Greyhounds, 1st time dog owner.?

Question

I just posted a question on medium size dogs in apartment dwellings.

Thanks for all the great replies.

there must be a way to resond to your own question....but I can't figure it out.

Greyhounds sound great. But I read on several websites that they do not make suitable pets for 1st time dog owners. Why??... I don't know. everything about them sounds suitable to me.

and, of course, the websites don't give an explantion. anybody have an explation for the websites' statment (can't find the link). are they just wrong???

thanks a ton for the responses.

Answer 1

I have 3 greyhounds, and have looked after lots of fosters, and I can't imagine why anyone would think they're not suitable for 1st time dog owners. I think they'd be ideal for the reason that they, like all sight hounds, are very easy going dogs who learn quickly, DO NOT tolerate harsh treatments and respond well to lots of positive reinforcement.

If you're thinking about adopting a greyhound, the resuce group not only has good literature for you to read, but they're experienced greyhound people with a wealth of knowledge and tips they'd be more than happy to share with a new owner.

The main thing to remember about a greyhound is to never let them off the leash in an unfenced area, and the rest of the stuff you need to know, is common sense and easy to learn. They're easy going dogs who can adapt to almost any home, some even to an apartment, as long as they get exercise daily.

Answer 2

I have heard the same excuse about not a good first time pet. However, who's the judge? Greyhounds are a little more hard to come by and you probably have to go through a rescue or racing retirement group to get one. Next to purchasing from a champion show dog breeder, they can be very expensive and "tough" on the owner screening. i.e. home inspection, long waiting list, updating the group...just give me the friggin dog already, I'll take good care of it! They are a larger breed and when it comes to health care for dogs, it seems everything gets more expensive with size. So weigh your options and choose wisely, don't get a dog if you'll have to switch apartments anytime in the next 5 years. Landlords are a *****.

Answer 3

Generally dogs are listed as not for the first time pet owner because they are independent and/or dominant in nature but this certainly does not describe the greyhound.

Greyhound adoption page here indicates they're friendly and gentle and easily trained which has been my experience as well.
http://www.greyhoundadoptiontx.org/needs.shtml

Talk with your local rescue and explain your concerns, meet some greys and see if they fit your lifestyle. There are LOTS of greyhounds looking for homes so hopefully you'll find one to love.

Answer 4

i am the very proud owner of 2 retired greys,and have been since last oct 06...iv always had small dogs and still own a yorkie,all 3 live very happily together and i would recommend a grey to anyone, contry to belief they dont need much excersise,mine have 1 walk a day for an hour and a half as that seems to tire them out and they are fed 1 main meal a day coz that is wot mine are used to!...they are very lazy dogs and as long as you have adequate garden space and are able to offer long walks and a comfy sofa ul b fine,one of mine is still a keen chaser so she is never excersised off the lead coz its too risky but she is sociable round other dogs we meet when out walking..they are sprinters so use there n r g up in short bursts u will be making an excellent choice best of luck

Answer 5

I can think of about 100 breed harder to live with than a greyhound so it's amystery to me.
Biggest cavet i can think of is that you really can't trust them off leash except in a fence or ERY special circumstances they see a squirrel or even a blowing piece of paper then they WILL chase & may not come back

PS Adult greys really don't need huge amount of exercise, unless you are conditioning them for the track. 5 min run moring & evening & they are content. Now the puppies... well they are puppies from he#*

Answer 6

I don't know a lot about greyhounds either, I do know this we use to have a whippet part greyhound and fox terrier. The very nature of the dogs physique tells you they are meant to run. So apartment dwelling may not be suitable for that reason.
TYPE...... GREYHOUND TEMPERMENT into the search bar and find a site to contact for more information.
ALSO you might want to look into Italian greyhounds....
Good Luck!......

Answer 7

Why dont you actually get in touch with someone at Greyhound Rescue, I'm sure that they can help you, If the websites dont tell you what you want to know, then speak to someone there. they must have a phone number.

Answer 8

Kara is incorrect, Grey hounds are not high strung. In fact they are very laid back, which is why they are rumored to be good apartment dogs. But they still need exercise, as with almost all adogs.
The do require that you allow them to run. Don't ever let tem go in an unfenced area, they keep running! And you can't keep up, YIKES!
They are somewhat independant compared to other dog breeds.
Good luck!

Answer 9

Greyhounds are very high energy dogs. They need room to run,
if you don't, they will be eating your furniture! They are not good dogs for 1st time dog owners or people who have apartments.
They are mostly used for racing, and therefore are very high strung. You should go for a dog that is calm and doesn't need a lot of exercise. Hope this helps you.

Answer 10

Calais is right -- your best bet would be to contact your local Greyhound Rescue. They could give you plenty of info.