The first thought for most people when they hear the word ‘greyhound’ is that they are racing dogs. Still, their personality makes them excellent pets and companions for people of all ages, especially older or lonely individuals. One of the best things about them is their loving and loyal nature. They have a powerful desire to be close to their owners with a strange (but loveable) desire to lean on them as a sign of affection, and almost everyone who owns one would attest to them being one of the best 'snuggle buddies' around.
For older individuals or those living alone, greyhounds are particularly wonderful companions - primarily because of their calm, sensitive and friendly nature. They’re low-maintenance and require little exercise. However, they still love to play and be active when given the opportunity. They make excellent walking companions and can motivate you to stay active and get out of the house – despite their pedigree; you might be surprised to hear they don't like going for long runs and instead enjoy a slower-paced walk and sniff!
Greyhounds are also very intuitive animals and can often sense when their owners are feeling down or need some extra love and attention. For people with anxiety, greyhound provide a calming presence and are great at providing emotional support and companionship to their owners. They're in for the long haul, too, often living a healthy life to around 14 years old.
Another feather in their cap is that greyhounds are very easy to care for. They have a short, smooth coat that requires little grooming and are generally low-shedding. They’re known as very clean dogs and (surprisingly) are known to groom themselves like cats.
They’re a loving, loyal, intuitive, and low-maintenance dog that can provide endless hours of joy and friendship. If you're looking for a furry friend to keep you company, consider adopting a greyhound and experience the joy of living with one (or two) for yourself!