Some agencies rescue greyhounds who are retired from racing and find them homes. Do they make good pets?

Question

I'm thinking in terms of temperment, trainability, etc. I also imagine they need a lot of exercise

Answer 1

Greyhounds retired from racing make superb pets! Most are docile and very gentle---they spend the first portion of their lives being raised in a 'pack' setting, so dominance problems are generally not a concern. They are trained to respect and bond with people and other Greyhounds. Retired racing Greyhounds are probably one of the -most- pack oriented breeds of dog--they are very much dependent on you and tend to be one of the most affectionate breeds. Because they are a sighthound, however, some do not get along with smaller animals like small dogs, cats, rabbits, ect. Most rescue agencies will do testing to determine whether a particular greyhound is 'cat-safe'.

Despite popular belief, a retired racer doesn't need a lot of excercise. Usually a short walk on a daily basis, and a weekly chance of getting a run out of their system is all they need to remain content. A lot of people actually refer to greyhounds as 45 mph couch potatoes! Keep in mind that racing Greyhounds are kept in kennels most of their lives. With the exception of their training, racing, and a brief daily excercise session, they don't get much activity to begin with.

As far as trainability is concerned...they are hounds and hounds are easy to train to a certain extent. Greyhounds -are- eager to please, but traditional training methods are usually lost on the sensitive Greyhound. They won't be trainable to the extent of a Shepherd or Border Collie, but most do well with basic obedience.

Also, I'm not really sure why some people are saying to beware of health problems---a Greyhound from racing lines is one of the most genetically sound (and healthy) dogs available. Racing Greyhounds are one of few dogs who are still doing a 'job'---form follows function. Genetic diseases and deformities prevents a Grey from performing its function and thus only the -best- are bred because the point is to get the fastest, most sound Grey. Reputable Greyhound racers/breeders do -extensive- testing on their dogs before breeding...there's hundreds and thousands of dollars at stake with a single breeding---Grey breeders don't 'gamble' when it comes to breeding for health.

You do need to make sure you keep an eye out for teeth problems. Racing Greyhounds are fed a diet that doesn't really promote tooth health and so most have tartar problems (and some even have to have teeth removed). Most of that is addressed before you adopt though. And you need to make sure you remember that Greyhounds have sensitive digestive systems because of what they were previously raised on---if all they've been fed is fresh chicken, for example, you'll encounter digestive problems if you just feed kibble. Otherwise, retired racers are generally not plagued by genetic deformities or diseases like hip displaysia and so on. Most health problems are a direct result of a racing injury (ie: fractured bones) and can usually be fixed (which is done previous to adopting and by the previous racers owner).

BTW, most Greyhounds (racer or otherwise) live into their mid-teens. =D

Answer 2

Greyhounds make wonderful pets and generally try hard to please you. As a volunteer for a greyhound rescue, and an owner to 2 retired greyhounds, I can tell you that they are special dogs and their temperaments are great. Generally they get along with kids (as long as they are respectful) and other dogs. Some are small dog/cat safe and some are not, so if you have cats or small dogs, be sure to mention this to the rescue.

The rescue groups work hard to learn the dogs personality so they have a better chance at finding their forever home. It is very important that you are honest when answering questions. Greyhounds can be trained as long as you are consistent, and many are therapy dogs.

Contrary to popular belief, they do not need a ton of exercise. Mine are happy to romp around the fenced yard for 5 or 10 minutes and then run back in the house and sleep. You can train them not to get on your furniture, if that's what you prefer.

If you have any questions...feel free to contact me!

Answer 3

They are well worth giving a good forever home to, no matter where you get one from. They are loyal, friendly, kind, and very loving dogs. Don't let their size be an issue. My friend has a Greyhound, and he is sweetest dog. He gets along well with her other little dogs, and her cat. He's also very smart, and has a great temper.
As far as exercise not as much as you would think! I mean it's good to let them run some, but he seems to prefer just to lounge around. But, I think the more active you keep your dog the better off in the long run, to keep them healthy. Seems if they don't use what they have then the weaker they become, somewhat like humans. Exercise does make us in better shape.
If I were to ever have a bigger dog, I would for sure adopt a greyhound! :) Good Luck on whatever you decide. I am sure you won't be disappointed though.

Answer 4

The mother of the vet I work for has 3 rescued Greyhounds and they are the best dogs! All three of them are very sweet, loving, and very intelligent. They were very easy for her to train.
Like the previous users have stated, once they retire from racing all they want to do is lounge on the sofa. They really aren't very active.
I think it's great that you are thinking of adopting a retired Greyhound! Most of the rescue groups will do their very best to match you with the very best dog for you.

Answer 5

They make great pets .... as all have said who have gone before .. lol

Here in Australia there is a Greyhound Adoption agency. All have undergone re-education and it is clearly stated if they are suitable to go to home with cats, most are barely two years old.
Yes there are very much couch potatoes and very soft and loving.

Answer 6

I have always heard they are wonderful these rescue greyhounds. Yes on the excersize tho. As you can tell by other answers here that many people are enthusiasts. Ive seen special places that you can take your greyhound so that they can run together (even on a track)...they love to run! I applaud you for considering this kind of rescue...you won't be sorry!

Answer 7

Someone on our block has 5 retired greyhounds. They are SO well-behaved and quiet. She walks them all at the same time - It is quite a sight, not a single one of them ever pulls on the leash or gets out of order, they walk calmly and it is almost non-dog-like.

They seem quiet, very trainable, and maybe a little aloof (ie. not a goofy, flopping all over the place for attention type dog). She said they don't need a ton of exercise, they like to rest and lay around the house and watch TV with her. She walks them twice a day but I imagine once would be fine too.

Answer 8

Hi! I am a greyhound adoption volunteer and foster parent. My family currently has three of our own dogs and a four year old skin kid. 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 imperfectsion 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. You can also check out http://www.greytalk.com the world's largest internet forum for greyhound people.

Answer 9

greyhounds are really good pets.They end up being couch potaoes!! They do not however get along with cats or smaller animlas. They love to run after and catch those. Most rescue groups require you to have a fence and no small animals or cats. Do your research with the rescue group to find out all the requirements before adopting

Answer 10

They make very good pets. Their temprament is great, very gentle and loving They are really couch potatoes. They only need two 20 minute walks a day. They are built for speed not endurance. I would not say that they are that easy to train not like gundogs who are very biddable, but because they have been raced and in in kennels they walk well on the lead and you can do many things to them ie clean their teeth and groom them. You can let them off the lead in a secure enclosure, but they will chase anything. Some are good with cats .