My husband & I have been married for almost 2 years & have no children (not for another 7 or 8 years) but we do have a cat. We were interested in getting a dog, & we have been researching Greyhounds for quite some time. I know that they do tend to have the instinct to chase (due to their racing background) but many are cat tolerable. I have a few questions for grey owners: Our cat is 2 years old, 16 lbs and pretty much docile, but at times runs through the house & wants to play. I used to dog sit, & she has been with 2 Jack Russels, an Airedale & a Dachshund on many occasions & pretty much stays away from them. Do you think our cat will be receptive to a greyhound & vice versa? (I would separate them during the day when we're at work just to make sure.) We live in an apt (1145 sq. ft.) & live next door to a high school with a running track. Would this work for exercise if the grey is kept on a leash & is taken out quite a few times a day? Do you think a grey would be right for us?
2006-08-15 13:12:17 · 3 answers · asked by presserized 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First of all, the instinct to chase does not have anything to do with being raced or not. The instinct is almost always there regardless, that instinct has been bred for for a very long time.
Many sighthounds do live with cats. Separating them when you can't supervise them is a good idea. Some sighthounds will leave the housecat alone but a cat outside is fair game. I would think about getting a puppy instead of an adult so he grows up with the cat.
You can NEVER allow him offlead. If he sees something he will be long gone. Flexileads are dangerous for sighthounds as well. Nice long walks will be good for him. If left to his own devices he is likely to spend most his time laying around which is not good for him. Think about trying lure coursing, they really love it!
2006-08-15 16:28:08 · answer #1 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The previous two folks gave good advice. I've had two greyhounds and had a cat at the same time. One of them could care less about the cat, while the other initially was VERY interested in the cat until being swatted in the nose a few times. After that he left the cat alone. That being said this same dog did take a rabbit in my backyard once. Any small furry creature running in the yard is almost always going to grab the attention of most greyhounds. As mentioned, most groups will test for small animal/cat compatibility. Also, the leash rule is very important. They are always susceptible to running away if not kept restrained. Some adoption groups even restrict to owners with fencing. It's rare but I've heard of it. Overall I can't say enough about this breed. I've had lots of dogs but this breed is very special. Very sweet and gentle. Laid back, quiet and don't shed much. Also they don't need nearly all the exercise that people think. They are often referred to as the world's fastest couch potato and that's not far off. :)
2006-08-17 22:08:54 · answer #2 · answered by sml1091 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, if it a reputable Greyhound adoption group, they will require you to keep your Grey on leash at all times while outdoors (not fenced in obviously). They will NOT come back to you if they see something off in the distance (they are sighthounds and can see FAR farther than any of us!) and start running to it. Also, they cat/dog/small animal/kid test most, if not all, Greys before placing them in their forever homes. They will also do a home check to see your home and talk to you. They will answer any questions you may have. If you run across a Grey adoption group that doesn't do these things, they probably aren't a group you want to deal with. The group I dealt with guaranteed answers to all questions while your dog was living.
2006-08-15 20:21:44 · answer #3 · answered by Amber 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