Whether you’re new to Greyhounds or welcoming home a retired racer, this guide answers the top 50 questions Greyhound owners ask, with tips tailored to the breed’s unique personality and body type. We’ve also included natural care advice and highlighted where Poppy’s Picnic’s raw food and meatballs can help support your Greyhound’s health, digestion and calm behaviour.

General Care and Wellbeing

1. How often should I groom my Greyhound?

Greyhounds have short, smooth coats that need brushing once or twice a week. Use a grooming mitt or soft brush to remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils. A healthy coat also depends on a nourishing diet – Poppy’s Picnic Complete raw meals contain natural fats and oils that support healthy skin and shine.

2. Do Greyhounds shed a lot?

They do shed moderately, especially in spring and autumn. While the hair is fine, it still builds up. Regular grooming helps, and feeding a natural, balanced diet like Poppy’s Picnic can support skin health and reduce excessive shedding.

3. How much exercise does a Greyhound need each day?

Greyhounds need less exercise than people expect. Around 30–45 minutes of walking daily, plus the occasional sprint in a secure space, is usually enough. They’re known as 'couch potatoes' for a reason. Poppy’s Picnic raw meals provide the right amount of protein and energy for their relaxed lifestyle.

4. Are Greyhounds prone to health problems?

Greyhounds are generally healthy but can have sensitive skin, dental issues, and reactions to anaesthesia. Feeding a fresh, raw high-protein diet like Poppy’s Picnic can  support their lean physique.

5. What’s the average lifespan of a Greyhound?

Most live between 10 and 14 years. Regular vet care, gentle exercise and high-quality nutrition all contribute to a long, healthy life. Feeding a diet like Poppy’s Picnic’s raw food  helps support long-term wellness.

6. How often should I bathe my Greyhound?

Only every 2–3 months... unless they roll in something! Greyhounds don’t have oily coats and generally don’t smell.

7. What is the best way to clean a Greyhound’s ears?

Use a cotton pad with dog-safe ear cleaner once a week. Greyhounds aren’t especially prone to infections, but regular checks help prevent build-up.

8. How do I know if my Greyhound is overweight?

Greyhounds should have visible ribs and a defined waist - they are meant to be this lean, athletic shape. If the ribs are covered in fat or the waist disappears, it’s time to review their portions. Poppy’s Picnic meals come with helpful feeding guides to make portion control easier.

Independent trade organisation, UK Pet food, has worked with vets to create a useful sizeometer for dogs so it's easier to track your dog's weight. Download it here 

9. What are the best toys for Greyhounds?

They enjoy soft squeaky toys, tug ropes and chew toys. Treat-dispensing toys are a great choice – fill one with Poppy’s Picnic air-dried treats to combine play with reward.

10. How can I keep my Greyhound’s coat shiny and healthy?

Brush weekly and feed a high-quality diet rich in natural fats and oils. Poppy’s Picnic raw food supports coat condition with its unprocessed ingredients and naturally occurring omega fats.

 

Behaviour and Temperament

11. Are Greyhounds good with children?

Yes, they’re calm and gentle with children who treat them respectfully. Always supervise interactions and avoid rough play. Mealtime routines using Poppy’s Picnic raw food can help teach children how to engage calmly with their dog.

12. Do Greyhounds get along with other dogs and pets?

Most Greyhounds are sociable, though ex-racers may have a strong prey drive. They can live with cats under certain circumstances. Use calm, controlled introductions and reward positive behaviour with treats such as Poppy’s Picnic meatballs, cut into bite-size pieces.

13. Are Greyhounds aggressive?

They’re not typically aggressive. Shyness or fear may be mistaken for aloofness. Keep their environment calm and consistent. Feeding a clean diet like Poppy’s Picnic can also support emotional balance by reducing dietary stressors.

