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Frequently Asked Questions About Greyhounds |
WHY
DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD PETS?
Greyhounds
are affectionate, friendly dogs, who thrive on attention and human companionship
and make terrific pets. They've been bred to be fast, healthy, intelligent
and good tempered. Greyhounds have spent most of their lives in the company
of other dogs, their trainers and handlers. The greyhound's sociability
makes them great with other pets, and their calm temperament makes them
wonderful around children and friends. They are intelligent house pets,
clean, quiet, and a loving companion. Because they have very little body
fat for insulation from heat and cold, greyhounds are totally inside companion
pets. Greyhounds are low maintenance pets when it comes to grooming due
to their short, sleek coats. Many adopters who have previously been allergic
to other breeds report having no trouble with a greyhound in their home.
HOW OLD ARE RETIRED
GREYHOUNDS?
Retired racers are usually between two and five years old, which is the
mandatory retirement age. Occasionally the older brood matrons or stud
greyhounds will be available for adoption, usually around the age of 8-10
years.
WHAT IS THEIR LIFE
EXPECTANCY?
These
purebred athletes enjoy many years of good health. With proper care, they
have a life expectancy of 12-14 years or more.
WHAT IS THEIR SIZE
AND WEIGHT?
Most
females stand 24 to 28 inches and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. Most
males stand 26 to 30 inches and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Although
greyhounds are not small dogs, many folks say that they are very feline-like
in the home, as they can fit into the smallest of spaces.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
COLORS OF GREYHOUNDS?
Greyhounds
come in a wide variety of colors, including brindle, red, fawn, black,
white, and/or a combination of these colors. Various shades of brindle
and fawn are the most common. Grey, which is called blue by the breeders,
is somewhat rare.
ARE RETIRED GREYHOUNDS
ALREADY HOUSEBROKEN?
Racing
greyhounds are kennel trained, which means they're trained to go potty
outside and keep their kennels clean. Take your greyhound outside frequently
at first, and they'll quickly learn that their new home is their new "kennel".
Greyhounds love a routine, as their life at the kennel was very regimented.
Housebreaking is usually easily accomplished by merely following a regular
routine for potty breaks.
HOW MUCH
EXERCISE DOES A GREYHOUND REQUIRE?
Greyhounds
adapt well to the lifestyle of their owners. They need no more than a
chance to play around a completely fenced yard, and/or daily walks to
keep them fit. Greyhounds do very well on a leash, and make excellent
jogging companions, with proper conditioning. While having a fenced yard
is ideal for both greyhounds and their owners, it is definitely not required.
Many retired racers are happy living in apartments and condominiums provided
they are taken out for daily walks.
ARE GREYHOUNDS
GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
Greyhounds
possess one of the best temperaments of all dog breeds. They are very
tolerant of children and will usually walk away rather than growl or snap
if children become overbearing. Like any other dog, they have their limits
that children need to respect, especially the greyhound's personal space
and when he/she is sleeping.
HOW ARE GREYHOUNDS
WITH OTHER PETS?
Most
greyhounds will get along fine with other dogs. They have been around
other greyhounds from puppyhood to racing kennel, but cats and smaller
dogs are unknown to them. About 40-60 percent of greyhounds are cat-safe,
and do just fine with cats inside the home. While GALT greyhounds are
cat-tested to ascertain their level of interest in cats, this is not absolutely
foolproof. It does, however, provide a reliable indicator of how the greyhound
will react to a cat. As with any new dog, you should take great care when
introducing your greyhound to other pets, and never leave the two alone
together until you are sure there are no problems.
WHAT IS THE COST
OF OWNING A RETIRED RACING GREYHOUND?
The
non-refundable adoption donation of $300.00 (tax deductible) includes
neuter/spay, all vaccinations (DHLPP, Bordetella & Rabies), a CBC (complete
blood count with serum chemistry panel), a tick-borne disease panel, heartworm
test, dental cleaning, a special greyhound collar, leash, muzzle, adoption
package and Puppy Membership for one year. For seniors, 10 yrs. or older,
the donation is $225.00. It is your responsibility to keep your greyhound
current on all annual vaccinations, as well as being diligent about dental
care. It costs about $1 a day to feed a greyhound.
WHY DO GREYHOUNDS
NEED TO BE KEPT ON A LEASH?
A
leash assures your greyhound protection from disasters. These dogs have
been bred for 4000 years to do one thing - chase. That instinct is further
reinforced in their track training. In addition, they can see clearly
for up to one-half mile, and their instinct keeps them alert in this regard.
If they are not restrained, they risk getting hit by a car, mauled by
another dog, and given their speed, they can easily become lost or frightened.
Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash and enjoy the exercise,
as well as the attention they receive from the people who pass by. They
must never be let off-leash in an unenclosed area.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT
IF I ADOPT A GREYHOUND?
Adopting
a greyhound will give you a gentle, loving companion, who, with a little
time and patience, will be a GREYT addition to your family. Greyhounds
are very polite dogs, eager to please, delight in your attention, and
prefer to be alongside you when you are at home. Because everything in
the home will be new - stairs, sliding glass doors, mirrors, linoleum
floors, etc., some time will be required for adjustment. Expect him/her
to be a bit confused and very curious at first, but they learn very quickly.
Your tone of voice and a firm "NO" will quickly let your greyhound
know how to behave around your home. A note about dental care: Racing
dogs have a totally soft diet and so the tartar builds quickly. To maintain
clean teeth, brush your dog's teeth at least twice weekly with special
dog toothpaste and have annual dental check-ups performed by your veterinarian.
Greyhounds do not make good watchdogs, as they bark very little and are
usually as friendly with strangers as with their own family.
WHAT IF I HAVE
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Always
feel free to call your local GALT adoption representative, email us at
info@greyhoundadoptiontx.org,
or call 972.503.4258.
Adopting a greyhound requires a serious financial and emotional commitment on your part to be a responsible pet owner for the life of the greyhound. If you and your family are ready to consider adding a greyhound to your lives, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your interest in rescuing a greyhound - it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.
