A major new genomics research study has provided crucial new knowledge that will help to safeguard the long-term health and welfare of racing greyhounds and support sustainable breeding.

The research published today in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences presents the most comprehensive population genomic analysis to date of racing greyhounds in Great Britain. The work provides crucial evidence to help safeguard long-term health and welfare while supporting sustainable performance.

The research, led by scientists at the Irish genomics research company, Zinto, was commissioned by the regulator of licensed racing, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) as part of its long-term welfare strategy. The study entitled “Genomic Diversity and Selection in the Racing Greyhound of Great Britain” examined genetic diversity, inbreeding, and selection signals in racing greyhounds using high-density genomic data.

The research shows that greyhounds exhibit substantially higher levels of inbreeding than most other dog breeds, driven by intense selection for racing performance. The study also identified genes associated with key breed-defining traits, including visual acuity, locomotion, musculoskeletal function, cardiovascular biology, and neurological adaptability.

Without active management, inbreeding can increase the risk of inherited health problems, reduce resilience, and undermine long-term population sustainability.

The authors note that, importantly, the knowledge this study provides about genes associated with key breed-defining traits can be used proactively to maintain a healthy genetic balance, strengthen long-term population resilience, and reduce the risk of inherited health issues. Modern genomic tools offer a powerful means of safeguarding genetic diversity while preserving the exceptional traits that define the racing greyhound.

Emmeline Hill, Professor in Equine Genomics at University College Dublin, CSO of Zinto, and lead scientist of the research paper said:

“These genomic insights give us the clearest picture yet of the racing greyhound population in Great Britain. High inbreeding is a concern because it can increase the risk of negative health impacts. The key welfare opportunity is to now use modern genomic tools to manage diversity judiciously, preserving what makes greyhounds remarkable while reducing the likelihood of inadvertently concentrating harmful variation.

“Our commitment at Zinto is to apply the latest science to develop practical tools that support healthier breeding and better lifetime outcomes for greyhounds, and other animals bred for sport”, continued Hill.

Mark Bird, CEO of GBGB, said:

“As the regulator of licensed racing, upholding the very highest standards of animal welfare is a priority for us, which is why it was so important for us to commission this research.  All of our welfare policies and practices are based on robust scientific evidence and the findings from this research will be used to inform our guidance for breeders as well as our Rules of Racing so that we can continue to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all our greyhounds.”

Madeleine Campbell, Professor of Veterinary Ethics at University of Nottingham, Independent Director of GBGB, and co-author of the research paper said:

“This novel study provides a scientific evidence-base for welfare-oriented breeding decisions and is an important step in optimising the welfare of racing greyhounds across their lifetimes”.

DIRECT LINK TO SCIENTIFIC PAPER:  https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.2552