Breed guide
Greyhound
A source-linked starting point for Greyhound: The champion sprinter of dogdom, the Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companion with an independent spirit. Use this as context for the individual dog's routine, not as a prediction of behaviour or health.
About this breed
How to use this Greyhound profile
For Greyhound, the verified profile records Height, Weight, Life expectancy. These references explain what to observe and what to adjust in daily life; they do not establish a guaranteed behaviour rate, diagnosis, or outcome for an individual dog.
How to recognize the breed
Use the whole outline, coat, proportions, and movement together. A single photo or colour is not enough to establish breed identity.
28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight10-13 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancyThe Greyhound's short, smooth coat requires little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly rubdowns with a damp cloth or hound glove. His strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. The ears should be checked at least weekly for any buildup of wax or debris that could…
AKC page Grooming > official section copyBody condition and trend
Height and weight references are already shown above; they are context, not a personal target. Use the BCS tool and the individual dog's ribs, waist, abdominal tuck, age, and trend.
Daily life priorities
The Greyhound is the cheetah of the dog world. While perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day, he is capable of amazing speed and energy when faced with potential prey'or the chance to chase a tennis ball or a coursing lure. Greyhounds require a regular schedule of exercise time and opportunities to (safely) run full-out. They must only be allowed…
AKC page Exercise > official section copyTraining a Greyhound can be frustrating for anyone who does not understand the genetic origins of the Greyhound temperament. As a sighthound, or coursing breed, the Greyhound was developed to pursue game by sight rather than by scent. They course game independently of humans, making decisions on their own, unlike other types of hunting breeds that require a…
AKC page Training > official section copyThe Greyhound's short, smooth coat requires little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly rubdowns with a damp cloth or hound glove. His strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. The ears should be checked at least weekly for any buildup of wax or debris that could…
AKC page Grooming > official section copyAdjust difficulty, duration, and handling for the individual dog. The linked long-tail pages turn these profile facts into practical routines.
Health checks and when to call the vet
If you are choosing a puppy or checking a breeding record, ask for the named test, result, date, and scheme. These checks help assess breeding risk; they are not a diagnosis of an individual dog.
Questions owners ask about Greyhound
Verified facts
| Height | 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female) AKC page PageMap DataObject > height |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female) AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight |
| Life expectancy | 10-13 years AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy |
| Grooming | The Greyhound's short, smooth coat requires little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly rubdowns with a damp cloth or hound glove. His strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. The ears should be checked at least weekly for any buildup of wax or debris that could… AKC page Grooming > official section copy |
| Exercise | The Greyhound is the cheetah of the dog world. While perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day, he is capable of amazing speed and energy when faced with potential prey'or the chance to chase a tennis ball or a coursing lure. Greyhounds require a regular schedule of exercise time and opportunities to (safely) run full-out. They must only be allowed… AKC page Exercise > official section copy |
| Training | Training a Greyhound can be frustrating for anyone who does not understand the genetic origins of the Greyhound temperament. As a sighthound, or coursing breed, the Greyhound was developed to pursue game by sight rather than by scent. They course game independently of humans, making decisions on their own, unlike other types of hunting breeds that require a… AKC page Training > official section copy |
| Official breed description | The champion sprinter of dogdom, the Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companion with an independent spirit. For thousands of years these graceful hounds have been an object of fascination for artists, poets, and kings. AKC page About the Breed > official breed description |
| Recommended parent-club health tests | ['Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Greyhound Polyneuropathy - DNA Test'] AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club |
| Official breed standard | http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Greyhound.pdf AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard |
How to use this profile
Use the facts on this page as a starting point, then observe the individual dog. A breed label does not establish behaviour frequency, diagnosis, or a guaranteed outcome. Medical and screening claims remain subject to review.
Research status
Source register
Use the tools