What is a Greyhound's temperament like?

Greyhounds are famously gentle, calm, quiet, sweet-natured, and affectionate, and, to the surprise of many people, they are also remarkably low-energy and lazy at home, one of the biggest and most delightful misconceptions about the breed is that, as the fastest dog breed (Greyhounds can reach around 45 mph / 72 km/h), they must need enormous amounts of exercise, when in fact they are sprinters, not marathoners, and are famously "45 mph couch potatoes" who love nothing more than sleeping (Greyhounds sleep a great deal, often 16 to 18 hours a day) and lounging on a soft bed. This makes the Greyhound a gentle, quiet, calm, and surprisingly easy housemate, they are typically mellow, undemanding, and content to be affectionate couch companions, needing only moderate daily exercise (a couple of walks and the occasional chance to run in a safe, enclosed space), not the intense exercise their athletic build suggests. Temperament traits to understand: (1) They are gentle and sensitive, Greyhounds are typically gentle, quiet, and sensitive souls, they respond best to kind, gentle, positive handling and can be somewhat sensitive (retired racers, in particular, may be a little shy or unaccustomed to normal home life at first, and blossom with gentle patience). (2) They are usually quiet, Greyhounds tend not to be barky (a plus for apartments). (3) They have a strong prey drive, this is the big one: as sighthounds bred to chase, Greyhounds have a strong instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals, which has major implications for off-leash safety and living with cats/small pets (see the off-leash guide, this is the most important thing to understand about the breed). (4) They are generally good-natured and sociable, typically good with respectful children and often fine with other dogs (especially other Greyhounds/sighthounds), though cats and small animals depend on the individual dog's prey drive (Greyhound groups assess and can place "cat-friendly" dogs). (5) They are creatures of comfort, Greyhounds love soft, warm, comfortable places (a nod to their thin coat and low body fat), and are real homebodies. Note also that retired racing Greyhounds are used to kennel life and routine, and may need patient help adjusting to home life (stairs, glass doors, being alone, household sounds), which they typically manage well with time and gentle guidance. Overall, the Greyhound temperament, gentle, calm, quiet, affectionate, sensitive, and surprisingly lazy, makes it a wonderful, easy, low-key companion for many households (including, notably, apartment dwellers and less-active owners who might not expect a "racing dog" to suit them), with the crucial caveats being the strong prey drive (and its implications for off-leash safety and small pets) and the breed's cold-sensitivity (see below).

Are Greyhounds good family dogs and good in Montreal?

Yes, Greyhounds can be wonderful family dogs and are, in many ways, well-suited to Montreal, including apartment living, with some important considerations around prey drive and the cold. On family suitability: the Greyhound's gentle, calm, quiet, affectionate nature makes it a lovely family companion, and Greyhounds are typically good with respectful children (their gentle, patient, tolerant nature, though, as with any dog, supervision and teaching children to be respectful matter, and a sensitive Greyhound appreciates calm handling) and often good with other dogs; the main family consideration is prey drive and small pets, as some Greyhounds (depending on the individual) may not be safe with cats or small animals, so if you have cats or small pets, adopt through a Greyhound group that can assess and place a "cat-friendly"/"small-animal-safe" dog (many Greyhounds can live happily with cats, but it depends on the individual, and this must be matched carefully). On Montreal suitability: several points. Apartment and low-energy living, surprisingly, Greyhounds are excellent apartment dogs, their calm, quiet, low-energy, lazy-at-home nature and tendency not to bark make them well-suited to apartments and condos and to less-active or urban owners, provided they get their moderate daily exercise (a couple of walks and, ideally, occasional runs in a safe enclosed space), a big and pleasant surprise for many people, and a great fit for Montreal's many apartment dwellers. Climate, this is a major Montreal consideration: the Greyhound has a very short, thin, single coat with almost no undercoat and very little body fat, so it is extremely cold-sensitive and NOT built for Montreal winters, meaning it genuinely needs a warm coat (and often booties) for winter walks and outdoor time, winter outings should be kept shorter in extreme cold, and it must live indoors (Greyhounds are indoor dogs who love warmth and soft beds, they get cold easily, even indoors some appreciate a sweater or blanket). This cold-sensitivity is a real, important consideration for a Greyhound in Montreal, though very manageable with a coat and sensible care. Off-leash and prey drive, because of the strong prey drive and the fact that Greyhounds are sighthounds who can reach ~45 mph almost instantly, they generally cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas, this is crucial for safety (see the off-leash guide). Space and comfort, despite their size, Greyhounds' low energy means they do not need a lot of space, but they do need a soft, comfortable bed (their thin skin and bony build mean hard surfaces are uncomfortable, and they can get pressure sores, so a cushioned bed matters). Overall, for a Montreal individual or family, including apartment dwellers and less-active owners, wanting a gentle, calm, quiet, affectionate, low-energy companion, and who can provide winter warmth (a coat), leashed exercise (given the prey drive), a soft bed, and, if they have cats/small pets, a carefully-matched dog, a Greyhound is a wonderful, easy, and often surprisingly well-suited companion.

