Greyhound
The Greyhound is described by the AKC as gentle, independent, noble, a member of the Hound Group, originally from Egypt.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Gentle / Independent / Noble [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | Egypt [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 151 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Greyhound is the cheetah of the dog world. While perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day, he is capable of amazing speed and energy when faced with potential prey'¿or the chance to chase a tennis ball or a coursing lure. Greyhounds require a regular schedule of exercise time and opportunities to (safely) run full-out. [1]
Grooming
The Greyhound's short, smooth coat requires little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly rubdowns with a damp cloth or hound glove. His strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. The ears should be checked at least weekly for any buildup of wax or debris that could result in an infection, and cleaned if needed. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Greyhounds are overall very healthy dogs, although there are a few conditions the breed can be prone to. As are most deep-chested breeds, the Greyhound is susceptible to bloat and gastric torsion, a sudden and life-threatening enlargement of the stomach that is sometimes accompanied by twisting. Owners should be aware of the symptoms of bloat and seek medical attention immediately if they occur. A condition called Greyhound neuropathy seems to be isolated in the breed. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Greyhound Polyneuropathy - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Greyhound in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 151 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 147 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “greyhound.” [1]
- The AKC lists Egypt as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Greyhounds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
How big does a Greyhound get?
AKC breed information lists height 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female) and weight 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Greyhound?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Greyhound, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.