Greyhounds as Pets | Irish Retired Greyhound Trust

Health

Because of generations of breeding based on only the healthiest and most talented racers, greyhounds do not suffer from congenital illnesses as much as other breeds might.

Temperament

From the moment they are born, greyhounds are handled and actively socialised so that they become used to people and strangers. As a result of this handling, greyhounds tend not to ‘make strange’ with people they don’t know and are very sociable.

Exercise

Because they are designed to expend their energy in short, sharp bursts, greyhounds don’t need as much exercise as you’d imagine. Access to a garden and 2 short walks per day are more than enough. In fact greyhounds are notorious for their reluctance to go out in the rain!

Diet

Once greyhounds are retired, they don’t actually need a fancy training diet. Ordinary dry complete dog food is more than adequate. A note of warning, however! Greyhounds can be a bit on the greedy side and are masters at persuading their unwitting owners into liberal treat-giving!

Shedding

Because of their smooth, low shedding fur, greyhounds make great house pets. They are also one of the few dogs proven to be less of a risk to those with asthma and other allergenic reactions.

House trained

Greyhounds are very fastidious in their houses and very, very few will mess. Also, because they are used to napping the day away in their kennels and going out for ‘business’, they will generally walk over to the door and pace a bit to tell you they need to go out.

Naughty

We ought to come clean and tell you that many greyhounds ‘acquire’ household items, which they hide in their beds. Beware - underclothes are a particular favourite!

Bony

Because they have such little body fat, greyhounds can’t tolerate hard surfaces or extremes of hot and cold. They will prefer a comfy sleeping area; your couch will do nicely and they are strictly a house pet, not an outdoor one.

The are no different from any domestic dog

Greyhounds like to play, have fun and interact with people and with other dogs. Once they have food in their bellies they like to relax and will generally find the most comfortable sofa in the house to sleep

Do greyhounds make good pets?

Greyhounds make wonderful pets, they are kind natured, loving, affectionate and really enjoy human interaction

Are greyhounds aggressive?

Greyhounds are intelligent, calm and loving animals that love being around people

Do greyhounds need a lot of room to exercise?

Greyhounds can be extremely lazy and spend most of the day sleeping. They require exercising similar to other dog breeds

Can I trust my greyhound off a leash?

Greyhounds love to run and it would be fine to let them loose to gallop around in a well secured/fenced off area. Greyhounds enjoy walking and are very well behaved on a leash so they make a great walking companion

Are greyhounds good with children?

Many greyhounds come from environments where they would be handled by children

Are greyhounds good with other pets?

Many greyhounds are compatible with small or medium sized dogs and are introduced to other breeds of dogs prior to rehoming to determine if they are compatible