How much does it cost to adopt and own a Greyhound in Montreal?

Adoption fees for Greyhounds, often through Greyhound-specific adoption groups placing retired racers, typically run from around $300 to $600 or so depending on the organization, and that fee normally covers spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and often dental work and other veterinary care done before adoption (Greyhound groups typically do a thorough vet work-up before placing a dog), representing good value and supporting the rescue's work. (Buying a Greyhound from a breeder is uncommon and generally unnecessary, since so many wonderful retired racers and rescue Greyhounds need homes, adoption is by far the usual route.) Beyond the adoption fee, budget for ongoing and occasional costs: good-quality food (a moderate cost for a large but lean, moderate-appetite dog); routine veterinary care (vaccinations, check-ups, parasite prevention), and note some Greyhound-specific veterinary considerations (see the health guide, including their unusual physiology and anesthesia sensitivity, worth ensuring your vet is aware of); dental care, Greyhounds are notably prone to dental disease, so dental care (including professional cleanings) is an important recurring consideration (many adoption groups do a dental before placing the dog); winter gear, importantly for Montreal, a warm coat (and often booties) for the very cold-sensitive breed, a genuine need, not a luxury, for this thin-coated dog; a soft, supportive bed (important for the bony, thin-skinned Greyhound to prevent discomfort and pressure sores); and a fund or pet insurance for health issues (Greyhounds are generally fairly healthy, but can be prone to dental disease, bloat, certain cancers including osteosarcoma, and have some breed-specific physiology, see the health guide). The breed's short coat means grooming is minimal and easy (a low-maintenance plus). Pet insurance is worth considering (take it out while the dog is young and healthy). Under Quebec's Civil Code (article 898.1), animals are recognized as sentient beings, not mere property, a reflection of the genuine responsibility of pet ownership. Overall, a Greyhound is a relatively moderate and manageable cost to own (low grooming, moderate appetite, generally fair health), with the main breed-specific considerations being dental care, winter gear (essential in Montreal), a good bed, and awareness of the breed's physiology; prospective adopters should budget for good care over the dog's life (Greyhounds typically live around 10 to 14 years).

What should I know before adopting a Greyhound?

