
Greyhound dog breed: Characteristics, history & the best dog bed
Greyhound dog breed: Characteristics, history & the best dog bed
Greyhounds are a remarkable breed known for their sleek elegance, athleticism, and gentle nature. Whether you're considering adopting a greyhound puppy or already have an adult greyhound, understanding their unique characteristics, history, and needs is essential to providing them with a happy, healthy life.
One of the most important aspects of caring for your greyhound is selecting the best dog bed to support their long, lean bodies and promote proper rest. In this blog, we’ll delve into the greyhound’s characteristics, history, and the ideal dog bed options to ensure they stay comfortable and well-rested.
Understanding your greyhound: Size, coat, energy levels, and activity needs

Greyhounds are a large sighthound breed, typically weighing between 27 to 40 kilograms, with males being slightly larger than females. These dogs are renowned for their speed, capable of reaching up to 72 km/h in short bursts, which makes them the fastest dogs in the world. Their sleek coats, which come in a variety of colours like fawn, black, blue, and brindle, are short and fine, allowing them to move through the air effortlessly when running.
Despite their impressive athleticism, greyhounds are surprisingly calm indoors. They enjoy lounging and require moderate exercise, such as short walks and a chance to run safely in a fenced area. Due to their lean, muscular build and deep chest, greyhounds are prone to certain health issues, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, which is why investing in a supportive greyhound dog bed is essential.
Greyhound temperament
Greyhounds are known for their sweet and gentle temperament. Despite their history as racing dogs and coursing hounds, many greyhounds are affectionate, calm, and enjoy spending time with their family. They are generally good with children and get along with other dogs, although they may have a high prey drive due to their background as sighthounds. This means that they may be inclined to chase smaller animals, but they usually adapt well to life as a family pet in a calm, structured environment.
Although they tend to be reserved with strangers, greyhounds are not aggressive and are more likely to retreat to a safe space, such as a comfortable dog bed, when feeling overwhelmed. They are known to be very quiet dogs and rarely bark, making them great companions for families looking for a laid-back dog.
Greyhound characteristics
Greyhounds are characterised by their unique build, with a long, deep chest and narrow waist. Their muscles are designed for sprinting, and their long legs give them the speed they are famous for. In addition to their athletic prowess, greyhounds are affectionate, loyal, and form strong bonds with their owners.
They are also quite adaptable to home life, though they do have specific needs. A greyhound's deep chest can make it more susceptible to bloat, a serious condition that can affect their digestive system.
Greyhound lifespan and health
The average lifespan of a greyhound is around 10 to 14 years. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to certain conditions due to their specialised build. Greyhounds have thin skin, which can be prone to cuts and scrapes, especially when running through rough terrain. Their deep chests make them more susceptible to bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, leading to restricted blood flow.
As greyhounds age, they are particularly prone to arthritis and joint pain, especially due to their lean build and racing history. This makes it essential to provide them with the right care, including regular veterinary check-ups and supportive, orthopaedic beds like our luxury memory foam options. These beds are designed to alleviate pressure on their joints, promote restful sleep, and help keep them active and healthy.
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History of the greyhound breed

The greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with origins dating back over 4,000 years. Historically, greyhounds were used for coursing, a form of hunting where they chased and caught game, such as hares, based on their sight rather than scent. The breed’s history as a hunting dog has contributed to its incredible speed and agility.
Greyhounds were also used in dog racing, which became popular in the early 20th century, particularly in America. Today, many greyhounds are retired from racing and are adopted into homes as beloved family pets. Despite their background in competitive sports, their gentle and unique characteristics allow them to adapt well to home life.
The best bed for your greyhound: Comfort, support, and style

Greyhounds, with their lean bodies and graceful stature, require a dog bed that provides the ideal balance of comfort, support, and ample space to stretch out. Their unique build, including a long, deep chest and slim frame, calls for a bed that accommodates their shape and promotes proper spinal alignment.
At Anubis Dog Beds, we understand the needs of greyhounds and offer a selection of large dog beds that provide the luxury and support they deserve. Here are the best dog beds for your greyhound:
- Aztec Dog Lounge (Large): Ideal for greyhounds, the Aztec Dog Lounge provides a spacious, luxurious resting area, offering ample space for your dog to stretch out comfortably. The large size ensures your greyhound has enough room to fully relax while receiving the essential support for its long, lean frame.
- Pharaoh Dog Lounge (Large): Crafted with memory foam for optimal comfort and orthopaedic support, the Pharaoh Dog Lounge is designed to relieve joint pressure, making it perfect for older greyhounds or those with arthritis. The plush surface ensures your dog can lounge in style while maintaining healthy posture and spinal alignment.
- Luxury Support with Washable Covers: Greyhounds have sensitive skin, so it's important to choose a bed that not only supports their body but also offers easy cleaning. At Anubis Dog Beds, all our beds feature removable, machine-washable covers, making it simple to maintain a clean and hygienic resting environment for your pet.
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Memory Foam Dog Beds: All our dog beds are orthopaedic memory foam, which is a game-changer in providing exceptional support. The foam conforms to your greyhound's body shape, distributing weight evenly and relieving pressure from joints, particularly for older dogs or those with a history of racing.
At Anubis Dog Beds, our dog lounges and beds are designed to ensure your greyhound experiences the utmost comfort, promoting restful sleep and overall health. With high-quality materials, orthopaedic support, and stylish designs, our beds offer both luxury and practicality, making them the perfect choice for your beloved pet.
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Give your greyhound the comfort they deserve: Shop the perfect bed today

Whether you're adopting a greyhound puppy or caring for an adult greyhound, providing the right bed is an essential part of their care. Greyhounds are beautiful, gentle dogs with unique needs, including joint support, space to stretch out, and comfort during their rest.
A high-quality, orthopaedic memory foam bed can help them stay comfortable and healthy, allowing them to live their best lives as family pets. If you're looking for a dog bed for your greyhound, Anubis Dog Beds offers a range of options designed to meet the needs of this magnificent breed. Shop the range now!
Ready to find the perfect dog bed for your Greyhound? Explore the Anubis Dog Beds luxury dog lounge range today to find the perfect bed for your Greyhound and give them the comfort they deserve.
When purchasing a Greyhound puppy, always seek out a reputable and responsible breeder who ensures their dogs are screened for genetic conditions and follow ethical breeding practices.