Greyhound owners?

[GoldenAfternoon]

Hi! I have a cousin who is interested in adopting a greyhound from a local rescue group. She is looking for a calmer, affectionate dog that likes frequent trips in the car. Does anyone here have experience with the breed? From what I've read, it sounds like a good fit. I was wondering if anyone had any personal advice or tips to share.Your two cents woud be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[luvmydogs]

I fostered greyhounds for many years through a friend's organization who got their dogs from a track in Miami. They make absolutely wonderful pets, and I can't recommend them enough!

A reputable rescue organization will have screened all dogs for temperament, prey drive, ability to get along with children, alpha-dog tendencies, among other things. They should be able to tell prospective owners all about the different fosters they have available, and will try as best they can to match the right dog with the right owner--they want everyone to be happy.

Tell your cousin to be completely honest with the rescue group as to what she's looking for in a dog--the rescuers should be equally honest if they *don't* have a dog she'd like, and often will refer to another rescue group or put the prospective owner on a waiting list. Have her ask every single question she can think of (the internet has great resources!)--it's good to be an informed greyhound owner--there are certain things such as anesthesia tolerance, that she should be aware of.

I loved every single greyhound I ever fostered--they are big (yet don't take up much room), lovable, couch-potato babies, who love nothing more than to curl up in their own comfy bed (or your lap) with a stuffed animal--they really seem to love those as toys more than anything else!

Good luck to her!

 

[Rozzie]

We did have two greyhounds, sadly just 1 now, lost one recently.

They are the best breed of dogs we have ever owned. And we have had a little of everything, Dobie's, Labs, Borders, etc.

They are very "cat" like, in which they are not in your face all day for attention. Don't get me wrong, they love to be loved on, and will lay in our lap for hours, yet they can go and entertain themselves for hours. They love to sleep, and sleep most of the day. The are sprinters, not runners. They love to dash out in the yard, do circles and lay in the grass and nap. Some people think they have to be jogged miles a day. I know my dogs never was one for a jog, some do like it, it is up to the individual dog.

They do not shed, and rarely bark. My greyhound now, Inky, loves my cat to death, and gives it "a bath" every night. most are cat friendly, you do need to ask though, as they are all tested by rescue groups as child friendly, and cat friendly. They are very very trusting around children, and our oldest girl who recently went to the bridge was absolute gold with children, she would play dress up with them, teach them to walk, and not leave their side.

One thing that amazes me about these dogs, are their loving and forgiving capabilty. They come from horrible conditions, and should by their own right hate all humans. Nope not greys, they are so compassionate, and loyal to whoever rescues them. Their forgiving compacity is mind boggling to me.

Car rides! They love it, at least mine do, they are very used to car motions as they were raised being hauled track to track.

Tell your friend good luck, warning though, once you have a greyhound, they become a part of you, and you will forever be devoted to the breed. They win your soul, and they give you their 100% heart in return.

 

[kayeandjim00]

I volunteer at the local humane society and come in to contact with lots of dog owners of all different breeds and here over and over how great greyhounds are. I know they have a big influx right now in some areas due to a racetrack closing and all of the dogs needing homes. I often hear what couch potatoes they are which is exactly opposite of what you'd assume I know. Just wanted to say I have heard great things about them and to say how great it is that she is considering adoption from a rescue group - that's fantastic!!

 

[gallaj0]

We've had our current Grey for about 2 years now; she was a retired racer.

I'd just echo what everyone else has said; very laid back, sleeps a lot, likes to run once or twice a day, if that.

She loves going for rides anywhere, loves meeting new people, doesn't haev a mean bone in her body, even to our cat that will go over while she's eating, and force her away from her bowl.

Here's what to expect 75% of the time:

 

[LoriKay]

I can't really add anything but just wanted to agree with everything that's been said. We've had our grey for just under 5 years and she is the sweetest little girl ever!

 

[gallaj0]

By the way, I noticed that you're in Massachusetts. The adoption group we got ours from has some for adoption right now, including some puppies, if your cousin would prefer that; puppies don't come up very often. PM me if you'd like the contact information.

 

[iggbees]

my aunt previously had a retired racing greyhound and recently adopted two more. her previous greyhound was a total sweetheart, but did have seizures due to the track. her new greyhounds are just as good, except you really have to be patient with them when you first get them because they can be very shy and really just not know what to do around a lot of people. it may take a while for them to get used to you.

 

[luvmydogs]

...her new greyhounds are just as good, except you really have to be patient with them when you first get them because they can be very shy and really just not know what to do around a lot of people. it may take a while for them to get used to you.

One of the things we tried to do as fosters was to socialize them around as many people as possible and expose them to as many new situations as we could--life at the track (if you want to call it a life ) is so limiting for them. We had one poor baby who was so confused by our staircase that for three weeks my dh had to carry her upstairs whenever she wanted to go there, but was too confused and afraid to try it herself. But we had another who could take our steps in three leaps!

They really are sweet babies who'll love and treasure their new lives in loving homes.

 

[Disneynutbsv]

We have one! His name is booty, he's not too keen on car rides, but he is the calmest dog we've ever had! We also have a golden retreiver who is not so calm...he's just happy all the time and wants you to know it! Anyhow booty loves to sleep on big comfy things, couches, futon mattresses, doggy beds with extra comforters. He loves going on walks...not runs, just walks.
We went thru Greyhound Pets of America in Hopkinton NH. And he picked us out of the crowd, he kept coming up and nudging me

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Thanks so much for all of your help. I will definitely pass this info on to my cousin. It sounds like you can't go wrong with a greyhound.