Before adopting a Greyhound (often a retired racer), understand what this gentle, easy, but distinctive sighthound needs: (1) It is gentle, calm, quiet, and surprisingly lazy, Greyhounds are affectionate, mellow "45 mph couch potatoes" who sleep a great deal and need only moderate exercise, not the intense exercise their athletic, fast build suggests, they make wonderful, easy, low-key, often apartment-suited companions (a pleasant surprise for many). (2) It has a strong prey drive, and generally cannot be trusted off-leash, this is the most important thing: as a sighthound bred to chase, the Greyhound has a strong instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals and can hit ~45 mph almost instantly, so it generally cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas (leashed walking and secure fenced areas only), and its safety with cats/small pets depends on the individual dog (see the off-leash guide). (3) It is very cold-sensitive, a crucial Montreal point: the very short, thin coat and low body fat mean the Greyhound gets cold easily and is not built for Montreal winters, so it genuinely needs a warm coat (and often booties) for winter and must live indoors (it loves warmth and soft beds). (4) It needs a soft, supportive bed, the bony, thin-skinned build means hard surfaces are uncomfortable and can cause pressure sores. (5) It is often a retired racer adjusting to home life, retired racing Greyhounds are used to kennels and routine and may need patient help adjusting to household life (stairs, glass doors, being alone, normal sounds), which they typically manage well with gentle time. (6) It can be prone to certain health issues, notably dental disease, plus bloat, some cancers (osteosarcoma), and breed-specific physiology/anesthesia considerations (see the health guide), so good preventive care (especially dental) and a vet aware of Greyhound quirks matter. (7) It is low-grooming (short coat) and generally a fairly healthy, easy breed. For an adopted Greyhound, rely on the adoption group's temperament assessment (especially regarding prey drive and cat/small-animal suitability if relevant), and give a retired racer patient, gentle help settling into home life. If you can provide winter warmth, leashed exercise (given the prey drive), a soft bed, gentle patience (especially for a retired racer), and dental care, a Greyhound is a gentle, affectionate, easy, and wonderful companion, one of the loveliest and most surprising of breeds, and adopting a retired racer is a genuinely rewarding thing to do.

Should I adopt a retired racing Greyhound or buy from a breeder?

For Greyhounds, adoption, typically of a retired racing Greyhound or a Greyhound in rescue, is by far the usual, recommended, and best route, and buying from a breeder is uncommon and generally unnecessary. Here is why: so many wonderful Greyhounds need homes, particularly retired racing dogs (historically produced in numbers by the racing industry, though racing has been banned or has ended in many places, changing availability over time), and these dogs, typically gentle, healthy adults, make superb pets, so there is little reason to buy a Greyhound puppy from a breeder when adopting a retired racer or rescue Greyhound gives a deserving dog a home and is the norm for the breed. Adopting through a Greyhound-specific adoption group has real, significant advantages: these groups specialize in the breed, do a thorough veterinary work-up before placing dogs (typically spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, dental, and more), assess each dog's temperament, including the crucial matter of prey drive and suitability with cats and small animals (so they can place a "cat-friendly" dog with a cat-owning family, or advise otherwise), and provide excellent adopter education and support (Greyhounds have some breed-specific needs, like cold-sensitivity, off-leash caution, and adjusting from kennel to home life, that these groups are expert in). Adopting an adult (which most adoptable Greyhounds are) also means the dog's size, gentle temperament, and often health status are known, and you skip puppyhood. The main practical note is that Greyhound availability varies over time and region (as the supply of retired racers has changed), so working with a Greyhound/sighthound adoption group, and being patient, is often the best approach, and such groups may cover or ship to Quebec. In the rare case someone specifically wants a non-racing Greyhound from a breeder, they should choose a responsible, health-testing breeder, but for the vast majority of people, adopting a retired racer or rescue Greyhound is the right, rewarding, and recommended choice. Start with LocalPetFinder's Montreal listings and Greyhound/sighthound adoption groups.

Greyhound Adoption in Montreal

The short answer

Greyhounds are gentle, calm, quiet, affectionate, and famously lazy, the fastest breed (~45 mph / 72 km/h) but sprinters, not marathoners, “45 mph couch potatoes” that sleep 16 to 18 hours a day and need only moderate exercise, making them wonderful, easy, even apartment-friendly companions. Most adoptable Greyhounds are retired racers placed through Greyhound adoption groups (the usual, recommended route, they assess temperament, including prey drive/cat-safety). Two crucial caveats: a strong prey drive means they generally can't be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas (leashed walking, secure fenced areas), and the very thin coat and low body fat make them extremely cold-sensitive, so a winter coat is essential in Montreal and they must live indoors. They also need a soft bed (bony, thin-skinned). Adoption runs ~$300 to $600; they live ~10 to 14 years.

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A Greyhound in Montreal — A gentle, quiet, surprisingly lazy sighthound, the Greyhound is a wonderful, easy companion, needing a winter coat, leashed exercise (prey drive), and a soft bed.

