2007-11-23 14:34:48 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Good on you for thinking about adopting a greyhound, they make great pets! Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds are not hyperactive and do not require large amounts of exercise as they do not have a huge amount of stamina. If you want a greyhound as a jogging companion, you will have to gradually build up their stamina. Nor do greys need a fenced in yard...they make fantastic apartment dogs. Greyhounds love to sleep, and will do so for a large portion of their day. There are some greys who are more active than the average greyhound, but this is still not as active as the working breeds (kelpies, collies, shepards etc).
Having said this, greys are not for everyone and must always be leashed...if something scares them or the find something interesting, you will not catch them and they have no road sense when running that fast!
I do own one grey and he is super lazy, he gets a half hour walk daily and the rest of the day he sleeps, eats or loves getting lots of hugs. I would recommend speaking directly with a few adoption groups. Go for one that fosters their greys in a home environment prior to adoption as they will know more about the individual dog and will match the ideal dog to your circumstances. I also recommend reading a few books on the subject, cynthia brannigans book mentioned previously is a good starting point.
2007-11-24 08:34:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
1) Greyhounds do NOT need a lot of exercise. In fact, ex-racers probably need the least amount of exercise among large breed dogs. They are sprinters. They have short bursts of energy, and that's it. The other 23.5 hours of their day are usually spent eating, cuddling with you, or sleeping. Most likely, they're probably sleeping. ;)
2) Greyhounds do not necessarily need a fenced in yard. I know plenty of greys who live in condos/apartments. However, certain adoption groups won't adopt out to people without yards. It's a personal thing. You have to check it out yourself.
3) Still, greys do like exercise and they do like having the opportunity to run free. You are usually required by your adoption contract, however, to keep your dog in a fenced-in area at all times. You should never let your grey off-lead in an unfenced area. They are sighthounds!
Greys are very sweet, adoring, clean, and quiet companions. Should you decide to get one, you will be rewarded with a friend who will love you forever. However, before you adopt, please buy and read:
- Adopting the Retired Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan
- Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood
And try to find an adoption group who will maintain a relationship with you. A caring, supporting adoption group is a blessing!
2007-11-23 15:51:14 · answer #2 · answered by 3DogMom 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have never owned one personally, however once a week I bring my American Pit Bull Terrier to our local dog park and I see the same lady with her 2 greyhounds. She adopted both of them and I think that they are great dogs! They are VERY sweet and smart. She said when she first got them it took her a while to teach them that people are good and that they are now a pet, not a working dog. If you have the time to invest in showing them love and affection they make a great dog! And you will feel great about yourself adopting a dog verses buying one. I adopted my pit bull and it was the best decision my husband and I ever made! Good luck!
2007-11-23 15:36:56 · answer #3 · answered by ljhsullivan 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I do like greyhounds. I am owned by 5 of them, plus I foster 1. And I work with a greyhound rescue group.
Please, do your homework first, as these dogs aren't for everyone.
2007-11-24 11:04:44 · answer #4 · answered by Jimmy M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are very sweet, loyal dogs and very good family pets. They love kids. You will need a fenced-in yard and you'll have to always walk them on a leash because they are sight hounds and will chase prey. And if you think you can catch up to a greyhound, forget it!
Someone else mentioned they are great for people who love to run -- but keep in mind that greyhounds are bred for sprinting, not distance running!
2007-11-23 14:55:15 · answer #5 · answered by oparker20 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I personally think that they're really beautiful dogs. EVERY single greyhound that has come into our clinic has been a very friendly dog, and I have never had any problem with them. I would have adopted one myself, had it not been for my rabbits (greyhounds are known to have a fairly high prey drive). I would definitely recommend one (especially a greyhound rescue dog!)
2007-11-23 14:41:29 · answer #6 · answered by bettathang 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've heard nothing but good things about the rescue greyhounds. I meet a couple on the street while I'm walking my dogs and the vet's receptionist has her second set of two and she raves about them.
2007-11-23 15:05:29 · answer #7 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I seen one at the petshop when I was younger & wanted one really bad but we lived in an apt,know Im just a chihuahua person ever since getting my 1st one by accident. I think you should get it! I rarely see a person with a greyhound & your dog will stand out....
2007-11-23 14:40:34 · answer #8 · answered by Trell773 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
About the Greyhound Dog
The Greyhound was first seen in Egypt but was developed to its present form in Europe. They were originally used as large game coursers.
Today, the Greyhound reigns as one of the fastest dogs in the world and is used as a companion dog and a competitive racer.
Greyhounds are generally quiet and shy dogs who need early socialization to avoid severe timidity towards both their owners and strangers. They are very patient dogs who do well with other animals and children though they are not particularly fond of playing intensly. If the dogs are retired race animals, they tend to be much harder to get to rest and relax when inside and around other animals since they are used to racing around. They are very quick and should not be trusted off leash when they are not in an enclosed area because they are so quick and can be veyr hard to catch. They have a great temperment and are very willing to please. They are very loving and loyal to those who own them and care for them.
The head of the Greyhound is very long and narrow with a wide space between the ears which lay back except when they aer excited in which they stand up. Their eyes are dark and bright. Their neck is long, thin and well arched. Their legs are very thin and are perfectly placed a they reach their small feet with well arched toes.Their tail is long and thin and slightly curves upwards.Their coat is very short and smooth and may be any color.
This breed is very prone to bloat and is very sensitive to any sort of medication.
Any type of housing is acceptable for Greyhounds though they do best when given a sufficinet amount of exercise. A regular enclosed area is enough to satisfy these dogs who are generally lazy indoors. One note of caution though, this breed is very sensitive to cold weather and does not do well in it. If you live in an area where the cold is extreme then they do need to be covered in a jacket when they are taken outside.
2007-11-23 14:40:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
i have never seen a greyhound in person but i do know that you caint never let them off the leash because they like to chase after anything that moves but if you feel you are up to go ahead they seem like nice dogs
2007-11-23 14:41:03 · answer #10 · answered by BSL Fighter 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