Greyhounds are one of the best-kept secrets in dog adoption. Despite the racing background of many, retired greyhounds are calm, gentle and affectionate dogs that need surprisingly little exercise. They are often called 45 mph couch potatoes: they can sprint extraordinarily fast, then sleep most of the day. That makes them excellent companions for quieter households and even apartments.
In NSW, greyhounds come into adoption in large numbers, including many retired racing dogs. Most have lived in kennels and need a little time to learn home life, things like stairs, slippery floors and glass doors. They are sensitive, easygoing dogs that respond best to calm, patient handling, and they settle into pet life remarkably quickly.
One important note: in NSW, adopted greyhounds are exempt from the muzzle requirement that otherwise applies to racing greyhounds, provided they go through an approved rehoming program. Rescues handle this as part of the adoption. Browse the greyhounds listed below from rescues and shelters across Sydney and New South Wales.
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Need to rehome a Greyhound?
If you can no longer keep your Greyhound, listing it for rehoming on LocalPetFinder connects it directly with adopters across Sydney and NSW, and keeps it out of a shelter. It is free.
List your dog for rehoming →Greyhound Adoption Guides
The pre-adoption reading list specific to Greyhounds in Sydney and NSW.
Greyhound Adoption in Sydney
How GAP NSW and Sydney rescues work, ex-racing dog adoption explained, real costs, and what to expect in the first weeks.
Greyhound Health Issues Sydney Owners Should Plan For
Osteosarcoma, anaesthesia sensitivity, bloat, dental disease, hypothyroidism. Sydney specialty vets and pet insurance ROI.
Greyhound Off-Leash Safety in Sydney
Why greyhounds should never be off-leash in unfenced spaces, the prey-drive reality, fenced off-leash areas in Sydney, and the long-line alternative.
Greyhound Adoption FAQ
Where can I adopt a Greyhound near me in Sydney?
LocalPetFinder lists Greyhounds available for adoption from rescues across Sydney and New South Wales, including the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Western Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Rescues that regularly take in dogs of this type include RSPCA NSW at Yagoona and Animal Welfare League NSW at Kemps Creek, alongside foster-based groups. Listings update regularly, so browse the Greyhounds above and apply directly through the rescue.
Are there Greyhound rescues near Sydney?
Yes. Several Sydney and NSW rescues regularly have Greyhounds and Greyhound crosses, including RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Monika's Doggie Rescue and Maggie's Rescue, plus breed-focused foster networks. A dedicated single-breed rescue is not always active, so the fastest path is to set an alert here and watch the general rescues. Use LocalPetFinder to see which rescues currently have Greyhounds available near you.
Where can I adopt a Greyhound puppy in Sydney?
Purebred Greyhound puppies are uncommon in Sydney rescue and are usually adopted very quickly, so the best strategy is to set an alert here and be ready to apply fast. Most Greyhounds in rescue are young adults, older dogs, or Greyhound crosses, and these make just as loving a pet as a purebred puppy while often being calmer and already part house-trained. A rescue puppy or young dog costs a few hundred dollars fully desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, against several thousand from a breeder with a waitlist. If you searched "greyhound puppies sydney" or "greyhound puppies for sale", browse the Greyhounds above and set an alert for new arrivals.
Are these Greyhounds for sale in Sydney?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Greyhound here comes from a Sydney or NSW rescue, not a breeder or classified seller, and the adoption fee already includes desexing, vaccination and microchipping. That fee is typically a few hundred dollars, against often several thousand from a breeder with none of the vet work done. If you searched "greyhound for sale sydney", adopting gets you a vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Greyhound in Sydney, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable breeder often charges several thousand dollars and may have a waitlist, while a rescue Greyhound costs a few hundred dollars fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are a known hotspot for scams and backyard breeding. The ACCC Scamwatch has documented deposit scams for pets that do not exist. For most Sydney families, adopting a rescue Greyhound is cheaper, faster and gives a dog in need a home.
Are greyhounds good apartment dogs?
Yes, greyhounds are excellent apartment dogs despite their size. They are quiet, calm indoors and sleep most of the day. They need only a couple of short walks daily plus an occasional run in a securely fenced area. They rarely bark. Many people are surprised how little space and exercise a greyhound actually needs.
Do adopted greyhounds have to wear a muzzle in NSW?
No. Greyhounds adopted through an approved rehoming program in NSW are exempt from the muzzle requirement that applies to registered racing greyhounds in public. Your rescue will explain the paperwork. A greyhound still needs to be on lead in public except in designated off-leash areas, like any other dog.
Are greyhounds good with cats and small dogs?
It depends on the individual. Some greyhounds have a strong prey drive and cannot live safely with cats or small dogs, while others are gentle and cat-friendly. Reputable rehoming programs cat-test their greyhounds and record the result. Always ask about prey-drive testing and do a careful, supervised introduction.
How much exercise does a greyhound need?
Less than most people expect. Two short walks a day, around 20 to 30 minutes each, plus an occasional sprint in a fully fenced area is plenty. Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance runners, and tire quickly. Never let one off-lead in an unfenced space, because their chase instinct and speed make recall unreliable. They also have thin coats and little body fat, so they feel both cold snaps and harsh sun.