Greyhound
Breed characteristics
- Size
- Large
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Size of home
- Large house
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat length
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Lifespan
- Over 10 years
- Vulnerable native breed
- No
- Town or country
- Either
- Size of garden
- Small/ medium garden
About this breed
Long legged hounds of greyhound type were depicted on the walls of Ancient Egyptian tombs and it is thought that these were the prototype of the sighthounds. These dogs with athletic streamlined bodies and acute sight were soon popular throughout Europe for their hunting prowess. The Greyhound was developed in Britain and in the Middle Ages a law was passed stating the only royalty and nobility could hunt with greyhounds, such was their prestige. The Greyhound seen in the show ring is larger and heavier than the racing track greyhound. The sport of racing greyhounds was first held on an oval racetrack in 1926.
Images for this breed
The Hound breed group
Breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or by sight. The scent hounds include the Beagle and Bloodhound and the sight hounds such breeds as the Whippet and Greyhound. Many of them enjoy a significant amount of exercise and can be described as dignified, aloof but trustworthy companions.
Breed standard colours
Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.
Breed standard colours in this breed include:
- Black
- Black & White
- Black Brindle
- Black Brindle & White
- Blue
- Blue & White
- Blue Brindle
- Blue Brindle White Particolour
- Brindle & White
- Fallow
- Fallow & White
- Fawn
- Fawn & White
- Red
- Red & White
- Red Brindle
- Red Brindle & White
- White
Other colour/s
'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.
Non-breed-standard colours
Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.
Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
Health
Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.
More about health
Important health schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.
Currently there are no additional recommended health screening schemes or DNA tests for this breed. You may want to speak to your breeder, vet or local breed club about any health issues in the breed.
Other health schemes and tests
- DNA test - GN - part of The Kennel Club's CombiBreed package* (see below). Find a list of tested dogs
*CombiBreed - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests for breeders
The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our CombiBreed health test package. This includes:
- GN (Greyhound neuropathy)
Assured breeders receive a 10% discount.
Find out more about our CombiBreed health packages.
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
Have any questions about health in your breed?
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email
Breed watch
Category 1
Currently no points of concern specific to this breed have been identified for special attention by judges, other than those covered routinely by The Kennel Club's breed standard.
Breeding restrictions
There are a number of The Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.
More about breeding
There are not currently any additional breed specific restrictions in place for this breed.
Looking for a puppy?
Looking for a Greyhound? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.
More information
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The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service provides contact details for breeders who have puppies available. Let's help you find your new best friend.