Here's the surprise that wins people over: the fastest dog on earth is also one of the laziest, gentlest, easiest housemates you can adopt. Greyhounds, mostly retired racers, are quiet, sweet couch potatoes who ask for little more than a soft bed and your company. The two things you must get right are the prey drive (leashed walking) and the cold (a winter coat). Here's what Montreal adopters should know.

Where to adopt in Montreal

Greyhound adoption is a bit different, most adoptable Greyhounds are retired racers placed through dedicated groups:

•Greyhound-specific adoption and rescue groups, sighthound/Greyhound organizations in Canada (some placing retired racers and covering or shipping to Quebec), which specialize in the breed, assess temperament (including prey drive and cat-safety), and provide excellent adopter support, often the best route for this breed.
•LocalPetFinder's Montreal dog listings, aggregating adoptable dogs from Montreal-area shelters and rescues, refreshed regularly. Search Greyhounds and sighthound mixes.
•The Montreal SPCA and Montreal-area general/sighthound rescues.

Adopting an adult (which most Greyhounds are, retired racers are typically adults) means the gentle temperament and size are known, and a Greyhound group will assess the crucial matter of prey drive and cat/small-animal suitability and match the right dog to your home. Availability varies over time (as racing has ended in many places), so patience and working with a Greyhound group help. Adoption is by far the usual, recommended route for this breed.

The gentle “45 mph couch potato” temperament

Greyhounds are famously gentle, calm, quiet, sweet-natured, and affectionate, and, to most people's surprise, remarkably low-energy and lazy at home. The biggest misconception is that the fastest breed (~45 mph / 72 km/h) must need enormous exercise, in fact Greyhounds are sprinters, not marathoners, famous “45 mph couch potatoes” who sleep 16 to 18 hours a day and love a soft bed. They need only moderate daily exercise (a couple of walks, the occasional safe run), not intense exercise, making them gentle, quiet, undemanding, easy housemates.

The crucial trait to understand: as sighthounds bred to chase, Greyhounds have a strong prey drive (a hardwired instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals), which has major implications for off-leash safety and living with cats/small pets, the most important thing about the breed (see the off-leash & recall guide).

They're also typically gentle and sensitive (responding to kind, positive handling, retired racers may be shy at first and blossom with patience), usually quiet (rarely barky, an apartment plus), generally good with respectful children and often other dogs (cats depend on the individual's prey drive, groups assess and place “cat-friendly” dogs), and creatures of comfort (they love warm, soft places, a nod to the thin coat). Retired racers, used to kennel life, may need patient help adjusting to home life (stairs, glass doors, being alone), which they typically manage well with gentle time.

Family fit and the Montreal climate

The Greyhound's gentle, calm nature makes it a lovely family companion, typically good with respectful children (supervise and teach gentle handling; a sensitive Greyhound appreciates calm) and often other dogs. The main family consideration is prey drive and small pets: some Greyhounds may not be safe with cats or small animals, so if you have them, adopt through a group that can place a carefully-assessed “cat-friendly” dog (many Greyhounds live happily with cats, but it depends on the individual). Surprisingly, their calm, quiet, lazy nature makes them excellent apartment dogs (a great fit for Montreal, and for less-active owners), given moderate daily exercise.

Climate is a major Montreal consideration. The Greyhound's very short, thin, single coat with almost no undercoat and very little body fat makes it extremely cold-sensitive and not built for Montreal winters, so it genuinely needs a warm coat (and often booties) for winter walks, short outings in extreme cold, and to live indoors (a warmth-loving indoor dog, some even appreciate a sweater or blanket indoors). This is a real, important consideration, but very manageable with a coat and sensible care. Also, given the prey drive and near-instant speed, they generally can't be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.

Despite their size, their low energy means Greyhounds don't need much space, but they do need a soft, supportive bed (their bony, thin-skinned build makes hard surfaces uncomfortable and can cause pressure sores). For a Montreal individual or family, including apartment dwellers and less-active owners, wanting a gentle, calm, quiet, affectionate, low-energy companion, and who can provide winter warmth, leashed exercise, a soft bed, and (if they have cats/small pets) a carefully-matched dog, a Greyhound is a wonderful, easy, often surprisingly well-suited companion.

