Selecting a mixed breed is a great option if you’re not quite sure which type of dog will work for you and your family.
A mixed breed allows you to combine all of the aspects of two different breeds, giving you the perfect new addition to your family.
So, what about a Pointer Greyhound mix? How are their personality, look, and health problems? Let’s find out!
A Bit About Greyhounds
Greyhounds make wonderful pets and don’t need as much space as you might think. They’re “fully equipped” for racing around the track but actually retire at around 3 years old.
This leaves their remaining years (a Greyhound’s typical lifespan is up to 12 years) to laze around the house.
They are the ultimate couch potatoes who love to snuggle up with you.
Their loyal laid-back, and friendly nature makes them a great fit for homes with children, and they become attached to their families very quickly.
Unfortunately, though, this can mean that they do get a little clingy and anxious when you’re not around. They aren’t the best pets if you’re out of the house a lot as they need lots of love and attention.
A Bit About Pointers
Pointers were originally bred as gun dogs. They would sniff out birds or other targets for their owners to shoot and would ‘point’ to the area where they are so their owners could take aim.
‘Pointing’ refers to the action when the dog freezes their body completely.
They stretch out their neck and tail to form an arrow and point toward the area that they’d like their owner to focus on.
Because of the close relationship that owners have with their Pointers, they have developed loyal and obedient personalities.
They are highly intelligent and can quickly learn commands. However, they also have a playful side and love the space to run around.
They’re a great addition to a home with children.
However, if you have other small pets, they may not be the best dog breed for you, as they were trained for hunting, and they may instinctually try to replicate these actions.
Pointer Greyhound Mix
The Pointer Greyhound mix is a relatively new mixed breed to the dog world, so their exact care requirements aren’t very predictable. But I’ll go over everything I can.
As with all mixed breeds, it’s difficult to know, before the puppy has reached adulthood, what it’ll look like, how big it’ll be, and how its personality will turn out.
It’s safe to say though, that each dog will take a little of each parent. As both parent breeds make great pets, you’ll have a great dog regardless.
Personality
Both Pointers and Greyhounds are loving and loyal, so you’re guaranteed to get a dog that bonds instantly with the family.
However, they do have their own ideas as both breeds are very intelligent, meaning your dog may be problematic if not trained properly when young.
When trained, your Pointer Greyhound mix will do anything for you. However, their dedication to you might cause slight separation anxiety if you’re away from them for too long.
An anxious dog can be quite destructive, and you might end up with ripped furniture or chewed skirting boards if you’re not careful.
The best way to avoid this is to keep your Pointer Greyhound occupied with toys and activities or even get them a friend.
Pointer-Greyhounds are sociable and love the company of other dogs if they’re socialized early.
Size
Greyhounds and Pointers are around the same size, with the largest Greyhounds reaching 30 inches at the shoulder and Pointers reaching around 27 inches.
This means that your Pointer-Greyhound mix is likely to be a similar size.
Their weight will be anywhere between 70 lbs. and 88 lbs.
Although your dog won’t be a giant, you will still need to ensure you have enough space to accommodate them. They may need a large outdoor space to keep them occupied – especially if your dog has a lot of Pointer in them.
Exercise
If your dog happens to have more Pointer in their genes, it may be a little more energetic throughout the day.
If so, they’ll need to be let out in the yard to play and get rid of the excess energy.
However, if you have a dog that’s more of a Greyhound, two 20-minute walks will tire them out. They’ll probably spend the rest of the day sleeping.
Fun Fact: Greyhounds can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping.
Coat & Color
Both Pointers and Greyhounds can vary vastly in color. That essentially means that your dog could be any color you could think of or a combination.
Your Pointer Greyhound mix will have short, coarse fur. Their fur probably won’t be quite as short as a greyhound’s. This means you won’t have to worry about keeping them warm in the winter.
Their fur also won’t take a lot of maintenance. The coarse texture will lock out any dirt and keep it on the surface.
However, it will need some maintenance.
Grooming
You should brush your dog every few days to get rid of excess dirt and dead fur. Bath time should be around once every 4 weeks.
Pointer Greyhounds do shed quite a lot, so you’ll need to be prepared with the hoover when you’re done.
Common Health Issues
Because both Pointers and Greyhounds are relatively healthy breeds, your mix is unlikely to have any disastrous health issues that aren’t treatable. But there are some potential mild-severe health issues.
Hip Dysplasia
Greyhounds are prone to hip dysplasia, which is the displacement of the hips out of their sockets.
This can cause the bone to rub in the wrong place, making it very difficult or painful to walk. The main symptoms are limping, whimpering when walking, and general soreness in the hip area.
You’ll need to consult with your vet if this happens. In some cases, an operation can help. But, if this issue has happened once, it’s likely to continue.
Bloat
Older Greyhound Pointer mixes are prone to bloat. This is when their stomach fills with gas and twists.
If the stomach hasn’t been through a full turn, this can be rectified with surgery. However, once it’s happened, it will likely happen again.
You’ll be able to spot this if your dog is lethargic, has lost their appetite, or is sensitive to touch.
Heart Problems
Pointers are known for congenital heart defects. This could be life-threatening to your dog if you don’t get it treated.
You should always make sure that your breeder has valid health certificates for your dog before going ahead with your purchase.
Hypoglycemia
This is a condition where the blood sugar in your dog is much lower than it should be. It can be dangerous for dogs like greyhounds with such a high metabolism.
If you notice your dog is overly lethargic and doesn’t want to go on walks, you should consult with your vet and probably get their blood tested.
Summary
Overall, a Pointer Greyhound is a great option for people with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of love to give.
Make sure you’re prepared for the outdoors and endless playtime, but also evenings cuddling on the sofa.
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Thank you for that information. I have a beautiful Pointer/Greyhound cross that was a rescue dog from our local Pound at age 4 and a half. I have had her for 4 years now. We walk every day, rain or shine. Some days 20 minutes (if I have to go to my part-time work) other days up to one hour. She is just starting to feel the after-effects of an hour-long walk, with longer sleeping at night, and disturbed at times with some discomfort, causing her to get off her couch (yes she has her own couch) on to the floor for a short while. I give her Osteocare chews every day which help. I will shorten the long walks (she will NOT like that!) Otherwise she is very healthy and very happy!
Hi there Rose,
Thank you for reaching out. The relationship you share with your pup sounds lovely!
Evan