Frequently asked questions
Origin of the Greyhound
The first signs of greyhounds were in temple drawings dating back to 6000 BC, in what is now Turkey. Greyhounds in ancient Egypt were companion dogs and hunting partners to the Pharaohs…they were even worshiped. The greyhound was taken to Rome by the conquering armies and then on to the British Isles. There they were used for the first time for "sport". In the U.S. they are included in the memoirs of General George Armstrong Custer. They helped control the over population of crop-destroying jack rabbits in the 1800’s. Mr. Owen Patrick Smith invented the artificial lure in the early 1900’s and the "sport" of greyhound racing was born in the U.S. This began the demise of the Greyhound as a family pet.
Sight Hounds
Greyhounds are a member of the larger sight hound family of dogs, a group which includes smaller breeds which were "bred down" from the greyhound (Whippet and Italian Greyhound). Also Basenjis, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Borzois, and others. Sight hounds were bred to hunt by sight, not scent, as do most other dogs. Greyhounds are not only able to scent game, but see clearly at long distances. Racing greyhounds are raised in fenced enclosures on greyhound farms and begin their careers as racers at 18 months of age. They are therefore totally unfamiliar with cars and other hazards puppies usually learn growing up in families/homes. Because of their keen sight, inquisitive natures, and tremendous speed, greyhounds need to be on a leash while being walked or in a fenced area at all times for their own safety (when not in the house). They can reach their top speed of 45 mph in a few, short seconds so using a tie-out is out of the question.
Size
Adult greyhounds usually range from 26"-29" in height at the shoulder and may weigh between 50 and 80 pounds with females being the smaller dogs. They are so graceful that they do not "live" or "feel" like a large dog. They also do not eat as much as other breeds of similar size.
Coloration
Greyhounds come in a wide range of colors, including brindle ("tiger striped"), black, fawn, blue, and white with ticking (spots). Even within these color groups there is considerable variation. For example, a black hound might have beautiful white "tuxedo" markings while a white hound might have black, fawn, blue, or brindle spots! These are all beautiful and graceful, and we urge potential adopters to consider personality, temperament, and activity level over physical appearance. We promise you that your hound’s coloration will soon come to seem the most beautiful!
Our Special Seniors Program
We try never to turn away a greyhound in need. Therefore, we periodically have dogs available that were given up by their families, (sad, but at least responsible), left at shelters (sadder), or found lost and starving (saddest of all). Considering that the average lifespan of a racer is 12-14 years, an older dog can still have many years to give love and companionship. Please, consider these special greys.
Greyhounds in the Home Environment
Because of their short coats, thin skin, and low body fat ratio, greyhounds must live indoors. They are companion animals and want and need to be a part of family life. They’ll be happiest if their crate is placed where they can see you. They also need a dog bed in a quiet corner of the family room. Don’t confine them to a separate area. They need to be able to see activity and know they have not been abandoned. Their short coats also mean less shedding than with many other breeds which creates low maintenance grooming. Greyhounds are very clean and need bathing less frequently than other breeds. A monthly toenail clipping and weekly brushing will keep them in top condition.
Greyhounds and Children
Many greyhounds are wonderful with children. They are very docile and have extremely sweet temperaments. You may have seen pictures of the greys racing wearing muzzles that might give the impression that they are aggressive. This is not true. Racing greyhounds are muzzled during life and work at the track for their own safety and protection and to provide clear evidence during photo finishes.
Of course, children must know how to respect animals and give them their space. Since greyhounds have been confined to their own crates and beds, they are possessive of these areas. Eating and sleeping have been very private times in the past for them, and children should be taught not to disturb them during these times. Pets and young children should never be left unsupervised in order to guard the children’s welfare as well as the pet’s.
Greyhounds make wonderful companions for children over the age of 5 yrs old and can also be placed in homes with younger children provided there is proper adult supervision. Just as greyhounds are trained to respect humans, children should be taught to respect the greyhound.
Benefits of Crate Training
Although we do not require that adopters use a crate, we strongly recommend it for several reasons. Racing greyhounds are used to being kenneled. For most dogs, crates provide a safe, comforting environment for them when their owners are not home or cannot supervise a new dog properly. For the greyhound, this is all they’ve known up until adoption. The key to making the crate work is to make it a pleasant environment that is theirs. Place a fluffy comforter or soft padding in it and always praise your dog when it enters its crate. Give it a special treat to enjoy only when it is crated.
Crate training can also make house training easy, as greyhounds are very unlikely to soil their "space" unless they are sick. Crating a new dog when you are gone means that you will not make the dog feel lost and alone, rather, they are in their home. It also decreases the chance that you will come home to an accident. Maximum time in their crate should be 8 hours. If you will take the dog outside as soon as you return and praise it for taking care of its personal business in the proper place, you will soon have a house trained pet. They will treat the entire house like their crate. Some adopters choose to wean their dogs from their crates after they have adapted to home life. Your dog will let you know what it prefers…some enjoy retreating to their crate for naps yet establish a place beside (or on!) your bed at night.
Greyhounds are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly. They respond best to positive reinforcement and enjoy praise. Their gentle temperament makes them sensitive to correction, and most quickly learn what a firm "NO’ means.
Activity Level
Most greyhounds break into the "easy life" very quickly. Walks around the neighborhood are usually enough to satisfy their activity needs, although all greyhounds really enjoy an opportunity to stretch their legs in a fenced yard. We prefer homes with fenced yards for this reason but do make exceptions on a case by case basis.
Greyhounds and Other Pets
Many racing greyhounds never see dogs of a different breed until they leave their racing environment. However, most greyhounds will soon treat other dogs as members of their families. They may never share their bed, but enjoy the company of other pets. We will assist you in planning your initial meeting with other pets before we make our home visit with the greyhound candidate.
Some greyhounds are cat and small animal friendly while others seem more anxious and cannot accept a small animal as anything other than something to chase.