Retired, racing greyhounds make wonderful pets. Surprised? Have you ever gone to the dog track and seen only a long, lean running machine attired in a racing jacket and a muzzle? Perhaps you surmised, "They must wear that muzzle to sheath those teeth, and all that energy! Racing Greyhounds must need to run all day, every day, just to calm down even a little!" Actually, racing greyhounds wear muzzles as a state requirement and have all that energy because they are about to do what they were bred for -- a quick sprint around the race track. Unlike most sporting dogs, who were bred to be able to run all day, greyhounds are capable of expending enormous amounts of energy in a few minutes; but after the race, it's back to the business of kennel life, a drink of water, a turn in the exercise pen, and a three-day rest in the kennel before running again.
While many may think that the retired racer is not a good choice for the family dog, their long history says otherwise. They possess a calm and gentle nature and are easily walked on a leash by children. They do well in small houses, needing only their own special soft spot upon which to sleep and rest. A walk once a day is all that is necessary in terms of exercising a retired racer (They should also be given the opportunity to go outside four or five times a day to empty themselves.). A more loyal and devoted companion you will not find anywhere. They are known as watch, but not guard, dogs. They are gentle and intelligent and not given to fits of barking.
Please consider these questions carefully. If in all honesty you have to answer "no" to one or more, adopting a greyhound wouldn't be in the best interest of you or the dog right now.
1. Am I willing to share my home with a greyhound?
Greyhounds are house pets and people animals who should be exercised on the lead and allowed off the lead only in enclosed areas. A greyhound is so quick that once allowed to roam free he won't live long if there's traffic anywhere near. A greyhound must never be chained up or left neglected in a yard to be miserable, bored, and lonely.
2. Do I have the time to explicitly follow instructions for helping a greyhound adjust to life in a home?
Greyhounds learn quickly, but they need you to teach them where to go to the bathroom, how to climb stairs, stay alone, get along with other pets, adjust to a new diet, etc.
3. Am I a firm but gentle disciplinarian?
Greyhounds are sensitive creatures who want to please. They will not respond to a loud voice or threatening manner. Violence will be fatal to your relationship. Any dog will make "mistakes" at first.
