I have an opportunity to purchase/adopt a retired Greyhound that is 3 years old. He has been seen by a vet, has shots, etc. It will cost around $200.00 to adopt through the rescue agency.
Does anyone have experience with these dogs that can give me some insight on; temperment, longivity, problems, etc.?
Thanks.
2007-03-23 17:17:02 · 8 answers · asked by MadforMAC 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Retired Racing Greyhounds are some of the sweetest dogs I have ever met. They are couch potatoes and only need minimal excercise. They were built for speed, not stamina. So a run in an enclosed yard or dog park works as well as a walk. Most love walks since they generally love being with people. They live 12-15 years on average. They do not tend to have a lot of health problems because of the careful breeding of the dogs. I can trace my male dog's ancestry back to the 1790s! My female has a high prey drive. But I know that and I'm careful to bring a muzzle with me to dog parks so that she can not hurt small dogs or cats. As long as I keep an eye on her and keep her close to me, she is generally okay. Training works well and they are intelligent dogs that mostly want to please their owners. Most greyhounds do tend to love other greyhounds/sitehounds because they were raised together. As pups, they are kept together and then crated next to other greyhounds as they get older. They are not pets if they race and are not exposed to other types of dogs, stairs, sliding glass doors, and tile floors like pets would be. So many of them have their first experience with home life when they are done with the race world. When you adopt a retired racer, the fees go toward vet bills (shots, dental cleaning, spay/neutering), and food. These are some of the most loyal and sweetest dogs I have ever owned and I've been a dog owner my entire life. They are not known to be watch dogs. They may be aware of things going on around them, but most are not aggressive in nature.
2007-03-24 07:42:18 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely get a Greyhound. My best friend owns one and he is the sweetest dog ever. He had a sinus problem, but he is over it and enjoying life. He is very scared of new surfaces because he was never on them as a pup. Like the saying goes its hard to teach an old dog new tricks. He doesn't understand that the tile is safe. He is very scared of dogs other than Greyhounds because he never saw any while racing. He may just be weird though. But one thing you must watch is countering. They are tall enough to take food and other things off counters. Be sure that you have all the necessary items to keep your new dog active, and a fenced yard for him to run around in. Good Luck!
2007-03-24 00:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by Dani 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I adopted a Greyhound that was 4-years-old. She never raced well. She was so sweet and docile. Great with everyone. Never barked, but could not go off her leash and come back. She was fragile. She became ill around 10 died at 11. Not a very long life span. Terrible teeth. She had them cleaned every six months and had to go under. A friend had a very successful racing boy. Not very nice. I wouldn't have a grey again. I have an Aussie now.
2007-03-24 14:06:30 · answer #3 · answered by cara 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a rescued greyhound and he is 5 years old, he has been with us for almost 2 years. We love him so much and he loves us, he is gentle, sweet, quiet and amazing, we are in the process of getting another one. They make wonderful pets and live to about 12 - 14 years old as long as they are healthy. The only advise I will give... is never let them run loose except in an enclosed area... you will never catch them if they run... but seriously consider adopting one through a reputable agency like Greyhounds in Need of Adoption....
2007-03-24 13:27:46 · answer #4 · answered by Jadzia W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are wonderful house pets. They will love you for taking care of them when they retire. They are sponges for affection, and will love you forever. I have two of them. Three years old is a good age. You will never be sorry. The $200, by the way, is about the normal price. You are really reimbusing the group for travel, vet fees, food, etc. They are all non-profit groups. They live nice lives, until they are about 13 of 14, and do not have a lot of the problems some other dogs have. You do have to take care of their teeth, however, My wife and I give ours a fresh soup bone several times a week, and their teeth are in excellent shape. Feed them a good food -- forget the chi chi stuff.
2007-03-26 03:39:54 · answer #5 · answered by carl j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They make WONDERFUL pets! You would think that a "race dog" would be hyper, but hey are very calm and loving, they want to be near you all the time -- touching and leaning, perhaps from their lonely times during their racing career -- they spend ALMOST 24/7 locked in their tiny kennel.
2007-03-24 00:25:48 · answer #6 · answered by Hal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an adopted Greyhound. Like a previous poster said, they definitely are not the most trainable.
Lovable and silly and couch potatoes. . .Yes!
Good companions. . .Yes!
Good guard dog. . .ummm not really
Good intimidation . . . sorta because of their size
Wonderful companion . . . ABSOLUTELY
2007-03-24 01:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by wotana02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sighthounds are not as trainable as most other breeds. They can not be allowed off lead, have high prey drive and will 'hunt' any little critters in your yard and you get to clean up the leftovers.
They are also sweet, affectionate, sensitive, and cuddly!
GHs are generally pretty healthy.
2007-03-24 00:53:36 · answer #8 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