🦮 Large · United Kingdom

Greyhound: Size, Weight & Temperament

A very fast British sighthound with short bursts of sprinting and a strong need for rest, surprisingly low-key in daily life despite its athletic origins.

~ Some experience
Greyhound dog breed portrait
Photo: Neurodoc · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male27–32 kg
Weight female23–28 kg
Shoulder height68–76 cm
Size classLarge (25–45 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 16 months
Life expectancy10–13 years
Activity levelModerate
OriginUnited Kingdom
ClassificationFCI Group 10 (Sighthounds)
Temperament & character

The Greyhound is calm, gentle, and surprisingly undemanding in the home. Its prey drive toward small, fast-fleeing animals, however, is strongly developed.

Exercise & stimulation

Short, intense sprints in a secured area suit it better than long walks. A reliable recall or a fenced run is important because of its chasing instinct.

Grooming

The very short coat is low-maintenance but offers little protection against cold, so a dog coat is advisable in winter. Visible ribs and little subcutaneous fat are breed-typical and not a sign of being underweight.

Suitable for beginners?

Suited to beginners with some caveats: the temperament is calm, but the chasing instinct requires secure fencing and consistent recall training. Former racing dogs often need a gentle transition to everyday stimuli.

Health & common problems

Bloat (gastric torsion) due to the deep chest and heightened sensitivity to anesthetics from the low body fat percentage are breed-typical. Veterinarians should be informed in advance about sighthounds' typical anesthesia sensitivity.

Good with: Calm households without small pets

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.