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Pet Insurance for Greyhounds

Find out all about Greyhounds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 22nd, 2023       

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Price range

$300–$3,000+

Height

71cm - 73cm

Weight

27kg - 31kg

Personality

Friendly, quiet, gentle

Coat length

Short, sleek

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 12 years

Greyhound

Overview

The Greyhound, often called the ‘70 km/h couch potato,’ is a remarkable breed known for its incredible speed and gentle demeanour. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world, with their history tracing back over 8,000 years. There are pictures of greyhounds in the temples in the city of Catal-Huyuk, in present-day Turkey, which have been dated to 6,000 B.C. The Greeks and Romans loved their greyhounds, and the Egyptians had their greyhounds mummified and buried with their owners. It is from these dogs that we can trace their ancient DNA. The breed is also the only dog mentioned by name in the Bible.  

The slender, aerodynamic build and long legs of the greyhound are tailored for racing, making them one of the fastest dog breeds globally, capable of reaching speeds of over 75 kilometres per hour. However, despite their racing heritage, Greyhounds make calm, affectionate companions and are well-suited as family pets. They are renowned for their gentle and easy-going nature, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their short coat, which comes in various colours, is low-maintenance, and their mild temperament makes them adaptable to different living environments. Greyhounds are often involved in canine therapy programs due to their gentle disposition, proving that they are not just extraordinary athletes but also loving and loyal friends.

Common diseases and conditions of Greyhounds

  • Osteosarcoma: A form of cancer, Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that may first be detected if a dog has a slight limp.
  • Pannus: Also known as chronic superficial keratitis, this is an eye condition which affects the cornea, which can lead to visual impairment.
  • Tooth Decay: Greyhounds are known to commonly suffer from tooth decay, which can lead to mouth and gum infections and pain when eating.
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): A serious condition where the stomach twists, potentially causing a life-threatening emergency. 

Breed-specific issues:  

Greyhounds are gentle-natured dogs that do not like to be left alone, and may suffer from separation anxiety. Due to their high prey instinct, they should never be left alone with cats or smaller pets such as cats.   

How much does pet insurance cost for a Grayhound

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Greyhounds

If greyhounds are not aggressive, why are they always muzzled?

In 1927, Australia enacted a law mandating that all greyhounds wear muzzles while in public areas. Initially designed for the safety of racing greyhounds to prevent injuries during races, this regulation was expanded to include all public spaces. However, several states have now lifted this requirement, while it remains in place in other areas. Greyhounds are generally not considered aggressive dogs. They tend to have a calm and gentle disposition, which makes them friendly and sociable. 

How much exercise does a greyhound need each day?

Greyhounds are known as ‘couch potatoes’ because they love to lay around doing nothing. Greyhounds are known for their short bursts of energy, but also enjoy relaxing at home. They are not high-energy dogs, which is why they can be prone to obesity. They benefit from regular exercise, typically requiring around 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day.  

 
Do greyhounds shed a lot of hair?  

No. Greyhounds have short, fine coats that don't shed excessively. While they do shed, it's usually minimal and manageable with regular brushing. 

Is it possible to adopt ex-racing greyhounds in Australia?

Yes, it is possible to adopt ex-racing greyhounds in Australia. Many animal welfare organisations and rescue groups are dedicated to re-homing retired racing greyhounds and giving them a second chance at a loving home. These dogs often make wonderful pets, and adoption is a great way to provide them with a comfortable and caring environment after their racing careers have ended.

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Greyhound

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