Greyhound Myths
Now, as for those myths and legends...

Common Myth #1: Greyhounds are hyper dogs that have to run every day.
Retired racing Greyhounds typically sleep about 18 hours a day (more if you let them). "Hyper" is not a word we would even consider applying to a Greyhound. They are commonly referred to as 45 mile per hour couch potatoes. The fact is they don't HAVE to run at all, although they do relish a good sprint once in a while. If you want to see hyper, take a look at a Smooth Fox Terrier or a Jack Russell Terrier. OH YEA!!!

Common Myth #2: Greyhounds are abused and mistreated at the track.
Greyhound racing in the U.S. is a business, not a Mel Brooks movie. You make money in business by winning, not by losing. You win at Greyhound racing with a healthy dog. Greyhounds are generally well cared for while actively racing. They may not enjoy the quality of life a dog deserves while on the track, but since it's the only life they know, they are not unhappy animals. Once adopted they quickly figure out what they've been missing and seem truly grateful for the new life they have been given.

Common Myth #3: Greyhounds are large dogs that need lots of space to live in.
Well, they are not Chihuahuas, but they are indoor dogs. Greyhounds have virtually no body fat so outdoor temperatures to either extreme are not tolerable to them. Even if you live in a house with a fenced yard, the dog will have to live indoors. We have people who live in two bedroom apartments with two greys and they are very happy and comfortable there. The uninitiated are always amazed at how "small" a sleeping 65 pound Greyhound can be.

Common Myth #4: Greyhounds do not get along with other animals.
Well, this one is sometimes true. In some Greyhounds the "Prey Drive" is so strong that they can not live in homes with small animals. Most Greys, however, will get along quite well with other dogs, cats and other small animals. When they first come off the track they do not necessarily recognize other breeds as dogs, so if you have dogs of another breed there may be some learning to contend with.

Common Myth #5: Greyhounds are "Special Needs" dogs that require a lot of your time.
This one is the absolute truth! Greyhounds do have special needs. They NEED at least a couple of soft places to sleep. They NEED love and affection from their humans. They NEED to be fed every day. As for demanding a lot of your time; if you want to sit and watch your Greyhound sleep 18 hours a day, or join them, well, fine.

Common Myth #6: All retired Greyhound adoption groups are the same.
This is a really tough one. All retired Greyhounds deserve a good home and a long pampered life. However, if you are considering adopting, carefully examine the group you are adopting from. Examine their values and procedures. Examine their motives. ASK QUESTIONS! Above all, make sure you know all that is known about the dog you are adopting (which may not be much in many cases) and make sure the dog's personality is a good match for your lifestyle. Just as with any breed, certain individual Greyhounds may have health or personality issues that you should know about before making a decision. Don't just choose the first dog that runs up and licks your chin, by color or sex of the dog. These dogs have already been through a lot of stress before they move into our homes. They do not need to be put through even more by being returned to the adoption group because the adopter wasn't aware of something about the dog or the breed.



Greyhound History
  • Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs. There are drawings of dogs resembling greyhounds in vases and tombs dated from the Ancient Egypt 8000 years ago.


  • The greyhound is mentioned in the Old Testament (Proverbs 30:29-31)

  • The greyhound is portrayed by Homer (Odyssey, 800 B.C.- the only one to recognize Odyseus upon his return was Argus, his greyhound).

  • Greyhound history has been regal and they have been associated with royalty for a very long time.

  • From the beginning, the greyhound was held in high regard, as evidenced by pictures etched on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs. Pharaohs rated them first among all animals, both as pets and hunters.

  • The Arabs so admired the physical attributes and speed of the greyhound that it was the only dog permitted to share their tents and ride atop their camels. In early Arabian culture, the birth of a greyhound ranked second only in importance to the birth of a son.

  • It is documented that the greyhound arrived in England over 3,500 years ago. Their link with nobility was established in 1014 when King Canute enacted the Forest Laws, which stated that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds.

  • The noble men of England became so enamored of their phenomenal hunting dogs that it was a capital offense to kill a greyhound. Human life at times was valued less than the life of one such dog.

  • There are many differing explanations for the origin of the term Greyhound. One writer suggests that the original Greyhound stock was mostly grey in color. Another says the term derives from the Old English "grei," meaning "dog," and "hundr," meaning "hunter." Another explanation is that it is derived from "gre" or "gradus," meaning "first rank among dogs." Finally, it has been suggested that the term derives from Greekhound, since the hound reached England through the Greeks. Greyhounds have long been associated with royalty. In fact, from the 11th to the 14th century, English law decreed that no "mean person" was allowed to keep a Greyhound. Penalty for breaking this law was death!