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Things to know about Greyhounds

Greyhounds have low body fat which means they are sensitive to many medications and should never wear a flea collar.

Greyhounds have very thin skin, which means that their skin can tear very easily. As a result, please ensure that your greyhound is muzzled with playing with one or more other dogs. A little nip that wouldn’t harm another breed of dog can create a significant wound on a greyhound.

Due to their low body fat and single layer coat, greyhounds are sensitive to heat and cold. This means that sweaters and coats are essential in the winter. In addition, if your home lacks air-conditioning, consider using a kid’s wade pool or a cool-down coat to make your hound more comfortable in the summer heat.

Due to their long legs, most greyhounds are more comfortable using raised food and water dishes. There are lots of different types of raised food stands available at pet stores, or consider using plant stands as an option.

Dog beds are an essential piece of equipment for greyhounds – because of their thin skin and low body fat, greyhounds can easily develop hygromas or callus-like growths on their elbows.

A greyhound’s head are smaller than their necks, so they need to wear martingale style collars. Technically a choke collar, these collars are designed to tighten safely around the greyhound’s neck which makes it extremely difficult for the hound to slip their collar.

Greyhounds are not used to small animals or other breeds of dog, so they will need some time to get used to other pets. Most will adjust very quickly to other large dogs and get along well with them. Teaching them about smaller dogs, cats and other small pets may take a little longer – so patience is required.

Greyhounds should be muzzled whenever they are being introduced to other family pets and you will need to be careful and aware of this during the introduction phase.

All new greyhounds will need a transition period as they settle into their new homes. Some hounds will adapt very quickly to their new situations and others will require a longer time and more patience as they get used to life in a home.

A greyhound can reach speeds of approximately 65 kilometers per hour and they can reach their top speed in 3 strides. They can also see up to a half kilometre away. As a result, they can never be off-leash unless in a completely enclosed area. Nor can they ever be tied-up outside as they can gravely injure themselves if they reach the end the tie-down at such speeds. Greyhounds should never be walked on a flexi-leash. The recommended leash length is 5 or 6 feet.