Most Greyhounds are not greedy dogs, but if kept with other dogs they can become competitive. You will need to weigh their food and feed them once or twice a day. Stick to the same times where possible. This is particularly important if you have adopted an ex-race Greyhound as they’ll be used to a strict feeding routine. It'll also help make their transition to their new home easier and less stressful for them.

You should be able to find feeding guidelines on the back of your dog food packaging. You can also ask your vet, breeder or rescue contact if you’re unsure.

Greyhounds are very low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short, fine coat that doesn’t need grooming very often, but they do shed. Brushing once a week with a rubber brush or mitt will help to reduce the shedding. You’ll also be pleased to know that your Greyhound won’t need bathing very often either.

This breed doesn’t have much body fat and their thin coat doesn’t keep them warm. They’ll need to wear a coat or jumper on walks during the colder months to keep them cosy and healthy. If they get cold, they are more likely to get ill.

You may expect the Greyhound breed to need a lot of exercise due to their racing associations. But they actually only need up to an hour a day. They are built for speed but don’t have good stamina. They use their energy in short bursts.

Greyhounds love to run so should be let off lead where safe to do so. But they have a strong prey drive and are prone to chasing animals, so you need to keep an eye on them, and only allow them loose in secure areas. If they chase an animal, they’re likely to catch it. They are very fast, with a top speed of 45 mph. Their long, powerful legs and lean bodies allow them to accelerate very fast – and they can reach their top speed within six strides.

Training Greyhounds isn’t for the fainthearted. They’re a sensitive breed and can easily become fearful. They’re also not food-motivated so even tasty treats may not tempt them. But they are very intelligent dogs, so with time, patience and positive reinforcement, you will be able to successfully train your dog.

Bear in mind that once their chase instinct has kicked in, it’s hard to get their attention again. So, teaching your dog recall can be a challenge and is unlikely to be easy.

If you rescue an older dog, you may need to house train them too. Most race Greyhounds live in kennels, so are not toilet trained and will take some time to adjust to living in a house.

The Greyhound lifespan is 10 to 13 years. There aren’t many fatal health problems linked to this breed. So, if fed the correct diet and exercised regularly, they are likely to reach their full lifespan.

They are a sensitive breed that can be easily scared, making them wary of other dogs when they first meet them. Socialising your dog regularly, and from a young age, will help to teach them not to be afraid. Dogs pick up on human responses, so if you act calm, your dog will too.

Yes, Greyhounds can be wonderful family companions. As a rule, as long as they’re socialized properly, their gentle, friendly and affectionate Greyhound temperament makes them great family pets.

If you are interested in getting a Greyhound, but not necessarily a puppy, there are many retired Greyhounds in need of rehoming at adoption centers that you could give a second life to in a loving home. Most race Greyhounds retire at the age of three to five years. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years, so are still young and have many more years left in them.

For information about rehoming a retired Greyhound, contact your local Greyhound rescue center.