Greyhound Guide: Size, Temperament, Care and Adoption
Greyhound history and background
The AKC places the Greyhound in the Hound Group and lists its origin as Egypt. The UKC calls it the oldest pure breed in existence, with a generally accepted age of about 4,000 years. Greyhound racing with a mechanical lure began in 1926 and led breeders to select for short bursts of speed. In America today there are two divergent types, the NGA racing greyhound and the less popular AKC greyhound.
Greyhound size and weight
The AKC puts the Greyhound in its large size category. For weight, the AKC publishes 65-70 pounds for males and 60-65 pounds for females, while the UKC publishes 65 to 75 pounds for males and 60 to 70 pounds for females.
Greyhound temperament and personality
The AKC describes the Greyhound's temperament as independent, gentle and noble. The UKC standard calls the breed intelligent, affectionate, gentle and even tempered. It can be clownish at times, though its independent nature may make play frustrating for children. A greyhound is not very good at coming when called and may run off to chase small fast animals. If raised with cats it can be good with house cats, while retired racers may or may not be good with them.
How fast can a greyhound run, and how much exercise is needed?
Selection for short bursts of speed after mechanical-lure racing began soon established greyhounds as the fastest breed of dog. The UKC standard credits the breed with remarkable speed, agility and stamina. Every day, a greyhound needs some moderate activity, such as a walk, a jog, or a sprint inside an enclosed space. Unless a space is securely fenced, most greyhounds are best kept on a leash. Some games and tricks supply needed mental exercise, and when its exercise needs are met the breed tends to be a very quiet dog indoors.
Grooming and coat care
The coat is short and thin and needs weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Its short hair gives little protection against cold weather, so a coat may be beneficial.
Greyhound training
Greyhounds do best with reward-based training involving food.
Health screening and weight
The breed is naturally lean, but owners often overfeed them, so you should be able to feel the ribs without them being too noticeable. If an adult dog starts to gain too much weight, a balanced diet with fewer calories is advised; ask a veterinarian about your dog's needs.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Greyhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1885
- Height (AKC published)
- 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 10-13 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
- Shedding: 2 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 4 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 4 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Greyhound Polyneuropathy - DNA Test
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Greyhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Greyhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Greyhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
