Are greyhounds good family dogs?

But are they really a good family dog? Here is what families need to know about greyhound life with kids, routines and everything in between.

Greyhounds have a quiet, sweet nature that surprises many people who have only ever seen them on the track. Away from the racing career, a greyhound is a laid back, affectionate companion who loves a soft spot on the couch and the company of its people. Their relaxed, low key personality makes many of them a lovely fit for family life. As with any breed, though, every dog is an individual, and a good match matters most.

Why families love greyhounds

• Gentle and calm: Many greyhounds are placid indoors, happy to relax nearby while the household buzzes along.
• Quiet around the house: Greyhounds are typically not big barkers, which often suits busy homes.
• Not demanding on exercise: Despite their speed, they are famous couch potatoes. One or two short walks of around 15 to 20 minutes, plus some play in a secure area, is usually plenty.
• Affectionate and people loving: Greyhounds tend to bond closely with the whole family and enjoy being involved.
• Easy to care for: Their short coats are low maintenance, and they are generally clean, tidy dogs.
• Pedigree purebred companions: A greyhound is a pedigree, purebred dog, with a well known temperament and a lot of heart.

Are greyhounds good with kids?

Many greyhounds live very happily with children of all ages, and plenty of GAP families have kids in the mix. Their patient, easygoing nature often makes them a good match for a lively household. That said, no dog, of any breed, should be assumed to be perfect with children from day one. Every greyhound has its own personality, history and comfort level, which is why GAP works to match each dog with the right home.

When you apply, tell the GAP team about your household, including the ages of your children and how active your home is. Each greyhound in the program has a temperament assessment, and that knowledge helps the team suggest dogs whose personalities suit your family. Individual dog profiles on the GAP website can also include a suggested age of child, so you can see which dogs suit your household as you browse.

Helping kids and greyhounds get along

The happiest families build good habits from day one. The essentials are simple:

• Always supervise: Children and dogs should be supervised whenever they are together, including visiting friends.
• Give your greyhound a safe space: A comfy bed in a quiet spot gives your dog somewhere to retreat to, and children should know it is off limits.
• Let sleeping dogs lie: Greyhounds love a deep snooze and can be startled if woken. Children should also leave a dog alone while it eats or chews.

Our full guide, Retired Racing Greyhounds and Children, covers safe greetings, reading dog body language, having friends over and more. Our resources on sleep startle and resource guarding are also worth a read before your greyhound comes home.

The settling in period

A newly adopted greyhound is learning about a brand new world of lounges, stairs, televisions and family noise, and it is normal for them to take a little while to find their feet. In the first few weeks, keep things calm, stick to a gentle routine and give your greyhound plenty of quiet time. Many families find it helpful to introduce children to their new dog gradually, with short, relaxed interactions, rather than a big welcome party on the first day.

As your greyhound relaxes and their true personality shines through, you will get to know what they love most, whether that is a gentle pat, a game in the yard or a snooze at the kids' feet. If a new baby is on the way, our resource Adding a Baby to the Family has helpful tips for preparing both your greyhound and your household.

Fun ways for kids to be involved

Children love feeling like part of the team, and a greyhound is a great way to build responsibility and a sense of companionship. Depending on their age, kids can help with:

• Filling the water bowl and helping to prepare meals under adult supervision
• Joining family walks, with an adult always holding the lead (you can add a second lead so your child is also able to “lead” the dog)
• Choosing a name or a favourite toy for the new family member
• Brushing their short coat gently with a soft brush
• Practising calm, kind greetings at the front door

Safety around the home and outdoors

Greyhounds are sighthounds with an impressive turn of speed, so it pays to keep the household secure. Make sure gates and doors close properly and that fences are sound, particularly if there are children coming and going. When you are out and about, greyhounds need to stay on lead in public places in Victoria, including off leash parks, and an adult should always be holding the lead.

If you have other pets at home, such as cats or small animals, let the GAP team know. They can talk you through how to introduce a new greyhound safely.

Is a greyhound the right choice for your family?

If your family is after a gentle, affectionate dog who loves comfort, a greyhound could be a wonderful fit. They are a better match for some homes than others, so a thoughtful conversation with GAP is the best first step. Be open about your family, your routines and what you are hoping for, and let the team help you find your perfect match.

Support for your whole family

Adopting through GAP is only the beginning. The $100 adoption fee includes a pedigree purebred greyhound who is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed, flea treated and temperament assessed, with a coat, collar and lead, suitability matching and lifetime support. If you have questions about kids, routines or settling in, the GAP team and the greyhound community are always there to help.

Frequently asked questions

Are greyhounds good family pets?

Yes, many greyhounds make wonderful family pets thanks to their gentle, affectionate nature. Matching the right dog to your household is the key, and GAP can help with that.

Are greyhounds good with toddlers and babies?

Some are, but any dog and any young child should always be supervised. Let the GAP team know the ages of the children in your home so they can suggest a suitable match, and have a look at our resource Adding a Baby to the Family for tips on a safe, happy start.

Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise for an active family?

Not as much as you might expect. A couple of short walks and some play in a secure area is typically plenty, so they fit easily around school runs and weekend sport.

Are greyhounds noisy?

Greyhounds are generally quiet dogs, which many families find a welcome surprise. Every dog is different, but they are not known for being big barkers.

How do I start the adoption process with a family?

Start by getting in touch with the GAP team on (03) 5799 0166. They will chat about your household, your lifestyle and what you are looking for, and help you find the right greyhound.

Ready to welcome a greyhound into your family?

A greyhound could be the calm, cuddly companion your family has been looking for. To chat about your household and find out which greyhound could be your perfect match, contact the GAP team on (03) 5799 0166. We are always happy to help.