|
|
Common Questions
DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD PETS?HOW ARE GREYHOUNDS WITH OTHER PETS?
DO GREYHOUNDS NEED A LOT OF ROOM TO RUN?
ARE GREYHOUNDS GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
HOW OLD ARE THEY - HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE?
CAN I KEEP A GREYHOUND OUTDOORS?
CAN I TIE MY GREYHOUND OUTSIDE IF I DON'T HAVE A FENCED YARD?
DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD WATCH DOGS?
ARE GREYHOUNDS HIGH-STRUNG OR HIGH-ENERGY?
DO GREYHOUNDS SHED MUCH?
WHAT COLORS DO GREYHOUNDS COME IN?
ARE GREYHOUNDS HARD TO HOUSEBREAK SINCE THEY'VE LIVED IN KENNELS?
WHAT HAS THE LIFE OF A GREYHOUND BEEN LIKE?
DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD PETS?
YES, they do! As with any dog breed, there are variations in temperament, but 99% of all greyhound owners love the breed so much that they own more than one greyhound.
HOW ARE GREYHOUNDS WITH OTHER PETS?
Most greyhounds are good with other pets and because they are a pack animal, they seem to enjoy the company of other canines. Toy-size dogs and cats are new to them, so a little extra time and supervision will be necessary for proper introduction. Not all greyhounds can live amicably with cats, but many do.
DO GREYHOUNDS NEED A LOT OF ROOM TO RUN?
No they do not. As racers, they are sprinters, not endurance runners. While they enjoy a good romp around a fenced yard they do equally well with a brisk walk several times a week.
ARE GREYHOUNDS GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
Older children and greyhounds can be wonderful companions. Smaller children should be monitored at all times with any new dog in the house because they simply don't understand the need to respect a dog's space. Generally speaking, most greyhounds do not tolerate being sat upon, tugged at or pulled on. Additionally, very small children who move fast and squeal loudly can be frightening to a greyhound. Homes with children under the age of six will be considered on an individual basis.
HOW OLD ARE THEY - HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE?
Greyhounds available for adoption are usually between two to five years old. Their racing careers end when they are no longer competitive. Some are no longer fast enough while others may have been injured. With proper nutrition and regular veterinary care, a greyhound's life-span can be 12 to 14 years. Some greyhounds live to be 15 or 16, but that's rare.
CAN I KEEP A GREYHOUND OUTDOORS?
NO, greyhounds are indoor dogs. Their coats are short, making them very neat from a housekeeping standpoint, but their short coats don't offer protection from heat or cold. In addition, greyhounds have no fat layer on their bodies which makes them sensitive to winter cold or summer heat. They are indoor dogs that should not be left outside for extended periods of time. If you want an outdoor dog, a greyhound is NOT for you.
CAN I TIE MY GREYHOUND OUTSIDE IF I DON'T HAVE A FENCED YARD?
No, a greyhound can never be tied or chained. Outside of a fenced area or house,a greyhound must be leash walked for his own safety. Born and bred to run, a greyhound can run up to 45 miles per hour with amazing acceleration
DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD WATCH DOGS?
No, not usually. Greyhounds are friendly and rarely growl when someone new comes into the house. They are not barkers by nature, but some will bark when people come to the door or when they see animals or people outside the house.
ARE GREYHOUNDS HIGH-STRUNG OR HIGH-ENERGY?
Contrary to what many people have heard, greyhounds are usually very laid-back, quiet, well-mannered, and sensitive. They love to sleep and are often referred to as "Forty Mile per Hour Couch Potatoes".
DO GREYHOUNDS SHED MUCH?
Greyhounds have short coats and are not big shedders, however they do shed to some extent. Brushing several times per week and feeding a good quality dog food helps to keep shedding to a minimum.
WHAT COLORS DO GREYHOUNDS COME IN?
Greyhounds come in a wide array of colors with 18 recognized variations. They are solid, spotted, brindled, patched and striped.
ARE GREYHOUNDS HARD TO HOUSEBREAK SINCE THEY'VE LIVED IN KENNELS?
No, housebreaking is easily accomplished within a short period of time. Keeping them on a schedule is helpful, as is positive reinforcement
WHAT HAS THE LIFE OF A GREYHOUND BEEN LIKE?
The average litter is 7-9 pups. Young greyhounds are given a lot of attention and handled as much as possible. They begin their training at the age of 12 months and begin racing by 18 months. Track life is very structured and routine. Each dog races every 3-6 days with training, exercise and turn-outs in between. Following a structured routine in your house helps the adjustment process and gives the greyhound a sense of security. Stairs, mirrors, tile floors, glass doors and windows are new to them. The transition to living in a home requires time and patience,but greyhounds adapt with amazing ease.
