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Run for Adoption, Inc. is a
non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes for retired racing
greyhounds. |
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About Greyhounds / FAQ |
Do
greyhounds make good pets?
Retired racing greyhounds are highly intelligent,
adaptable dogs who after a brief time; easily adjust to
their new environment. They are quick to learn, eager
to please and love attention. They are "people" dogs.
The Greyhound's devotion to his owner is legendary.
Greyhounds are grateful for their new homes and reward
their owners with never-ending affection. Raised with
their littermates where they needed to compete for
affection, they thrive on being the center of attention
in your family.
Do greyhounds come in different
colors and sizes?
Male dogs stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and
weigh 65 to 95 pounds. Most females are smaller,
standing 23 to 26 inches at the shoulders and weighing
between 45 and 75 pounds. The color variation ranges
from black to white, with several shades of brindle,
fawn, blue, red or a combination of these colors.
How old are retired racers?
Ex-racing greyhounds are made available for adoption
between the ages of 18 months and 5 years. Oftentimes
brood dogs are available as seniors.
H ow long will a greyhound live?
With an average life expectancy of 12 years, a greyhound is one of the
longest-lived big dogs. Its large heart provides the necessary vascular
system needed in an athlete. Most other large breeds do not have enough
heart to support the size of the dog thus the life span is often fairly short.
The greyhound is a purebred dog with an ancient history as a coursing animal.
With proper care they can have many wonderful years as a pet.
Are greyhounds housebroken?
Greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means they know to go outside and keep their
living quarters clean. Given access to the outdoors frequently at first,
they quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean and outside
is the place where they relieve themselves.
What does it cost to own a Greyhound?
The Greyhound is usually an easy keeper. It takes about a dollar a day to feed a
Grey, plus all the love an adopter can afford.
Are greyhounds easy to train and handle?
Yes. Greyhounds are extremely sensitive and intelligent animals,
responding quickly to talk and touch as rewards. A stern voice quickly
checks a greyhound. No physical punishment should ever be used.Greys generally walk cooperatively on a leash as this has been part of their
training experience.
Can
I turn my greyhound loose to run?
Greyhounds must be on a leash or in a securely fenced
area at all times. As aggression is in the genes of dog
bred to protect, so running is in the genes of the
greyhound. It is their number one response in all
situations. They run when they are happy, sad,
frightened, lost ... they even run in their sleep. If
keeping them leashed or fenced at all times is not
something you can do, this is not the breed for you.
Do greyhounds make good jogging companions?
Yes, however, their track experience prepares them for sprinting on dirt tracks
only. Long exposure to asphalt or concrete may hurt the pads on their feet
unless they are allowed to acclimate gradually. Also, since they are
sprinters, you will also need to build them up slowly to your pace and distance.
Why do greyhounds wear muzzles on the track?
Greyhounds wear muzzles because as they round the bends at the oval track they
may bump shoulders due to the centrifugal force of the run. This could
lead to a potential dogfight. Track officials prevent the slightest
possibility by muzzling.
Are greyhounds good with children?
Although adult greyhounds are not as playful as puppies, they are quite tolerant
of children. They will usually walk away rather than growl or snap.
However, the gentle greyhound does have limits. To assure peaceful
coexistence of children and dogs, children should never be allowed to be
overbearing or torment the dog. Children and adults need to be cautioned
to avoid startling the dog by giving resting dogs forewarning of their presence
Greys are known to sleep with their eyes fully open. Thus when approaching
them, it can be a mistake to consider the greyhound to be awake and alert.
Do Greyhounds make good watch dogs?
No. Greyhounds are far too gentle. Still, the psychological impact of a large
dog can be a deterrent to would-be trouble-makers.
Will the greyhound get along with other pets?
Greyhounds are social by nature. They have been socialized by the racing
kennel. Most greys enjoy the companionship of other dogs. With
careful introduction, most can also be taught to live peacefully with cats.
Don't greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
Greyhounds, particularly young ones do enjoy a good sprint twice a week on grass
in a safe secure area. They are also excellent walking companions.
If I want an outdoor dog is the Greyhound for me?
No. The Greyhound is not an outdoor dog. It has virtually no body fat which
makes it susceptible to hypothermia in cold weather and to the heat in the
summer. The short coat and the lack of body fat, however makes for a near
odorless dog and minimal shedding. Often people who complain of allergies have
little or no problems with the clean Greyhound. OK,
I'm interested. What now?
Greyhound Guide |
Adoption Information
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