This FAQ may help you decide if a greyhound
is the proper choice for you.
Why do greyhounds make good pets?
What should I read before I adopt?
What should I expect if I adopt a greyhound?
Are greyhounds gray?
How fast are greyhounds?
How much exercise does a greyhound need?
How big are greyhounds, and how much do they
eat?
Do greyhounds have health problems?
How long do they live?
What is the difference between adopting a
greyhound and another breed of dog from a shelter or breeder?
Are greyhounds house broken?
Does my greyhound need a special space in the
house?
Will my new greyhound cope with being alone
when I go to work?
I have cats. Will a greyhound chase my cats?
I have a todler. Are greyhounds good with
children?
Will the greyhound have been neutered or
spayed, and will it have had denistry, shots and tests?
What if I have other questions?
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Why Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets?- Greyhounds have been bred to be fast, healthy,
intelligent, sociable, and good tempered. Greyhounds
spend most of their lives in the company of other dogs,
their trainers, and handlers. Greyhounds have all the
advantages of breeding and training when it comes to
being a good pet. Their sociability makes them great with
other pets (including cats!). Their temperament makes
them wonderful around children and friends. Their
intelligence and breed make them perfect house pets,
clean, quiet, and a loving companion
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What should I read before I adopt?
- There is a lot of information available on the internet
and in bookstores. Many people consider Adopting the
Racing Greyhound, by Cynthia Branigan required
reading for potential adopters. Cynthia's book is one of
the best references any greyhound owner can have, and we
highly recommend it. You can purchase a copy online
through Barnes
and Noble, Amazon
Books or you can purchase it directly from the
adoption organization
We recommend A Breed Apart
as one of the best informational (and fun) sites on the
internet.
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What Should I Expect If I Adopt A Greyhound?
- The most common misconception concerning greyhounds is
that they are hyperactive. It is actually the opposite.
Greyhounds are a gentle, mild, quiet animal by nature. A
greyhound coming into your home will be very puppy like,
curious, and affectionate. Everything is brand new to a
retired greyhound, but remember they are very smart.
Certain house manners will have to be learned as
greyhounds have never seen anything of family life.
Stairs, cats, mirrors, cars, etc. are all things you will
have to teach your greyhound. When going up stairs, you
will need to place your dogs feet one at a time and help
it along. Going down stairs requires a firm grip on the
collar and a very slow walk down. For any correction, a
firm NO! is all that should be needed. If your greyhound
even looks at your cat, jump right in and say NO! It will
quickly learn the right behavior towards a smaller
animal. Never leave your greyhound alone with your family
cat until you are sure they get along. Your tone of voice
and a firm NO! will quickly let your greyhound know how
to behave around your home.
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Are greyhounds gray?
- Actually, gray greyhounds are rare. A gray
greyhound is officially called a “blue.”
Greyhounds come in solids, from white to black, and in
patches and in brindle coloring. They are a very
colorful breed. You can find a color
chart here.
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How fast are greyhounds?
- Very. They run up to 45 MPH and can hit top speed
in 30 feet. For this reason, they must be kept on a
leash unless they are in a fenced area, and must NEVER be
placed on a cable-run or other type of tether.
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How much exercise does a greyhound need?
- A greyhound appreciates a brisk walk every day.
They also enjoy a good run in a fenced area a couple of
times a week. We recommend a fenced yard for your
home but is not required.
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How big are greyhounds, and how much do they eat?
- Weight ranges from fifty to ninety pounds, although most
females are in the 55 to 65 pound range while males
generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. The dogs stand
23 to 29 inches tall. Many males are smaller, and many
females are larger. When you adopt a greyhound, it will
be at "racing weight". Most will reach
"pet weight" in about a month. This is usually
a gain of 5 to 7 pounds. It is recommended to use a low
protein food - approximately 20% to 26%. Initially, you
will want to feed you greyhound 6 to 8 cups daily- half
at breakfast, and half at dinner. We recommend using a
dry food covered with water, as canned foods are too rich
for a greyhound. Dry dog foods come in either
chicken/corn mix or lamb/rice mix, which ever fits best
with your budget. As your dog begins to add weight and
eats less 4 to 6 cups daily should do for weight
maintenance.
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Do Greyhounds have health problems?
