Are Greyhounds Aggressive: Triggers, Solutions & More

Greyhounds are not generally aggressive. They’re usually calm, quiet, and polite with other people and dogs of a similar size.

They’re gentle, loving, and loyal and typically don’t display aggressive characteristics such as growling or snarling unless they feel threatened or triggered.

If you’ve adopted your greyhound, some of its behavioral traits will depend on how they’ve been treated. For example, raised hands or voices may be threatening to them. In this case, an extra gentle approach will need to be taken. 

Greyhound puppies sometimes growl, snap, or snarl playfully, but adult greyhounds will only behave this way if they’re experiencing fear.

If your greyhound is fearful for any reason (for example, as a response to unexpected touch or loud noise, such as fireworks), you can work with them to overcome their fears over time and with patience.

Let’s review everything you need to know about greyhound aggressiveness and what you can do about it.

Are Greyhounds Aggressive?

The short answer is no. Greyhounds are docile creatures who respond well to quiet and calm owners.

Although some of their inherent personality traits depend on training and upbringing, they’re naturally calm and can sleep up to 18 hours a day.

They’re less active than other breeds of dog, and because they run around in short, fast bursts, they only need about 30-45 minutes of exercise a day to get rid of any hyperactivity. 

Greyhounds occasionally bark, but it isn’t a sign of aggression; more excitement. However, they’re still known to be a quiet breed. They’re naturally affectionate, relaxed, and peaceful.

If you have children or a loud, chaotic family life, your greyhound may take some time to acclimate to them, but it rarely triggers aggression.

Are Greyhounds Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?

Greyhounds are often used as racing dogs, not just because of their speed and agility but because they have a natural chase instinct.

This can be reflected in chasing behavior towards tiny dogs, but it’s not a sign of aggression per se. Just instincts.

In fact, greyhounds can become very friendly with small breeds of dogs and other animals, including cats or other small domestic pets.

Other than that, greyhounds are naturally well-behaved, sociable animals.

They prefer dogs of a similar temperament to themselves, regardless of size or breed, but they are good at adapting to other dogs because of their easygoing nature. 

If your greyhound struggles when coming into contact with other dogs, the best approach is to introduce them to other dogs gradually, one by one, instead of taking them to a place where many other dogs are present at the same time.

Even though some trainers use a method known as ‘flooding,’ where dogs are exposed to lots of dogs simultaneously, this isn’t recommended for greyhounds as they are more prone to anxiety than most dogs.

Common Myths about Greyhound Aggression

Unfortunately, several myths surrounding Greyhound aggression can tarnish their reputation. It’s crucial to debunk these misconceptions and understand the truth behind Greyhound’s behavior.

One common myth is that all Greyhounds are aggressive due to their background in racing. While it’s true that Greyhounds are bred for racing, their training and upbringing prioritize speed and performance, not aggression. Aggression is not desirable in the racing industry, and reputable breeders prioritize temperament alongside physical attributes.

Do Greyhounds Bite?

Greyhounds are among the least likely dog breed to bite or attack another dog or human. They may ‘bite’ during play as a sign of affection, which isn’t really a bite but is called “nitting” (read all about it).

On the rare occasion that a greyhound bites, it’s almost always fear-based. In particular, greyhounds may find some children’s actions stressful.

Their peaceful, calm nature is the opposite of a highly active, unpredictable toddler. Suppose a child runs up to them quickly and tries to grab or hug them, especially while the dog eats, sleeps, or cheats on a toy or bone.

These are situations that pose the most significant risk of them lashing out. However, this is a risk with any dog (or even cat) and is why kids should be taught how to interact with animals.

And even that, greyhounds are less likely to lash out than most other dog breeds.

Greyhound Bite Force

A greyhound’s bite force is around 220 PSI which is almost twice as powerful as a human bite.

The bite force of a dog is measured in something called PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Many factors affect this, including the shape of the dog’s jaw, size, strength, and even mood at the time of the bite. 

Things That Might Cause Your Greyhound To Be Aggressive

Fear

Fear is by far the biggest trigger of aggression in greyhounds. When put into fight or flight mode, their instinctive reaction can be to fight. This is a survival technique and not something that the dog can control. 

Why would a Greyhound be aggressive?

If your dog isn’t getting enough attention, physically or emotionally, this can lead to stress, which could turn into aggression.

Ensuring your greyhound has enough food, water, and attention will ensure they don’t become irritable. 

Genetics

Cross-breeding can predispose your greyhound to aggression more than other dogs of the same breed.

You’ll need to ensure you purchase from a responsible breeder so you understand your dog’s heritage. The good news is that hereditary traits aren’t irreversible. 

Social Situations 

If your greyhound feels overwhelmed or threatened by another animal or human, it may become aggressive.

Alternatively, greyhounds are prone to separation anxiety; if they are left alone for long periods, this can also be a problem.

Learned Behaviors (Conditioning)

Many greyhounds come from a racing background in their early years, and once their racing career is over, they’re often put up for adoption.

It can be challenging to undo how they’ve been brought up to chase smaller animals.

Also, because the dogs’ trainers have racing at the forefront of their minds rather than the dog’s emotional well-being, they often have to (sadly) resort to aggression as the only defense that works when they are repeatedly placed in uncomfortable situations.

Territorial Issues 

This could include your greyhound being possessive over its food, space, owner, or toys. It’s often seen as a dominant trait but is caused by insecurity.

Territorial control can make your dog fear safe and this usually happens because they’re instinctively going into survival mode. 

Frustration

Your greyhound might become aggressive even when shown affection if this is unexpected or from someone unfamiliar.