The real cost

Adoption fees (often through Greyhound groups placing retired racers) run ~$300 to $600, usually covering spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and often dental work and a thorough vet work-up done before placement, good value. (Buying from a breeder is uncommon and unnecessary given how many retired racers need homes.) Ongoing costs are moderate: food (a large but lean, moderate-appetite dog), routine vet care, dental care (the breed is notably dental-prone, an important recurring consideration), a warm winter coat (essential in Montreal, not a luxury), a soft supportive bed, and a fund or insurance for potential issues (dental, bloat, certain cancers including osteosarcoma). Grooming is minimal (short coat).

Note some Greyhound-specific veterinary considerations (their unusual physiology and anesthesia sensitivity, ensure your vet is aware, see the health guide). Pet insurance is worth considering (take it out while the dog is young and healthy). Under Quebec's Civil Code (article 898.1), animals are recognized as sentient beings, not mere property. A Greyhound is a relatively moderate, manageable cost to own (low grooming, moderate appetite, generally fair health), with the main breed-specific considerations being dental care, winter gear, a good bed, and awareness of the breed's physiology, budget for good care over the dog's life (Greyhounds typically live ~10 to 14 years).

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Adopting a retired racing Greyhound through a group that assesses temperament and prey drive is the usual, rewarding route. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I adopt a Greyhound in Montreal?

Mostly through Greyhound-specific adoption groups placing retired racers (they assess temperament, including prey drive and cat-safety, and provide great support, often the best route), plus LocalPetFinder's Montreal listings, the Montreal SPCA (spca.com), and sighthound rescues. Availability varies over time (racing has ended in many places), so patience and working with a Greyhound group help. Adoption is the usual, recommended route for this breed.

What is their temperament like?

Gentle, calm, quiet, affectionate, and famously lazy, the fastest breed (~45 mph) but sprinters, not marathoners, “45 mph couch potatoes” that sleep 16 to 18 hours a day and need only moderate exercise. Usually quiet (an apartment plus) and gentle/sensitive. The crucial trait: a strong prey drive (they chase small animals), with major implications for off-leash safety and living with cats/small pets.

Are they good in Montreal?

Surprisingly, they're excellent apartment dogs (calm, quiet, lazy, rarely barky), a great fit for Montreal and less-active owners, given moderate exercise. But the very thin coat and low body fat make them extremely cold-sensitive, so a warm coat (and often booties) is essential in Montreal winters and they must live indoors. Given the prey drive and near-instant speed, they can't be trusted off-leash. They also need a soft bed.

How much does it cost?

Adoption runs ~$300 to $600 (usually including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and often dental work and a vet work-up). Ongoing costs are moderate: food, vet care, dental care (the breed is dental-prone), an essential winter coat, a soft bed, and a fund or insurance (dental, bloat, osteosarcoma). Grooming is minimal. Note anesthesia sensitivity, ensure your vet knows Greyhound physiology. They live ~10 to 14 years.

What should I know before adopting one?

They're gentle, calm, and surprisingly lazy (moderate exercise, often apartment-suited), but have a strong prey drive (can't be trusted off-leash; cat-safety depends on the individual), are very cold-sensitive (need a winter coat, live indoors), need a soft bed (bony, thin-skinned), and, as retired racers, may need patient help adjusting to home life. They're dental-prone and have breed-specific physiology (anesthesia). Low-grooming and generally an easy breed.

Should I adopt a retired racer or buy from a breeder?

Adopt, it's by far the usual, recommended route for Greyhounds. So many wonderful retired racers and rescue Greyhounds need homes that buying from a breeder is uncommon and unnecessary. Greyhound adoption groups do a thorough vet work-up, assess temperament (including prey drive and cat-safety), and provide expert breed-specific support. Most adoptable Greyhounds are gentle adults, so you also skip puppyhood.

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