- Greyhounds have no genetic difficulties (hip dysplasia),
unlike many other pure bred dogs. Greyhounds (and other
sight-hounds and collies) are more sensitive to chemicals
and anesthesia than other breeds of dog. This is
not a problem if the proper procedures and recommended
chemicals are used, particularly flea and tick remedies.
For general checkups and shots, your family vet will need
to know some important things about greyhounds. It is
important that if your vet is unfamiliar with these
sensitivities that they contact a Greyhound Adoption
representative if they need further information.
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How long do they live?
- If given good care, your greyhound can live 14 - 16
years, a delightfully long life for you and your family.
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What is the difference between adopting a greyhound
and another breed of dog from a shelter or breeder?
- Greyhounds, unlike other dogs, have never lived in a
home. They have never met other breeds of
dogs. Their world has been limited to the kennel
setting where they have seen only their trainers and
caretakers. They need socializing with adults,
children, babies and small pets. Some dogs adjust
to the outside world very quickly, while others take more
time. When you adopt a greyhound, you are getting a
dog that needs to be taught about steps, windows,
mirrors, small animals and children. All these
things are brand new to a greyhound, but you will be
getting a gentle, clean, quiet, affectionate dog that
will become very devoted to you. If you have the
desire to help a greyhound adjust to the outside world,
then a greyhound will be an ideal companion for you.
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Are greyhounds house-broken?
- No. They are kennel broken (crate-trained).
This means that they will not soil their crates. If
they do, it is because they are ill or anxious about
something. Most greyhounds can be house-broken in a
very short period of time. Some will never have an
accident in the house. A vigilant owner who learns
to “read the signs” of a greyhound in need of
going outside will be able to train their greyhound very
quickly. Some groups kennel their adoptable
greyhounds, while others foster their greyhounds in a
home setting before they are adopted out. Their
adjustment has already begun before the adopters take
their new greyhound home. It is important to know that
greyhounds, although leash trained have to be taught to
go to the bathroom while on a lead. This requires a
little more time than teaching them where the door is.
When letting your greyhound into your yard to go, don't
distract him/her, as you want to let him/her focus on the
reason for being outside. When all business is done, then
comes playtime.
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Does My Greyhound Need A Special Space In The
House?
- In the kennel, greyhounds always have their own kennel
crate. This was a space where it felt safe and secure. By
using a crate in your home or making a special bedding
area, you will help your greyhound adjust to the new
freedom of your house. Indeed, by using a crate, you can
help your greyhound feel safe and secure while left
alone. This will help to prevent any problems associated
with separation anxiety. You can think of a crate as a
large dog bed that your greyhound will be happy in.
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Will my new greyhound cope with being alone when I go
to work?
- We recommend that you adopt your greyhound when you are
on vacation so that you may gradually acclimate your
greyhound to being alone over longer and longer periods
of time. Most organizations will give you lots of
tips on how to do this when you bring your new greyhound
home. Many people keep their greyhounds in crates
or a dog-proofed room while they are at work.
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I have cats. Will a greyhound chase my cats?
- The greyhound was bred as a hunter five thousand years
ago. Some greyhounds have a keen prey drive and
will chase small animals, including cats. Some
greyhounds are afraid of cats. After a period of
educating and adjusting, the vast majority of greyhounds
live peaceably with cats and even sleep with them.
Most organizations offers advice on helping your
greyhound adjust to your small pets.
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I have a toddler. Are greyhounds good with
children?
- Greyhounds are much larger than infants, and even some
youngsters up to the age of five. As with any
larger dog, small children must be supervised when with a
large dog. In general, greyhounds are very
tolerant, if the child is good with the greyhound, the
greyhound will be good with the child.
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Will the greyhound have been neutered or spayed, and
will it have had dentistry, shots and tests?
- In most cases, yes, this work will be done before you
take your dog home. Most Adoption Organizations have also
made arrangements with some
“greyhound-knowledgeable” veterinarians who can
perform this work for you after you adopt. It is far more
cost-effective for you if the medical work is done with
one of the recommended veterinarians before you adopt or
immediately after you adopt.
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What If I Have Other Questions?
- Always feel free to call your local Greyhound Adoption
representative if you have any questions or comments.
We'd love to hear from you and greatly appreciate your
interest in rescuing a retired racing greyhound.
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