Greyhounds are naturally very large dog breeds. Here you will find a list of the twenty largest greyhound breeds in the world:
- #1 Irish Wolfhound: 81 – 89 cm
- #2 Borzoi: 75 – 85 cm
- #3 Patagonian Greyhound: 71 – 84 cm
- #4 Taigan: 65-82cm
- #5 Deerhound: 76 – 81 cm
- #6 Chart Polski: 70 – 80 cm
- #7 Greyhound: 71 – 76 cm
- #8 Rampur Hound: 56 – 76 cm
- #9 Chortaj: 65 – 75 cm
- #10 Afghan Hound: 68 – 74 cm
- #11 Kanni: 64 – 74 cm
- #12 Azawakh: 64 – 74 cm
- #13 Mudhol Hound: 68 – 72 cm
- #14 Sloughi: 66 – 72 cm
- #15 Central Asian Tazi: 60 – 72 cm
- #16 Saluki: 58 – 71 cm
- #17 Magyar Agar: 65 – 70 cm
- #18 Galgo Español: 62 – 70 cm
- #19 Podengo Português: 55 – 70 cm
- #20 Rhodesian Ridgeback: 63 – 69 cm
Incidentally, the size information above is for male greyhounds. In many breeds – but not all – the females are on average up to 5 cm smaller. [1]
What this always means is the “height at the withers”. It is also colloquially referred to as “shoulder height”. You can find a table with all breeds at the bottom.
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#1 Irish Wolfhound: 81 – 89 cm
The origin of the Irish wolfhound is already in the name. Its purpose also becomes clear – these dogs used to be used primarily to hunt wolves.
With a size of up to 89 cm, they are also the largest sighthound breed in the world. When these dogs stand on their hind legs, they are sometimes up to 2.13 m high.
In addition, the four-legged friends are considered very loyal, good-natured and fearless. They also have a very strong hunting instinct and can weigh up to a whopping 70 kg. [2]
Fun fact: Of all breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is the “mayfly”. Some of the large greyhounds die of natural causes after just 6 years.
#2 Borzoi: 75 – 85 cm
The Borzoi originally comes from Russia, where it was once used primarily as a hunting dog. At a whopping 85 cm, they are also the second largest sighthound breed in the world.
They can run up to 58 km/h and naturally have the longest dog snout in the world. But they also make great family dogs.
In addition, the large greyhounds are considered to be very calm, gentle and trusting. They are also very sensitive to criticism and need a very consistent master. [3]
Fun fact: These dogs are literally rock stars. The rock band “Pink Floyd” recorded a song with a borzoi – the dog howls loudly in the background.
#3 Patagonian Greyhound: 71 – 84 cm
The Patagonian Greyhound comes from Patagonia – a region in South America. With a size of up to 84 cm, it is also the third largest sighthound breed in the world.
To this day, the four-legged friends are primarily used for hunting. In the 18th and 19th centuries, they were used, among other things, to protect against predators.
In addition, the large greyhounds can reach a weight of up to 50 kg. They are also considered to be very courageous, calm and behave cautiously in front of strangers. [4]
Fun fact: This breed is so rare that there isn't even a Wikipedia article about the four-legged friends.
#4 Taigan: 65-82cm
The Taigan comes from Kyrgyzstan and is considered active, enthusiastic and independent. In his homeland he is still primarily used for hunting today.
With a top speed of up to 60 km/h, they are almost ideal for hunting foxes and wolves. Their attentive nature also makes them good watchdogs.
In addition, the large greyhounds are very easy to train, have a strong hunting instinct and need a lot of exercise. They also usually get along well with children. [5]
Fun fact: While most hunting dogs also hunt birds, the Taigan often hunts alongside other trained birds of prey. The bird's primary purpose is to hold on, while the taigan dispatches the prey.
#5 Deerhound: 76 – 81 cm
The Deerhound comes from Scotland, where it was once primarily used to hunt deer. This also explains its international name “Scottish Deerhound”.
The large greyhounds also weigh up to 50 kg and only have a life expectancy of between 8 and 9 years. [6]
In addition, the four-legged friends are very friendly, gentle and need a lot of exercise. However, they are less suitable for city life without wide meadows.
Fun fact: This sighthound breed received particular attention in 2020 when a video of a deerhound wearing colorful rubber boots went viral on Instagram.
#6 Chart Polski: 70 – 80 cm
The Chart Polski is also known as the “Polish Greyhound” due to its origins. To this day they are primarily used as hunting, guard and working dogs.
With a size of up to 80 cm, the four-legged friends are the 6th largest sighthound breed. They are also considered very courageous, active, loyal and self-confident. [7]
However, outside of Poland they are relatively rare. Incidentally, the large greyhounds rarely get along with other dogs and are considered difficult to train.
Fun fact: This breed is considered particularly cheerful. While other dogs just wag their tails when excited, this breed likes to jump around.
