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1. Are these dogs available for adoption?
Some people have the misconception that a Meet &
Greet is a greyhound “Farmers’ Market”. It is important to understand these are
family pets and that we are sharing them and our experiences/knowledge to make
the public aware of not only what wonderful pets they make, but of the educated
commitment it requires.
2. How old are they when they become available
for adoption?
Most greyhounds we get are usually between the ages of
2 and 5, although a successful racing career might last until the age of 6. Given
a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years (somewhat longer than most larger breeds due
to their life of athleticism and enlarged internal organs), they still have plenty
of life and love left.
3. Are they housebroken?
The retired
racing greyhound has had very regimented “crate training”, and has learned to
keep his crate clean and eliminate during scheduled turnouts. We strongly suggest
crating be continued in a household environment to not only help you train your
new pet to consider your home as an extension of his/her crate, but as a “den
of security” to which he/she may retreat if/when things become a bit overwhelming.
Please do not consider the crate as an alternative to proper and diligent house-training
and never banish your pet to the outdoors. Greyhounds do not have the body fat
or fur to protect them from the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
4. Do greyhounds need a lot of room to run or exercise?
Say the word
“greyhound” and most people imagine a “hyper” hound running full tilt. Although
some might appreciate an opportunity to run in a fully and securely enclosed area,
by nature/breed, these dogs are built for speed and not endurance. A brisk walk
once or twice a day is usually sufficient. Please keep in mind that if you do
not have a fenced in yard, you must be willing to walk your greyhound on lead
at all times. We do not recommend invisible fencing. Not only are you taking the
risk that your pet will speed right past the boundary, it does not prevent other
animals from intruding upon his/her territory.
5. Do they get along
well with other dogs and/or cats?
Racing greyhounds have spent their
entire lives so far in the company of other greyhounds and may, at first, be confused
by another breed of dog. Properly introduced, they will learn to accept and appreciate
the companionship of their “canine cousins”. Some greyhounds are good with cats
(and smaller breeds of dogs) and some are not. We “cat test” all the greys to
make sure adopters with cats (and smaller breeds of dogs) get a dog with a low
prey drive. We also give new adopters advice on how to introduce their new greyhound
to their smaller furry family members.
6. Are they good with children?
Greyhounds as a breed are very people oriented. They are usually patient
and tolerant of children and will walk away from an irritating child rather than
snap. However, all dogs have their limit, even greys, and children must be taught
to respect any pet’s private space and limitations. It is the responsibility of
the adults/parents to make sure everyone in the home knows to respect their pets
as individuals. It is also important to remember that greyhounds fresh from the
track have never met children before and proper introductions need to be made.
Of special concern for parents of small children (infants/toddlers), the size
of a greyhound (males usually stand 26-30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65-85
pounds, females usually stand 23-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 50-70 pounds)
might not be appropriate at this time.
7. Do they require a lot of
grooming?
Greyhounds do not produce a lot of body oils and therefore
do not have a “doggy” smell to them. They do, however, have hollow hair and will
pick up the scent of your favorite perfume or not-so-favorite cigar. They do shed
(although perhaps not as much as other breeds) and require minimal brushing and
bathing with an appropriate shampoo (and conditioner, if desired). As racing greyhounds
have been fed a “soft” diet throughout their career, their teeth develop an enormous
and unhealthy amount of plaque and tartar build up. It is recommended that you
incorporate brushing and/or healthful chew items into the pet’s routine. Nail
trimming should also be done on a regular basis, as overly long nails can lead
to lameness.
8. Are there any medical problems to which greyhounds
are prone?
Perhaps the most important medical consideration is the greyhound’s
anesthetic risk due to the body’s low fat ratio. It is important your vet be familiar
with or willing to research greyhound physiology. Although they are not prone
to hip dysplasia (common in other large breeds), greyhounds (as well as other
deep-chested breeds) are susceptible to gastric dilatation/torsion or bloat. As
a precautionary measure, it is suggested to avoid exercise for an hour before
and after feeding and to feed at least 2 small meals daily rather than 1 large
meal. Dental problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease due to diet
during their racing career can be controlled through proper dental hygiene. As
with any potential pet, it is the responsibility of the individual(s) to research
the breed for any issues that may prove of special concern, either immediate or
future.
9. Do they make good watch/security dogs?
If you
consider the dog watching a burglar take all your valuables, then yes, they are
great watchdogs. Being a large breed, some people might consider adopting a retired
racer as a watch/security dog. Although its very size may be intimidating, the
greyhound is extremely people oriented and usually submissive. They are physically
capable of barking, but will not generally engage in “raising an alarm” (unless
encouraged to do so by either you or another dog) or prolonged “nuisance barking”
(unless due to boredom or separation anxiety).
10. What do I need
to do to adopt a retired racing greyhound?
Research!!! Yes, these dogs
need homes, but more than that, they need families who have made an educated and
responsible commitment. Read books (we have a suggested reading list), visit websites
and talk with greyhound families. If /when you decide a retired racing greyhound
would make the perfect addition, fill out and send an application. A placement
representative will arrange for a home visit (accompanied by a greyhound so you
might see how one would “fit” in your home). At this time you will be interviewed
as to your preferences (personality of greyhound, activity level, male or female,
etc.) and all members of the household (both furred and people) will be assessed
to determine the type of greyhound that would best fit into your family. If approved,
a donation of $250 is requested at the time of adoption. All greyhounds are spayed
or neutered prior to placement.
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