“Greyhounds are known for their calm nature and spend much of their day resting.”
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After the rumoured greyhound racing ban in New South Wales a few years back, awareness on the breed and their suitability as a companion animal came into focus.
But is a greyhound dog necessarily the right pet for you and your family?
Are greyhounds safe around children?
Greyhounds make fantastic pets. They are loving, affectionate and warm around people, have a very docile, gentle and quiet disposition and are generally patient and sensitive with children.
However, just like any other dog, greyhounds should always be supervised around young children. Being non-aggressive, they would prefer to walk away from a child who is annoying them or teasing them, but every dog has their limits and can growl or snap when they feel threatened, especially when eating or sleeping.
Are greyhounds good with other people?
Greyhounds are certainly one of the best natured of all the dog breeds and from a very early age racing greyhounds have been used to being handled by a large variety of people. There’s no need to be alarmed when they bark at people who come to your home, because it is really just an excited friendly greeting!
Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise or a large backyard?
Many people mistakenly think because greyhounds are bred to race, they must need a lot of exercise. Yes, greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, but they are sprinters rather than long-distance runners.
Greyhounds are actually known as the couch potatoes of the canine world, spending most of their day asleep (up to 20 hours), and only needing a short walk daily. And they can live happily in either an apartment or a home with only a small fenced yard, as long as they are taken for a daily walk on a leash.
Why do greyhounds have to wear muzzles in public?
The Companion Animals Act of NSW requires greyhounds to always wear a muzzle when in a public place, but this is not because greyhounds are dangerous or aggressive to people.
Initially this law was introduced in the 1920s to prevent greyhounds from injuring themselves and each other during and after racing (they have very thin skin that is easily damaged), but it remains in force today outside of racing to protect smaller dogs, and other pets that the greyhound has been bred to view as prey.
Can I take my greyhound to an off-leash park?
As long as your greyhound is muzzled he can enjoy a run within a secretly fenced area, but never let your greyhound off-leash in an unfenced area. Because greyhounds are trained to chase, have no road sense and can run at great speeds, unfenced off-leash areas are potentially a dangerous environment for them.
A far better option for exercising your greyhound is a short daily walk or a jog as they are generally walk very well on a leash.
Are greyhounds good with other pets?
Ex-racing greyhounds have always lived with other greyhounds so they are used to living with other dogs of a similar size. However if you own smaller, fluffy pets, you will need to take caution and allow time while slowly introducing your greyhound to your existing pets.
A mobile vet can come to your home to assess your situation and advise whether a greyhound would be a good match for your existing pets. We can provide you with techniques to introduce your greyhound carefully and gradually to your other pets, ensuring your home will be a safe and happy home for all your animals.
Can my greyhound sleep outside?
Because greyhounds have very little body fat and a short thin coat they are more suited to a life indoors. In fact this breed often need to wear a coat in winter as they really feel the cold.
Greyhounds do enjoy outside activities and going for a walk but they are really happiest lying asleep on the couch—an activity that takes up most of their day! So if you are looking for an outside dog or if you live in a very cold climate a greyhound may not be the ideal breed for you.
Are greyhounds a healthy, low maintenance breed?
The good news is greyhounds are a generally healthy, low-maintenance, medium-sized breed, weighing between 23-32 kg and with an expected lifespan of approximately 11-13 years.They have a smooth coat that does shed, but they do not require much grooming apart from a quick weekly brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and perhaps a wipe-down or a bath when dirty or muddy.
We can come to your home and provide a full health check if you are considering adopting a dog.
“Despite their speed, greyhounds are sprinters and typically only need a short daily walk.”
Are you ready to foster or adopt a greyhound?
While a greyhound is not the perfect pet for everybody, this gentle, loving breed is worth considering if you are looking to foster or adopt a dog.
If you’d like to find out more, there are many rescue groups in NSW dedicated to fostering or rehoming greyhounds, and your mobile vet can help assess whether a greyhound is the right dog for you and your family.
Key Takeaways
- Greyhounds are generally calm and low-energy dogs
Despite their racing background, they are typically quiet and spend much of the day resting. - They suit a range of living environments
Greyhounds can adapt to apartments or homes with small yards, provided they get a daily walk. - Supervision and gradual introductions are important
They are usually gentle, but care is needed around young children and smaller pets. - Exercise needs are lower than expected
Greyhounds are sprinters and do not require long or intense exercise routines.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are greyhounds suitable pets for families with children?
Greyhounds are generally gentle, patient and calm around people, including children. They tend to avoid confrontation and will usually walk away if uncomfortable. However, supervision is still important, especially around younger children, as any dog can react if pushed beyond its limits.
Do greyhounds need a lot of daily exercise?
Greyhounds do not require as much exercise as many people expect. They are sprinters rather than endurance runners and typically only need a short daily walk. Most of their day is spent resting or sleeping.
Can a greyhound live in an apartment or small home?
Greyhounds can live comfortably in apartments or homes with small yards. Their low activity levels make them well-suited to indoor living. Regular daily walks are still important to maintain their health and routine.
Are greyhounds safe to have around smaller pets?
Greyhounds are used to living with other dogs, particularly those of a similar size. Care is needed when introducing them to smaller animals, as they may view them as prey. Introductions should be gradual and supervised to assess compatibility.
Why do greyhounds need to wear muzzles in public?
Under NSW law, greyhounds are required to wear muzzles in public. This is not because they are aggressive towards people, but because it reduces the risk to smaller animals. The rule also reflects their history as racing dogs.
How can I tell if a greyhound will suit my home environment?
Assessing whether a greyhound is suitable depends on your home, lifestyle and any existing pets. A mobile vet can visit your home to review these factors and provide guidance. This helps ensure the dog can settle safely and comfortably into your environment.