Greyhound
Quick overview
The Greyhound is an elegant and fast dog with a slim build, defined muscles, and long legs, capable of reaching impressive speeds up to 72 km/h (45 mph). It has a gentle and calm temperament, making it both an energetic outdoor companion and a quiet presence at home. Greyhounds are loyal to their families and tend to form strong emotional bonds with their owners.
Table of contents
Country of origin
Officially, according to the FCI standard, the Greyhound is recognized as a breed originating from the United Kingdom. It was first described and standardized in England, although its roots trace back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Breed Characteristics
Weight
27 – 40 kg.
Height
Male: 71–76 cm, female: 68–71 cm.
Coat type
Short, smooth coat. Colours include black, white, red, blue, light blue, fawn, light fawn, brindle, or any of these with white markings or in parti-colour.
Lifespan
10–14 years.
Health
The breed is considered relatively healthy.
Temperament
Gentle, balanced, with a strong hunting instinct.
Exercise needs
High need for intense but short bursts of free running.
FCI classification
Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 (Short-haired Sighthounds).
Price
Greyhound puppies in the U.S. usually cost between $800 and $4,000, with most falling in the $1,000–$2,500 range depending on region and breeder reputation (AKC FSS registered).
History and Origin
The Greyhound is believed to have originated in the Middle East. Images of Greyhound-like dogs can be seen on the walls of Egyptian tombs dating back to the 4th millennium BC. Over time, these dogs spread across Europe and were fully developed into their modern form in the United Kingdom. Today’s Greyhounds descend from dogs used for hunting hares. The first Greyhounds appeared in Poland in the early 20th century.
Appearance and Build
The English Greyhound is a tall, slender dog with an elegant silhouette and well-defined muscles. It features a long, slim neck, a deep chest, and long, powerful legs. Its head is distinctively shaped—elongated, with ears set to the side. The coat is short and smooth, and it comes in a variety of colours and patterns, from solid to brindle. Accepted colours include black, white, red, blue, light blue, fawn, light fawn, brindle, and any of these with white markings or in parti-colour. The Greyhound radiates dignity and strength, making it both a beautiful and impressive dog.
Temperament and Behavior
The Greyhound has a gentle and calm temperament, making it an excellent family companion. It can also be exceptionally sensitive and delicate. While the breed needs regular exercise, it is often quiet and relaxed at home. Greyhounds are generally friendly toward people and other animals, but early and careful socialization is important due to their strong hunting instinct.
Training and Activity
Greyhounds are usually willing to cooperate with humans, but their sensitivity requires a gentle training approach. Despite their calm nature, they are active dogs that need regular physical activity, such as running and play in a large, secure (preferably fenced) area. Ideal activities include track racing or coursing, which allow them to fulfil their chasing instincts. With proper training and consistent exercise, Greyhounds can become excellent companions—combining elegance with energy.
Health and Lifespan
The Greyhound is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Like many large breeds, however, they can be prone to certain health issues. Common concerns include heart disease, thyroid problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions such as cataracts or pannus. They are also at risk for gastric torsion (bloat), a serious condition affecting large-chested dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for early detection and treatment. In addition to medical care, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a comfortable living environment all play a key role in maintaining the Greyhound’s health and overall well-being.
Grooming and Care
Grooming and caring for a Greyhound is relatively simple but requires regular attention, including brushing, eye and ear hygiene, and nail trimming. Due to their short coat and lean build, they may need clothing in winter—and in some cases, protective boots as well.
Diet and Nutrition
Greyhounds generally do not require a special diet, but like any breed, they should be fed regularly at consistent times, have access to fresh drinking water, avoid excessive treats, and have their calorie intake monitored. Sport or racing Greyhounds may need more specialized nutrition and should be evaluated by a canine nutritionist.
Cost of Ownership
Greyhound upkeep costs are moderate but can increase if the dog participates in racing or coursing events, which are held only in select locations.
Buying or Adopting
Buying a Greyhound puppy in Poland is not easy, as there are few breeders and litters appear only occasionally. The breed is not particularly popular in the country. An alternative to buying a puppy is adopting a sighthound-type dog from a specialized foundation, or adopting a retired racing Greyhound—often from countries like the UK—where such dogs are looking for homes worldwide.
Breeding Your Own Dog
Breeding Greyhounds in the U.S. is more accessible than in many other countries due to a larger number of breeders and retired racing dogs. However, responsible breeding still requires careful selection of health-tested parents, a deep understanding of the breed, and compliance with ethical breeding standards.
Did You Know?
Summary
Behaviorist’s Insight
Greyhounds are fascinating dogs that combine unique physical and behavioural traits. Despite being the fastest dogs in the world, they have a gentle and calm temperament that makes them excellent family companions. Their need for physical activity, driven by a strong chase instinct, is balanced by their quiet nature at home—making them ideal for people seeking both an energetic outdoor partner and a peaceful everyday companion.
Veterinarian’s Insight
Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, but there are some health concerns to be aware of. They may be prone to heart issues such as cardiomyopathy, as well as orthopedic problems like joint dysplasia. Due to their slim build and short coat, they can also struggle to maintain proper body temperature, making them more sensitive to extreme temperatures.
