About Greyhounds
Available Greyhounds
Follow this link to see all our greyhounds available for adoption. This list is hosted by our friends at Pet Rescue.
Greyhounds - General FAQs
What happens to greyhounds at the end of their racing career?
Thousands of greyhounds retire from racing each year, typically between two to six years of age. Many never make the grade, or retire at a much younger age as a result of minor injury. A great many owners will adopt greyhounds into their homes or arrange for them to live out their retirement at a kennel. However, many are not so lucky and end up being put down in their prime or facing a worse fate. The Greyhound Racing Industry and Greyhound Adoption Groups work hard to prevent this. We encourage owners to take responsibility for their dogs seriously, and we also encourage the public to consider taking on retired racing greyhounds as family pets.
Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets?
Definitely! Greyhounds are gentle, loving, lazy creatures that thrive on human company. They are extremely adaptable and fit easily with most people's lifestyles. There are no major differences between male and female greyhounds although it is noted that the males can tend to be more affectionate and the females although affectionate are independent.
What Is A Greyhounds Expected Lifespan?
Greyhounds have a life expectancy of 12 years or more. Such a life expectancy is quite high for a large breed dog.
Why do Greyhounds Need to Wear a Muzzle?
In 1927 a law was introduced stating that greyhounds must always wear a muzzle when in a public place. This can lead to the deception that greyhounds are aggressive, but nothing can be further from the truth. There are no laws in the USA or the UK stating that a greyhound must be muzzled in public.
Greyhounds Facts & Fiction
Fact
- Greyhounds are Lazy
- Greyhounds are Gentle and Submissive
- Greyhounds Get On Particularly Well with Children And The Elderly
- Greyhounds Are Extremely Good Natured
- Greyhounds Are Highly Affectionate
- Greyhounds Are Quiet And Well Mannered
Fiction
- Greyhounds Are Highly Strung And Aggressive
- Greyhounds Require Lots Of Exercise
- Greyhounds Require Large Backyards
- Greyhounds Are Vicious And Can't Live With Other Pets
- Greyhounds Are Old And On Their Last Legs
- Greyhounds Wear Muzzles Because They Are Dangerous
Living with Greyhounds
Are Greyhounds Easy To Housebreak?
Greyhounds are extremely easy to housebreak. They are extremely clean dogs by nature and quickly learn that inside is the place that they keep clean, and outside is the place to go.
How Well Do Greyhounds Adjust?
Most greyhounds walk into a new home as if they have lived there all their life. A small few may be scared for a couple of days, but it is not long before they settle in. During this period, we recommend that you teach your greyhound the rules of the house to avoid any problems in the future.
Are Greyhounds Good With Children?
Greyhounds are extremely tolerant and one of the best breeds around children. Although Greyhounds have enormous amounts of patience when it comes to small children, no dog deserves or should ever tolerate constant pestering by any child. If you child is too young to understand do not leave them together unsupervised.
Do Greyhounds Get Along With Other Pets?
Greyhounds generally get along well with other breeds of dogs as they have been well socialised in their racing kennel. Like all dogs not all greyhounds like cats and we only place greyhounds that we know are cat friendly with families that have cats as pets. We provide literature for introducing your new greyhound to your family cats and can also do the introducing for you if required.
Caring for Greyhounds
How old are retired racing greyhounds?
The age of greyhounds seeking adoption will vary, with the majority being between 2 to 6 years of age. Younger dogs generally were not suitable for racing and older dogs may have been recently retired because they are no longer competitive.
Do Greyhounds Require A Lot Of Exercise?
Greyhounds always enjoy going out for a walk and having the chance to explore new places, but they do not require daily exercise. Once you own a greyhound of your own you will realise that they spend most of the day 'napping' and actually require less exercise than most breeds of dogs. Therefore, a large yard is not a requirement for owning a greyhound.
Do Greyhounds Need A Special Diet?
Whilst racing, greyhounds are fed a high-energy diet that helps them perform at their peak. As a house pet a greyhound can be fed as per any large breed dog and do not have any special diet requirements.
Do Greyhounds Have Any Special Medical Needs?
Greyhounds have a low level of body fat and high muscle mass, therefore they are sensitive to anaesthesia. Be certain that your chosen Veterinarian is familiar with greyhounds before you visit. We have a list of Veterinarians with greyhound experience if you so require. Other than this there is no difference between a greyhounds veterinary needs to that of another breed of dog.
Senior Greyhounds
As with any breed, puppy's and adolescent dogs are always more outgoing and energetic, and can be quite demanding. This does not mean that they do not make great pets, however when deciding to adopt a dog, take into consideration how much time and energy you will have. A younger dog may take longer to adjust so a senior might just be the dog for you.
Greyhounds generally get along well with other breeds of dogs as they have been well socialised in their racing kennel. Like all dogs not all greyhounds like cats and we only place greyhounds that we know are cat friendly with families that have cats as pets. We provide literature for introducing your new greyhound to your family cats and can also do the introducing for you if required.
Seniors are often more gentle, patient, sensitive and quiet. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience over their younger relatives. I have always enjoyed having senior greyhounds as part of my family, and it is widely known in Greyhound Adoption that they are one of the best kept secrets around, although you will find it is not really a secret at all. Many have learned the joys of having a senior greyhound as part of their family. Please consider a senior if you decide to adopt a greyhound into your heart, I can guarantee you will be rewarded with many years of love and loyalty.
