Greyhound in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-04-23
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Counterintuitively, Greyhounds are one of the best apartment dogs in Australia. They sleep 18+ hours a day, need only a daily leash walk, and are almost entirely silent indoors. Adopt rather than buy — hundreds retire from racing each year.
Greyhound temperament
Calm, gentle, and quietly affectionate. Most retired racers have never climbed stairs or lived in a house — expect a 2-week adjustment period.
History in Australia
Ancient sighthound, depicted in Egyptian tombs 4000+ years ago. Modern Greyhound Racing NSW/VIC/QLD retire thousands of dogs annually via GAP (Greyhounds As Pets).
Who the Greyhound suits
Good for:
- Apartment living
- First-time large-breed owners
- Seniors (low-exercise days)
- Households with other calm dogs
Watch out for:
- Strong prey drive — muzzle law varies by state
- Cold/heat sensitive (thin coat)
- Must not be off-lead except in fenced areas
- Dental disease prevalent
Training a Greyhound
Most basic training is already done by the racing industry. Focus on stair training, house manners, and cat/small-dog socialisation (prey drive). Positive reinforcement only — they're sensitive to correction.
Common Greyhound health issues
- Dental disease
- Bloat
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) — elevated rate in breed
- Corns on paw pads
- Malignant hyperthermia risk under anaesthesia
Insurance note: Low-moderate premiums. Retired racing Greyhounds often come with some pre-existing injury exclusions. Dental disease and corn/callus on paws are the most common claim categories.
Best food for a Greyhound in Australia
Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:
- Advance Sensitive Skin
- Royal Canin Large Adult
- Hill's Science Diet Large Breed
Frequently asked questions
Do Greyhounds need a muzzle in public?
State-dependent. NSW, QLD and some other states require retired racing Greyhounds to wear a muzzle in public unless they've passed a Green Collar assessment. Check your state's rules.
Are Greyhounds good with cats?
Some are, some aren't. GAP assesses cat-compatibility before adoption — ask specifically. Prey drive is strong in many retired racers.
How much exercise do Greyhounds need?
Less than you'd think — one 20–30 min leash walk plus 2–3 sprints per week in a fenced area is enough for most. They're sprinters, not endurance athletes.
Still deciding on a Greyhound?
Run the numbers with our food cost calculator, or compare pet insurance for Greyhounds before you commit.
Updated 2026-04-23 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.