Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

National Greyhound Day 2025: When & How It’s Celebrated

greyhound

Greyhounds are renowned for being fleet of foot and for their gentle and loving hearts. This ancient breed has been used for professional dog racing since at least 1926. But with attention being brought to the dark side of racing Greyhounds, more and more of these dogs are adopted as rescue animals.

In support of these beautiful animals, we honor them with National Greyhound Day, which falls on June 2 every year. If you want to learn more about the celebration of the Greyhound, please read on!

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

National Greyhound Day

National Greyhound Day is June 2 every year. This annual holiday is held to appreciate the beautiful and athletic Greyhound and raise awareness for adoption.

In the U.K., the Greyhound Trust hosts National Greyhound Day every year as a way to educate the public on the history and plight of Greyhounds in the racing world.

Woman is hugging Italian greyhound puppy
Image By: Veera, Shutterstock

A Little Greyhound History

Greyhounds are believed to be the oldest purebred dog breed, with prehistoric art depicting greyhound-like dogs chasing game. What is known for certain is that these hounds date back to Ancient Egypt roughly 5,000 years ago and were used by pharaohs for hunting and chasing wildlife. These dogs were considered an extension of the pharaohs. They were also regarded as divine and could only be owned by royalty until about 1700.

Greyhounds have also been honored in Greek and Roman mythology, and Shakespeare included them in “Henry V.” Every current purebred Greyhound today has lineage back to King Cob of England in 1839. They were recognized by the AKC in 1885 and are currently the 129th most popular breed out of 200 breeds.

The Fastest Dogs

What Greyhounds are known for is being the fastest dog breed. The fastest individual Greyhound is Shakey Jakey from Australia, who was clocked at 41.8 mph (67 kph) in 2014!

On average, Greyhounds can run 40 to 45 mph (64 to 72 kph) at their fastest but are also known to maintain great speed. They can run at 35 mph (56 kph) for about 7 miles (11 kph)!

greyhound running outside
Image By: herbert2512, Pixabay

Eight Dog Breeds Related to Greyhounds

Eight dog breeds are related to the Greyhound, which means they are similar in appearance and quite fast.

  • Afghan Greyhound: Usually referred to as the Afghan Hound, these dogs are known for their long coats and are used in dog shows because of their beauty. They originated in the mountains of Afghanistan.
  • Arabian Greyhound: Also known as Sloughi, this breed is native to North Africa and is similar in appearance to the Greyhound.
  • Italian Greyhound: This breed comes from Italy and has a similar appearance to the Greyhound but is smaller. They were bred to be lap dogs and companions.
  • Persian Greyhound: This breed is best known as the Saluki and is an ancient breed like the Greyhound. They have a fluffy tail and ears and feathering on their legs.
  • Russian Greyhound: Russian Greyhounds are called Borzoi and were bred for hunting wolves. These dogs resemble Greyhounds but have longer, more luxurious coats.
  • Scottish Greyhound: These dogs are more commonly called Scottish Deerhounds. They look like rough-coated Greyhounds and are more heavily boned.
  • Spanish Greyhound: This dog is also known as the Spanish Galgo and is medium in size. Despite the name, they are not that closely related to the Greyhound.
  • Whippet: The Whippet is a smaller version of the Greyhound and originally came from England. They are incredibly fast; in 2021 and 2022, a whippet named Reas was the fastest dog in the U.S.A., running 100 yards (300 feet) in 5.85 seconds, reaching 34.98 mph (56.3 kph)!

Other Holidays That Honor Greyhounds

The entire month of April is National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month. This is becoming an essential time because Greyhound racetracks are being closed worldwide, which means more dogs need homes.

On September 24, 2023, is the Great Global Greyhound Walk, which is for all sighthounds anywhere in the world. In 2022, 10,620 sighthounds were walked in 29 countries. England had 4,000 dogs walked, and Australia had the second most with 1,763 dogs. These walks are designed to be social events for sighthound owners and to promote the adoption of these amazing dogs.

February 1 is World Greyhound Day (also called World Galgo Day), which is designed to call attention to the cruelty shown toward Greyhounds used for hunting in Spain. Spanish Greyhounds are often left to die in inhumane ways at the end of hunting seasons.

These holidays are not only to celebrate these beautiful dogs but also to raise awareness of the plight of the Greyhounds used for sport.

male-runner-running-with-dog-greyhound-on-leash-city-race
Image By: sportpoint, Shutterstock

The End of Greyhound Racing?

An increasing number of countries and cities are closing down on Greyhound racing. But it is still technically legal in seven countries: Australia, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, the U.K., the U.S. (in eight states), and Vietnam.

