Why is it controversial?
Because of the commercial betting circuit, where welfare problems kept coming up: injuries, how the dogs were kept and what became of them after retirement. Several countries have restricted or banned commercial racing.
Speed and running
Greyhound Racing
Flat-out speed on an oval track, with sighthounds chasing a mechanical lure. A greyhound tops 60 km/h, and off the start it accelerates roughly like a sports car.
About the discipline
What Greyhound Racing is
Greyhound races are run on oval tracks. The dogs chase a mechanical lure running along a rail, and the first one over the line wins.
The sport goes back a long way, and in some countries it grew into a big business. Over the years the commercial side has drawn serious criticism about the dogs' welfare and about what happens to them once they retire.
Several states have restricted or banned commercial racing. The focus has moved to amateur formats and to lure coursing, which is seen as gentler on the dogs.
How it works in practice
How a race works
- an oval track with starting boxes
- a mechanical lure on a rail for the dogs to chase
- short distances, a few hundred metres
- muzzles compulsory for every runner
- placings decided by the order of finish
Which dogs it suits
- sighthound breeds: greyhound, whippet, galgo
- dogs built for sprinting
We'll say it plainly: this is the most controversial discipline on the list, because of the welfare problems in the commercial circuit.
What you need
- a purpose-built track with lure machinery
- muzzle and race numbers
- a vet check before the start
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Greyhound Racing
How fast are they?
A greyhound tops 60 km/h and accelerates hard over the first few metres. Over a short distance, no dog is faster.
Is there a gentler alternative?
Yes, lure coursing. The dog still chases a lure, but in an open field, on a course with turns, and without the commercial side.
What happens to the dogs after retirement?
That's the sore spot. In the commercial circuit plenty of dogs are retired at three or four, and where there were no serious adoption schemes, things often went badly for them. In several countries, rehoming organisations were set up specifically to take these dogs in and help them adjust to a new life.
The rule figures on this page come from FCI - Regulations for international sighthound racing and lure coursing events, 2026. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Lure Coursing
The dog chases an artificial lure round a course in an open field.
Straight Racing
A straight-line sprint after a lure.
Canicross
Running off-road with the dog clipped to your waist.
Bikejoring
The dog runs ahead of the bike and pulls it.
We do not run Greyhound Racing
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.