How do greyhounds handle living in small spaces?

Question

I am seriously considering adopting a greyhound. I have done extensive research and know the needs of the dog and am prepared to provide those needs. I live in a 1350 sq. ft. condo (owned by my father) and he doesn't want me to have one in the condo because he thinks the dog is too big for the space. From all my research, small spaces shouldn't bother a grey because they like to lay around and could be considered lazy. Give me some good ammo to convince my dad to let me have one! By the way, my husband and I are planning on moving to a house soon, but it could be more than a year from now. I want a grey now!

Answer 1

take it from someone who rescues greyhounds. most of their lives, the are remanded to kennel living. they are used to confinement, and don't seem to mind. the 3 that i have now, each have found there special place in my home. these areas are small, yet that is what a rescued greyhound wants. the underlying problem is physical activity. as long as you can find/provide a large area for running, there won't be any problems. sit back and enjoy when they break into those wide oval runs. that stays with them forever. hope this helps give you the ammo you need, and know for a fact, that you will never find a greater companion than a rescued greyhound. good luck, nancy

Answer 2

Well, it sounds like you have done your research...let me just add a little more insight..

I wouldn't consider greyhounds "lazy"..they just don't require a lot of exercise, but if you get them in an open area, they certainly will run and play. As a general rule, greyhounds are really not recommended with children under 6 due to their size and somewhat lack of patience with kids in their face, pulling their tail, etc. If the small space is temporary, go for it...but do discipline yourself and commit yourselft to giving your greyhound hearty walks and time to run and chase a ball.

You get from a dog what you put into a dog....make the most of your moments by training it, spending time with the dog and loving it. This will result in having a happy dog and you being loved unconditionally.....lots of good luck to you.

Answer 3

greyhounds don't need alot of space. Have you ever been to a greyhound farm? All the dogs do is lay in creats all day. they get let out 3 times a day and feed a good meal in the morning in there creats. unless they are schooling which is where they go to the race track to chase the rabbit around the track. and they do that 2 times a week. so they are use to a small living space. but the do need there exercice other wise there mucles will start to deteriate and then you will have big problems.

Answer 4

It is the Greyhound's nature to run. They are sprinters who can run up to 45 miles an hour for very short periods. Some of them love to run; others are simply not interested, they are NOT endurance runners, and brisk exercise suits them just fine.
Generally, Greyhounds are quizzical, sometimes shy, very sensitive and surprisingly gentle. They possess superior intelligence, and can exhibit a quiet but surprising independence.
Greyhounds have no fat layer on their bodies which makes them sensitive to winter cold or rain. If outside for more than a short time in bad weather, they should be protected with a coat. No dog should be left outside in the cold. They are not barkers by nature, but will bark if excited or trying to tell you something like needing to go out.
They are relatively inactive indoors, and a small yard will do. HOWEVER! as ive stated this breed LOVES to run, and he will need to be able to have access to a place where he can fly like the wind every once in a while.

Answer 5

I guess that you could call Greyhounds the couch-potato of the big dog world. As your new Greyhound becomes familiar with his new "familiy" home he will become quite sedate. However, it is important (as with all dogs) that you attend a local training class for basic obedience. In addition to the exercises taught, your dog will develop a better bonding to your family and understand his place in the family.

You really shouldn't have much problem unless there is baggage that the dog will carry from past life and the training can address any such issue.

Answer 6

I actually owned an ex-racing greyhound *****. She was about 4 years when I got her. They live in kennel runs and only get exercised if actually racing. Otherwise they never get out and are lonely because they're not treated as pets. Donna chased cats and small animals when I first got her, but after 6 months or so of family life, snapped photo of her laying in mums back yard with our cat slept between her legs! Watch around kids and animals that run for awhile as they are trained to catch and bite.Fast movement stimulates them to chase. Say No and teach them its not acceptable. Their natural, placid, beautiful nature takes over as they attune to their new lifestyles. Very clean, feel the cold, fastidious, tidy sort of dogs, just like whippets. Very loving when given the chance. Most end up put down after their racing careers, not given a chance. Just like Standardbred trotting horses. No market for them! Would only be fair to put on lead and give a good walk/run each day or so Good Luck, Donna was lovely.

Answer 7

Greyhounds are built for short bursts of speed. They can lie around like vegetables sleeping all day and usually just need one or two 20 minute runs a day when they can just have a burst of energy and run it all off. So if you can provide this for them, they should be fine in your home.

Be careful though if you or your neighbours have cats or small dogs because some greyhouhnds - mainly ex racers - have a real "chase" fixation.

Answer 8

Oh f'krissakes.....greyhounds are TOTAL couch-potatoes! You can nearly SLIP-COVER em!

LOL Getemgang! My Whippets will actually crawl under the slipcover! I sometimes come home and have 'lumps' on my couch. Of course when they hear me come home they spring to their feet, but are trapped until I let them out.

Hounds are wonderful! But be aware that they will need exercise, are not highly trainable, and will 'take care of' any little critters in your yard. They are also NEVER to be trusted off lead! It sounds like you have plenty of space!



Edit-
Most well bred Sighthounds will have a "chase fixation". Racing or not has little to do with it.

I can't think of a group of dogs with more patience than SHs

Whippets are sprinters, GHs are more distance runners than sprinters

Answer 9

They do not need as much room as people think. As long as the dog gets regular exercise and walks, it should be fine. My neighbor has a grey-"Monty" from a rescue. The house they have is a small ranch. The dog is loyal, lovable, calm and not as high strung as I thought he would be. In fact, he dosen't run away, stays around and loves his walks. Good Luck! Tell your father no worries-the dog will be a wonderful addition to your home.

Answer 10

I think rescuing pets is great. 1. Good temperment, but like people each dog is different. 2. Mostly good with other pets, but if you have a cat then you might want to test them together. They have a pretty high prey drive and like to chase (and sometimes bite) fast furry things. 3. Some thin skin issues but all breeds have some kind of med issues. A mix will have less. 4. Would do great in an apartment but still needs walks everyday.