Tall and robust, greyhounds can definitely look intimidating because of their size.
But, “Are Greyhounds Good Guard Dogs?” According to the AKC “greyhounds are gentle, noble, and sweet.” And for that reason, Greyhounds do not make good guard dogs.
Below there are seven reasons why they don’t make good guard dogs.
And more helpful information about greyhounds and their traits.
7 Reasons Why Greyhounds Are Not Good Guard Dogs
1. Not Naturally Aggressive
Unlike other guard dog breeds, greyhounds do not have the instinct to protect their home and family. So they are not naturally protective.
A greyhound can bark at the fence when they see a stranger, but they will not attack them once confronted.
A proper guard dog will attack an intruder when they see them as a threat to its family. They take the intruder head-on while barking aggressively to scare them away.
2. They’re Easily Bribed
We can all probably agree that dogs are a fan of treats.
And just like any other breed, greyhounds can easily be bribed with food or treats.
So, defending their home against an intruder is not something they can do well.
For example: If an intruder has a treat or piece of food, your greyhound will likely go to them instead of attacking them.
A good guard dog is more likely to attack an intruder, even if they have nothing to offer them.
3. They’re Too Friendly
A greyhound’s friendly nature is another reason why they make poor guard dogs.
They are too trusting of people, making them more likely to let a stranger into your home without hesitation.
Other guard dog breeds are much more suspicious of strangers and will not let them inside the home unless they are with their owners.
4. They Love Their Sleep
Yes, greyhounds love their sleep! They can take over your couch and bed and nap most of the day.
So, this is not the type of dog you want on guard duty, as they are more likely to fall asleep on the job.
An intruder can rob you, and they would not even know it.
Other guard dog breeds are much more alert and will stay awake on duty to protect your home.
5. They Bark Very Little, If At All
A good guard dog should bark when they see or sense something suspicious. And this is not the case with greyhounds, as they rarely bark.
Because of their gentle and timid nature, they would rather flee from a perceived threat than confront it head-on.
6. Not Naturally Territorial
Guard dog breeds are instinctively territorial. They have a strong desire to protect their home and family from intruders.
Greyhounds do not have this same instinct. They are not naturally territorial dogs and will not feel the need to protect your home from intruders.
7. Easily Intimidated
Greyhounds are easily intimidated by other dogs and animals.
So, an ideal guard dog should be confident and fearless when protecting its home.
Other guard dog breeds are much more confident. And will not back down from a fight, even if they are outnumbered or outmatched.
Can You Train A Greyhound To Be A Guard Dog?
Essentially, Greyhounds are not known for being guard dogs. And trying to train this breed to become one can be very challenging.
Since they are not naturally aggressive and territorial, you would need to spend a lot of time and effort training your greyhound to be bold and aggressive.
There is no guarantee that they would protect your home from an intruder.
Training other guard dog breeds to protect your home is much easier and more effective.
Also, Read Can A Hungarian Vizslas Be A Good Guard Dog?
Do Greyhounds Make Good Watch Dogs?
Greyhounds are not very good watchdogs either. As we mentioned before, they are very timid and gentle dogs.
They are easily intimidated by other animals, which makes them less likely to bark when they see or hear something suspicious.
A good watchdog should be alert and fearless. It should also have a strong barking instinct to warn you of an intruder’s presence.
Greyhounds do not have these qualities, making them poor watchdog candidates.
You can instruct your greyhound to be a watchdog, but they are not naturally suited for this role.
Would A Greyhound Protect Their Owners?
Greyhounds are terrible at protecting their owners. In case of an attack, they prefer to run away than fight.
Good guard dogs are usually much more aggressive and territorial, making them better suited for this role.
So, a guard dog will protect its owner from an intruder, no matter the outcome. They Will never back down.
Also, since greyhounds lack a territorial instinct, they would not feel the need to protect their home or family from an intruder.
What Are Greyhound Dogs Good For?
While this breed doesn’t make a good guard dog, there are still several things that greyhounds can do just right.
For instance, they are excellent racing dogs.
Greyhounds Are Good For Racing
Their sleek and robust build allows them to reach high speeds.
They are also very athletic and can run for long distances without getting tired. Note, however, that greyhound racing is now illegal in most states.
They Are Good Companions
They are very gentle and loving dogs that love to be around people. They are great pets for families with children because they are patient and tolerant.
They Are Very Low-Maintenance
They do not need much exercise and are content to lounge around the house all day. And it makes them ideal for people who live in apartments or tiny homes.
They do not shed a lot like most other breeds of dogs, making them ideal for people with allergies.
Are Greyhounds Loyal Dogs?
Yes, greyhounds are very loyal dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners and are very devoted to them.
They trust their owners and rely on them for guidance and protection. They would do anything to please their owner and make them happy.
Greyhounds are also very social dogs. They love being around people and other animals. And that makes them great pets for families with children or other pets.
Are Greyhounds Biters?
Greyhounds are generally docile and calm. They do not bite unless they feel threatened or provoked.
Even though they are gentle dogs, they can still bite if provoked, but it isn’t very likely.
However, some abused greyhounds could be defensive and prone to nibble.
Factors including training, environment, socialization, and health will play a significant role in their tendency to bite or not.
Generally, greyhounds are not biters and make great pets for families with children.
Check out this related post Can A Weimaraner Be A Good Guard Dog?
Do Greyhounds Bark A Lot?
No, greyhounds do not bark a lot. They are one of the quietest dog breeds.
And is one of the reasons why they make poor guard dogs. They do not have the instinct to bark and warn their owners of an intruder.
Final Thoughts
While greyhounds are not good guard dogs, they still make great pets. They are gentle, loving, and loyal dogs that love being around people.
A greyhound may be the right breed if you’re looking for a companion dog. They are also very low maintenance and easy-going.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about greyhounds and whether or not they make good guard dogs.
Feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions below.
(Author)
Justin is a protection dog enthusiast. He has years of experience teaching and training dogs. He enjoys sharing what he’s learned. Read More
