What kind of pets do ex-racing greyhounds make?
Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and human companionship, and they make terrific pets. Raised with their littermates, where they compete for affection, greyhounds love becoming the center of attention as household pets. Greyhounds usually do not make good watch dogs. Their friendly nature is not very threatening.
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Are they good with children?
More so than most breeds. They are not as playful as puppies, of course. But being mature dogs, they are very tolerant of children and will usually walk away rather than growl or snap if children become overbearing. That is not to say that they can be tormented for long periods of time and still not growl or snap. Even a gentle greyhound has its limits.
That said, experience has taught us that greyhounds do best with children seven or older. Therefore, it is our policy not to place first greyhounds in homes with children under the age of seven. If you have young children and wish to adopt a greyhound, we suggest checking with another greyhound organization (see Links page for references).
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How are they with other pets?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of encounters with other greyhounds in the racing kennel. Most can learn to accept cats, but the introductory period must be closely monitored.
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Why do they wear muzzles? Is it because they are so high strung?
The greyhound is a wonderfully unique creature blessed with both the ability to be very competitive and aggressive while on the track, yet be a very loving and docile companion, living to please a beloved owner. They wear muzzles while racing for two reasons: to help racing officials determine the outcome of a photo-finish race and to protect the greyhounds from injury during the excitement of the chase.
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Are ex-racing greyhounds housebroken?
Frequently an adopted greyhound is completely housebroken from the start. In their kennel environment they are turned out three or four times a day to relieve themselves. Therefore racing greyhounds are kennel broken, which means they are trained to go outside and keep their kennels clean. Take them outside frequently first, and they quickly learn that their new home is the place that they keep clean and outside is where they go to relieve themselves.
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How old are retired greyhounds?
The retired racers are usually between two and four years old when they become available for adoption.
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What is their life expectancy?
These pure-bred athletes enjoy many years of good health. With good care, they have a life expectancy of 12 years or more.
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Are all greyhounds gray?
Not at all. They are many colors - brindle, black, brown, fawn or a combination of these colors. The name greyhound is not derived from the color of the animal. The name may have been originated from any of three sources. The ancient Greeks may have called greyhounds "Greekhounds" or may have named them "Gazehounds", since they relied on sight rather than smell when hunting. The name may have also been derived from the Latin "gre" or "pradus" meaning degree, which related to the principle and care in breeding.
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How big do they get?
Greyhound males typically stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 to 85 pounds. Females typically stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.
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Why are greyhounds so skinny?
Greyhounds are like any other competitive athlete. They eat heartily but burn off weight when they run.
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Where should a greyhound live?
Because greyhounds have little body fat and a thin coat, they certainly are not suited for outdoors in extremely cold weather. Greyhounds live in temperature controlled kennels with a soft bed and lots of love. When adopted, owners find greyhounds enjoy their own soft spot where they can feel protected. Some greyhounds often cuddle with stuffed animals, and dog beds or couches are quickly claimed as home.
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How much does it cost to care for a greyhound?
Greyhounds cost less than a dollar a day to feed and all the love you can afford. Of course, health care is important; including annual veterinary exams and vaccinations.
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Why do greyhounds need to be kept on a leash?
A leash assures the greyhound protection from disasters. Greyhounds have no fear of cars or other hazards in our world and as history has proven, the greyhound is an animal born to run. Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash and enjoy exercise, as well as the attention they receive from the people who pass by.
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How much exercise do greyhounds need?
Greyhounds should be given a nice long walk three or four times a week and taken to a "fenced" grassy open space where they can sprint once or twice a week. Greyhounds can make excellent jogging companions once they are trained to go at a new pace.
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Where can I get more information about adopting a greyhound?
Two excellent recommended books for anyone interested in adopting a retired greyhound are:
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Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and human companionship, and they make terrific pets. Raised with their littermates, where they compete for affection, greyhounds love becoming the center of attention as household pets. Greyhounds usually do not make good watch dogs. Their friendly nature is not very threatening.
Back to top
Are they good with children?
More so than most breeds. They are not as playful as puppies, of course. But being mature dogs, they are very tolerant of children and will usually walk away rather than growl or snap if children become overbearing. That is not to say that they can be tormented for long periods of time and still not growl or snap. Even a gentle greyhound has its limits.
