Greyhound

Greyhounds can appear a bit aloof and unfriendly towards strangers, but they’re very affectionate and extremely loyal to members of their own pack; this includes owners, young children, and other pets.

Greyhound puppies are full of energy and love to play, although they tend to mellow as they get older. Despite their athletic frames and blistering pace, adult greyhounds are a bunch of couch potatoes.

Although breed for high-energy, intense activities, Greyhounds tend to be calm and docile pets who prefer the quiet life. They rarely get overexcited by houseguests and tend to adapt well to new situations and environments.

The Greyhound has a high-level of intelligence and responds well to training. However, because of their gentle nature, handlers and owners should always use gentle commands combined with reward-based training methods.

With its excellent vision and athletic physique, the greyhound is tailor-made for hunting. Anyone who has ever seen a greyhound race or a coursing competition will know just how quickly this dog can move and how determined they become once they’ve locked onto their target.

Greyhounds are neither fearful or wary of strangers, they’re just not that interested in them. This doesn't mean that the greyhound is shy or nervous, they just prefer to stay out of the spotlight and will rarely, if ever, display the attention seeking behaviour associated with more playful and energetic breeds.

Greyhounds are definitely one of the most independent dog breeds. As long as they get one good exercise session per day, greyhounds are content to spend the rest of their time lazing about in their own company. This "you do your thing and I'll do mine" approach to life makes the greyhound an excellent pet for busy people with hectic lifestyles.

Greyhounds have a strong independent streak and are very comfortable with their own company. In fact, the vast majority of greyhounds prefer a little bit of “me time” and are happy to be left alone for hours at a time. These qualities make greyhounds a good choice for people living the 9-5 life.

Greyhounds respond best to gentle, reward-based training methods. As long as you stick to these techniques, it won't be long before you have a very well-trained and very obedient greyhound. You’ll also need a little bit of patience as greyhound puppies tend to be extremely boisterous, meaning they can struggle to focus on a specific task. So keep the training sessions short and fun.

Greyhounds are not known for being loud or consistent barkers. In fact, Greyhounds are one of the less vocal breeds. They rarely bark, howl, or whine.

Although they're unlikely to run away, Greyhounds are very capable of doing so. As well as being excellent sprinters, greyhounds are pretty good at jumping and can easily leap over a 3-foot fence. It's also a good idea to keep them on a leash in unfamiliar environments. Greyhounds have an exceptionally high prey-drive, meaning they'll chase after anything small and furry, and you're going to have a very hard time trying to catch them!

As long as a greyhound is getting the right amount of exercise, they're very unlikely to engage in destructive behaviour. Any instances of destructive behaviour should be taken seriously; it may be a sign of an underlying mental health problem.

Greyhounds are not particularly greedy or glutinous. But, like most breeds, they will overeat if you let them. Greyhounds are also quite tall and agile, meaning they have a tendency to “steal” food off the dinner table and kitchen tops.

If you want a watchdog, then don’t get a greyhound. These guys are far too relaxed and chilled to carry out any patrols, and they’re likely to spend most of their time snoozing or resting.

You really need to know the characteristics of greyhounds before adopting one, especially for a first canine experience. This dog is not really made for beginners, he needs a good structure and a reliable owner to make them feel safe.

The Greyhound must run and he needs a lot of space. He can live very well indoors but it is essential that he can exercise every day.

Life in an apartment is not the ideal setting, especially because apartment is often synonymous with city life and its sensitivity is not adapted.

A life in the countryside, in a house with a large, well-fenced garden seems more suitable for this dog.

The Greyhound is the indisputable lord of the cynodromes, where it offers a unique show: it can reach the speed of 70 km per hour.

It is therefore inconceivable to consider this dog as a simple pet.

He needs at least 2 hours a day to feel fulfilled. He needs a dynamic owner.

Its large size but especially its sensitivity do not allow this dog to be able to follow his owners serenely in all their movements.

This depends! Greyhounds reared from puppies are far more likely to get along with cats. In fact, they'll probably become quite good friends. EX-racing greyhounds are a completely different matter. These guys were bred and trained to chase small, furry things! Un-learning such behaviour is a challenge for the dog, the owner, and the poor cat!

Rather solitary, this dog is not really comfortable in the presence of other dogs. A good socialisation of the Greyhound puppy is necessary for him to learn and reinforce his canine codes to live serenely surrounded by other dogs.

Greyhounds are great with children of all ages. However, greyhounds still need their own space, so it's important that children learn when to leave a greyhound alone.

This calm and discreet dog may be suitable for older people, but they must still have enough energy and the ability to regularly take their greyhound for a run.