Suitable Toys for Greyhounds

As a dog owner, you’re always looking for the best toys for your doggie. However, you know that not all toys work for all dogs, and you specifically want to know about suitable toys for greyhounds.

By finding out more information about greyhounds and their characteristics, you can get the ideal toy for your dog. 

Characteristics of Greyhounds 

Greyhounds are typically large dogs that weigh 61 to 100 pounds unless you have an Italian greyhound; they are smaller and weigh seven to 14 pounds.

Both types are good with families and other dogs and are known, in general, for being gentle and graceful. Greyhound owners will notice that their small or large dog breeds love to cuddle and are even-tempered and laid back. 

Exercise, Playtime, and Greyhounds

Greyhounds have medium exercise needs, meaning they are not overly active. They are always up for playtime or a leisurely walk, and they make good hiking companions.

Since they are good with other dogs, your greyhound will likely enjoy going to the dog park. Of course, you’ll need to socialize your pup when he’s young so that he has good relationships with other doggies.  

Since greyhounds were bred to sight hunt, they have wide-set eyes and a high range of vision. Humans have around a 180-degree range of vision, while greyhounds have a 270-degree range of vision. They may spot small animals around your neighborhood like rabbits and squirrels from far away.

When they see animals, they may go after them since they have a high prey drive. But if you use positive reinforcement training, you might be able to stop them from going after these animals. If you’re going to leave them outside, make sure you have a fenced-in yard. Otherwise, they could run away while chasing critters.

Keeping all this in mind, you can figure out the types of toys your greyhound will love. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Chew Toys for Greyhounds

Unfortunately, greyhounds are prone to having bad teeth. In one study of 5,419 greyhounds, 39% of the dogs had dental disease.

One way you can attempt to stave off dental issues is by giving your greyhound plenty of chew toys. 

Start with Outward Hound, where you’ll find chew toys that your greyhound loves, including the Dogwood, which comes in multiple sizes for small dogs and large dogs. The two-pack comes with two large natural wood and mint-flavored dog chew sticks to help keep your greyhound’s teeth and gums healthy.

You can play a game of fetch with these fake wood sticks, which is much safer than playing with a stick you find outside since they don’t break and splinter. These toys are also great for chewers, who will chew these wood sticks instead of your furniture, shoes, or other items in your home.

Kong

Kong is a classic rubber toy you can find on Amazon or your local pet shop. You can fill a Kong toy with some peanut butter, cheese, or a dog treat and then play a game of fetch in your home or yard with your greyhound.

Note that greyhounds don’t like going out in the cold, so if it’s the middle of winter, you can help them exercise by throwing around a Kong inside.

Squeaky Toys

The Latex Rubber Balloon Lion Squeaky Dog Toy is perfect for your greyhound, especially if he suffers from separation anxiety. It is soft and squishy and can be used for solo play when you aren’t home, so he won’t feel so alone. Plus, when he plays with it, he’ll tap into his high prey drive since it looks like a small animal.

If you have an Italian greyhound, this squeaker toy also comes in XS sizes.

Tennis Balls

An alternative to a squeaky toy is a squeaky tennis ball. Throw them far in your yard or in the dog park and watch your greyhound chase after them. If your greyhound enjoys tennis ball toys, he may like Frisbees as well. 

Rope Toys

Is your greyhound into tug of war? Then get him some rope toys to play with. Greyhounds have narrow muzzles, and rope toys are easy for them to latch onto. You can also use them for teaching him the “leave it” command, which will be so important when you’re going on walks and he wants to chase all the small animals in sight. 

Nylabones

While the Nylabone is more of a treat than a toy, you can still throw one across the lawn and watch your greyhound hunt for it. These are great for greyhounds because they help remove tartar and plaque from dogs’ teeth. The ones with the textured surfaces will also treat buildup in tough-to-reach places along your greyhound’s gum line.

Plush Dog Toys

You can get your greyhound a stuffed toy for hours of interactive play. Your doggie will enjoy a stuffed animal like a duck, squirrel, or rabbit because of his high prey drive. These soft toys are easy to throw around your yard and or home and will keep your doggie entertained – especially if they contain a squeaker, too.

Puzzle Toys 

Another good toy for greyhounds, especially ones with separation anxiety, is a puzzle toy that doubles as a treat dispenser. Put your greyhound’s favorite treats or kibble and watch him try to solve the puzzle and get his food out. This will keep him entertained for a long time.

When to NOT Play With Your Greyhound 

Greyhounds sometimes get torsion, a condition where the stomach will twist on itself, and they are more susceptible to bloating because they have deep chests. Both of these conditions can be fatal.

One way of avoiding them is by not playing with your greyhound immediately after he eats. If you notice that your greyhound has a hard stomach, is standing with an arched back, and is having trouble getting comfortable, then he could be suffering from bloating. You’ll need to contact your veterinarian right away.

Making Your Greyhound Happy

Your gentle greyhound loves to play with you. You can make him happy by investing in things like rope toys, Kongs, stuffed plush toys, tennis balls, and other toys that he will enjoy all day long.