How to Identify a Greyhound

Last Updated: March 1, 2023 References

Greyhounds are known as the fastest of all dog breeds and are a member of the hound group.^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are thought to have been bred in Egypt to hunt the wildlife and were seen as majestic creatures by the Egyptian subjects.^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Greyhounds share some traits with other dog breeds, but by recognizing how they differ, it can be easier to identify the breed. This wikiHow will help you know whether or not a dog is a Greyhound.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Checking the Body Structure

1
Take notice of the size. Greyhounds are one of the larger dog breeds. Males are slightly larger than females, standing at 28–30 inches (71–76 cm) and weighing 65–70 pounds (29–32 kg), while females are 27–28 inches (69–71 cm) and weigh 60–65 pounds (27–29 kg).^{[3]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
View the head. A Greyhound's head is long and narrow. It is fairly wide between the ears with a powerful muzzle of good length and strong, even teeth.^{[4]
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3
Look at the eyes. The eyes of a Greyhound are dark and bright. They give the dog an intelligent expression, indicating spirit.^{[5]
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4
Examine the ears. Greyhounds have small ears. They are fine in texture and are thrown back and folded, though when the dog is excited, the ears may be semi-pricked.^{[6]
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5
Inspect the tail. A Greyhound's tail is long and fine. It tapers with a slight upward curve.^{[7]
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6
Check the dog's overall build. Greyhounds have an athletic appearance. They have muscular shoulders, straight forelegs, broad backs, and long hindquarters.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Seeing the Coat

1
Check the appearance and texture of the coat. Greyhounds have short, smooth fur. The fur is firm in texture.^{[9]
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2
Disregard myths regarding the breed's name. Some people may believe that Greyhounds are always grey dogs, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Greyhounds may be seen with grey coats but actually come in every color. The coat color of a Greyhound is described simply as "immaterial".^{[10]
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3
Recognize common coat colors and patterns. A Greyhound may be any color, but there are some colors and patterns that are commonly seen. These may include fawn, black, red, blue, grey, or white for colors and brindle or parti for patterns.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Recognizing Temperament

1
See if the dog is athletic. Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed and are very athletic and graceful. They can jump at great heights and are swift runners, needing space to occasionally spread their legs.^{[12]
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Did you know? Greyhounds are built for speed. They have aerodynamic skulls and shock-absorbing paw pads, among their other athletic traits.^{[13]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Check if the dog is reserved. Greyhounds are not aggressive and are reserved around strangers. They are calm and quiet, and they are usually peaceful toward other medium or large dogs.^{[14]
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3
Look for a high prey drive. Because of their heritage, a Greyhound may chase around other small animals. They have strong instincts to chase small creatures, such as cats or small dogs.^{[15]
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4
Watch for sensitivity. Greyhounds prefer peace and quiet; they don't do well with loud noises. A Greyhound may also show signs of timidity or fearfulness as they are emotionally sensitive dogs.^{[16]
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5
Notice independence. As sighthounds, Greyhounds are independent thinkers. They may demonstrate an independent attitude when it comes to training.^{[17]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Understanding Differences Between Similar Breeds

