition and development is important.

6. Weaning and Socialization:
Weaning begins at about 4 weeks, with gradual introduction to high-quality puppy food. Socialization between 4–12 weeks is essential to develop confidence and adaptability, especially for retired racing Greyhounds being transitioned to pet homes later in life.

7. Independence:
By 8–10 weeks, puppies are usually ready for rehoming, though some breeders keep them until 12 weeks for additional development and training.

Because Greyhounds can be prone to bloat, certain heart conditions, and sensitivity to anesthesia, responsible breeders conduct health screenings before mating and maintain careful veterinary oversight throughout pregnancy and whelping.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the Home Environment:
Greyhounds typically live 10 to 14 years, with some reaching 15 years when provided with excellent nutrition, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary care. Retired racing Greyhounds, when adopted into pet homes, often enjoy long, healthy lives after their athletic careers.

Lifespan in Active or Racing Roles:
Greyhounds used for racing or competitive lure coursing generally maintain peak physical fitness during their careers. However, the intense physical demands can occasionally lead to injuries, which may require management later in life. With proper rehabilitation and care, many former racers still live well into their teens.

Common Health Factors Affecting Lifespan:

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A life-threatening condition due to their deep chest.

• Osteosarcoma: A form of bone cancer that can occur in the breed.

• Heart Conditions: Such as heart murmurs and cardiomyopathy.

• Dental Disease: More common in Greyhounds due to their narrow jaw structure.

• Hypothyroidism: Can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems.

• Sensitivity to Extreme Temperatures: Their low body fat and thin coat make them vulnerable to cold.

Ways to Maximize Lifespan:

• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet that maintains lean muscle mass.

• Provide daily moderate exercise to keep joints and cardiovascular health in good condition.

• Avoid strenuous activity immediately before and after meals to reduce bloat risk.

• Schedule regular veterinary exams with heart and dental checkups.

• Provide weather-appropriate protection (coats in winter, shade in summer).

With attentive care, Greyhounds can remain active, affectionate, and graceful companions well into their senior years, enjoying a relaxed and comfortable life after their athletic prime.

Eating Habits

Diet:
Greyhounds require a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports lean muscle mass, joint health, and steady energy levels. High-quality commercial kibble or fresh-prepared diets should include lean animal protein (chicken, turkey, beef, or fish), healthy fats for energy, and complex carbohydrates for endurance. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for joint and coat health.

Feeding Schedule:

• Puppies (under 6 months): 3–4 smaller meals daily to support rapid growth.

• Adults: 2 meals per day to maintain steady energy and reduce the risk of bloat.

• Seniors: 2 smaller meals daily with calorie adjustments to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone.

Eating Behavior:
Greyhounds tend to be polite, moderate eaters rather than overeaters, but portion control is still important to prevent weight gain. Their deep chest makes them more prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), so meals should be divided into smaller portions rather than fed all at once.

Special Considerations:

• Bloat Prevention: Feed two or more smaller meals daily, avoid exercise for an hour before and after meals, and use elevated feeders only if recommended by a veterinarian.

• Joint Support: Include glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, especially for retired racers.

• Dental Health: Due to narrower jaw and tooth alignment, dental-friendly kibble or chew treats can help reduce tartar buildup.

• Temperature Sensitivity: In colder months, slightly increase calorie intake if activity remains high to help maintain body warmth.

Treats and Extras:
Healthy treat options include apple slices (without seeds), blueberries, green beans, carrot sticks, and small pieces of cooked lean meat. Avoid high-fat, high-salt, or sugary human foods, and never feed toxic items like chocolate, grapes, onions, or garlic.

By following a portion-controlled, high-protein feeding plan and maintaining hydration, Greyhounds can stay lean, healthy, and ready for both relaxed living and bursts of athletic activity.

Uniqueness

The Greyhound is one of the most distinctive and specialized dog breeds in the world, with traits that make it instantly recognizable and highly admired:

Fastest Dog Breed:
Built for sprinting, Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h), making them the fastest breed in the canine world and one of the fastest land animals relative to body size.

Streamlined Physique:
Their aerodynamic head, deep chest, long legs, and flexible spine are perfectly engineered for speed and agility. This design allows them to cover ground in a unique double-suspension gallop.

Ancient Heritage:
Greyhounds have been depicted in Egyptian art for over 4,000 years and were prized hunting companions for nobility in ancient civilizations, valued for their sight-based hunting skills.

Exceptional Eyesight:
As sighthounds, Greyhounds have a wide field of vision (nearly 270 degrees) and can spot moving objects at great distances, which was essential in coursing and hunting.

Calm and Gentle Temperament:
Despite their athletic ability, Greyhounds are famously calm, gentle, and affectionate, often nicknamed “45-mph couch potatoes” for their love of lounging.

Unique Adoption Legacy:
Retired racing Greyhounds are frequently adopted into pet homes through specialized rescue organizations, where they transition from competitive athletes to beloved companions.

Distinctive Coat and Colors:
They come in an exceptionally wide range of colors and patterns—more than almost any other breed—making each Greyhound visually unique.

The Greyhound’s blend of elite athleticism, ancient history, graceful elegance, and gentle nature makes it one of the most remarkable and admired dog breeds in the world.