Are there any greyhound owners on the board?

[Snow_White]

Hi all My boyfriend and I are thinking about adopting a greyhound because they just sound like such sweet dogs. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with them...are they good with young children? We don't have any children at the moment, however we would like to start trying sometime in the next 5 years or so (after we get married). Are they really as sweet and easy-going as some people make them out to be? I've never really wanted a big dog before, but I don't think I can resist a greyhound Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

On a separate note, we're in the process of building a house (our first!) and our foundation was dug today!! We are sooooo excited!!

Thank you sooo much
Jenn

 

[Pixie Power!]

I dont own a greyhound but my friends family used to breed them. They had an old greyhound who had retired from racing as a house pet, when i was little we played with her all the time (we were about 8 at the time) they do make lovely pets but the still need a lot of exercise. Luckily they had a BIG garden / field so the dog used to have a mad 30 mins every one and again just running around.

Im not sure if ive helped really.

Emma

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by Snow_White
My boyfriend and I are thinking about adopting a greyhound because they just sound like such sweet dogs.Jenn

If you mean a former racing greyhound, I'll tell you what I've seen. In Wisconsin, they have dog tracks and, the one I've visited several times also has an adoption center for the retired dogs, they are of course, the sweetest most gentlest of the bunch but, they wouldn't put a nasty one in there, right? I've taken both my kids there and, it IS hard to leave without one of them. But, a dog or ANY animal can have it's own behavior and/or personality so, as much as I agree that these are great dogs (from the only example I know), I think you & anyone else should be careful/cautious. Know the dog's history.

Enjoy.

 

[Snow_White]

Originally posted by KimRaye
If you mean a former racing greyhound, I'll tell you what I've see

Yes we definitely mean a retired racer--from what I've read getting greyhound puppies is extremely difficult anyway. We're only interested in saving a racer's life I am such a softie

 

[Pooh93]

I don't have one, but will be very interested to see if anyone here does also. I keep saying that when something happens to our dog, I will look into adopting one also. I never thought I'd like a big dog like that in the house, but everything I've read about them makes me believe I would like to do it.

 

[helenabear]

My husband is not a dog person so even though my cousin (who has two and works to place them) has tried to get me to take one, we don't have one. Obviously my cousin has two (and takes in foster dogs once in a while) and I will say they are the sweetest dogs on the face of this earth! My cousin has a 2 year old grandchild and the dogs seem absolutely wonderful with her when she comes around. They are so hard to resist... those eyes are just too precious to look at.

I'd go find a group that places them and remember, you will be screened and will have to pass certain requirements (you will NEED to have a fenced in yard, at least around here they will NOT place without one). If you have any more questions feel free to PM me. I will be seeing my cousin later today and I can always ask her anything else if you need it. I do love the dogs and they are wonderful big dogs. Oh one thing to watch out for is their tail... you'll learn to put breakables up higher because when they get excited, those tails can be trouble!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

NurseKim adopted one, you might want to PM her.

 

[heath dog]

My sister has two. Well actually one since recently the one just passed on. These are the gentlest dogs I have ever met. They are beyond sweet and after the treatment (please don't flame me) they receive at dog tracks, are so grateful to have a home. One of her dogs in particular has so many scars from the small pins that they put them in and make them compete for food. It is pretty sad. That being said these two are not aggressive. She has 3 girls that grew up with them and two small dogs and it is a great family.
They require a lot!!!! of exercise and still like to be active. Also another thing that my sister always mentioned at the beginning was that she had to research to find a vet that truly was knowledgeable about them because they have a much different body system then other dogs.
Good luck!!

 

[CyranoJones]

I've been mom to a retired greyhound for 5 years. He was 5 years old when we got him...that is the mandatory retirement age.

Sweet, loving, quiet, gentle are all words to describe my boy. Some greys are more outgoing than others. Some need a little more time to adjust to family life, a foreign concept to them. They need to be taught about things like windows, stairs, etc.
And do not expect your grey to be a watchdog...not to say that they won't watch someone come in and take everything from your house.



I have found the retired racer to make fabulous pets. I would adopt another in a heartbeat. My boy now has bone cancer and we are making the most of the time we have left. I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[NurseKim]

Hi Jenn,
My DH and I adopted a retired greyhound just over 2 yrs ago. He is the love of my life! We adopted a grey before him but we had to bring her back because she had severe separation anxiety and got out of her kennel and hurt herself while we were gone to work.
Some greys are kid friendly, some are not. Mine has barely learned to tolerate my 9 and 3 yr old niece and nephew. But some of them love kids and have no problem being around children. Some greys are cat safe, mine is not.
These dogs know nothing about house life, all they know is the track. So they have no idea how to go up and down stairs, what glass is or even being in a house.
The one thing a greyhound absolutely needs is a fenced in yard. These dogs can never, ever be taken off the leash.
My dog is the most spoiled dog in the world. He sleeps on a pulled out full size futon! They need soft comfy beds. Most of them are underweight after they are retired and they are very bony and skinny.
My recomendation would be to buy a book or 2 about adopting retired racing greyhounds. It will give you alot of information.
www.greyhound.org is the place where we got our baby. Did you know they are called the 45 mph couch potato!
Please feel free to pm or email me if you have any questions!

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi Jenn! I was a foster mom for a greyhound rescue org. for many years. Retired racers make great pets! A good rescue group will have screened/tested their dogs for child tolerance, and small animal prey drive, and should be able to give you reccomendations as to what dogs will best fit your home life. (My son was 15 months old, and we had three chihuahuas at the time I started fostering, so we could only take greyhounds that were appropriate for our particular situation). As a rule, they are very sweet, gentle, loving companions. As others have said, many need time to adjust to family life. We had one sweet girl whom my husband had to carry up our staircase for three weeks before she lost her fear of stairs! She also didn't understand that she could eat or drink anytime she wanted. A lot of foster homes will take the time to work on specific-related issues like those so that the dog will go to it's permanent home feeling as secure as possible. Then again, we had one greyhound, Snickers, who was at home the minute she walked in our house. She could take our staircase in three leaps! Most will enjoy a nice walk (only on a leash--they are sighthounds and will chase a blowing leaf down the street!), and a good run in an enclosed area. Your vet should have knowledge of greyhound health, specifically their anesthesia requirements. Other than that, they will love a soft, cushy bed of their own, or a snooze on the couch--preferably with your lap as a pillow. I must say, I never fostered one with an ill disposition (although I'm sure they do exist just like with any other breed of dog--racetrack conditions are less than ideal ). Read some books, talk to owners, and do checkout greyhound.org. as NurseKim said. Best of luck in your decision!