What Is the Greyhound Temperament?

What is the greyhound temperament? Greyhounds usually have a wonderful temperament. They are friendly and non-aggressive, although some greyhounds can be a bit aloof with strangers.

The greyhound temperament is quizzical, sometimes shy, sensitive, quiet and very gentle. Greyhounds are very smart dogs. They possess superior intellect and can exhibit surprising independence.

Like all dogs, greyhounds should be socialized at an early age. That means that they should be exposed to many different people, places, and situations. This will help to ensure that your greyhound grows up to be a well-rounded dog. When greyhounds are not properly socialized, they can become timid and they can have difficulty adapting to changes in their environment or their schedule. So take the time to properly socialize your greyhound.

These quiet, gentle, affectionate dogs can fit into almost any lifestyle, from a small condo in the city to the largest country home.

What Is the Greyhound Temperament Like?

The greyhound temperament is a good fit with almost any household. They are not territorial dogs and they seldom bark. Greyhounds are graceful and quiet dogs that are incredibly loving. Greyhounds love to be petted and rubbed and they enjoy the loving company of their human families. They make excellent house dogs because they are quiet, clean and very low key.

Because of his great speed, the lazy nature of a greyhound may surprise you. His favorite pastime is sleeping on a soft couch or bed. Greyhounds have a very low energy level, which is surprising considering their great speed. Greyhounds need and enjoy a daily leash walk, and because of their ability to run, a greyhound may become a great jogging companion. But don’t worry about being able to give this ex-racer enough exercise. Greyhounds are very happy with a daily walk, and that’s all the exercise they require. And as he gets older, your greyhound may even need to be coaxed into taking that daily walk.

Greyhounds have a very strong prey drive. The urge to chase small animals is so strong that it will likely prevail regardless of any training to the contrary. Greyhounds will bolt off after small animals like rabbits, cats and squirrels. That’s why it is so important never to let a greyhound off-leash in an unfenced area.

The greyhound is a big dog that can weigh anywhere from 60 to 75 pounds or more, but his gentle, quiet nature and his somewhat lazy disposition make him seem like more of a giant cat than a dog.

How Are Greyhounds with Children and Pets?

Greyhounds are mellow dogs who do well around children. Greyhounds are known to be patient with children, but they do best in homes with older children who know how to behave around dogs. A greyhound is more likely to walk away from a teasing child than to snap at him. As with all breeds, you should always teach your children how to approach and touch your greyhound and to supervise any interactions they may have. Teach your children to never approach a dog while he is sleeping or eating, or to try to take the dog’s food away.

Greyhounds usually do very well with other dogs, however, they may view smaller dogs, cats, and small pets as prey – especially if these animals run from them. Some greyhounds have a higher prey drive than others and in some cases, instinct can win out overtraining. In some cases, greyhounds have been known to injure or even kill smaller pets. And while your greyhound may be good friends with your cat, he may still see outdoor cats as fair game for hunting.

Temperament of the Track Greyhound

Track greyhounds have always been around other greyhounds, but other dog breeds. So other dog breeds and cats are foreign to them. A track greyhound has never seen another type of dog or a cat before. They recognize other greyhounds but they may be perplexed or frightened by other dog breeds – or, in some cases, they will simply ignore them. In some instances, track greyhounds can be a bit unpredictable with other dogs and cats, so if you’ve got other pets make sure that you discuss your home situation fully with the greyhound adoption group and make sure to choose a suitable dog for your home.

Because of their previous racing careers, track greyhounds are very used to being crated and transported, and they are used to spending time around strangers. The greyhound breed is rarely nervous or fearful.

You must remember that some track greyhounds have never been alone, so they may suffer from separation anxiety when their owners are away. For this reason, you may want to consider adopting two greyhounds instead of one.

To learn more about greyhounds, read our article All About Greyhounds.