The Healthy, Happy

Greyhound Guide

Greyhounds

Want to know all about greyhounds in a quick, easy-to-read guide?

Are you unsure about their weight, exercise or training needs?

Read on to get helpful tips and information if you own or are thinking

of owning a greyhound.

ABOUT FOUR LONG LEGSOwned and operated by professional dog behaviourist, Emma Bowdrey, Four Long Legs is a site dedicated to

helping you give your dog a healthy and happy life.

Understand how our dogs think and feel is key to resolving problems, creating a strong bond and providing a loving

and enriched lifestyle.

Find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to follow me on my mission of helping dogs around the world.

#1 TemperamentTimid but bonkers

and lovingGreyhounds are sensitive, easy-going

dogs that love snuggles. They are gentle giants but can be stubborn on

occasions.

If adopting a retired racer, it can take them a while to learn how to socialise

with other dogs.

The key is to be patient and over the first few months, they will almost

always settle in well.

#2 Ideal HouseIdeal for active families

and great with kidsAs greyhounds are typically timid, they are best suited to relatively relaxed households with older

children, active couples that enjoy long walks and older generations

looking for a calm companion.

Despite their size, greyhounds make surprisingly awesome apartment dogs. Their relaxed nature means

they are usually content with taking up your sofa for the majority of the

day!

#3 CharacteristicsLarge and athletic

Greyhounds are the Ferrari of the dog world. They are elegant, sleek

powerhouses. Although categorised as a large breed, they are tall and

lean making them more light and agile than most in their class.

If adopting a racer, it’s completely natural for them to put a small

amount of weight on; they are very lean when racing. You will want to monitor their weight though, most greyhounds have a very healthy

appetite!

#4 Weight25kg - 40kg with ribs

slightly visibleIf your greyhound looks skinny, you

probably have it just right! They should look slender with ribs

noticeably on view. Being overweight can cause serious health problems in

dogs.

Weighing a dog obviously isn’t the easiest. My husband stands on our bathroom scales once with the dog and once without each week so that

we can keep an eye on our greyhound’s weight.

#5 Exercise2 or 3 good walks per day

Greyhounds are fast but they were not made for endurance. If your

greyhound has off-leash time allow 20-30 mins for running around. If

on-leash only, allow for 30-45 mins.

Be very cautious when starting to let your greyhound off the lead and

ensure they are muzzled and in an enclosed space.

Some greyhounds have such a high prey instinct that they will instinctively chase cats, squirrels and even small

dogs.

1-on-1 Coaching and Support for Greyhound Owners

Teething issues are completely normal when adopting a retired racing greyhound. Everything is new to them and it does take

them some time to adjust to the new normal.

Getting good habits in place from day 1 can drastically reduce the time it takes for your greyhound to settle.

I offer online coaching sessions to help greyhound owners tackle these little issues and improve their life with their dog.

Click Here For More Details

#6 SocialisingTimid and can be socially

awkward at first

Greyhounds tend to be timid and shy. Socialising early but gradually is key

to a greyhound that is happy in social situations and plays nicely with other

dogs.

If you adopt a retired racer, they’ve usually only ever met other

greyhounds so far in life. It can take them a while to learn the signals that

other dogs give.

#7 Training NeedsPatience required but actually pretty smart

Greyhounds are actually smarter than their dopey exterior can make you

think. It takes time, patience, lots of coaxing and treats to train your

greyhound.

Sitting can be a little tricky for some of them as their long legs may make it

uncomfortable.

Training is a great way to keep their brains stimulated and they love a

snuffle mat.

#8 Collar

Head thinner than neck

Greyhounds powerful necks are larger than their small, aerodynamic

heads. They need a specially designed collar to ensure they cannot

come loose from it.

There some nice leather options. For your first greyhound, I recommend you opt for a Martingale collar to be

on the safe side.

#9 CoatTheir short hair means

they feel the cold

Greyhounds feel the cold easily as they have very short fur to aid in

reaching top speeds. They need a cosy, warm winter coat.

A good rule of thumb is that if you need a coat, they probably do too.

I’m a big fan of a company called Greyt Sweaters. No affiliation, they

just make awesome dog coats.

#10 Comfort

Not much natural padding

Greyhounds have less body fat that most dogs. This makes them super fast but does not give them much

cushioning. Quilted blankets and soft padded beds are needed.

Although, as every greyhound owner knows, you can buy all the blankets in the world...they’ll be taking up your

entire sofa within 5 minutes!

Thanks for taking the time to read my greyhound guide. To me, greyhounds are the most loving, soft-natured companions. They are pretty much everything you could ask for from a dog.

If you’re having any issues at all with your greyhound, I’d love to help.

>> Click Here For More Details About My Online Coaching <<