The Greyhound

Greyhounds make wonderful, affectionate pets. Gentle and well mannered, they thrive on human companionship and form bonds quickly. Despite their explosive speed on the track and impressive stature, greyhounds require very little exercise and once retired they're more likely to want to curl up for a snooze than run around the yard all day. They are not aggressive and their calm, docile nature means they suit many people's living situations, even if you have a small yard.

Why get a greyhound:

Greyhounds sleep a lot and often enjoy a lazy lifestyle
Greyhounds only require a short 20-30 minute walk, but can go longer if trained
Greyhounds make great apartment dogs due to their low energy level
Greyhounds are all very individual and can be fun, lazy, silly, goofy, calm, easy-going, entertaining, gentle, playful, sweet-natured, affectionate, happy, independent, placid but are most of all loving
Greyhounds require very little grooming as they have very short coats
Greyhounds as a breed do not tend to bark
Greyhounds can learn to live on their own or with other existing pets
Greyhounds make great family pets and many live with young families, but are also great for full-time workers or retirees
Greyhounds live longer than most large breed dogs; 12-15 years on average
Greyhounds are known to suffer from fewer health conditions than other pure breeds often do

The experience of life in racing kennels does not expose greyhounds to many routine elements of life in a typical home. They adapt very quickly to different situations, meaning that their transition from racing greyhound to retired pet usually happens quite readily.

These loyal and loving dogs are best suited to indoors living while the family is at home. If you are looking for a constant outside yard dog, then a GAP SA greyhound may not be the best choice for you.

The greyhound seems most content when sitting on the couch beside you with their long elegant head nestled snuggly in your lap.

A very strong trait of the greyhound is its desire and need for human contact. Owners of pet companion greyhounds constantly comment on their "second shadow".

New sights and sounds for your greyhound

Non GAP SA Green Collar Assessments

Regardless of whether a greyhound has been certified through GAP SA or come through some other program, GAP SA will assess any desexed greyhound for green collar certification with the aim of helping as many dogs as possible to find their forever homes.

Do you have any questions?

Do greyhounds
make good
pets?

Are greyhounds
good with
children?

Do greyhounds
have to wear
muzzles in
public?

Read our FAQs here

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