Surprisingly the greyhound is one of the oldest breeds in history! These elegant dogs have been traced back over 4,000 years to early cave drawings and are the only breed mentioned in the Bible. Thus, they really have been mans "best friend" for thousands of years! They are part of the sight hound family which also typically include Whippets, Salukis, Italian Greyhound, Lurcher and Borzois.

Frequently Asked Questions...

What Colours are Greyhounds?

Black, white, fawn, brindle, blue (grey) or a mixture of colours often broken with white. Black dogs are the most commonly found and thus spend longer looking for a home than any other colour. So if you're thinking of homing a Greyhound, please consider a black beauty!

How Big Is a Greyhound?

They are one of the larger breeds of sight hounds available. Males are usually bigger and slightly taller than the females - the typical height of a dog measured at the shoulder is between 28"-30" whereas females are generally around 27"-28".  They are a pedigree breed and normally stay fit and healthy into their teens.

 How much exercise do they need?

This depends upon the age of the dog and their recall ability. But generally, Greyhounds do not need lots of exercise. Toilet considerations aside, two twenty-minute walks a day or one long walk is usually more than enough. Greyhounds are built for speed, not stamina, and use up their energy in short bursts.

How old are the Greyhound that need homing?

We have older and younger Greyhounds in our care, but most greyhounds retire from racing between three and five years of age, so they are still relatively young dogs with a long life ahead of them.

What is a Greyhounds Temperament?

The breed is typically quiet & gentle, affectionate and even-tempered. They are quite intelligent and take in their surroundings until they are comfortable and then their playful nature comes out. Contrary to popular belief, they usually need only two twenty minute walks each day. They are often described as 'couch potatoes', requiring less exercise than the "average dog" and most will walk quietly on a lead. Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule.

Do Greyhounds need alot of grooming?

Greyhounds coats are short and smooth, they don't get too dirty. They do moult but not excessively and they also lack the oils in their coats that create that "doggy smell". Like whippets and poodles many people who suffer from pet allergies find that Greyhounds don't cause the same allergic reaction that other breeds can.


Are Greyhounds good with children?

Greyhounds are as good with children as any dog breed and better than most, because of their characteristic gentleness. They have been around people all their lives and are usually very people-oriented. Each dog on our website has a write up on whether they can be with children.


Do they always need to be muzzled?

Greyhounds do not need to be muzzled always, but we do recommend that you keep your greyhound muzzled when out and about, at least until you are confident of their behaviour, recall and how they behave around other breeds.  We provide a collar, lead and muzzle with every Greyhound that we home.

How do Greyhounds get on with other dogs?

Most Greyhounds get on well with other dogs and many live with other breeds. When racing the Greyhounds are often kept in kennels with other Greyhounds and sometimes take a while to become socialised with what to them are ‘strange’ breeds. We recommend that you bring your current dog to the sanctuary to be introduced to ensure they like each other in a mutually common space.

Can Greyhounds live with cats and other small pets?

Greyhounds have normally been raced and it is their instinct to chase. So, we do ask potential adopters to disclose whether you own a cat or small furry as we will have dogs who are better suited and some in foster who have already been deemed cat workable.