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?
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