24 September 2026

10 Things People Get Wrong About Greyhounds

Some common misconceptions about greyhounds.

1. They need lots of exercise
Built for speed, not endurance. Happiest eating and sleeping. A couple of short daily walks and the occasional burst of zoomies is all they need.

2. They’re hyperactive
They sleep up to 18 hours a day. The rest involves eating, accepting cuddles and a brief, joyful walk (before returning immediately to sleep).

3. They are all the same
Every greyhound has its own personality. Some are clowns, some are shy, some are show-offs. Meet a few and you'll see.

4. They’re not cuddly
They are velcro dogs. Devoted, warm, shameless satellites. They will find you on the sofa and they will not leave.

5. They need a big backyard
A secure fence and a soft bed matter far more than size. A small garden suits most greyhounds perfectly.

6. They’re not suited to apartments
Often rated one of the best breeds for apartment living. Calm, quiet, rarely bark. Dream flatmate.

7. They never play
They play, just on their own terms. Expect toy-chasing, the occasional wrestle and soft toys carried proudly from room to room.

8. They’re hard to train.
Quite the opposite. Smart, sensitive and very trainable with positive reinforcement. Short, upbeat sessions work best. Harsh correction gets you nowhere.

9. They’re high-maintenance
Barely bark. Minimal grooming. Sleep most of the day. One of the most low-maintenance dogs you can own. They do need a winter coat. Consider it an excellent excuse.

10. They need an elite athlete's diet
Despite their athletic build, most do well on sensible portions of good-quality standard dog food. No special menu required.

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Adopt and Foster FAQs

Got questions? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

How does the adoption process work? 

It's a personal, one-on-one process – and our trusted adoption agencies are wonderful at it. They know these animals best and they know how to set both you and your new greyhound up for success. 

Every greyhound is individually assessed and matched, and the same goes for those who want to adopt. While the exact criteria vary by agency, you can generally expect: 

  • a conversation about your lifestyle, living situation, and what you're looking for in a dog 
  • a home visit, in some cases, to meet you and check that your property is suitable, and suitably fenced
  • a match based on your household, including any children, existing pets and daily routine.

You can also have a trial period with the greyhound in your home before making a commitment. Get in touch with one of our trusted adoption agencies to find out more.

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When can I adopt a greyhound? 

There are many greyhounds looking for homes right now – you can reach out to one of our trusted adoption agencies.

Is there a cost to adopt? 

Adoption fees vary by adoption agency. In general, they cover health checks, vaccinations, desexing, dental work, council registration and essential accessories.

Can I adopt if I rent my home? 

That’s a question for your landlord, as pet policies vary and you’ll need their permission before adopting. The good news is that greyhounds are often an easy case to make – they’re calm, quiet, clean, and gentle in the home, and many landlords are open to them once they learn more about the breed.

How do I become a greyhound foster carer? 

Foster carers work with adoption agencies to provide a temporary home while a greyhound transitions to pet life – building their confidence, teaching them the ropes of domestic living, and making them even more ready for their forever home. 

To find out about fostering opportunities in your area, get in touch with one of our trusted adoption agencies.

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Get involved

We are on a mission to find all racing industry greyhounds a loving home.
Anyone can help us achieve our goal, whether it’s adopting, fostering, volunteering, sponsoring, donating or just spreading the word. Contact us to get involved today.