Debunking the Biggest Myths About Greyhounds

One of the questions our team hears more than almost any other is whether greyhounds are high energy dogs. It makes sense given their racing background, but it could not be further from the truth, and it is just one of several misconceptions that hold people back from considering a greyhound. Let's set the record straight on the most common greyhound myths.

Myth: Greyhounds are high energy dogs.

The reality: Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance athletes. They are built for short, explosive bursts of speed rather than sustained activity, which is why most greyhounds are happy with a couple of short walks a day and spend the rest of their time resting. In fact, greyhounds are often nicknamed 45 kilometre an hour couch potatoes for exactly this reason.

Myth: Greyhounds need a big backyard to be happy.

The reality: A large yard is not a requirement for a greyhound's wellbeing. Their naturally low energy indoors means they adapt well to apartments and smaller homes, provided they get their daily walks. Floor space to stretch out and a comfortable bed matter far more than square metres of lawn.

Myth: Greyhounds are aggressive.

The reality: Greyhounds are one of the gentlest, most even tempered breeds around. Their calm, affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions, and they are not known for aggression toward people. Any greyhound adopted through GAP is temperament assessed before adoption to help ensure a good match for your household.

Myth: Greyhounds cannot live with cats or small pets.

The reality: This varies from dog to dog rather than being true of the breed as a whole. Many greyhounds are cat tolerant and can live happily alongside cats and other small pets with the right introductions. Our team assesses each greyhound individually and can help match you with a dog suited to your existing pets.

Myth: Greyhounds are difficult to train.

The reality: Greyhounds are generally intelligent, responsive and eager to please. Many arrive with good house manners already in place from their time around people, and they tend to pick up new routines quickly with positive, consistent training.

Myth: Greyhounds bark a lot.

The reality: Quite the opposite. Greyhounds are a notably quiet breed and are not known for excessive barking, which makes them a considerate choice for apartment living or homes close to neighbours.

Myth: You need to be an experienced dog owner to adopt a greyhound.

The reality: No prior dog experience is necessary. Greyhounds are known for their calm, adaptable temperament, and GAP provides lifetime support to help first-time owners feel confident from day one.

Myth: Adopting a greyhound is expensive.

The reality: Every greyhound adopted through GAP costs a flat $100, and that fee includes a pedigree, purebred dog who is already desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea treated, complete with a coat, collar and lead. It is one of the more affordable ways to bring a purebred dog into your home.

Myth: Greyhounds can never be off leash.

The reality: Pet greyhounds must always be kept on a lead in public in Victoria, including in off leash areas, so this one is partly true, but it does not mean they miss out on freedom altogether. Secure, fully fenced greyhound only areas (known as “slipping tracks”) give greyhounds a safe space for the occasional off lead sprint while still meeting their legal lead requirements everywhere else.

Myth: Greyhounds are unhealthy or fragile because of their racing background.

The reality: Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, and every dog adopted through GAP is health checked before going to their new home. Like any dog, they benefit from routine vet care, a good diet and regular exercise, and their leaner build is simply part of what makes the breed so athletic rather than a sign of fragility.

Myth: You cannot bond with an adult dog the way you can with a puppy.

The reality: GAP adopters find the opposite is true. Greyhounds are affectionate by nature and often form close, immediate bonds with their new family, without the unpredictability of raising a puppy from scratch. Watching a greyhound settle in and grow more comfortable each week is one of the most rewarding parts of adoption.

Myth: Greyhounds do not get along with other dogs.

The reality: Many greyhounds genuinely enjoy the company of other dogs, particularly other greyhounds, and can do well at the dog park with the right introductions. As with any dog, individual personalities vary, which is why our team assesses each greyhound and can offer guidance on introducing them to other dogs safely.

Most of these misconceptions come from understandable assumptions about a dog with a racing background, but they rarely hold up once you get to know the breed.

Meet the real greyhound

Once the myths are out of the way, what is left is a calm, affectionate, low maintenance companion who is far better suited to everyday family life than most people expect. The best way to see this for yourself is to meet one in person.

Ready to meet the real greyhound? Get in touch with the GAP team on (03) 5799 0166, we would love to help you find the right greyhound for your home.