Do retired racing greyhounds make good pets?

Answer 1

YES! They're great dogs.

Very gentle, easily trained and if properly exercised, even make good apartment dogs.

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 had a neighbor that only kept retired racing Greyhounds. Remembering that the were trained to chase a rabbit on the fence, I'd use caution if you have cats, especially grey ones. They look like wild rabbits. They are prone to some major health problems including alergic reactions to flea products, bloat, bone cancer and more. They are sensitive to anesthesia and other medications. They are well socialized dogs with humans. some however have not been socialized with other dog breeds. They are shedders. They do get along with children. A good run is needed a few times a week, An excited greyhound may nip at other dogs, especially other greyhounds. Below are two of the sites I found some good information in. Be sure and check them out.

Answer 4

Yes

All they want is a loving home, warm bed and a walk each day.

My friend adopted one (we used to work at the greyhound track) and there was an amusing episode with the stairs as the dog had never encountered them before, having spent all his life in kennels.

Contact the Greyhound Racing Association for more info

Answer 5

They make great pets. They are gentle, quiet and polite. I had one for years.
They need a fenced yard and should be kept on a leash when not fenced.
Most of them get along fine with cats, but some of them don't; the rescue person you get one from will probably know which ones are not good with cats. (They say a greyhound is fast enough to catch a cat.)
Virtually all of them are great with dogs and people.

Answer 6

Great pets. I had one for about 7yrs and they are the gentlest dogs i know. Great with children too. I have never heard of a nasty or vicious greyhound (towards people anyway). Different if you happen to be a cat tho so that would be my only concern lol.

Answer 7

They make excellent pets. They do not need as much exercise as people think, a quick fast run is enough!!!!! The only warning I would give is if you have a cat or rabbit already. They are trained to chase the hare on the track so small furry things in the house with them is NOT a good idea.

Answer 8

Yes and no. Yes if you have no small animals in the house. Because of their trianing, they are apt to kill or severely mutilate a lap dog or cat. People who have no other pets - or have another large dog love their retired greyhounds.

Answer 9

ABSOLUTELY!!!
Every Greyhound I see that comes into the clinic is just sweet as can be!!! You will be very happy with him/her...
They can tend to be shy or standoffish at first because alot of them aren't used to living in a home, and getting lots of love!! but they adapt!!! After awhile!!!

Answer 10

I got mine when I was 3 and had him for 12 years - probably the best dog I ever had. Be sure to have plenty of room, they are energetic (until they get to their older years - they take retirement seriously!) and put a bit of water in their food before they eat it, they tend to just gulp it down.

Answer 11

Yes they do but you needa make sure you have a big enough backyard so they can run around. They are racing dogs after all so they need space to run and jump...plus they might go a lil crazy in the house like climbing stuff etc. But ya other than that they make GREAT pets...