Puppy days
Introduce home sights and sounds gradually, alongside frequent toilet trips. Reward gentle handling and calm rest, with supervised play in a securely enclosed space.
A possible best friend
Greyhound
A sighthound shaped by hunting with vision and speed, the Greyhound is typically gentle and affectionate, with an independent mind and powerful athletic ability.
Illustrated puppy and adult examples.
Personality at a glance
Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.
About these ratings
Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.
AKC Greyhound breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026Adult life
Build the routine around this adult’s observed confidence and habits. Maintain daily walks and secure running opportunities; a known temperament helps plan household introductions.
Everyday care
Brush the fine coat and maintain dental care. Provide daily exercise and secure running areas; cold walks may need a well-fitting coat, with a warm indoor resting place.
Worth planning for: Chasing instincts make traffic and small animals serious considerations; free running needs a securely enclosed area.
Sources & reading
- Royal Kennel Club: breed profile
- Royal Kennel Club: breed standard
- Greyhound Club of America: The Greyhound, 2022
- Dogs Trust: Introducing your puppy to the world around them
- Dogs Trust: How to handle your dog
- Dogs Trust: How to toilet or house train your dog
- Dogs Trust: First nights with a new puppy
- Dogs Trust: How to train your dog to be calm, relax and settle
- Dogs Trust: winter care for short-coated dogs
- Dogs Trust: puppy care and training
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.