1
Tell if the dog is a Greyhound or an Italian Greyhound. Italian Greyhounds are the smallest of the sighthounds and resemble miniature Greyhounds, being members of the toy group.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} These two breeds have almost identical traits, but one major difference is the size. Italian Greyhounds are significantly smaller than Greyhounds, standing at 13–15 inches (33–38 cm) in height and weighing only 7–14 pounds (3.2–6.4 kg).^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds are very similar in build, though Italian Greyhounds are more slender in all proportions.^{[20]
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Research source} Italian Greyhounds have glossy fur that may be any color or pattern except having tan markings or brindle, unlike Greyhounds who may be seen with these coats.^{[21]
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Research source} They are sensitive, playful, and alert.^{[22]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Spot differences between Greyhounds and Whippets. Whippets are medium-sized sighthounds and part of the hound group.^{[23]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Greyhounds and Whippets are strikingly similar in appearance, though Whippets are the smaller of the two breeds, with a height of 18–22 inches (46–56 cm) and a weight of 25–40 pounds (11–18 kg).^{[24]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Whippets have rose ears and large eyes that may be round or oval in shape.^{[25]
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Research source} They are muscular and symmetrical with a powerful gait.^{[26]
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Research source} Whippets, like Greyhounds, may be any color, having immaterial coats, and have short, smooth, firm coats.^{[27]
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Research source} They are calm, playful, and affectionate.^{[28]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
3
Know if the dog is a Greyhound or a Sloughi. The Sloughi, nicknamed the Arabian Greyhound, is a medium to large sighthound from Africa that is a member of the hound group.^{[29]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Sloughis and Greyhounds are roughly the same size, though Sloughis may be slightly smaller, standing at 24–29 inches (61–74 cm) in height with a weight of 45–70 pounds (20–32 kg).^{[30]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} A Sloughi has oval to almond-shaped eyes and medium-sized drop ears that are triangular with slightly rounded tips.^{[31]
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Research source} They are lean and athletic and have a supple gait.^{[32]
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Research source} Like Greyhounds, Sloughis have short, smooth coats; however, the coat of a Sloughi is any shade of light sand or cream to mahogany red fawn and may have brindling or black markings.^{[33]
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Research source} Sloughis are graceful, reserved, and noble.^{[34]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
4
Understand how Greyhounds and Azawakhs differ. Azawakhs are another African sighthound and part of the hound group.^{[35]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are tall but not quite as large as Greyhounds, with a height of 23.5–29 inches (60–74 cm) and a weight of 33–55 pounds (15–25 kg).^{[36]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Azawakhs are seen with large eyes that resemble almonds in shape and high-set drop ears which are flat, wide, and triangular with rounded tips.^{[37]
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Research source} They are very fine and lean, their bodies fitting in a rectangle, with an agile and light gait.^{[38]
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Research source} The coat of an Azawakh is short, fine, and immaterial in color,^{[39]
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Research source} though red is commonly seen. Azawakhs are loyal, deeply affectionate, and independent.^{[40]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
5
See if the dog is a Greyhound or a Saluki. Salukis are among the oldest dog breeds and are an African sighthound from the hound group.^{[41]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are slightly smaller than Greyhounds, weighing 40–65 pounds (18–29 kg) and males having a height of 23–28 inches (58–71 cm), females being considerably smaller.^{[42]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Salukis have either dark or hazel eyes and long ears covered with long silky hair.^{[43]
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Research source} They are symmetrical in build, with straight legs and a fairly broad back.^{[44]
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Research source} Salukis have soft, smooth, silky coats with recognizable feathering on the legs, shoulders, tail, and ears and may be white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolor, or black and tan.^{[45]
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Research source} They are independent-minded, dignified, and gentle.^{[46]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Salukis typically are well-feathered, but a smooth variety may be seen. The smooth variety has no feathering.^{[47]
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6
Recognize differences between Greyhounds and Borzoi. Borzoi are Russian sighthounds that were once known as the Russian Wolfhound and part of the hound group.^{[48]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Though Greyhounds are large dogs, Borzoi may be even larger, being 26 inches (66 cm) or taller and weighing anywhere from 60 to 105 pounds (27 to 48 kg).^{[49]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They have slightly domed heads, with small ears that lie back on the neck and dark eyes which are never round.^{[50]
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Research source} Borzoi appear graceful and muscular, with a smooth and effortlessly powerful gait.^{[51]
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Research source} They may be seen in any color but, unlike Greyhounds, have long, silky coats that may be flat, wavy, or curly, with feathering on the neck, chest, legs, and tail, while the head and front of legs are smooth and shorthaired.^{[52]
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Research source} Borzoi are regally dignified, affectionate, and loyal.^{[53]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}