Greyhounds are typically confined in cramped living conditions when they are not racing and suffer severe injuries while racing. It’s said that one dog dies every 3 days on a Florida racing track.

How Can You Celebrate National Greyhound Day?

The most meaningful thing that you can do is adopt a retired racing Greyhound. These dogs are still quite young, as most retire from racing when they are just about 2 to 4 years of age. Check out The Greyhound Project, which has a directory of Greyhound rescues in different countries.

If you already have a Greyhound, post pictures of your dog on social media, and use the hashtag #NationalGreyhoundDay. Talk about how wonderful these dogs are, and do your part to raise awareness of the necessity of adopting this breed.

Volunteer in person at a local Greyhound rescue group or any other animal shelter if you can, but there are ways of volunteering online. You can also donate some of your time and/or money to places like Greyhound Trust.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Final Thoughts

National Greyhound Day occurs every June 2. To celebrate, consider donating your time and money to a rescue organization, or talk about it on social media to raise awareness. You can also look into ways to help ban dog racing or the abuse of Greyhounds during and after Spain’s hunting season.

Best of all, if you have room in your heart and your home to adopt one of these dogs, the Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet breed that will be a joy to have in your life.


Featured Photo Credit: Akiko Campbell, Pixabay

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Are There People Who Don’t Like Dogs? 6 Reasons to Understand

As someone who likes spending time with dogs, you may wonder how anyone could dislike “man’s best friend.” What could possibly be so...

Papillon vs Pomeranian: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

When comparing Papillons and Pomeranians, it’s important to consider their differences in appearance, personality, and care requirements. Both breeds are small, intelligent, and...

Glechon (Beagle & Bichon Frise Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

A mix between a Beagle and Bichon Frise, the Glechon is a bit of a mixed bag no matter where you look. You...

Brondell Nebia Merced Handheld Showerhead Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

As a former groomer, I can attest to how much work it is to bathe a dog. And that’s when you have all...

More related

9 Best Dog Foods for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, sweet-natured companion that makes an excellent addition to the family. Unlike some small breeds, the...

Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

When you’re an allergy sufferer and a dog lover, it’s a good idea to find out how your allergy will flare up around...

12 Best Family Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & Origin

Whether you have kids or you’re thinking about starting a family, it’s important to choose a dog that will be suitable to be...

10 Best Lint Rollers for Dog Hair in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Shedding is a common and normal part of living with a dog, but it can certainly be an inconvenience, especially when your clothes...

Keep reading

Merrick Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Garth Merrick founded Merrick Pet Care in 1988 out of a desire to create homemade food for his dog, Gracie. He crafted his recipes in Hereford, Texas, where the company still has offices. Merrick prides itself on producing...

Dogster_Merrick Dog Food Review

How Many Times a Day Should a Dog Eat? 6 Reasons a Schedule Works

As a pet parent, you worry about everything from getting your dog’s vaccines on time to how much you should be feeding him to keep him healthy and happy. Regarding feeding, there’s truly no clear-cut answer as to how much...

close up of a dog eating from the bowl

Can Dogs Eat Black Beans? Vet-Verified Facts, Pros & Cons

Black beans are a common side dish for many meals, and it’s hard to say no to our dog’s begging eyes. Whether you’re thinking of feeding them some or they stole a bite, you’re probably wondering whether black beans are...

Can Dogs Eat Black Beans

10 Best Dry Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the right puppy food is key to your newest family addition growing big and strong. With so many options available, it’s hard to choose the right one. In an attempt to help you provide your pup with the best...

a Maltipoo puppy eats from a metal bowl

Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Coconut and coconut oil are not only tasty treats but they are also said to have health benefits, especially for people. However, does that mean it’s okay to feed this treat to your dog? Coconut is not toxic to dogs...

Can Dogs Eat Coconut

Fromm vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Whether or not you have children, many dog owners also view their canine companions as family members rather than simply pets. Just as you would for your human family, you want your dog to be safe, happy, and healthy. An...

Dogster_Dog Food Fromm VS Blue Buffalo

Purina Beneful Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Purina is one of the largest dog food manufacturers out there today. They were actually one of the first to create dry dog food and remain one of the most popular options today. In fact, the history of...

Dogster_Purina Beneful Dog Food Review

7 Best Dog Foods for Corgis in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re the pleased and proud owner of a Corgi, you’re a lucky person indeed! Corgis are adorable but also bundles of energy and personality with a fascinating history. Whether you have a Pembroke or a Cardigan, both Corgi breeds...

Portrait of adorable Corgi