Let's talk about... Greyhounds: what are they?
- Greyhounds are sleek and elegant dogs known for their incredible speed and graceful appearance.
- They have a rich history and are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back thousands of years.
- Greyhounds were originally bred for hunting and racing, and their exceptional athleticism is still evident today.
- Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) in just a few strides!
- They have a slender build, with males standing at an average height of 68 to 76 cm and females ranging from 63 to 71 cm.
- Despite their slender physique, Greyhounds are surprisingly muscular and can weigh between 27 and 40 kg.
- They usually live between 10 and 14 years.
What is the temperament of Greyhounds like?
- Greyhounds have a gentle and affectionate temperament, often described as being calm and reserved, but full of fun when they have their “zoomies”.
- They are typically quiet and well-mannered dogs, making them excellent companions for individuals and families alike.
- Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are generally low-energy dogs who enjoy spending a significant portion of their day lounging and relaxing.
- They are known for their loving and loyal nature, forming strong bonds with their human family members.
- Greyhounds can be sensitive dogs, so it's important to provide them with a secure and nurturing environment.
- Early socialisation and positive experiences are crucial to help them become well-adjusted and confident dogs.
How much exercise do Greyhounds need?
- While Greyhounds are known for their incredible speed, their exercise needs may surprise some people.
- Despite their athleticism, Greyhounds are actually moderate to low-energy dogs and require less exercise than one might expect. On average, they need around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day.
- This can include a brisk walk, a short run in a safely enclosed area, or a playful game.
- It's important to note that Greyhounds have bursts of energy followed by long periods of rest, so their exercise should be balanced with plenty of downtime.
- Mental stimulation is also important for their well-being, so engaging them in puzzle toys or obedience training can be beneficial.
- Puppies have specific exercise requirements to support their growth and development.
- While they are young, it's important to avoid excessive exercise that may strain their growing bones and joints.
- Provide short, supervised play sessions in a safe and controlled environment.
- Aim for several short sessions throughout the day rather than long, strenuous activities.
- As they grow older, gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise.
- At around 18 months of age, they can handle adult-level exercise, but remember that each dog is an individual and your vet can advise on the best exercise schedule for your greyhound
Do Greyhounds need a lot of grooming?
- Greyhounds have short, smooth coats that require minimal grooming.
- They are low shedders and have a natural cleanliness about them.
- A weekly brush with a soft-bristle brush or a grooming mitt is usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition and remove any loose hair.
- Due to their thin skin, it's important to handle them gently during grooming to avoid causing any discomfort.
- Additionally, providing them with a comfortable and warm coat during colder weather is essential, as they have a thin coat that provides little insulation.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Greyhounds easy to train?
- Greyhounds are generally intelligent and eager to please, making them trainable dogs.
- However, their independent nature and natural inclination to chase can pose some challenges during training.
- They have a strong prey drive, so it's important to provide consistent and patient training from an early age.
- Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, work well with Greyhounds.
- They respond best to gentle and motivational training techniques.
- It's important to keep training sessions interesting and varied to prevent boredom.
- While they may not be as easily trainable as some other breeds, with the right approach and dedication, Greyhounds can learn and excel in obedience and other dog sports.
What do Greyhounds eat?
- A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of Greyhounds.
- Feed them high-quality dog food formulated for their specific life stage and size.
- Puppies have unique dietary needs for growth, and they should be fed a puppy-specific diet until they are around 12 to 18 months old.
- Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, when this should be reduced to twice daily.
- Consult with your vet for specific feeding recommendations based on your Greyhound's age, size, and activity level.
- Avoid overfeeding as Greyhounds can be prone to weight gain, which can put stress on their joints and overall health.
- Monitor their weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly.
Are Greyhounds healthy?
Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns in Greyhounds include:
Bleeding Disorders
- Von Willebrand’s Disease - an issue with platelet function in the blood stream causing bleeding
Cancer
- Osteosarcoma - Greyhounds have a higher risk of developing bone cancer compared to other breeds
Dental
- Periodontal Disease - a buildup of plaque and tartar on a dog’s teeth leading to inflammation, infection and tooth loss
Eyes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Gastrointestinal
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately!
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Greyhound is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