14. Why does my Greyhound chew everything?

Chewing may be due to boredom or anxiety, especially in new or retired Greyhounds. Offer plenty of appropriate chew toys and enrichment. A filled Kong provides a healthy, satisfying distraction.

15. Why is my Greyhound so clingy?

Greyhounds bond closely and can become clingy, especially when newly retired. Build confidence by creating structure and using calming enrichment such as food-stuffed toys. Meals served in a quiet spot with Poppy’s Picnic raw food can also support independence.

16. Can Greyhounds be left alone during the day?

They can be left for a few hours once settled, but many dislike long periods alone. Use gradual desensitisation and offer enrichment such as a treat toy with Poppy’s Picnic food to reduce anxiety.

17. Do Greyhounds bark a lot?

Not typically. Greyhounds are quiet dogs, though they may bark if anxious or startled. A stable routine and mental stimulation – such as sniffing out pieces of Poppy’s Picnic meatballs hidden in a snuffle mat – can help reduce unwanted barking.

18. Why is my Greyhound digging up the garden?

Most Greyhounds aren’t habitual diggers, but may dig to cool off or relieve boredom. Provide mental stimulation and redirect digging behaviour by creating a designated dig spot and burying some Poppy’s Picnic treats for a fun foraging game.

19. Are Greyhounds hyper?

They have short bursts of energy but are generally calm. A short walk followed by some enrichment and a satisfying Poppy’s Picnic meal is often enough to settle them for the day.

20. How can I calm down my Greyhound?

Keep a predictable routine, avoid overstimulation, and offer quiet time after meals. Serving Poppy’s Picnic raw food on a lick mat helps soothe and relax your dog through focused, calming activity.

 

Training and Development

21. Are Greyhounds easy to train?

They’re intelligent but independent. Keep sessions short, gentle and rewarding. Use small pieces of Poppy’s Picnic meatballs to keep them motivated without overwhelming sensitive stomachs.

22. What’s the best age to start training a Greyhound?

Start as soon as they come home. For rescues, begin with bonding and basic manners. Use food-based rewards – Poppy’s Picnic raw or air-dried food is ideal for calm, positive reinforcement.

23. How can I stop my Greyhound from pulling on the lead?

Use a comfortable harness and reward loose-lead walking with small, tasty treats. A pocketful of Poppy’s Picnic meatballs helps reinforce good behaviour.

24. Why won’t my Greyhound come when called?

Distraction or lack of training is often the cause. Practise in a secure space and use high-value rewards like Poppy’s Picnic treats to make recall worth returning for.

25. How do I toilet train a Greyhound?

Be consistent and reward outdoor toileting immediately. Feeding Poppy’s Picnic raw food at regular times helps create predictable routines and makes toilet training easier.

26. How can I stop my Greyhound from jumping up?

Ignore the jumping and reward calm greetings. Use a consistent cue like “sit” and reinforce it with a piece of Poppy’s Picnic treat to encourage polite manners.

27. What are the best training commands for a Greyhound?

Start with sit, stay, come, leave it and down. Keep commands simple and reinforce with positive rewards like Poppy’s Picnic food to keep things low-pressure and enjoyable.

28. Should I crate train my Greyhound?

Some adapt well, others dislike confinement. If you choose to crate train, make it positive – serve meals inside and include calming enrichment like a stuffed toy filled with Poppy’s Picnic food.

29. How do I handle separation anxiety in my Greyhound?

Build tolerance gradually and use positive associations. Give your dog a Kong or slow feeder filled with Poppy’s Picnic raw food before leaving to create a calm routine around your absence.

30. How much mental stimulation does a Greyhound need?

While they’re not overly active, they enjoy problem-solving. Hide bits of Poppy’s Picnic treats around the home or use treat puzzles to keep their minds sharp.

 

Health and Breed-Specific Issues

31. Are Greyhounds prone to hip dysplasia?

Less so than other breeds, but joint issues can still occur. Keeping your dog slim and feeding a joint-supportive diet like Poppy’s Picnic can help reduce strain.

