Greyhound
The 70 km/h couch potato — a gentle sprinter who mostly wants to nap.
Vital stats
| Size | Large · 68–76 cm |
| Weight | 26–40 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–14 years |
| Energy | Moderate — short sprints, long naps |
| Shedding | Low |
| Coat | Fine short single coat · nearly every colour |
| Group | Hound · FCI №158 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred for millennia to chase by sight at breathtaking speed, the Greyhound spends its explosive energy in seconds and its affection in hours. At home it is quiet, polite, and faintly cat-like — happiest folded onto the softest surface available, watching the world with mild, aristocratic interest until something small runs past.
Habits & quirks
Roaching
Sleeping upside-down, all four legs in the air — the signature pose of a truly relaxed Greyhound.
The zoomies, scheduled
Two minutes of flat-out laps, then straight back to the sofa for the rest of the day.
Soft-surface radar
A Greyhound can locate the most comfortable spot in any house within minutes of arrival.
The lean and stare
Affection arrives as a full-body lean and a long, silent gaze — barking is rarely on the menu.
Care
| Exercise | A couple of short walks plus the odd safe sprint — they're sprinters, not marathoners. |
| Warmth | Thin skin, fine coat, no fat: a winter coat is essential kit, not fashion. |
| Containment | High prey drive means secure, fenced spaces for off-lead running — recall loses to instinct. |
| Comfort | Bony frames need padded bedding; a bare floor is genuinely uncomfortable for them. |
Common questions
Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
Less than you'd think — a couple of short daily runs or walks satisfy most. They're sprinters, not endurance dogs, and love to lounge.
Can Greyhounds be let off-leash?
Carefully — a strong sight-chase instinct means many can't be trusted off-leash near small running animals. Use secure fields.
Do Greyhounds feel the cold?
Very much — thin skin, a fine single coat and almost no body fat mean they chill quickly. A proper winter coat and a warm bed are non-negotiable.