#7 Greyhound: 71 – 76 cm
The Greyhound is the world's most famous sighthound breed. Because they hold the world record as the fastest dog breed as well as in the high jump.
In addition, the large greyhounds are ideal for families thanks to their trusting, gentle and calm nature. They also get along well with children.
Incidentally, the Greyhound is also the only breed that was mentioned in the Bible. And this despite the fact that the dogs sleep up to 18 hours a day. [8]
Fun fact: When this breed is pregnant, it's like a miracle bag. Because they sometimes give birth to just a single puppy and in other cases up to 12 at once.
#8 Rampur Hound: 56 – 76 cm
The Rampur Hound comes from India, where it is still used primarily as a hunting companion. At 64 km/h it is the fifth fastest dog breed in the world.
However, the large greyhounds are rarely kept as family dogs. And this despite the fact that they are considered very friendly, loyal and sociable.
Additionally, it prefers warm weather, is relatively rare outside its native land, and freezes relatively quickly. A winter coat is therefore absolutely necessary here. [9]
Fun fact: If you watch videos of Rampur Hounds running in slow motion, you'll notice that these dogs are completely in the air around ⅔ of the time.
#9 Chortaj: 65 – 75 cm
The Chortaj is one of those breeds whose status as a “greyhound” is controversial. Because they not only hunt by sight and speed, but also use their nose.
However, they are very popular with hunters. Because they are not only particularly fast, but also very durable. However, they are rarely kept as family dogs.
In addition, the large greyhounds are considered to be very friendly, intelligent and alert. They are very easy to train and have a strong hunting instinct. [10]
Fun fact: If this breed of greyhound stands on its hind legs, some of them are over 2 meters tall. Storing treats in the fridge is therefore not a good idea.
#10 Afghan Hound: 68 – 74 cm
The Afghan Hound was originally used exclusively as a hunting dog. Because with a speed of a whopping 64 km/h, he is one of the fastest dogs.
Nowadays, however, the four-legged friends primarily serve as family dogs. Because they get along well with children and are considered very cheerful, loyal and silly. [11]
In addition, the long fur of large greyhounds absorbs a smell very quickly. Regular swimming and long walks are therefore a must.
Fun fact: Because of its long hair, this greyhound breed is often used as a test subject by hobby and amateur hairdressers.
#11 Kanni: 64 – 74 cm
The Kanni comes from India and is known for several things. On the one hand, its name translates as “pure” because this sighthound breed is said to be particularly loyal.
On the other hand, the four-legged friends are also said to be as flexible as cheetahs and are often given to newly married couples as wedding gifts. [12]
The large greyhounds once served primarily as hunting companions. Since hunting with dogs was banned in India, they are now relatively rare. They are also very calm and courageous.
Fun fact: The Kanni is so loyal that he only fixates on one person. Commands from his master are always taken into account. However, if the command comes from other dogs, they play deaf and dumb.
#12 Azawakh: 64 – 74 cm
The Azawakh has its origins in Africa. To this day, it is often used in its homeland to hunt gazelles. However, he is considered to be very injury-prone.
With a height of a whopping 74 cm, they are also the 12th largest sighthound breed. You can also reach speeds of up to 64 km/h.
In addition, the large greyhounds are considered to be very loyal, caring and alert. They are also suitable as guard and family dogs and get along very well with children. [13]
Fun fact: Idi, Oska, Tuared Sloguhi, Bareeru, Rawondu, Hanshee, Wulo or Azawakh? These dogs have eight official names.
#13 Mudhol Hound: 68 – 72 cm
The Mudhol Hound was threatened with extinction around 10 years ago. In the meantime, however, it has been specially bred to ensure the continued existence of the large greyhounds.
In his native India, he was previously used primarily as a hunting dog. Today, however, he serves more as a family dog and as a guard dog in the military.
Despite their size of up to 72 cm, the dogs only weigh around 11 kg. They are also considered very loyal, courageous and need a lot of exercise. [14]
Fun fact: The eyes of this greyhound breed are similar to those of chameleons. Because they see at an angle of around 270° and can detect even the smallest movements.
#14 Sloughi: 66 – 72 cm
Since the Sloughi has its origins in North Africa, it is also known colloquially as the “Arabian greyhound”. This also explains why he copes very well with heat.
At a whopping 68 km/h, the large greyhounds are also the third fastest breed in the world. In the past, four-legged friends were mostly used for hunting.
Nowadays, however, the animals are mostly used as guard dogs and domestic dogs. They are considered very loyal, alert and intelligent. They also get along well with children. [15]
Fun fact: 50 degrees in the sun or even sandstorms are hardly a problem for this greyhound breed. But alas, it's only 1-2 degrees too low… your knees will rattle!
#15 Central Asian Tazi: 60 – 72 cm
With a size of up to 72 cm, the Central Asian Tazi is the 15th largest sighthound in the world. It also reaches a top speed of up to 64 km/h.
Originally the…