Greyhounds 101: What Makes Them Unique?

Discover their quirks and loving nature.

Greyhounds are a breed like no other. Known for their sleek physique and unmatched speed, these gentle dogs have an affectionate and calm nature that often surprises those unfamiliar with the breed. Whether you’re considering adopting a retired racing greyhound or simply curious about these unique dogs, here’s what makes greyhounds so special.

The Gentle Giants

Despite their reputation as athletes, greyhounds are incredibly gentle and laid-back. They are often referred to as “40-mile-per-hour couch potatoes” because, while they’re capable of incredible bursts of speed, they’re happiest lounging around the house. However, settling into a home can take time. During the first 3-6 weeks, it’s best to keep their world small and predictable. Follow consistent routines, commands, and walking paths to reduce stress and help them adjust. Building a strong bond early on will create a more confident and well-balanced dog.

Navigating Stairs

Some greyhounds may struggle with internal stairs due to stress or unfamiliarity, even if they handle outdoor stairs well. Navigating stairs inside the home can be overwhelming, especially if they’ve never encountered them before. The key is patience and building a positive association with stairs. Reward any engagement with the stairs—whether it’s sniffing, putting a paw on the first step, or going up and down—with treats, praise, or play. Short, positive training sessions (no more than five minutes) will help build confidence over time. Avoid rushing the process or forcing your greyhound down the stairs, as this can create fear. Instead, allow them to explore at their own pace.

Sleep Startle

Greyhounds, like many dogs, can experience sleep startle—an instinctive reaction to being suddenly touched or disturbed while sleeping. This is especially common in ex-racing greyhounds who have spent much of their lives sleeping undisturbed in kennels. If startled awake, a greyhound may instinctively react with a quick snap before realising there’s no threat. To prevent this, always wake them gently by calling their name or making a soft noise before touching them. Teach children and visitors to respect their rest space and avoid sudden interactions while the dog is sleeping. Over time, as they feel more secure in their home, their responses may soften, but it's always best to let them wake up at their own pace.

Speed and Grace

Greyhounds are built for speed, with long legs, aerodynamic bodies, and a natural stride that allows them to reach up to 70 kilometres per hour. However, they are sprinters, not endurance runners, so after a quick dash in the yard, they’re more than content to nap for the rest of the day.

Loving and Loyal Companions

Greyhounds form strong bonds with their families. They’re affectionate without being overly demanding and are known for their sweet and loyal temperament. Greyhounds often enjoy following their humans from room to room, just to be near them. They may initially struggle with separation anxiety, so gradually increasing alone time, using enrichment activities, and providing calming sounds like music or TV can help ease their transition.

Adaptable to Any Lifestyle

Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds don’t need vast amounts of exercise. A couple of short walks or a play session each day is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Their calm demeanour makes them well-suited to both apartment living and homes with big backyards.

Unique Physical Features

From their slender build to their expressive eyes, greyhounds have a distinctive appearance. Their short coat comes in a variety of colours, including black, brindle, fawn, and white. Due to their low body fat, they are more susceptible to temperature extremes. In colder weather, a warm jumper is recommended, while on hot days, walks should be limited to early mornings or late evenings.

Quiet and Polite

Greyhounds are typically very quiet dogs. They’re not big barkers and are polite in nature, making them wonderful companions in homes where peace and quiet are valued.

Great for Families

With their calm temperament and love for people, greyhounds make excellent family pets. They’re often very gentle with children and enjoy being part of a loving household.

A Second Chance at Life

Many greyhounds come into rescues after retiring from racing careers. These dogs have often spent their early years in kennels, so experiencing a home environment is new and exciting for them. Adopting a greyhound means giving them the opportunity to enjoy the love and comfort they deserve.

Food & Health

Greyhounds have unique dietary needs due to their lean build. When transitioning foods, do so gradually to avoid digestive issues. High-quality kibble rich in protein and good fats is recommended, but raw or hybrid diets are also an option. Some recommended brands include SavourLife, BlackHawk, and Royal Canin, while premium options like Eureka, ZiwiPeak, Prime100, and Scratch provide excellent nutrition.

Additional food options include eggs, sardines, human-grade meats, and vegetables. Bones are great for enrichment and dental health—opt for chicken wings, lamb necks, or beef brisket bones. Due to their deep chests, greyhounds are prone to gastric bloat, so avoid exercise at least 30 minutes before and after meals. Elevated food bowls can also aid digestion.

Low Maintenance Grooming

Greyhounds’ short coats are low-shedding and require minimal grooming. Regular brushing and occasional baths keep their coat in great condition. Keeping their nails short is particularly important to prevent paw pain and potential corns.

Enrichment & Play

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Lick mats, puzzle toys, and snuffle mats are great ways to keep your greyhound engaged. Simple DIY enrichment, like treat-filled cardboard boxes or rolled-up paper with hidden snacks, can provide hours of fun.

Joining the Greyhound Community

Connecting with other greyhound owners can be a great support. Groups such as “Greyhound Friends of Brisbane” on Facebook organise meetups and walks, providing a wonderful way to socialise with other greyhound lovers.

Consider Adopting a Greyhound

If you’re looking for a unique and loving companion, a greyhound might be the perfect fit for you. Through our greyhound rehoming program, Greys4Pets, we work to find these wonderful dogs their forever homes, ensuring they transition smoothly from their racing careers to life as cherished pets.

Explore the joys of adopting a greyhound and experience firsthand the love and loyalty they bring. Your new best friend could be waiting for you!