|
Adopting
a Greyhound
|
|
GREYHOUND
AND ADOPTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Until one has been
adopted and loved by a greyhound, a part of one's soul remains
asleep.
-- Author Unknown
What qualities
make a racing greyhound a good pet?
They are friendly, affectionate, gentle, quiet, sweet, loyal,
clean, loving, sensitive, trusting and good natured.
How long will it
take for an adult greyhound to bond with the new owner and adjust
to life as a pet?
Greyhounds are very friendly and thrive on human companionship.
Consequently, bonding is usually established within a matter of
days, and getting used to a new environment and routine may take
a few weeks. The older dogs tend to be better mannered from the
start, while the younger dogs are generally more curious and active.
Is a racing greyhound
difficult to housetrain?
At the track, racing greyhounds are accustomed to being let out
of their crates several times a day to relieve themselves. Because
of this, a similar routine in a new home makes housetraining relatively
easy. When the adopter employs patience and common sense, the
greyhound's natural cleanliness will assist in the process. The
use of a crate can be of great assistance in helping the dog adjust
to a new routine and environment.
What provisions
need to be furnished by the adopter?
A greyhound needs a safe, warm "inside the home" environment,
good quality food, basic annual veterinary care, monthly heartworm
preventative, a soft bed and lots of love and companionship.
What ages are available
and what is the life expectancy of a racing greyhound?
Most are between two and ten years of age. The average life expectancy
of a former racing greyhound is 12-15 years.
What is the size
of a racing greyhound?
Racing greyhounds stand between 26 and 30 inches at the shoulder,
and they weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Females are usually smaller
than males.
What are the colors
of a greyhound?
Black, fawn, red, blue, several shades of brindle, and white with
a combination of these colors.
Are greyhounds
good with children?
They are better than most breeds, but not as tolerant as some.
If a child becomes overbearing they will usually walk away rather
than snap or growl. However, every dog has its limits. Because
greyhounds are gentle by nature, most are fine with children who
have been taught respect for animals. (Click
here for photo.) Most adoption groups are hesitant to place
a dog in a family with toddlers unless there is specific assurance
that strict supervision will be provided over both child and dog.
Are greyhounds
good with other dogs?
They are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of
their exposure to other greyhounds at the kennels. Adopters should
advise their adoption counselor about the other breeds of dogs
living in the household. Also, common sense must be exercised
during the introductory period and with regard to food. Feeding
separately is recommended.
Are racing greyhounds
compatible with cats?
Maybe half of track greyhounds that come into our adoption program
can be placed with cats. Greyhounds Unlimited attempts to test
the cat-socializing skill of each dog before placing it, however,
a greyhound safe with one cat, may not be with another in a different
circumstance.
Why do greyhounds
have to be kept on a leash?
Because greyhounds are "sight hounds", they follow their
instincts and run without heed and therefore can be off leash
only when in a large fenced and totally enclosed area.
Can greyhounds
be obedience trained?
Many former racing greyhounds have earned obedience titles. However,
greyhounds do not possess the same predilection for taking commands
as the working breeds. All training must be done with a light
encouraging hand. Positive reinforcement and/or food are the best
incentives for both formal and informal training. Leash rules
must be heeded, even with a highly obedience-trained greyhound,
as voice control is not sufficient in a dangerous situation.
Are greyhounds
hyperactive?
No. The most common misconception about racing greyhounds is that
a dog capable of great athletic feats is a dog in perpetual motion.
In reality they are rather lazy and greatly enjoy lounging with
the family. They are actually 45 mph couch potatoes!
Do racing greyhounds
require a lot of exercise?
They enjoy, but are not dependent on, moderate exercise. They
make good jogging companions after they are properly conditioned
for long distances. In most households, the shared experience
of a brisk walk is enough to keep both the adopter and the adoptee
in good physical health.
Do females make
better pets than males?
No, males and females make equally good pets. The females are
generally more independent, and the males are somewhat more affectionate.
Will adopting a
greyhound change my life?
Yes. You will have the satisfaction of having saved a life and
will gain the companionship of a devoted, affectionate and loyal
friend.
TOP
HOME | ADOPTING | ABOUT
GU | EVENTS | SUPPORT
SHORTCUTS:
ONLINE ADOPTION APPLICATION | ADOPTION
GUIDELINES | ABOUT
ADOPTION | SPECIAL
NEEDS HOUNDS
|
