I would like to re-home a retired greyhound as understand they make good pets. Advice please?

Question

Where do I findout about these dogs etc?

Answer 1

Hi, I am a greyhound adoption volunteer. My family currently has three of our own adopted dogs and we have one foster dog with us right now. We live in an urban area (we're in a condo) and have a fairly large network of greyt friends in the area. Some of our friends live happily with cats. Some are happy being 'only' dogs. We have a playgroup that meets at a local dog park a couple of times a month, but many/most of the greys in our area get the majority of their excersise through leash walking.

Retired racing greyhounds are very low energy, low maintenance dogs. They have been nicknamed the '45mph couch potato' because they sleep 18-20 hours per day. Greys are sprinters - they have short bursts of energy and then they need to recuperate. The are a single coated short-haired breed who shed minimally(usually only seasonally). This means that they need coats in winter if you are in an area that gets cold. This also means that they cannot live outdoors.Greys are very quiet, they rarely bark.

Racing greyhounds are usually retired between 2-5 years of age. Greys are handled every day of their lives, from farm to training facility to racetrack so they are very docile, submissive dogs. A retired racer will always look to humans for leadership. They are taught leash manners and are easy to walk. They are crate trained, which translates very well into housebreaking. Contrary to popular belief the majority of racing greyhounds are treated very well during their careers (I can send you photos of a recent birthday party held in a racing kennel for one of the pups) and the majority (95-97%) retire to either the breeding shed or as pets. There are many adoption groups across the country who are working hard to make that number 100% in the near future.

Bringing a greyhound into your home can present some challenges. A dog coming straight from a track may never have seen mirrors, hardwood floors or stairs before. They have never had people touch them while they are asleep, and they never had any humans or dogs disturb them while they eat. They also may never have met other breeds of dogs. Most dogs adapt very well to living in a home and do it in a very short period of time.

Greyhounds are sighthounds. They can see a rabbit 1/2 mile away - and they were bred to be fast enough to catch that rabbit. For this reason they cannot be off leash unless they are in a fenced enclosure. When something (squirrel, rabbit, cat, plastic bag blowing in the wind) catches their eye they often react instinctually, even with the best of obedience training. Because they move so fast (45mph) very often a loose greyhound is a dead greyhound. They also do not do well on runs or retractable leashes - greys have broken their neck by trying to take off and being stopped. Their rate of acceleration is really awesome.

As to health problems, it is not true that they have hip problems. In fact greyhounds are the only large breed that does not suffer from hip dysplasia. This is because they have been bred exclusively for competition, not for looks. Musculo-skeletar imperfections DO NOT get bred on period. They also have a longer lifespan than many other large breeds, averaging 12-14 years. Some dogs retire with injuries and these dogs may be prone to arthritis as they age, but your adoption group would be able to tell you about specific problems that may come with the dog you acquire. It is true that greyhounds (and all sighthounds) are susceptible to complications from anasthesia. This is because there low body fat ratio means that when the anasthesia has been applied it effects them much sooner and they don't need as much as your average breed.


For more information about the breed, or to find an adoption group in your area check out http://www.greyhoundpets.org . If you want more specific information please feel free to e-mail me.
Also if you would like to talk to people who have retired racers, go to http://www.greytalk.com the largest online comunity for grey lovers.

Answer 2

I have two and they are fantastic dogs. If you want a companion dog you can't go wrong with a greyhound.. Each dog has it's own personality but in general greyhounds are gentle placid clean and intelligent dogs who enjoy company.. Genetically very sound. No hip dyplesia. Dental health can be an issue and something to be watched. A diet which includes raw bones such as raw chicken carcasses will help maintain dental health. Things that make the dogs chew and also help massage the gums. Some develop an eye condition known as pannus that if left untreated can result in blindness. However if caught early it is easily managed. Muzzle laws vary across the globe. You will need to check local by laws. NEVER EVER let a greyhound off in open spaces. As a sighthound their ability to come when called can never be relied on..particularly if they decide to chase.. Soft warm bedding is vital. Need to be rugged in the cold weather and somewhere cool in the summer. . A 20 - 30 min walk a day or every second day will keep your grey happy. Some will live with small animals quite happily others will not. Depends on the dog. An adoption agency will match the dog to your circumstances. One thing is fairly certain. greyhounds are like potato chips, it's hard to stop at one. Most people end up with at least two..Good luck, they are a fabulous dog and you won't regret taking one (or two) into your home.

Answer 3

I think this is an excellent question. Rehoming a retired greyhound is compassionate and decent thing to do. These poor creatures work for the entertainment of humans and deserve a break. In fact I would like to take the whole thing one step further and suggest that rather than rehoming a retired, greyhound, why not retire a rehomed greyhound? Think of the happy look on the little citters face ..... "What, I don't have to chase that stupid plastic rabbit anymore?" ..............

Answer 4

their right. they do make excellent pets. theyre real couch potatos. and they dont eat alot, compared to their size, because they are deep chested. go to a greyhound rescue website. almost all of them will be retired racers. if not, try another website, or ask the master of the website when they'll get any retired racers. against populaur beliefe, those retired greyhounds have run enough in their life dont ya think? just take um to a local park about 2 times a week and they'll be fine. BUT DO NOT UNDER ANY SURCUMSTANCES LET THEM OFF LEASH IN AN OPEN AREA. they WILL run if they get the chance. because of this, you should get a micro-chip. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

there are usually lots in your local dogs home as they are quickly cast off when they are no longer raced.
they need little exercise, 20 minutes a day and they will curl up on the settee, or anywhere soft.
They are not house trained as most of the time they live in communal compounds.
They are also terrible thiefs, and often not very cat or small fluffy creature frindly due to their training.
They are however loving pets that are very expressive and rewarding to own.

here are a couple of links, one is to my rehomed greyhound the other hopefully will help you find one to adopt.


http://hometown.aol.co.uk/g3yzr

http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk

best of luck and I am sure you won't be dissapointed.

Answer 6

if you live in london the best place to go is battersea dogs home as there are SO many retired greyhounds there, just waiting for a new home. good luck

Answer 7

Go for it gal,they make wonderful companions,and contrary to what people think they are naturally pretty lazy,so they dont mind not going out for a walk when it is raining,and a plus is you wont be putting money in a breeders pocket!!! best of luck!

Answer 8

well done for wanting to re home a greyhound, they make great pets, very placid animals.

Answer 9

Go MEET some!!!

EVERY wk-end,across the counrty,there are "get-to-know" groups set-up.
REGAP is probably the best group to deal with.

Answer 10

Yes they do. Look below for links to your area.