How to Select a Greyhound

Greyhounds came to England in 900 AD, but are thought to date back to the time of Cleopatra, who is believed to have owned them. Greyhounds are noted for their ability to run at high speeds - in excess of 40 miles per hour. Used as a racing dog, this gentle, intelligent breed often ends up destroyed or in pet rescue organizations once it is too old to compete.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Toys
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Dog Shampoo

1. Consider adopting a greyhound from a pet rescue organization. Because they are bred to race, many end up in shelters at an old age. These dogs are easy to housebreak because they have already been trained as racing dogs.

2. Choose a greyhound if you are looking for dog that is calm and affectionate with children and other dogs. They get along well with both.

3. Reconsider getting a greyhound if you have cats or other small animals in the house, unless you are prepared to train them to be with these animals. Their hunting instinct is strong and some greyhounds will chase and even kill smaller animals.

4. Avoid this breed if you are looking for a watchdog. Greyhounds are not particularly "watchful," but they do love their owners and can become very attached to them.

5. Be aware that unless you give a greyhound plenty of exercise and attention, it can turn destructive and is likely to chew things.

6. Note that greyhounds do okay living indoors, as they are not too active inside. Remember that they are very sensitive to cold weather and will need to wear a sweater or coat when outside.

7. Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation through a club means you can check their references to make sure you aren't dealing with a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they carefully screen for health problems before they breed.

8. Look at a greyhound's overall appearance before you purchase yours. Its body should be sleek and graceful, with a curved spine and a smooth, firm coat that comes in a variety of colors. Its head should be long and narrow with dark eyes. The greyhound's expression should be alert and spirited.

9. Expect to pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred greyhound.

10. Know that male greyhounds will reach heights between 28 and 30 inches and will weigh between 65 and 70 pounds by the time they reach maturity. Females will grow to between 27 and 28 inches and weigh 60 to 65 pounds.

11. Be prepared to enjoy a full 10 to 12 years with your new dog, as this is the average life expectancy of a greyhound.

Tips & Warnings

• This breed does not bark often.
• The average life expectancy for the greyhound is 10 to 12 years.
• Greyhounds do best on a regular daily regimen of walking at the same time each day.
• This breed can be willful.
• Greyhounds can develop pressure sores if they sleep on hard surfaces.
• Though they are fast runners, greyhounds do not have much endurance and tire easily.
• Greyhounds may nip at other dogs if they become excited.
• Greyhounds are prone to bloat and are also sensitive to medication and pesticides (flea collars can actually kill a greyhound). Avoid using any flea, tick or worming products before you talk to your veterinarian.

[lacefullone]

on 4/14/2008 Definately adopt a retired racer! They are usually done with their racing career by 3 or 4 they still have great spark left and many years of joy for you.They live 10-12 years. My first greyhound lived to 15!!! Retired racers are available all over the country. You will treasure them and they will thank you everyday for providing them with a REAL life, in a real home , where they are loved!
http://www.greyhoundpets.org/
http://www.azgreyhoundrescue.org/

on 11/22/2005 Loving a retired racer can be one of the most wonderful experiences you'll ever have. But remember when "selecting" your greyhound that sometimes it's better to let the greyhound "select" you! By taking this approach, you'll probably bond even faster.

on 11/22/2005 When adopting a retired racer, be sure to have a large crate for training purposes. The greyhounds are used to them and feel more comfortable when they have a safe place to retreat.

on 11/22/2005 Never allow a greyhound off leash unless in an enclosed area. Their instinct to run is too great & they will run after anything that looks interesting. Many are accidentally killed by cars. You can't catch a greyhound!