Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy generally between 10 and 13 years, the Greyhound is in the average range for large athletic dogs. Well-managed activity, a quality diet and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its condition over time.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Greyhound is not a fragile dog in the general sense, but it does not have the hardiness of a dense-coated breed designed to live outdoors. Its thin skin, its low fat tissue and its practice of sprinting justify particular attention to recovery, to the paw pads and to protection against the cold.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The health vigilance for the Greyhound must mainly focus on the consequences of its sighthound morphology and its activity. It is useful to monitor any lameness, muscle pain, wounds on the extremities, discomfort in cold weather and any preparation for anesthesia, which must be adapted to the profile of sighthounds.
Sensitivity to cold: Its short, fine coat offers little protection against low temperatures, wind and humidity.
Running injuries: Its limbs, muscles and extremities can be put under severe strain during intense sprints or on unsuitable terrain.
Sensitivity to certain anesthesia protocols: Like other sighthounds, it may require particular vigilance during anesthesia due to its very lean morphology.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Greyhound tolerates moderate heat well if exertion is managed intelligently and if water remains available, but it tolerates cold, wind and humidity poorly. In the cold season, outings sometimes need to be shortened and a coat can be useful depending on the conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Greyhound must remain lean and athletic. Its naturally slender silhouette must not be confused with poor body condition, but an unusual loss or gain of weight deserves attention. Rations adjusted to its actual activity help avoid both underfeeding and overweight, two situations that are unfavorable for its joints and its performance.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Examine the pads, toes and limbs after sprints.
- Protect the dog from the cold with warm bedding and, if needed, a coat.
- Favor enclosed areas for free running in order to limit chasing starts.
- Inform the veterinarian that it is a Greyhound before any anesthesia.
Vaccination
Greyhound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Greyhound need? Like all dogs, Greyhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Greyhound vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Greyhound booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Greyhound need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Greyhound
Regular veterinary monitoring, with attention paid to the musculoskeletal system, paw pads, dental condition and any particular sensitivity before anesthesia, helps to secure the Greyhound’s sporting life and aging.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
