Greyhounds have several strange and quirky behaviours that are worth mentioning

Chitters

Grey’s express, joy or excitement by fluttering their lower jaws quickly. This is known as ‘chittering’ and has been likened to purring in a cat. It should be the cause of your joy as your Grey is contented.

Grustoms

This describes the need for your Grey to inspect any bags that come into the house.  This is irrespective of the type of bag or container, whose bag it is, what is in it, and who it is for. They will feel compelled to sniff around in there until they are satisfied. they won’t tend to take things unless food is open and available.

Nose-Dripping

Some Greys have very drippy noses and can form little puddles under their nose if sleeping. Some drip increasingly in certain situations such as while out on walks (we think this is another form of scent-marking), or in the car (due to excitement).

Note that the juice is protein-based and will mark vinyl or window tinting. It will even mark your car’s external finish if left un-washed.

Roaching (see Bedding & Comfort)

Greyhounds can sleep in a variety of positions. One of the more common positions is ‘roaching’, where the Grey will be asleep on its back with all four legs in the air and their heads turned for balance. Apart from that, they will adopt any position that feels good either on their bellies or sides. Roaching is the ultimate show of trust as their belly is completely exposed.

Sleep Startle

Most Greyhounds have lived largely alone after whelping and under training. They are housed in individual kennels and don’t get a lot of interruptions. As a result, some can get frightened if awaken suddenly from sleep (if you accidentally touch them or get too close) and they may growl or snap at you.

If approaching a sleeping Greyhound, call their name and wait for them to open their eyes and focus.

Nibbling

Greys ‘nibble’ as a sign of affection. They will never actually bite anyone but rather gently nibble you.

Tongue-Out (Derping)

Greys have a habit of letting their long tongues hang out of the side of their mouths. This is known as Derping.

Howl of Death

This is a strange phenomenon that involves your Grey making a blood-curdling howl, at any time and usually, for no reason. It can be very confronting for the uninitiated and usually involves nothing. Always check your Grey if concerned and expect there to be no basis for it.

Leaning

Note. Greyhounds love to lean into you when they are being scratched or petted. Always form a stable base or expect to be pushed.

Zooming

The uncontrolled and joyous act of running around in short bursts of excitement. They’ll be over as quickly as they stared.