Greyhounds have a unique physiology that can largely be attributed to their breed
history as sighthounds and as a racing breed. They have developed enlarged muscle
mass, hemoconcentrated blood, lengthened carpal/tarsal and metacarpal/metatarsal bones, and a heightened sense of sight to help accommodate these evolutionary challenges.

Please Click Here to download the full Greyhound Health Packet (made available through Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, Inc. by William E. Feeman III, DVM.)

Being such a unique breed, Greyhounds have different needs and can face unique health related issues. In this post we will link you to more information around two of those issues – click the links below for more details:

Bone Tumors

Greyhounds as Blood Donors

Debunking some common Greyhound myths…

Myth: Greyhounds are speed demons! They need lots of exercise and opportunities to run.
Fact: Believe it or not, Greyhounds can be quite lazy! 65mph couch potatoes is what we like to call them. While Greyhounds do love the occasional run, this is not necessary at all. Walks are just fine.

Myth: Greyhounds are hyper dogs and that can come out as aggression.
Fact: The moment you meet a Greyhound you’ll know how untrue this statement is. They are incredibly gentle and sensitive. In fact, they rarely even bark!

Myth: Greyhounds are such big dogs, they need lots of space.
Fact: Being such docile (read: lazy) dogs, Greyhounds are actually ideal for condo / apartment living. Think of them as big cats. They are large, so provide some large beds / places to sleep and you are set.

Myth: Greyhounds eat a lot! I won’t be able to keep up with the food and treats and bones and…
Fact: Greyhounds actually eat less than most dogs their size. Coming from such controlled environments, they are accustom to eating on a schedule and have never had ‘treats’ or ‘scraps.’ Feed them at their scheduled times and that is that.

Myth: Greyhounds hate the cold. Have you been in Ontario in the winter? It’s freezing!
Fact: Although Greyhounds have thin skin and not too much fur (bonus – little to no shedding!) they are perfectly fine in the winter with a proper coat.

Myth: Greyhounds are big and dumb.
Fact: Well that’s just rude! Greyhounds are very intelligent and eager to please. They have never been part of a family before so they will have to learn how to be a pet – simple things like learning how to do the stairs or what sliding doors are. That is simply a reflection of their past. Once they get settled in and receive the warmth and love of being included in a family, they will be attentive and eager to make you happy – you’ll quickly see their intelligence shine.