Greyhound

The breed at a glance

Official name

Greyhound

Origin / registry attribution

Great Britain

AKC origin attribution

Egypt

Group

Hound Group

Original purpose

Coursing by sight

Height

28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)

Weight

65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)

Typical lifespan

10-13 years

Coat type

Smooth

Coat length

Short

Shedding

Low

Drooling

Very low

Barking

Moderate

Grooming

Very low

Exercise needs

High

Mental stimulation

Moderate

Trainability

Moderate

Children

Moderate

Other dogs

High

Cats / small pets

Individual assessment required; breed suitability unknown

Apartment adaptability (editorial)

Very high

First-owner suitability (editorial)

High

Climate

Cold sensitive

Measurements, coat facts, and trait ratings: AKC Greyhound breed guide. Origin classifications can differ between registries; both attributions are retained where available. Apartment and first-owner ratings are editorial planning estimates.

Temperament & lifestyle fit

gentle / independent / noble. These are general breed tendencies; upbringing, age, health and the individual dog matter.

Energy and exercise

High

Grooming needs

Very low

Trainability

Moderate

Family compatibility: children

Moderate

Apartment adaptability (editorial)

Very high

Use these ratings to plan your routine, rather than to predict an individual dog’s behavior. Children need supervision and introductions to other pets need individual assessment.

Find breeds that fit your home, activity and care preferences · Understand our source ratings and editorial estimates

A history that shapes daily life

Greyhounds belong to a long-established sighthound tradition. Their distinctive build reflects selection for speed; exercise safety and individual prey-drive assessment remain central to companion care.

History and breed background: AKC Greyhound breed guide.

Coat care & everyday routines

Prey drive can complicate life with cats or small pets; use secure exercise areas.

Reported coat colors: White, Black, Red, White & Black, White & Red, Blue, Blue Fawn, Red Brindle, Black Brindle, Blue Brindle, White & Black Brindle, White & Blue, White & Blue Fawn, White & Blue Brindle, White & Red Brindle. Color listings reflect the source registry and do not establish health, temperament, or show eligibility.

Plan daily activity and age-appropriate enrichment, a comfortable resting area, gradual alone-time training, and regular preventive care. Choose a routine you can maintain throughout the year.

Coat and care source: AKC Greyhound breed guide.

Health conversations worth having

Review cardiac, eye, and inherited polyneuropathy screening. A veterinarian familiar with sighthounds can help interpret breed-specific care needs.

Screening listed by the source breed club

• Cardiac Exam
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Greyhound Polyneuropathy - DNA Test

Health screening does not guarantee an individual dog will be free of disease. These lists are not a diagnosis or an exhaustive account of possible conditions.

Health source: AKC Greyhound breed guide · Parent breed-club health statement.

A realistic monthly care budget

$165–$330 USD per month · adult-dog planning estimate.

Food

$55–$100

Routine veterinary reserve

$60–$125

Parasite prevention

$20–$40

Grooming & coat supplies

$10–$25

Treats, toys & replacement supplies

$20–$40

Editorial U.S. adult-dog planning ranges, reviewed October 1, 2026. Routine veterinary care is averaged across the year. Local prices and individual health needs vary. Excludes purchase or adoption, initial supplies, insurance, emergency and specialist care, boarding, daycare, training classes, and pet rent. Sources inform care categories; these breed estimates are not supplier quotes.

AKC: lifetime dog-care costsASPCA: planning for pet-care costs

Sources & research status

• FCI breed nomenclature: Greyhound · checked 2026-10-01
• AKC Greyhound breed guide · checked 2026-10-01
• FCI official breed standard
• Data coverage, editorial estimates, and matching methodology

General breed tendencies do not guarantee individual behavior. Children need supervision; existing pets need careful introductions. Meet the dog and discuss individual health and care needs.