Environmental Factors

Changes in their surroundings (e.g., moving home, a change of owner, or the arrival of a new baby or pet) can unsettle greyhounds just as it would upset a human.

Especially since they have no control over their situation and are often expected to adapt quickly and without a fuss.

This also applies to sudden unplanned environmental changes, which brings us to…

Unexpected Events

For example, thunder and lightning, an alarm going off, and other auditory changes can trigger aggression because of the greyhound’s exceptional hearing and increased sensitivity to noise.

Unlike other breeds of dogs, greyhounds are part of the ‘sighthound’ family. This means that they initially lock on to prey by sight rather than smell or sound, using their speed to catch game quickly rather than tracking over long distances.

This means that unexpected sights can also alarm them, even from a distance away. Lightning has been known to trigger greyhounds into aggression, so keep your drapes closed. 

Injury

If your dog is hurt, then a natural response may be to lash out aggressively.

Not understanding what is causing the pain and the level of discomfort can be contributing factors. This could include things like broken bones and lacerations.

Chronic Pain 

If your greyhound is experiencing prolonged discomfort from a medical condition (particularly if this has gone undetected), this may cause aggression.

Some illnesses can also affect the dog’s brain, leading to unexpected aggressive outbursts for no apparent reason.

Chronic pain can be caused by arthritis, tumors, or other problems with other internal organs, including those linked to the digestive system. 

Sleep Disturbance

Greyhounds can be especially sensitive to being touched while sleeping, exhibiting aggressive behavior. A crate is often your greyhound’s first safe space and can prevent unnecessary sleep disturbance.

If you designate your greyhound a sleeping area, ensure it has soft padding to keep its boney joints as comfortable as possible. 

How You Can Help Your Greyhound Stay Calm

Prevention Of Triggers 

Identifying signs of anxiety before they escalate into aggression. Keeping a diary (mental or physical) of past incidents of attack and what caused them can help you avoid them happening again. 

Giving Your Dog Space

If your greyhound feels overwhelmed or uncomfortable and can’t see a way out of the situation, they’re more likely to react aggressively.

If you can see that your greyhound shows signs of distress, remove them from the situation. This space will give them time to cool off and return to their calm and happy selves. 

Touching Your Dog 

Squatting down to the same level as your dog and petting or stroking them on the base of their neck, shoulders, and chest can be soothing and calming.

Using slow, massaging movements will take their mind off the reason for their aggression and reassure them.

Staying Calm

Being unreactive to your greyhound’s aggressive behavior is especially important. They’ll feed off your mood and temperament. If you rise to their level of aggression, this will only exacerbate the situation. 

Positive Reinforcement  

Greyhounds respond incredibly well to praise (it is important to note that conversely, they don’t respond well to punishment).

You can use treats to reinforce positive behavior. Your greyhound will be more likely to reign in their aggression when they know its efforts are being acknowledged and rewarded by you. They just want to please you. 

Music Therapy 

Recent studies have shown that playing music or white noise can reduce dogs’ stress hormone levels (cortisone). It can also decrease rapid breathing associated with panic.

This has been trialed in animal shelters, and the results have been promising, showing less barking and promoting sleep. There are even playlists compiled, especially for dogs on YouTube. Music can help in the following situations:  

•  During periods of adjustment.
•  To cover up loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms.
•  To help restlessness.
•  Induce sleep.
•  During travel.
•  When going to the vet.

Pressure Garments/Weighted Clothing 

Compression suits were invented for racing to increase blood flow and improve performance.

However, pressure vests are used to promote calmness and treat phobias. They can also be used as an aid for musculoskeletal problems and pain management.

Behavioral Classes 

Behavioral classes are available that have been specifically tailored towards greyhounds who suffer from increased aggression. These usually involve small groups of dogs in an open area. 

Standard behavioral groups aren’t always suitable for aggressive dogs because they may be asked to leave if they threaten the other dogs.

Classes offering training and support exclusively to aggressive dogs mean that everyone attending is in the same boat, resulting in better understanding from other owners facing similar issues. 

Muzzle 

Muzzling your dog is NOT cruel and is the safest option until you’re sure their aggression is controlled. Your greyhound is often as accustomed to wearing their muzzle as they are to wearing its martingale collar.

Muzzles can be used until trust is established and your greyhound knows precisely what is expected of them.

It will also stop them from chewing their way out of their crate if this is one of the other solutions you use to help their aggression. 

Neutering 

There are many reasons linked to why neutering might be helpful in controlling aggression. Firstly, it will reduce their risk of contracting prostate disorders and other health problems that will cause them pain. 

Secondly, it will reduce the need for dominance and sexual behavior. It will also reduce the risk of being attacked by other male dogs. 

Lastly, if your dog is genetically predisposed to aggression, it will prevent this from being passed down to the next generation via breeding. 

Medication Or Supplements

In extreme cases, medication or supplements can treat your greyhound’s aggression. It’s vitally important that you seek a registered veterinarian’s advice before administering any of these.

Medication should only be used as a last resort when prescribed by a professional after all other options have been exhausted. 

Summary

Greyhounds being aggressive is a common misconception, and the truth cannot be any further.

If you’re looking for a pet who’s calm, loving, loyal, and low maintenance, and you can offer them stability and a peaceful atmosphere (without leaving them alone for long periods), a greyhound could be the perfect breed for you. 

However, they are also prone to anxiety, emotionally sensitive to their surroundings, and don’t like witnessing conflict.

So, if your home is loud and unpredictable, with different people coming and going, your routine is prone to regular change because of work or other commitments. It may be worth considering a different pet.