The Greyador is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Labrador and Greyhound dog breeds. These pups fall into the medium-to-large size range. Gentle yet strong, Greyadors inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.
Greyadors are also sometimes called Greyhound Labs or Lurchers. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed pups in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
Greyadors can happily live in an apartment with an hour of brisk walking per day. Though if you have a big house with a yard that they can run around in and play fetch, they will love that all the better. Above all material objects, dogs need love and care. If you want to take your Greyador for a hike, make sure they have a secure harness. They may have an inherent need to chase small animals.
FunkyPaw recommends a dog bed to give a good night’s sleep to your medium-sized Greyador. You should also pick up this dog de-shedder for your high shedding pup!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:21 to 27 inchesWeight:50 to 80 pounds Life Span:11 to 13 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Greyadors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Greyhound or Labrador Retriever parents.
- The main colors of Greyadors are black, brown, white, tan, fawn, red, silver, blue, and brindle. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes their coats are a blend of colors.
- Greyadors shed a lot and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. They’ll need daily brushing.
- Greyadors are active dogs. They should get a 60-minute, brisk paced walk or hike every day. If they don’t get enough exercise, they could engage in destructive behavior.
- Their sweet and gentle temperament makes the Greyador an excellent companion for a family with children of all ages. Always supervise play between children and dogs.
- The Greyador can also get along well with other dogs. Though be careful with cats and other small animals. They may view them as game.
- Greyadors are intelligent, though when it comes to training can be stubborn. Make sure not to ever yell, and remember to use positive re-enforcement and treat rewards.
History
While the Greyador mixed breed may have existed naturally over the years, designer breeders started intentionally mixing Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds in the 1990s, likely in North America.
While the Greyador’s known history isn’t a long one, it may be helpful to understand the history of this mix’s parent breeds.
The Greyhound is an ancient breed, originating in the Middle East and North Africa. Greyhounds are depicted in Ancient Egyptian art and are the only dog breed mentioned in the bible.
Labrador Retrievers are from Newfoundland. Originally called St. Johns dog (after the capital city of Newfoundland), they used to help fishermen retrieve fish who escaped hooks, tow in fishing lines, and perform all types of other fisherman dog duties.
Put these two together and you get the gorgeous Greyador. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to create a graceful, athletic, strong, family dog. They continued to create Greyadors as demand for the pups went up.
Even though Greyadors began as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the pup for you. Check your local shelters, look up Greyador rescues, or check with breed specific Labrador Retriever and Greyhound rescues, as they will often help to re-home them.
The Greyador is recognized by:
- DRA (Dog Registry of America, Inc)
Size
As the Greyador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Labrador Retriever and Greyhound parents, you can expect Greyadors to be in the medium to large range.
Most weigh in at 50 to 80 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. However, being such a new crossbreed, they can be smaller or larger than average. There is virtually no size difference between males and females.
Personality
Greyadors can be extremely friendly like their Labrador parent and gentle like their Greyhound parent. While the Labrador tends to be strong and athletic, Greyhounds are known to be fast and graceful. Put them together, and you get a strong, fast, graceful dog.
Greyadors are typically fond of kids and have been known to gently tip toe around toddlers and infants. They’re usually friendly toward other dogs. Greyadors have a prey drive and, if given a big yard to run around in, may enjoy chasing birds and small critters. Make sure that the yard is secure so they can’t get caught up in the excitement and take off.
Greyadors are intelligent, though when it comes to training can be stubborn. Make sure not to ever yell, and remember to use positive re-enforcement and treat rewards. Food can go a long way, when it comes to Greyadors.
Greyadors are very sensitive and intuitive. They will pick up on your behavior and are known to be in tune with their humans’ moods. They will join you and want to do whatever you are doing, just to be with you!
Health
The Greyador breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Greyhound also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain proper care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems Greyador’s suffer from include:
- Bloat
- Neuropathy
- Obesity
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Renal Atrophy
It’s fun to spoil our dogs with treats, but keeping your dog’s weight in check is one of the best things you can do for them. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats.
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Greyador’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine so that your pup can live the healthiest life possible.
Greyadors are active dogs and also prone to weight gain. They should get a 60-minute, brisk paced walk or hike every day. If they don’t get enough exercise, they could get bored and depressed which could lead to destructive behavior. When it comes to food, look for a nutritious diet and stick to a feeding schedule. Your vet can help you create a dietary plan.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
One of the toughest jobs in caring for any dog parent is maintaining their pup’s oral health. You should brush your dog’s teeth a minimum of three times a week. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly. These dogs are highly prone to tartar buildup. Everyday brushing is even better.
If you find your dog dragging their bottom or “scooting” they may need their anal glands expressed. It’s worth every penny to have this done professionally at your next vet or grooming appointment.
Feeding
An ideal Greyador diet should be formulated for an active, medium-to-large sized breed. Look for a high quality dog food from a pet food retailer to make sure that your dog is getting proper nutrition. Greyadors love food and have a tendency to gain weight quickly if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well.
As with all dogs, the Greyador’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Greyador’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health to make specific recommendations.
Coat Color And Grooming
Greyador coats are often a mix of their Labrador and Greyhound parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Greyadors are black, brown, white, tan, fawn, red, silver, blue, and brindle. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes their coats are a blend of their parents coats and colors.
They usually have medium-length, dense coats. Greyadors shed a lot and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. They shed more than your average dog who sheds, so if you adopt a Greyador you may want to consider getting a robot vacuum. It can help, at least with your floors. These high shedding dogs will need their coats brushed every day. Bathe as needed with a mild shampoo.
Because of their short coats, Greyadors aren’t particularly suited for extreme weather. If you live in an area that gets all four seasons, you will need a coat for your dog in the winter and make sure they aren’t in the extreme heat for very long periods of time.
Children And Other Pets
Their sweet and gentle temperament makes the Greyador an excellent companion for a family with children of all ages. They are tolerant and patient of small children and will usually walk away if they feel annoyed.
It’s important to teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling between either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while they’re sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
If a kid mistreats their own dog, chances are they will mistreat a dog who is not so tolerant of them. It’s in everyone’s best interest to teach children how to be gentle with all animals.
The Greyador can also get along well with other dogs. Though be careful with cats and other small animals. They may view them as game.
To get a better understanding of Greyador’s read more about their parents, the Labrador Retriever and Greyhound.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Greyadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Greyhound or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Minnesota Greyhound Rescue
- Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption
