Greyhound

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine and close-lying

The coat is very short and lies flat against the skin with a fine texture and no undercoat to speak of. Underneath is a tall, powerfully muscled athlete with a long narrow head, long neck, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, an arched loin and a long tapering tail, giving the classic S-shaped sighthound outline.243

Personality what they are like

A quiet, sweet-natured and intelligent hound that tends to be relaxed and low-key at home, often happiest stretched out on a soft bed. It bonds closely with its people and is generally as friendly with visitors as with family, though some start out a little reserved. As a sighthound it has a strong instinct to chase fast-moving small animals, so supervision around them is wise.47683

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour a day and Hill's around 60 minutes; many adults are content with regular leash walks plus a chance to sprint in a safely fenced area. Off-lead running should only happen where the dog cannot chase out of reach.568

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. A weekly brush or rub with a grooming mitt keeps the short coat tidy; shedding is light and seasonal. Trim nails regularly. Because the coat is thin and body fat is low, a well-fitting dog coat or jumper helps in cold or wet weather.569

Home where they are happiest

An indoor dog. Despite its size it adapts well to many homes because it is calm inside, though the Royal Kennel Club lists a larger house and garden as ideal. Provide a thick, raised bed away from draughts, keep it warm in winter, and use secure fencing for any off-lead time.5693

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality dog food matched to life stage (large-breed puppy, adult, senior), with enough protein to keep its lean muscle. Monitor body condition, as a lean Greyhound may need a little more food in cold weather to stay warm.69

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and forms strong bonds with its household. Generally sociable with people and often with other dogs of similar size; can do well with respectful children. Introductions to cats and small pets need care because of the chase instinct.634

The story where it all began

Lean, long-legged hounds of Greyhound type appear in the art and archaeology of the ancient Near East and Egypt thousands of years ago, which is why the breed is often called one of the oldest in existence. Such dogs spread through Greece, Rome and the rest of Europe as hunters that caught game by sight and sheer speed. In medieval England they were a status symbol: the Forest Laws of King Canute (1016) limited who could keep them, and hunting with Greyhounds was largely reserved for royalty and the nobility. Coursing, where two dogs chase a hare in the open, became an organised sport, and the breed was refined to its modern standard in Britain. Spanish explorers took Greyhounds to the Americas, 18 were entered at the first Westminster show in 1877, and the AKC recognised the breed in 1885. Track racing with a mechanical lure grew from the 1920s and peaked in the mid-20th century, and today many Greyhounds live as companions, including large numbers adopted after racing careers through rehoming programmes worldwide.3245810

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 158, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 (Short-haired sighthounds); definitive acceptance 23 Apr 1955; current standard dated 13 Oct 2010; no working trial1

The Royal Kennel Club

Hound Group; recognised breed with a UK breed standard5

AKC

Recognised (first registrable) in 1885; Hound Group10

UKC

Sighthound & Pariah Group; recognised 19144

Popularity Ranked 151st of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12