Group 10 · Sighthounds
Greyhound
The Greyhound is one of the fastest dogs, yet at home a surprisingly calm, gentle couch potato. It needs short sprints and above all plenty of comfort, and its hunting instinct calls for a safe place to run.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Greyhound by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
Of these, 3 examinations only become mandatory at a later date (see below).
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Early-onset progressive polyneuropathy (EOPP)
DNA test Once from birth Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NGRD1: c.1080_1089del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK)
DNA test Once from birth Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SUV39H2: c.996+3_996+6del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Greyhound, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, PDF published on 24/08/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, no mandatory tests need to be carried out. Only mandatory from a later date: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) (from 01/07/2027), Early-onset progressive polyneuropathy (EOPP) (from 01/07/2027) and Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) (from 01/07/2027). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Greyhound needs daily walks and regular chances to sprint freely in a securely fenced area. Its short coat is easy to look after.
Questions for the breeder
- Which recommended examinations in the breeding programme have both parent dogs undergone, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
As a sighthound it reacts strongly to movement and then does not always come back. Indoors it is calm. It is sensitive and independent, and responds best to a patient, kind approach.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
