The actual origin of the breed name is unknown but is generally thought to be from the Old English grighund which means fair dog. There are sixteen recognized coat colors for Greyhounds including white, black, brindle, blue, fawn, red and any combination of white and these colors.

Fully grown, an average male greyhound will stand 27-30” at the shoulder and weigh 65 – 85 pounds. An average female will stand 24-27” at the shoulder and weigh 55 -65 pounds.  

Most racers will retire somewhere between two and five years of age. A few will be held back for breeding purposes and may not retire until up to 10 years of age.

Their life expectancy is between 12-14 years. The Greyhound is a healthy breed which does not have the inherent health problems of many other large breed dogs. Hip dysplasia and other genetic defects are rare in the retired racer.

Health problems are absolutely minimal compared to other breeds, although tick borne diseases are a potential health risk. With their lack of body fat, Greyhounds cannot metabolize anesthesia as well as some other breeds. A good dental care routine of brushing and/or chewing should be followed. Like other large breed dogs, osteosarcoma is not uncommon in older greyhounds; however, a common theory is that this is only prevalent in greyhounds because they tend to live longer than other dogs of similar size.

A Greyhound will eat between 2.5-4 cups of good quality kibble daily.

Retired racers are crate trained. They have been trained to go outside and keep their crates clean. They will quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean and that outside is still where they go to relieve themselves.

Greyhounds do not require a lot of exercise and will be content with a couple of brisk 20 -40 minute walks daily. Although they have been trained as sprinters, with a little conditioning, many make excellent jogging companions for distances of up to 7 or 8 kms. Given the opportunity, they will also enjoy a good run in a fully fenced field.