What’s the Difference Between a Show Greyhound and a Retired Greyhound?

Crufts is the UK's most prestigious dog show and one of the largest and most renowned canine events in the world. Held annually in Birmingham, it brings together thousands of dogs and their owners from across the world. Showcasing a stunning variety of breeds and talent, it’s the ultimate day out for any dog lover! Focusing on the show-ring, the Hound and Terrier Day falls on Thursday 6 March this year, with arguably the best breed kicking off the event! The greyhound class is often a busy one and there are all types of colours and ages that head over to the green carpet. Our question is, do you know the difference between a show greyhound and retired greyhound? 

It’s known that a greyhound called Primeley Sceptre won the first ever Best in Show at Crufts in 1928, boasting sleek movements across the ring and a stunning stance. Since then, the breed has won Best in Show on two further occasions, once in 1934 and again in 1956. Recently a greyhound won the Hound Group title in 2022 and qualified for a place in the Best in Show final. Unfortunately, Aya the greyhound didn’t get placed – but it was massive exposure for the breed! 

What are the Noticeable Differences Between the Two Variations?  

To the untrained eye, a show greyhound and a retired racing greyhound appear very similar. Yet looking at the two types of the same breed, there are quite a few differences. Show greyhounds are taller and sometimes longer in the body, especially a longer neck. The Kennel Club specifies a show greyhound should be: 

‘Strongly built, upstanding, of generous proportions, muscular power and symmetrical formation, with a long head and neck, clean, well-laid shoulders, deep chest, capacious body, slightly arched loin, powerful quarters, sound legs and feet, and a suppleness of limb, which emphasise in a marked degree its distinctive type and quality.’  

It is also typically known that a show greyhound will weigh more than an ex-racer, who would have been bred to be a bit more compact in their build, to be nimble to turn the bends on the track and be agile for the fast-paced movements. There seems to be a huge difference in size and muscle mass.  

Retired Racing Greyhound

Show Greyhound

The Kennel Club states the only colours allowed to take part in showing are ‘Black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours broken with white.’ These are the same colourings in the line of racing greyhounds; however, the term ‘fallow’ isn’t used within the retired type, it is usually described as light fawn. It is also seen that the colour black is more dominant in the line of racing greyhounds than in the show breed, there tends to be more brindles and fawns at show events.  

Do they Have Different Personalities?

Retired greyhounds are famously known for their kind, gentle and loving nature, creating the ultimate companion for any type of home. With their adaptability in a new environment, they’re a crowd pleaser when it comes to adopting a dog. The show greyhound embraces the very same characteristics. Despite them being a bigger dog than an ex-racer, they’re just as sweet and pleasant. Show owners have often commented they notice their dogs are better at recall and training such as learning to stand beautifully for the judge at an early age. This could be because they’ve experienced home life from a young age. That’s not to say a retired greyhound wouldn’t stand nicely if you did want to show them... you may need to bribe them with some treats though! Gathering feedback from both retired and show owners, the personalities do not differ much within the two types of greyhounds.  

Show Greyhound 

Can a Retired Greyhound Still Show?

Yes, it is known that retired greyhounds can still show at a professional level. All the owner needs to do is register their dog with the Kennel Club. The owner needs to provide the dog’s lineage and stud book to show authenticity of the greyhound. They offer ‘Racing and Coursing Classes’ so that they are judged with other retired greyhounds and not against show greyhounds. These are in place to embrace the differences between the two variations within the breed. You can enter retired greyhounds into show greyhound classes, but unfortunately, they don’t usually get placed as they are judged against the KC Greyhound Specifications, which are in place for a show greyhound. If you would like to know more about showing your retired greyhound, you can find more information at the Greyhound Club website. The Greyhound Club UK

Retired Greyhound Showing At Crufts

Both variations of the greyhound are both equally beautiful and make great pets. It comes down to what you would like to do with your family pet. If you did want to show a greyhound from an early age, then a show greyhound puppy may be for you. However, knowing retired greyhounds can also show is an added bonus, because there are many greyhounds in homing centres across the UK searching for their forever home. Adopting a retired greyhound could be a fantastic thing to do for your life and the dog's life too, plus there is always that option to show if you wanted to!  

If you are interested in adopting a retired greyhound, please find out more here: Greyhounds As Pets

Retired Greyhound