Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What kind of pets do retired greyhounds make?
Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and human companionship and make terrific pets. Raised with their littermates, where they competed for affection, greyhounds love becoming the center of attention as household pets. Greyhounds do not usually make good watchdogs. Their friendly nature is not really very threatening. Docile in nature, greyhounds are the original "couch potatoes".

Are they good with children?
Veterinarians and animal handlers who work with greyhounds are the first to admit that the greyhound possesses one of the best temperaments of all dog breeds. Gentle, patient and sensitive, they make an ideal companion for children and seniors alike.

How are they with other pets?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of encounters with other greyhounds in the racing kennel. Cats are unknown to greyhounds and a little-extra time and care are required to make a happy home for all.

Are retired racers housebroken?
Frequently, an adopted greyhound is completely housebroken from the start. In their kennel environment, they are 'turned out' three or four times a day to relieve themselves. Therefore, racing greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means they are trained to go outside and keep their kennels clean. Walk them frequently at first, and they quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean and outside is where they go to relieve themselves.

Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
Greyhounds easily adapt to the life-style of their new owners. They need no more than a romp in the backyard and an occasional walk in the park to keep them fit. Feel free to take your greyhound walking or jogging with you as your exercise regime dictates. Adoptees should know that Greyhounds love to run, and a leash assures them protection from injury. Without a leash, they might run straight into traffic or hurt themselves in other ways. Because they are accustomed to being walked and exercised on a leash, Greyhounds adapt well to this safety measure. In most communities, local ordinances require that dogs be kept on a leash when outdoors.

Why are greyhounds so skinny?
During their racing career, they eat up to 4000 calories per day, but burn off excess weight when they run. As a pet, they eat much less, just four to six cups of dry food a day. Because Greyhounds have little body fat and a thin coat, they are not suited to live outdoors in extremely cold or hot weather. They prefer temperature-controlled environments and soft beds where they can feel safe and protected. Greyhounds have little oil in their skin, so they do not produce much "doggy odor" and only need an occasional bath when soiled.

What should I expect if I adopt a greyhound?
Expect a gentle, loving pet who, with a little time and patience, will be a great addition to your family. Because everything is brand new to the greyhound, expect him/her to be somewhat confused and very curious. House manners have to be learned, but greyhounds are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly.

Does my greyhound need a special space in the house?
In the kennel, your dog has always had its own kennel crate where it felt safe and secure. There are a number of ways to accomplish this in your house. Using a large crate or having a special bedding area during the first few weeks, will help the greyhound adjust at his/her own pace to the unaccustomed freedom of your house. Although many people feel uncomfortable about using a crate, greyhounds are quite at home in them. Indeed, using a crate can provide for a completely successful transition period by affording the dog actual physical security when left alone during the adjustment period and thus preventing any possible damage due to separation anxiety. It also can eliminate any temptation to investigate the garbage. Another advantage to the crate is that greyhounds, like other dogs, instinctively will not soil their own living space. This makes crate usage a very effective tool in the housebreaking process.

How much does it cost to adopt a greyhound?
The initial adoption fee of $280.00 covers all necessary veterinary treatment (spaying/neutering, booster shots, parasite/heartworm check) by a licensed veterinarian. It costs about $1 a day to feed a greyhound.

What is the life of a racing greyhound like?
Greyhounds spend most of their lives in the company of other dogs. When they are born, the average litter size is about eight pups. Young greyhounds are given a lot of attention and handled as much as possible. As they approach their first birthday, their training begins and they are taught to chase a lure, eventually progressing to a racetrack. Track life is very routine--feeding in the morning, turnouts in the exercise yards to relieve themselves and resting in individual kennel crates. Dogs race every three to seven days and most racing kennels have about 60 dogs. Most greyhounds have seen little of the everyday world including houses, stairs, mirrors and cats, and have seldom, if ever, ridden in a car. The transition to living in a home requires some time.

What sort of medical care will my greyhound need?
The best medical care is preventative in nature. Your dog will need to be checked periodically for worms. Your dog also should be checked annually for heartworm and placed on heartworm preventative medication. Your greyhound's distemper/parvo and rabies vaccination will be current. Be sure your vet is familiar with the problems greyhounds have with anesthesia and if your dog's teeth have tartar build up, consider having them cleaned. Greyhounds are particularly sensitive to the chemical in flea collars. For this reason, the only type of flea products that should be used are sprays or powders containing PYRETHRINS. As with any pet, regular veterinary checkups are recommended

What is the difference between males and females?
Greyhound males stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Females stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. Although the average Greyhound consumes up to two pounds of food per day, they burn off excess weight when they run, so are naturally thin and carry little body fat.

How old are retired racers and how old do they live?
Retired racing greyhounds are usually available between two and four years of age. These pure-bred natural athletes enjoy many years of good health. With proper care, greyhounds have a life expectancy of 12 years or more.

How fast does a greyhound run?
They are sprinters who can run up to 45 miles an hour for very short periods and can hit top speed in 30 feet. For this reason, they must be kept on a leash unless they are in a fenced area they must NEVER be placed on a tether.