Lessons Learned from Adopting a Greyhound
Special Needs of Greyhounds
Although they are easy to live with, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Greyhounds have special needs and can live up to twelve years; adopting one is a real commitment. Their lack of body fat, delicate frames and sensitive nature require protection from extremes of temperature and treatment.
Greyhounds are One of the Family
These dogs need human interaction and comfort. Greyhounds are not outdoor dogs. Those bony bodies need a soft warm place to rest. They are couch potatoes and will want on the furniture. Their short hair needs little grooming, but like all fur bearing animals they do shed.
Greyhounds need Constant Confinement
You can not just open the back door to let these dogs out; they can be off and running after a stray cat or rabbit in a blink of the eye. These dogs have been bred for thousands of years to be lightning fast and react without human direction and so they must be kept on a leash or in a fenced area at all times.
Training Retired Racers
Greyhounds are an intelligent breed and respond well to training. They want to be part of the family but you have to show them what is expected. Most greyhounds adapt quickly to a new life-style.
Running with the Big Dogs
No matter how gentle your dog is, some people will be intimidated by his size. Greyhounds average 45 to 95 pounds and there are safety concerns with any large dog. For example, an excited greyhound can easily knock down small children or the frail.
Adopting a retired racer is not right for everyone but the gentle spirit and laid back nature of these hounds make them wonderful companions for the right owner.
If you would like more information on adopting a greyhound check out these sources:
http://www.retiredracinggreyhounds.com/
http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/
Published by Lynn Mason
I am a wife and mother to two teenagers, a cat and a dog. I have been a special education paraprofessional for ten years. We live in rural Il. and I love the country. I enjoy gardening and I'm an avid, obses... View profile
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21 Comments
Post a CommentCatching up on July articles. PV Love.
awwww. I love greyhounds, they're such beautiful dogs...
I have thought about this many times, thanks for sharing your experience.
Greyhound racing is banned in PA, so retired racers from other states tend to get dumped here. Thanks for bringing this issue to public attention.
They seem like sweet dogs. Thanks for the realistic tips, tho.
What a cute photo. Greyhounds can make wonderful family members.
These dogs are much cuter than I thought. That picture is adorable!
I really like the picture. Thanks for the good advice on greyhounds.
Wow this is great. How cute is that dog too?
Wow this is great. How cute is that dog too?