I'm thinking of adopting an ex-racing Greyhound. Can anyone tell me if a young or older dog would be best?

Question

I work part time and am out 5 hours every week day. I live with my 9 year old daughter.

Answer 1

In my opinion, an older dog would be best. A young dog will need more training when you're not home and have a higher energy level. Most people go for the young ones, so it would also be nice to give an older dog a new home.

Answer 2

I own three greyhounds and have been a fostermom to many. As mentioned by other writers, they normally retire between 2-4 ish. If they're great racers and chosen to be brood bitches or studs they're not retired until much later. Greys are not watch dogs, however I have had one or two fosters that will bark if someone rings the doorbell or knocks. None of mine bark unless it's because they're excited about a cat or squirrel being in the yard. Many greyhounds are put down because racing still exists and adoptions don't keep up with the amount that are bred to race. There are good tracks and bad "end of the road" tracks. The adoption group that I work with, picks approximately 20-30 per month to rescue and prepare for adoption. We try to get the word out about adoption by doing Meet & Greets at pet stores or festivals so people can meet these wonderful docile animals. Most of them, but not all, love kids. Many greys can happily live without a fenced-in backyard as long as they're walked a couple of times a day for 20 minutes or so. Of course, more potty breaks are necessary but two good walks is all that's needed to exercise them properly. If you get the chance to take them to a fenced in yard and watch them run, you'll get a real treat. Then they'll go home and sleep the rest of the day. Ideally greyhounds would love to have a yard to run in AND a walk once a day. Behavioral problems would probably include counter surfing because they are so tall. They can see on top of tables and counters so it is good advice to keep any kind of food put away. Not all of them counter surf but a good number of them do. Some will stop if corrected, some never do. Another issue would be separation anxiety or SA. They are used to living with other dogs all their lives. To get off the track and go to a home where he/she is kenneled 8 hours a day with no company can be quite traumatizing. Some are okay with it but others just can't handle it. That is only one reason why so many greyhound owners have more than one. Adoption groups will typically profile these dogs when they get off the tracks so can pretty much tell you if the dog you're matched up with will be a SA risk or not. On the positive side, greyhounds are unmatched in their beauty and grace. I have walked four greyhounds at one time while enjoying my walk. How many other dogs can you do that with. If they have been fostered before adoption, they've been taught to walk perfectly on a lead. Some come that way from the track. They are used to being handled at the track so getting their nails clipped, cleaning their teeth, etc. is easy to do. They don't have doggie odor like many other hunting dogs because their coats aren't greasy. Many greys only need baths 2 times a year. How great is that! All in all, greyhounds, in my opinion, are the perfect dogs.

Answer 3

Racers generally retire between 2-5 years of age. More important than the actual age is the personality of the dog. There are many mature, laid back 2yos and hyper 5yos. In general males tend to be big, goofy, good-natured and calm. Females have more expansive personalities - they can be very pushy and dominant or skittish, nervous, needy or playful. The adoption representative from the group you decide to work with can discuss in detail the different personalities and temperments of the dogs that group has available. Adoption reps are an amazing source of knowledge and expereince - an invaluable tool when trying to decide on a dog.

Answer 4

Old dog as they have already developed their personality and are maybe less likely to get homes. I've heard that Greyhounds are very nice dogs but unfortunately lots of them end up in homes because the owners don't want them when they can't race anymore.

I know Battersea Cats and Dog home always have lots of Greyhounds wanting new homes. The staff are very helpful and friendly there too.

Answer 5

Age shouldn't make as much of a difference as the background and temperament of the dog.

Speak to the people at the rescue about any concerns you have and be as honest as possible. That way, they will be in a position to guide you towards the dog that is right for you.

Good luck.

P.S. My greyhound wasn't housetrained when we first got him, but he learned pretty quickly. If you're not sure how to train, there's plenty of useful books available in bookshops/libraries.

P.P.S. We changed our dog's name when we got him - he learned to respond very quickly. Just call his/her new name, and when s/he comes to you, give a treat. Repeat until the dog has learned, and periodically afterwards. Simple.

Answer 6

They are usually gentle with people but will kill cats and small dogs, rabbits and other pets by pulling them; two greyhounds will hunt together. So use proper greyhound muzzles when you're out with them.
They are also NOT housetrained!!! And be warned, they leave pyramids for you. So learn about crate training. They are kept in kennels so its not cruel, they'll be used to it.
If you decide to keep a pair then get one, settle it in then get another. And old ones are more difficult to rehome.
They don't use their race names in the kennels so you can call them anything youu want. And please go to training classes, they are very difficult to train but at least have a go!

Answer 7

Bless you for taking on a Greyhound they are lovely dogs and very much ignored.......after their racing days are over that is.

Answer 8

an older dog,they have to retire at 2yrs old and are no longer racing they obv get taken out of the kennels if your not at home much the dog will become depressed or suffer from seperation anxiety. they r very good with kids lovely and placid, just whatever you do if you do get one do NOT let it off the lead because they are not trained to come back to their name, if poss leave it with its racing name and dont change it. hope that helps

Answer 9

Talk to the rescue org, they will try to fit the right dog to you. Sighthounds, generally, are happier with their own kind around. Think about adopting 2, they don't take up much space.