Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Greyhounds Live. Greyhound Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Greyhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Greyhound, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Greyhounds
- How Old is Your Greyhound in Human Years
- How Long Do Greyhounds Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Greyhound Live Long
- Conclusion on Greyhound Life Expectancy
How Long Greyhounds Live. Greyhound Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Greyhound is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Greyhound. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 69 pet Greyhounds lived.
From the study, it was found that Greyhounds have a average lifespan of 9.08 years. Furthermore, the study found that Greyhounds can live for as long as 14.1 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Greyhounds.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Greyhounds are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Infectious Disease: Problem caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Greyhound to make your Greyhound live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Greyhound have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Greyhound is in human years? Then, check out our Greyhound age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Greyhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Greyhound compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Toy Poodle Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Canaan Dog Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Basenji Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Miniature Pinscher Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Parson Russell Terrier Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Sealyham Terrier Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Border Collie Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Lifespan | 12.00 |
| German Pinscher Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Briard Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Scottish Terrier Lifespan | 10.20 |
| Otterhound Lifespan | 10.20 |
| Hamiltonstovare Lifespan | 10.10 |
| Newfoundland Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Komondor Lifespan | 9.13 |
| Greyhound Lifespan | 9.08 |
| French Bulldog Lifespan | 9.00 |
| Australian Shepherd Lifespan | 9.00 |
Common Causes of Death in Greyhound, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Greyhound, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Greyhound.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Greyhounds
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 21.6 percent of all deaths in Greyhounds.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Greyhound
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Greyhounds
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Greyhounds (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Greyhounds is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Greyhounds is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Greyhounds is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Greyhounds with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Greyhound. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Greyhound`s gums look pale.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Greyhounds
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 21.4 percent of all deaths in Greyhounds.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Greyhound
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Greyhounds are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Greyhounds can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Greyhounds
One way that you can help improve your Greyhound`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Greyhound joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Greyhound to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Greyhounds a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Greyhound`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Greyhound eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Greyhound is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Greyhound is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Greyhound on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Infectious Disease in Greyhounds
There are many types of infectious diseases: bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Different diseases have different causes and they affect different parts of the body. For example, E. coli causes an infection in the intestines which can cause diarrhea in humans and dogs, whereas Demodex is a parasite on dog skin.
Infectious Disease is responsible for 16.5 percent of all deaths in Greyhounds.
Causes of Infectious Disease in Greyhound
All infectious agents fall into two categories: the ones that invade the body from the outside, and the ones that are living in or on the body that experience an overgrowth. For example, staphylococcus aureus is a normal bacteria found on the skin; however, it can cause skin infections if its growth gets out of hand. Both types of infectious agents can be stopped by the body`s immune response. Internal infectious agents can also be prevented by probiotics.
How to Prevent Infectious Disease in Greyhounds
If your Greyhound seems like they are not doing well, you should take them to the veterinarian so they can decide if your dog needs antibiotics, fluids, a dewormer, or other therapies. When your Greyhound is well, you can support their immune health through nutrition, probiotics like this and vitamins.
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Trauma in Greyhounds
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 16.3 percent of all deaths in Greyhounds.
Causes of Trauma in Greyhound
One of the most common causes of trauma in Greyhounds is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Greyhounds
The best way to keep your Greyhound from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Greyhound from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Greyhound from traumatic accidents.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Greyhounds
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 14.0 percent of all deaths in Greyhounds.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Greyhound
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Greyhound eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Greyhound stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Greyhound is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Greyhound has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Greyhounds
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Greyhound`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Greyhounds
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Greyhound is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Greyhound`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Greyhound`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Greyhound offsprings by only breeding Greyhound that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Greyhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Greyhound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Greyhound has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Greyhound for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Greyhound a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Greyhounds for:
How Old is Your Greyhound in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Greyhound. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Greyhound is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Greyhound is 9.08 years.
Greyhounds are large-sized dogs. Greyhounds weigh 50 to 85 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Greyhound in converting Greyhound age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Greyhound`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Greyhound`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Greyhound`s human age. If you do not know your Greyhound`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Greyhound is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Greyhound`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Greyhound`s up-to-date human age.
Greyhound Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Greyhound age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Greyhound`s human age based on your Greyhound`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Greyhound`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Greyhound Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 34 |
| 5 | 39 |
| 6 | 43 |
| 7 | 48 |
| 8 | 52 |
| 9 | 57 |
| 10 | 61 |
| 11 | 66 |
| 12 | 70 |
| 13 | 75 |
| 14 | 80 |
| 15 | 86 |
| 16 | 92 |
How Long Do Greyhounds Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Greyhound is 9.08 years. In human years, the Greyhound lives for 57 years.
How Old is 1-year-old Greyhound in Human Years?
A 1-year old Greyhound is 16 years old in human years.
How Old is 4-year-old Greyhound in Human Years?
A 4-year old Greyhound is 34 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Greyhound in Human Years?
A 5-year old Greyhound is 39 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old Greyhound in Human Years?
A 7-year old Greyhound is 48 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Greyhound Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Greyhound live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Greyhound fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Greyhound does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Greyhound will have a shorter lifespan than a Greyhound that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Greyhound high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Greyhound. Check out our Greyhound feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Greyhound from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Greyhound existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Greyhound has access to clean water whenever your Greyhound needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Greyhound. See our Greyhound water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Greyhound.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Greyhound might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Greyhound.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Greyhound is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Greyhound’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Greyhound teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Greyhound Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Greyhound`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.