How Much Do Greyhounds Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

By Brian Cooper •  Updated: 03/31/23 •  9 min read
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Are you considering getting a Greyhound as a pet? One of the most important factors to consider is how much do Greyhounds cost.

Greyhounds are beautiful and loving animals, but they can also be expensive to own. In this article, we will explore the various costs associated with owning a Greyhound, including initial adoption fees, ongoing expenses, and unexpected costs.

When it comes to adopting a Greyhound, the cost can vary depending on where you live and the adoption agency you work with. The cost to adopt a Greyhound here in the Northeast where I live is way different from the West coast so a lot of this depends on location.

On average though, over the past few years adoption fees have ranged from $250 to $500 on average across the U.S. This fee typically includes the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and a health check-up. Some agencies may also provide additional services such as microchipping, which can help ensure your Greyhound is returned to you if they ever get lost.

How Much do Greyhounds Cost?

Factors that Affect the Cost of Greyhounds

Greyhounds are one of the most beloved breeds of dogs, but they can also be quite expensive to purchase. The cost of a Greyhound can vary widely depending on several factors. Here are some of the main factors that affect the cost of Greyhounds:

When considering the cost of a Greyhound, it’s important to take all of these factors into account. While it may be tempting to try to save money by purchasing a less expensive dog (other than a Greyhound), I personally feel the costs associated with adopting a Greyhound are WELL worth it.

Greyhound Brittany peaking over the couch

How Much Does A Greyhound Dog Cost?

Over the past few years, Greyhounds have become extremely popular throughout the U.S. They are also a relatively expensive breed to own, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The cost of a Greyhound can vary depending on several factors, including age, gender, and pedigree.

The average cost of a Greyhound puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $3,000. However, it is important to note that some breeders may charge more for puppies with desirable traits or bloodlines. Additionally, the cost of a Greyhound from a breeder may include additional expenses such as vaccinations, health screenings, and spaying or neutering.

Adopting a Greyhound from a rescue organization is often a more affordable option. The cost of adopting a Greyhound typically ranges from $200 to $500, which may include basic veterinary care and spaying or neutering. However, some rescue organizations may charge more for Greyhounds with special needs or medical conditions.

Close by me here in the Northeast (PA/NJ/NY area), our local Greyhound rescues have had to raise their prices. Just a few years ago, the cost to adopt was around $250. Nowadays, adoption costs have been raised to $750 for American Greyhounds (due to the high veterinary costs) and $1,000 for Irish Greyhounds (due to the additional cost of transportation to the U.S.)

It is important to consider the ongoing expenses of owning a Greyhound, such as food, grooming, and veterinary care. These costs can add up over time and should be factored into the decision to adopt or purchase a Greyhound.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Greyhound? – Other Expenses

Adopting a Greyhound can be a great way to add a furry friend to your family. However, it’s important to consider the other costs associated with adoption and ownership.

Along with the adoption fee, there are other expenses to remember when adopting any dog or pet. For example, you’ll need to purchase food, bedding, toys, and other supplies for your new Greyhound and that can hit the wallet pretty hard.

The cost of these items can vary depending on the quality and quantity you choose, but you can expect to spend around $100 to $200 initially after your Greyhound first arrives.

Another expense to consider is veterinary care. Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia and heart disease. You’ll need to schedule regular check-ups and vaccinations, as well as be prepared for any unexpected medical expenses.

The cost of veterinary care can vary widely depending on the services required, but my family usually budgets around $500 to $1,000 per year to take care of our Greyhound Brittany. She’s definitely worth the costs, believe me!

Brittany the Greyhound looking cute

Additionally, you may want to consider pet insurance to help cover the cost of unexpected medical expenses. The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on the coverage you choose, but you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 per month.

Overall, adopting a Greyhound can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the costs associated with ownership. By budgeting for adoption fees and other expenses, you can ensure that you’re able to provide your new furry friend with the care and attention they need.

Some Other Considerations Before Buying a Greyhound

Before making the decision to buy a Greyhound, there are several important considerations to keep in mind, in addition to the costs I went over above. These factors can help ensure that you are prepared for the responsibilities and costs associated with owning a Greyhound.

Living Space

Greyhounds are large dogs, typically weighing between 50-80 pounds. As such, they require a significant amount of living space. It is important to ensure that you have enough room in your home or apartment for a Greyhound to move around freely and comfortably. Additionally, Greyhounds require daily exercise, so access to a backyard or nearby park is essential.

Temperament

Greyhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. However, they may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets. It is important to consider the temperament of a Greyhound before bringing one into your home, and to ensure that you have the time and resources to properly train and socialize your dog.

Adoption vs. Breeder

When considering getting a Greyhound, you may choose to adopt from a rescue organization or purchase from a breeder. Adoption is often a more affordable option and provides a home for a dog in need. However, purchasing from a reputable breeder can ensure that you receive a healthy and well-bred dog.

Overall, owning a Greyhound can be a rewarding experience. However, it is important to carefully consider the responsibilities and costs associated with owning a Greyhound before making the decision to bring one into your home.

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Greyhounds are getting expensive, but what’s the most money someone ever paid for a dog?

The most expensive dog ever sold was an Akita named Big Splash, also known as Hong Dong, which was sold for $1.5 million in China in 2014 (source: CNBC and TODAY.com.)

Why was this dog so expensive?

Hong Dong was considered valuable because of its rare pedigree and large size. Hong Dong was a purebred red Tibetan Mastiff, which is a very rare breed of dog that is known for its loyalty and bravery. Additionally, the dog was reportedly one of the largest Tibetan Mastiffs ever recorded, weighing over 180 pounds. The buyer, a wealthy businessman from China, reportedly purchased the dog as a status symbol and to breed more valuable puppies.

I thought that was some cool info considering we’re talking about the costs to adopt a Greyhound. Just be happy you’re not buying a rare Tibetan Mastiff!

Brittany tje Greyhound couch potato

Wrapping it up…

Greyhounds are beautiful, gentle, and loving dogs that make great pets. However, owning a Greyhound can be expensive. The initial cost of buying a Greyhound can range from a few hundred dollars to even in the thousands of dollars, depending on whether you adopt or purchase a purebred.

Additionally, the cost of caring for a Greyhound can add up quickly. You’ll need to budget for food, toys, grooming, and veterinary care. On average, you can expect to spend around $1,000 per year on these expenses combined. And if you love spoiling your new Grey like we do, you might even have to have a higher budget for special treats, new leashes and collars and those cozy warm gigantic size Greyhound beds!

So there you have it. I hope I shed some light on what it costs to adopt a Greyhound. There are so many things to consider but the bottom line is this….they’re definitely worth it! Our Brittany (and Gill before her) were two of the best decisions we as a family ever made. You’ll see both of their pictures throughout our website and you can just see what great family members they are.

Well worth the costs in my view! Take care.

Brian Cooper

Brian Cooper is a 'Greyhound Dad' and is the founder of Rescued Greyhounds. His Greys "Gill" and "Brittany" are his inspiration and his mission is to teach about and promote the adoption of Greyhounds. He also has over 40+ years experience with many other breeds including Toy Poodles, Collies and Border Collies.