How to Decide Whether to Adopt a Retired Racing Greyhound Dog

Retired racing greyhound dogs make wonderful pets, but they are not necessarily the right match for every home. Retired racing greyhound dogs have special needs that are not an issue for most other breeds of dogs. Before you decide to adopt a retired racing greyhound, learn all you can about the breed and make sure that this particular breed of dog is a good fit for your family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Think about whether you can keep the dog indoors for the vast majority of the day. Retired racing greyhounds have never lived outdoors. Because of their thin coats and very little body fat, their bodies are not well suited for outdoor life. Retired racing greyhounds must be kept as indoor dogs for the remainder of their lives.

2. Decide whether you are willing to invest in dog clothing. Because greyhounds have thin coats and very little body fat, they are as sensitive to the elements as a person. If the weather is cold enough for you to need a coat, then your greyhound will need to wear a dog sweater as well. While dog sweaters can be viewed as fun accessories, they are also mandatory, particularly when it is snowing outside.

3. Consider whether a large dog is a good fit for your family. Greyhounds generally weigh in the range of 60 to 70 pounds, and they are generally between 27 to 30 inches in height. Because of their long legs, they can get into mischief with items stored in high places.

4. Determine whether you can meet your greyhound's need for exercise. Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do not require much daily exercise. However, they do need at least 10 minutes a day to stretch their legs outdoors. If you have a fenced-in backyard, then your dog can take care of his own exercise needs when you turn him out to relieve himself. However, if you do not have a fenced in yard, you will need to walk him on a leash for at least 10 minutes a day.

5. Contemplate whether you will commit to keeping the dog on a leash at all times. Greyhounds should never be let off a leash unless they are in an enclosed area. Retired racing greyhounds are sight hounds, and they have been trained to chase small moving objects. So, if your greyhound sees a small animal run or even a piece of paper blow buy, he will run after it. Because greyhounds are very fast, your dog could be gone in seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Retired racing greyhound dogs typically do not bark, so they make great pets for people who do not like noisy dogs.
• Greyhounds are couch potatoes and spend a good part of the day lying around.
• Greyhounds are gentle and submissive by nature, so they make good pets for families with children.

[lacefullone]

on 4/14/2008 I'm hooked too :) I love that they need me!!! My girl Opal is such an afectionate little dog and she is so happy to be in a home where she is valued (when she came to rescue she was 38 lbs, Bad UTI, she's missing teeth from being punched in the head, 2 broken legs that were never set. She's a treasure though!!!

[FaithAllen]

on 12/12/2007 Same here. This is the only breed of dog I ever want. I am hooked!! - Faith

[grouch]

on 12/11/2007 Hey even if they are a little more needy then other dogs, mine is great and I would not trade him for another dog let alone another breed. Thanks for all the information.