Greyhound Facts

GREYHOUNDS AREN'T SAFE AROUND SMALL ANIMALS

Very few, not all, greyhounds are not safe around cats and other small animals. Remember, greyhounds are taught to chase that rabbit around the track and some chase better than others based on how much of their hunting instincts have been brought out during training. However, all of our available greyhounds are cat tested under all conditions (inside and outside) before being placed into homes with other small animals.

GREYHOUNDS ARE HIGH STRUNG

This is one of the biggest myths about greyhounds! Greyhounds are like many other breeds of dogs; some are more energetic than others. But, for the most part, they are laid back and calm. The term "40 mile-an-hour couch potato" is used often to describe them! They have an exceptionally gentle nature and do not need the amount of exercise that a lot of other large-breed dogs require. They seldom bark except during play or with other greyhounds.

GREYHOUNDS NEED LOTS OF SPACE TO RUN

Greyhounds CAN run, but they do not necessarily need to run. They can and do run if they have the opportunity (in a fenced-in area), but most people are surprised to see them run only a very short time before they are ready to quit. They have short bursts of energy followed by a nice long nap! They are essentially sprinters and run for short distances at top speeds. They are not long-distance runners. Like all dogs, they need average exercise and a leash walk is sufficient.

GREYHOUNDS HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS

Actually greyhounds can live from 12 to 15+ years of age with average care. With the exception of old healed track-related injuries most greyhounds are healthy and resilient dogs. They do not suffer from genetic problems (like hip displasia) that are typical in other large breeds of dogs. The health problems they experience as they get older are no different than what would be experienced in any other breed of dog.

GREYHOUNDS ARE TOO BIG

Because of their gentle nature, greyhounds are safe around furniture, kids, and your valuables. In fact, they are much quieter and gentler than most small breeds of dogs. They range in size from 47 to close to 100 pounds but they can navigate the smallest areas with ease. Because they have lived most of their lives in crates at the track, they are aware of their surroundings and are not the type of dog to knock things over or to be rough with children and other animals. They will "give over" rather than to challenge anything in their way.

GREYHOUNDS ARE SHY AND ALOOF

Greyhounds have been with humans and other dogs constantly from the moment they are born and are the most sociable of all dogs! They have been raised in kennels with at least 20-80 other dogs from the time they are born. They are allowed to be puppies and do puppy things like play with each other, sniff, explore, chase, chew, etc. They are also handled by their trainers from an early age and, as a result, they are used to interacting with humans. That's why we refer to them as "fast friends."

Greyhounds are a special breed of dog! But what makes them even more unique is that they can transition from a life of work at the race track into a home with such little effort. Ask any greyhound adopter what they think of their greyhound(s) and you will always get the same answer........Greyt!!

What kind of pets do greyhounds make?

Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate, and fairly laid back dogs that make excellent house pets! Because they have been raised with their littermates and are allowed to do "dog" things and enjoy their growing up time together, they are highly socialized and friendly. Their friendly nature is enjoyed by many people who meet them. They love attention and attach to their owners in a special way.

How are they with children?

Although greyhounds have not spent much time with children at the track, most get along very well with children because of their tolerant and friendly nature. Because they are adopted as adults, most will walk away from a child rather than to growl or snap if they are bothered. However, greyhounds, like other breeds of dogs, have their limits and should not be pushed or treated badly. Children must be taught how to act around a greyhound.

How old are they when they come from the track and how long do they live?

The majority of greyhounds usually retire and become available for adoption between the ages of two and five. Also, some greyhounds that have been used for breeding purposes can become available between the ages of six and nine. With proper care and good nutrition, greyhounds usually can live to between twelve and fourteen years of age (and many can live to be much older!)

Are greyhounds housebroken?

Greyhounds live in crates at the track and are turned out four or five times a day to relieve themselves. They seldom soil their crates. In a new home, they usually house train very quickly. However, they need to learn that your house is their crate and you have to help them learn. A crate and fenced-in yard is helpful. But if you are going to leash walk your greyhound, you WILL have to make the effort to train your greyhound to relieve itself on the leash.

Why are some of the greyhounds I've seen wearing muzzles?

At the track, greyhounds wear muzzles to help determine who wins the race (in the case of a photo-finish) and to prevent injuries from the excitement of the chase (bumping and nipping). When they are together in numbers, they should be muzzled because their competitive nature and eagerness to chase may cause them to nip which can tear their thin skin. Other dogs also play nip, but their thicker coats prevent them from getting injured.

Why are the greyhounds I've seen so skinny?

Greyhounds are actually not skinny! Their physical characteristics are unique to them just like other breeds of dog (such as a dachshund or chihuahua) They have been bred to run fast (they are the second fastest land animal on earth) and their bodies are sleek and streamlined to do the job. They are athletes at the track and are actually fed quite well (but they burn it off). When they retire, they only require three to four cups of kibble a day.

Why can't greyhounds be allowed to run off leash?

Greyhounds are sighthounds. They hunt totally by sight. They also are not good at finding their way back home. A greyhound has been taught to chase down its prey and has been bred for thousands of years to do this. A greyhound can also see a small moving creature from a very long distance away and can reach a speed of 40 mph in a few strides. Allowing a greyhound off leash in an unfenced area is almost a guarantee that you will never see it again.

How are greyhounds with small animals and cats?

Actually, 80% of racing greyhounds are fine with cats and other small animals (not much different than other breeds of dogs). Most rescue groups test retired racing greyhounds to determine which ones can live with small creatures. Those that are not small animal safe can live fine in homes without them. Because of their training at the track, no greyhound should be trusted outside with cats and small animals.

Do greyhounds require "special" dog foods?

No, like most other dogs, greyhounds need a healthy diet of a high quality dog food (which is cheaper in the long run because it provides better nutrition). Their dog food should have no corn, wheat, or wheat flour in it. Also, dog foods containing meat by-products should be avoided, as these are the ground-up remains of animals (like beaks and feet). Like other dogs, they should not have table scraps (mostly use common sense).

Do greyhounds shed much?

Like all dogs, greyhounds shed, but they don't shed as much as many other breeds of dogs. They also go through seasonal sheds like all dogs, but they do not have that heavy undercoat that needs to be maintained. They also are low-dander dogs and that makes them a good choice for people with allergies. They also lack the oils that cause a "doggie" smell that other dogs have and can go longer periods of time without needing to be bathed.

What can I expect when I adopt a greyhound?

Expect a gentle and loving dog that will warm your heart! They will need some time and patience to adapt to your home. But for a dog that has lived a different kind of life, greyhounds can adjust quickly. They are eager to please and intelligent, so it shouldn't be hard to get your greyhound to become a part of your family. If you do the work "up front" and have patience, you will have a dog that you will like so much, that you'll be back for more!

We get a lot of the same questions from people who visit our greyhounds at our meet and greet events. Our philosophy is to educate people about what we know about greyhounds and to be perfectly honest in the process. A greyhound might not be for everyone. You should always do the research to find out what breed of dog is best for you and your family. As much as you might want to adopt a greyhound, it may not be the right breed of dog for you. Many times people describe what they would like in a dog and, after listening, we will recommend a different breed of dog. Please scroll down for some of the "myths" surrounding the greyhound breed. We hope that this will help you as you make the decision to adopt.