Greyhound FAQ

Retired racers are usually between two and five years old. Occasionally the older brood matrons or stud greyhounds will be available for adoption, usually around the age of 6 to 8 years. The NGA rules require that a greyhound retire before he/she turns six.

These purebred athletes enjoy many years of good health. With proper care, they have a life expectancy of 12-14 years or more.

Most females stand 24 to 28 inches and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. Most males stand 26 to 30 inches and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Although greyhounds are not small dogs, many folks say that they are very feline-like in the home, as they can fit into the smallest of spaces.

Greyhounds come in a wide variety of colors, including brindle, red, fawn, black, white and a combination of these colors. Various shades of brindle and fawn are the most common. Grey, which is called blue by the breeders, is somewhat rare.

The five digit number in the left ear of a US racing greyhound is the NGA litter registration number. The right ear tattoo (2 or 3 numbers and a letter) is the birth month, birth year, and sequence within the litter when tattooed. International tattoos indicate a region of the country.

They have been clocked at 45 miles an hour on the straightaway.

They can see up to a half a mile.

Racing greyhounds are kennel trained, which means they are trained to go potty outside and keep their kennels clean. Take your greyhound outside frequently at first, and they’ll quickly learn that their new home is their new “kennel.” Greyhounds love a routine, as their lives at the kennel were very regimented. Housebreaking is usually easily accomplished by merely following a regular routine for potty breaks.

Greyhounds adapt well to the lifestyle of their owners. They need no more than a chance to play in a completely fenced yard and/or daily walks to keep them fit. Greyhounds do very well on a leash. While having a fenced yard is ideal for both greyhounds and their owners, it is not required. Many retired racers are happy living in apartments and condominiums provided they are taken out regularly for daily walks. 

Greyhounds are non-aggressive and generally have a gentle temperament. They are tolerant of pet-educated children and will usually walk away rather than growl or snap if children become overbearing, unless they are lying down and do not have that option. Like any other dog, they have limits that children need to respect, especially the greyhound’s personal space and when he/she is sleeping.

Most greyhounds will get along with other dogs. They have been around other greyhounds from puppyhood to racing kennel and even into adoption, though cats and smaller dogs are unknown to them. About 20 percent of greyhounds are cat tolerant and do just fine with cats inside the home. While GALT greyhounds are cat-tested and small-dog tested to ascertain their level of interest, this is not foolproof. It does, however, provide an indicator of how the greyhound will react to a cat or small dog. As with any new dog, you should take great care when introducing your greyhound to other pets. Never leave them alone together until you are sure there are no problems.

Because greyhounds have only one coat of short hair, and a light coat at that, they shed little. However, they do shed seasonally like most dogs. Greyhound shedding is easily controlled by brushing or using a Zoom Groom. 

They wear muzzles while racing for two reasons: to help racing officials determine the outcome of a photo-finish race and to protect the greyhounds from injury (they have very thin skin) during the excitement of the chase. 

An adopted greyhound has been neutered/spayed, microchipped, is current on all vaccinations (DHLPP, Bordetella, and Rabies), a CBC (complete blood count with serum chemistry panel), a tick-borne disease panel, heartworm test, and dental cleaning. Once they are your personal pet, it is your responsibility to keep your greyhound current on all annual vaccinations as well as being diligent about dental care. You can expect to spend approximately $800-1200 per year on veterinary care and food.

A leash assures your greyhound protection from disasters. These dogs have been bred for 4000 years to do one thing – chase. That instinct is further reinforced in their track training. In addition, they can see clearly for up to a half mile, and their instinct keeps them alert in this regard. If they are not restrained, they risk getting hit by a car or mauled by another dog and given their speed they can easily become lost or frightened. Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash and enjoy the exercise as well as the attention they receive from people who pass by. They must never be let off-leash in an unenclosed area. They are sight hounds – their instinct and trained to hunt by sight. NEVER USE A RETRACTABLE LEASH on a greyhound.

Adopting a greyhound will give you a gentle, loving companion, who with a little time and patience will be a GREYT addition to your family. Greyhounds are very polite dogs, who are eager to please, delight in your attention, and prefer to be near you when you are home. Because everything in the home will be new – stairs, sliding glass doors, mirrors, hard surface floors, etc., some adjustment time is required. Expect him/her to be a bit confused and very curious at first, and they will learn very quickly. Greyhounds are sensitive animals and your tone of voice and a “no” will quickly let them you how to behave around your home. A note about dental care: Racing dogs have a totally soft diet and so the tartar builds quickly. To maintain clean teeth, brush your dog’s teeth at least twice weekly with special dog toothpaste and have annual dental check-ups performed by your veterinarian. Greyhounds do not make good watchdogs, as they bark very little and are usually as friendly with strangers as with their own family.

In today’s world, a racing greyhound’s welfare and wellbeing is of utmost importance. Breeders and trainers take great care of their dogs and treat them with respect in this incredibly competitive sport. While at the track, they are let out 4 or more times throughout the day to play (muzzled) so they can stretch their legs and socialize with other greyhounds. They spend time in their crates resting between turnouts or races and interact with their trainers throughout the day. GALT is often contacted by the owners and trainers to follow up on the greyhounds they raised to ensure they adapt to a life of retirement.

Greyhounds have a fast metabolism and fewer fat cells than other dog breeds.

The bottom line is that the cause of greyhound baldness is unknown. Some believe it is because they are hypothyroid, some believe it’s because they’re hyperthyroid. Some believe it is from lying in crates and on concrete. According to the canine dermatologist, it can be purely cosmetic like male pattern baldness. Melatonin has been recommended by the canine dermatologist as a possible remedy for greyhound baldness; please discuss this supplement with your veterinarian first.

There is really no way for us to know if a particular greyhound will do well as a single pet. Since the greyhounds have been with other dogs for all their lives, we have little to base an opinion on. Sometimes the dog’s first night in his forever home is his first night without another dog – ever. A greyhound might take a little longer to adjust to being a single pet than other dogs.

The Greyhound Project, Inc.: From this site, you can locate adoption groups in your area and research health issues.

Greyhound-Data: An online database of greyhounds from around the world including pedigrees and racing records. Have your greyhound’s racing name? Look up their racing record here along with their dam, sire and siblings.

Trackinfo: Another online database with greyhound racing records.