are you happy with the dog? is the dog happy?
how many did you adopt?
how old where they when you adopted?
how much land do you have?
I would love to adopt a greyhound in the future. I'm just trying to find out what kind of lifestyle I need to make the dog happy.
2007-03-01 11:06:25 · 10 answers · asked by Alexa K 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yep - I've just got the one, although when circumstances allow I'll be getting another.
He was 5yrs old when we got him (he's now 6).
Land? LOL our back garden is around 4m x 5m, the front is just big enough to park the car on. As long as your garden is fenced you shouldn't have a problem.
The vast majority of greyhounds are ex-racers. That means that they have been trained to chase small things that move. It is therefore unlikely (although not impossible) that the dog will be friendly towards cats and other small pets. It will probably have a very keen prey drive when you first get it, although in time that should reduce. My mother owned 2 yorkshire terriers and we had to keep him on lead and muzzled around them when we first got our greyhound. He's fine with them now - although I never leave them unsupervised together.
They will take about as much walking as you want to give. Strictly speaking, they only need 2x 20min walks per day, but if you want to give a really long walk, they'll be more than happy to go along with that. If you are going to let your greyhound off-lead though, be sure that the field is fenced in. If he catches sight of a squirrel/rabbit - the prey will almost certainly be far more interesting than your voice. Also, because they have only had experience of the track - they have absolutley no road sense.
They are very placid dogs that love their home comforts. They will need a warm, soft place to call bed (an old quilt folded over will be fine). They will probably love nothing more than curling up next to you on the sofa.
Because they don't have much body fat or a particularly thick coat of fur, they are susceptible to the cold - so you will need a coat for it. Mine has an indoor and an outdoor coat. Most pet shops don't stock greyhound coats, but you can get them over the internet easily enough. If you're in the UK, try jansgifts.co.uk. The dog coats usually stocked in pet shops are for "normal" shaped dogs and just won't fit your greyhound properly.
Feeding - you'll probably be told how much to feed your greyhound by the rescue. As for type of food - a dried food with 18-22% protein should be fine for a dog in retirement.
2007-03-02 05:08:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I adopted "Boris" from a retired-racer rescue when he was nearly 3 years old. The organization told all the adoptive parents that they are excellent apartment dogs, but I live in a house with a large yard. He loves other dogs, but I have to be careful around men he doesn't know or if someone gets too close to the gate, as he is VERY protective.
He is so happy to have a "forever home", and is really affectionate. I have two other large dogs; I think a grey would prefer to be around other dogs, because they are used to having companions at the track.
They call them "45 MPH couch potatoes" for a reason; they're basically very lazy, but enjoy a walk, too! I will get another one when the time comes for another dog. They tend to be quiet, don't shed hardly at all, and don't have the dreaded "doggy odor", even if they haven't had a bath in months.
If you want a purebred dog, it won't cost as much as buying a puppy. I paid a $220 adoption fee, and he had been neutered, treated for giardia, his teeth were cleaned, and he had all of his shots. Good deal!
Go to fastfriends.org to find out more.
2007-03-01 15:20:31 · answer #2 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Greyhounds are very loving dogs and don't need as much excercise as people think. They do love to chase and often don't get on well with cats as they use cats to teach them to race. They can be a bit aggressive with small dogs. There are greyhound adoption programs that screen the dogs for good temparment these would be a good starting place and can be contacted through your local vet.
Ideally you would need to be committed to walking at least 30 mins per day. There are websites that work out your compatibilty with certain breeds by asking you lifestyle questions, I am not sure where they are but your vet may know.
2007-03-01 12:09:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have owned greyhounds before that were retired racers. They are born couch potatoes. One thing you should know is that Greyhounds are sight-hounds, meaning if they see anything small such as a rabbit, cat or even a bag they will go after it, and let me tell you they can cover a lot of ground in a short time. All they focus on is what they are chasing. They really dont know anything of the outside world other than the race track.
It is not wise to let your Greyhound run loose because of this fact. (I know by experience.) Ours went through the neighbors horse fence and cut up his legs real bad. Luckily he didnt break any. Greyhounds are not dog aggressive except to other Greyhounds.
Also Greyhounds are prone to bone cancer so If you get one you have to keep up on vet check ups and heartworm preventative. Greyhounds have an extremey fast metabolism and require a high protein diet otherwise they lose weight fast.
My best advice to you talk to a vet or the Humane shelter in your area. They will provide you with the most info and who to adopt from closest to your area. Greyhounds are fun to have as pets!!
2007-03-01 12:09:44 · answer #4 · answered by libsmacker 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've adopted three greyhounds, I'm happy with all of them (and I think they are happy with me). We adopted at ages 2,4 and 5. We live in a condo in an urban area. We do lots of walking and there is a local dog park we go to for runs occassionally. Our adoption group has a lot of activities in our area so every weekend we are at a meet & greet or a hike in a state park or at a picnic or street fair or just about anything. Adopting a greyhound is very much entering a community unlike any other. They change your life with their incredible personalities but are also highly malleable to YOUR personality. Greys can fit nearly any lifestyle - they are naturally lazy but if you are high energy their personalities are inquisitive and adventurous and you can build up their stamina easily.
2007-03-02 02:48:24 · answer #5 · answered by Greyt-mom 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
in_love_ has done excellent research.......everything she told you
is right......my friends adopted two very nice greyhound.. and
they live in a condo......with teenagers and other small dogs...
these greyhounds fit right in......
they are so lovable, and they certainly have to kept indoor
because of their frame and coat.....
2007-03-01 11:31:32 · answer #6 · answered by isageegee 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I adopted a German Shepherd....Hes the best dog I could have hoped for. Joes ^ the best, hes so sweet!
2007-03-01 11:31:09 · answer #7 · answered by LivingInnuendo~♫ 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
personaly, i haven't so i can't answer most of your q's, but i did my research on the lifestyle you need.
they aren't high energy...mainly coach potatoes. they rarely bark, and are tempermental. good with other pets, kids, and do't require alot of exercise. they do need to be kept inside, because of their thin layer of fat and no undercoat, but all in all, i think it is a great decision, because they are affectionate and adorable!
2007-03-01 11:16:32 · answer #8 · answered by Banana 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
"Make the dog happy"??? They're here to make YOU "happy"!!!
Do NOT need any acerage! Can live in apartments in cities! Do NOT need "room to run"! CANNOT be turned loose! WILL kill cats,etc.if allowed to.
GO MEET SOME!!! Talk to the PROS!
VERY quiet,lovely animals but too big for me.
2007-03-02 00:48:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
no but i want to
2007-03-01 11:09:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