That said, experience has taught us that greyhounds do best with children seven or older. Therefore, it is our policy not to place first greyhounds in homes with children under the age of seven. If you have young children and wish to adopt a greyhound, we suggest checking with another greyhound organization (see Links page for references).
Back to top
How are they with other pets?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of encounters with other greyhounds in the racing kennel. Most can learn to accept cats, but the introductory period must be closely monitored.
Back to top
Why do they wear muzzles? Is it because they are so high strung?
The greyhound is a wonderfully unique creature blessed with both the ability to be very competitive and aggressive while on the track, yet be a very loving and docile companion, living to please a beloved owner. They wear muzzles while racing for two reasons: to help racing officials determine the outcome of a photo-finish race and to protect the greyhounds from injury during the excitement of the chase.
Back to top
Are ex-racing greyhounds housebroken?
Frequently an adopted greyhound is completely housebroken from the start. In their kennel environment they are turned out three or four times a day to relieve themselves. Therefore racing greyhounds are kennel broken, which means they are trained to go outside and keep their kennels clean. Take them outside frequently first, and they quickly learn that their new home is the place that they keep clean and outside is where they go to relieve themselves.
Back to top
How old are retired greyhounds?
The retired racers are usually between two and four years old when they become available for adoption.
Back to top
What is their life expectancy?
These pure-bred athletes enjoy many years of good health. With good care, they have a life expectancy of 12 years or more.
Back to top
Are all greyhounds gray?
Not at all. They are many colors - brindle, black, brown, fawn or a combination of these colors. The name greyhound is not derived from the color of the animal. The name may have been originated from any of three sources. The ancient Greeks may have called greyhounds "Greekhounds" or may have named them "Gazehounds", since they relied on sight rather than smell when hunting. The name may have also been derived from the Latin "gre" or "pradus" meaning degree, which related to the principle and care in breeding.
Back to top
How big do they get?
Greyhound males typically stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 to 85 pounds. Females typically stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.
Back to top
Why are greyhounds so skinny?
Greyhounds are like any other competitive athlete. They eat heartily but burn off weight when they run.
Back to top
Where should a greyhound live?
Because greyhounds have little body fat and a thin coat, they certainly are not suited for outdoors in extremely cold weather. Greyhounds live in temperature controlled kennels with a soft bed and lots of love. When adopted, owners find greyhounds enjoy their own soft spot where they can feel protected. Some greyhounds often cuddle with stuffed animals, and dog beds or couches are quickly claimed as home.
Back to top
How much does it cost to care for a greyhound?
Greyhounds cost less than a dollar a day to feed and all the love you can afford. Of course, health care is important; including annual veterinary exams and vaccinations.
Back to top
Why do greyhounds need to be kept on a leash?
A leash assures the greyhound protection from disasters. Greyhounds have no fear of cars or other hazards in our world and as history has proven, the greyhound is an animal born to run. Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash and enjoy exercise, as well as the attention they receive from the people who pass by.
Back to top
How much exercise do greyhounds need?
Greyhounds should be given a nice long walk three or four times a week and taken to a "fenced" grassy open space where they can sprint once or twice a week. Greyhounds can make excellent jogging companions once they are trained to go at a new pace.
Back to top
Where can I get more information about adopting a greyhound?
Two excellent recommended books for anyone interested in adopting a retired greyhound are:
- Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan
- Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood
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What kind of pets do ex-racing greyhounds make?
Are they good with children?
How are they with other pets?
Why do they wear muzzles? Is it because they are so high strung?
Are ex-racing greyhounds housebroken?
How old are retired greyhounds?
What is their life expectancy?
Are all greyhounds gray?
How big do they get?
Why are greyhounds so skinny?
Where should a greyhound live?
How much does it cost to care for a greyhound?
Why do greyhounds need to be kept on a leash?
How much exercise do greyhounds need?
Where can I get more information about adopting a greyhound?
Are they good with children?
How are they with other pets?
Why do they wear muzzles? Is it because they are so high strung?
Are ex-racing greyhounds housebroken?
How old are retired greyhounds?
What is their life expectancy?
Are all greyhounds gray?
How big do they get?
Why are greyhounds so skinny?
Where should a greyhound live?
How much does it cost to care for a greyhound?
Why do greyhounds need to be kept on a leash?
How much exercise do greyhounds need?
Where can I get more information about adopting a greyhound?
Rob and Maple