Greyhounds As Pets - Quick Facts

AGE: The majority of the dogs will be between 2 and 6 years old. We often get dogs that are older than this and people might think that older dogs take a longer adjustment period. In reality, the older Greyhounds come into a home and often learn the house rules more quickly than a younger dog will!

SIZE: Males are 26 to 30 inches high. Females are 23 to 26 inches high.

WEIGHT: Males are between 65-85 pounds. Females are between 50-65 pounds.

COLOR: Greyhounds come in many colors - brindle, black, fawn, white or a combination of these colors.

FEEDING: As pets, Greyhounds eat no more than any other dog of comparable weight - 4 to 6 cups of dry kibble a day. They also love rice and vegetables in their food.

EXERCISE: Greyhounds adapt well to life as pets and need no more than a romp in the backyard or a daily walk to keep them fit.

CONFINEMENT: Since they are sight hounds and are oblivious to verbal commands, they will move toward an object on the horizon. Greyhounds must never be allowed outside unless they are on a lead or in a completely fenced or enclosed area. The automobile is the Greyhound's "unnatural" enemy and neither the dog nor driver can react to a speeding Greyhound in time to avoid a lethal collision.

TEMPERAMENT: Docile in nature, Greyhounds are the original "couch potatoes" and get along well with both children and most other pets.

GROOMING: Greyhounds have little oil in their skin so they have minimum "doggy odor" and only need a bath when soiled.

WHICH SEX: Many people are under the misconception that females make better pets than males. When it comes to Greyhounds, the males make equally wonderful pets. We've never seen one neutered male Greyhound who has a predisposition to mount other dogs - many squat and don't lift their leg. It may take longer to receive a female and there are many great male Greyhounds that need saving. An interesting fact is that typically the female is the dominant of the breed and may be less patient than the males.

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