Generally it is true that a retired racing Greyhound makes a fabulous addition to any suitable household.  Like any rescued dog there's an adjustment period to go through together, so there are various potential problems you may need to overcome with your pet Greyhound.  Even the most stressed-out or demanding of rescue dogs can be rehabilitated and become a wonderful pet dog.

Adopting Retired Greyhounds

Here are five caveats or even negative factors about retired Greyhounds as pets; which, it must be stressed, can and should be overcome or accommodated before contacting your local retired Greyhound rescue centre.

1)  The pet Greyhound has thin skin and very sleek fur, with no undercoat.  This means they are susceptible to excess heat and cold so they need to wear coats in the winter and if it is very rainy in summer.  The cost of the coats and the inconvenience of putting them on is offset by how great these dogs look in their Greyhound coats.  They attract many positive comments when out and about and this all makes walking more pleasant.


2) Because of their thin skin,lack of fat and sleek fur, they do tend to injure easily.  What would be a slight graze on most breeds of dog can be a big gash on a Greyhound coat.  For this reason many people feel it a good idea to put a plastic Greyhound muzzle on if the dogs are running off leash together or in other vulnerable situations where accidents or scuffles might happen.

3)  Greyhounds have been bred over many centuries for their chasing and running skills.  They can run very fast, up to 45 mph.  They are alleged to be able to spot a squirrel about a quarter of a mile away.  For this reason it is easy to lose control of them in unfenced areas and they can easily be lost.  Care should be taken to ensure good recall with pet Greyhounds, or making sure they always run in a well-fenced area.

4)  Pet Greyhounds can be very mischievous and have a tendency to steal things.  Once you have made sure that all your valuables and items of sentimental value are kept well out of their way, this can be endearing and very funny.  You do need to make sure you tidy away anything of real value to you.  Some Greyhound pets have been known to learn how to open cupboard doors, so be diligent!

5)  Some people find pet Greyhounds too "aloof" and indeed they can have an independent streak.  Remember they are gazehounds and if they see something of interest in the distance it can be quite hard to regain their attention.  They are gentle and affectionate but sometimes not so effusive as other breeds of dog.  Some find this almost cat-like independence endearing and Greyhound owners know that a sweet little nuzzle from a Greyhound is worth ten huge licks from a spaniel!

Pet Greyhounds are gentle, funny and loving companion animals that are very easy to live with.

The laziest P.A. on the planet!

The laziest P.A. on the planet!

Some fit in to a household immediately but, as with any rescue dog, a period of adjustment is necessary.  You must remember, an ex-racer has little experience of life outside the Kennels.  It's a bit like taking on a fuuly grown puppy.  The difference is, they learn the rules a lot faster than puppies do.  If you can fulfil the basic requirements above, then go ahead and adopt a retired Greyhound.