32. What are common allergies in Greyhounds?

Skin sensitivities and food intolerances are fairly common. Switch to a raw, natural diet like Poppy’s Picnic to reduce exposure to some potential allergens

33. How often should I take my Greyhound to the vet?

At least annually for check-ups and vaccinations. Feeding a clean, digestible diet like Poppy’s Picnic can support overall health between visits.

34. What’s the best age to neuter or spay a Greyhound?

Usually between 12 and 18 months, depending on health and maturity. Consult your vet. Feeding a balanced raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic supports recovery and healing post-surgery.

35. Do Greyhounds get ear infections easily?

Not typically, but it’s still important to check weekly. 

36. What are signs of heart problems in Greyhounds?

Look for coughing, fatigue, and reduced stamina. A diet like Poppy’s Picnic, free from fillers and additives, supports cardiovascular health and steady energy levels.

37. Are Greyhounds more prone to arthritis as they age?

Yes, especially those with old racing injuries. Keep them active and slim, and feed a diet like Poppy’s Picnic that supports joint health with naturally occurring nutrients.

38. What vaccinations does my Greyhound need?

Core vaccines include distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis. Kennel cough may also be recommended. Poppy’s Picnic supports immune health through natural, minimally processed food.

39. How can I care for my senior Greyhound?

Gentle walks, comfy beds, and a soft, easy-to-digest diet are key. Poppy’s Picnic raw meals can be steamed for dogs with dental issues and adjusted to maintain a healthy senior weight.

40. What’s the difference between Greyhounds and Whippets?

Greyhounds are larger, often calmer, and need less indoor stimulation. Both benefit from a consistent routine and a fresh, natural diet like Poppy’s Picnic tailored to their size.

 

Lifestyle and Suitability

41. Are Greyhounds good for first-time dog owners?

Yes. They’re calm, affectionate and relatively low-maintenance. With a proper routine and nourishing food like Poppy’s Picnic, Greyhounds are one of the easiest large breeds to live with.

42. Can Greyhounds live in flats or apartments?

Absolutely. They don’t require much space and are quiet, gentle indoor companions. Mental enrichment, such as food puzzles with Poppy’s Picnic meatballs, helps keep them stimulated in small homes.

43. Do Greyhounds enjoy swimming?

Some do, some don’t. Introduce shallow water gradually. If they enjoy it, reward with a tasty post-swim treat like a piece of Poppy’s Picnic meatball.

44. Are Greyhounds suitable for people with allergies?

Yes, often more so than other breeds. Their short coats and low dander production make them easier to live with, especially when fed a raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic that supports skin health.

45. Can Greyhounds be used as therapy or assistance dogs?

Their calm, gentle nature makes them wonderful therapy animals. A stable diet like Poppy’s Picnic supports balanced energy and helps maintain calm, predictable behaviour.

46. Do Greyhounds travel well?

They’re generally great travellers. Bring a soft bed, fresh water and pack some air-dried Poppy’s Picnic meatballs as travel-friendly snacks.

47. What size crate is best for a Greyhound?

Usually 48 inches or more, depending on the individual. Crates should be padded and spacious. Feed your Greyhound their Poppy’s Picnic meal in the crate to build a positive association.

48. How do Greyhounds handle hot weather?

Not well – they overheat easily. Walk them early or late and offer cooling treats like frozen Poppy’s Picnic meals or bone broth cubes in summer.

49. Are Greyhounds good hiking companions?

They enjoy gentle hikes but aren’t built for endurance. For short trails, pack water and lightweight snacks like Poppy’s Picnic air-dried meatballs for energy boosts.

50. Can Greyhounds be trained for agility or obedience competitions?

Yes, with patience. They may not be fast to respond, but they enjoy bonding time and light agility. Use high-value rewards like Poppy’s Picnic treats to keep sessions positive.