Greyhounds as Pets

username123

meoklmrk91 wrote: »

Nope greys are not on the restricted breeds list, I don't understand why they are always muzzled either, I assume it's for those who are blood trained so if the worst happens they can't do any damage.

Restricted breeds in Ireland as 1998

Thanks for the correction, I may have seen greyhounds listed with the other restricted breeds at the entrance to some park or other (stating they must be muzzled) and just assumed.....(thereby making an ass out of me - but not you )

Im sure Ive seen it or heard it somewhere - glad to see I was mistaken.

boomerang

I always thought the muzzles were to prevent them doing any damage to each other - they are so thin-skinned!

One worry I have is that the grey I'd adopt would have been blooded and could therefore be a liability around much smaller dogs in certain circumstances.

Another worry for me is the amount of lurchers that get stolen by the travellers. Not sure if they'd take a greyhound though.

But definitely, they make fab pets. And they are soooooo cuddly!

Bookworm85

Vel wrote: »

Following on from the other thread about greyhounds off lead, I thought I would start this thread and seek some opinions!

Myself and a few others are working hard to promote greyhounds as pets and dispel some of the myths about them. In order to do that, it would be really useful to hear some opinions on why people wouldn't choose to adopt one.

I am aware obviously that people have there own breed preferences so not really looking for answers along the lines of 'I prefer spaniels/westies/staffies' but rather I am trying to gather insight into particular reasons that someone might not adopt one along the following line:

Are you put off by the fact that they aren't high-energy?
Have you heard that they need lots of exercise?
Do you think they aren't aesthetically pleasing?
Do you think they aren't trustworthy around other dogs/cats/animals?
Do you think they aren't trustworthy around children?
Can you not get past their previous 'job' despite the increasing awareness that they make good pets?
Do you consider them vicious?
Do you consider them timid and 'shut down' due to their previous experiences?
Do you think they take up a lot of space and need a large house and a big garden?

These are the type of questions I am hoping to get answered but not looking for people to necessarily answer each one!

I'd also be interested to hear from those who are answering if they have ever met a retired, happily rehomed greyhound as opposed to just one who is still racing and living in racing kennels or who is in a rescue kennels?

Frank and honest answers welcome and I would hope this thread won't turn nasty against those who either express a like or dislike for the breed. I hope by getting some honest insight, it will help us to try to dispel some of the myths relating to greyhounds.

Thanks:D

Hi Vel,

I was fostering greys for Kerry Greyhound Connection earlier on in the year, unfortunatley due to a change in circumstances we had to stop after our most recent foster found a home.

I'd always wanted to foster dogs and while doing some research I was totally shocked at the amount of greys/lurchers in rescues.Although I had never thought that a greyhound would be my ideal pet, I decided that I needed to do something to help those poor forgotten creatures.

Although I only fostered two dogs (one at a time) they were by far the sweetest natured dogs that I have ever come across. The first was a big black boy who had been a bit neglected but he was so friendly, gentle and quiet. He was just so appreciative of any affection and with a bit of TLC he soon started playing in the garden and making himself at home.

The second boy was a beautiful fawn boy - and I think I made a mistake by not adopting him, he was my 'soul dog'. The most chilled out no hassle dog. I miss him terribly and cried my eyes out when sending him off to his new home.

I found while out and about that most people are curious, of course the first question is nearly always "Do you race him?", when I explained that they were retired people were genuinely interested in what they were like as pets. I did (and still do) to promote them at any and every opportunity. Greyhounds are by far the best breed I have EVER encountered, and once my circumstances change I will be staraight down to Kerry to take one home.

To anybody out there considering adopting a dog, dont brush this breed to one side. You will never find a more sweetnatured creature than a grey. Sure they may look a bit different, but trust me - they grow on you. Those big eyes will melt your heart and that bony bum will be what keeps your feet warm on a cold evening:D They are smarter than you think and will pick up house rules/boundaries within days, most walk very well on a lead and are happy with two walks a day. At first they might not be interested in playing with toys, but dont worry - they soon figure it out and when you see how happy they are once they discover how to play its enough to make you cry They are incredibly loyal, friendly well balanced and good natured souls.

They dont take up as much room as you think, and will happily snooze on a dog bed - you'll be surprised how small they can make themselfes when they curl up!

Ok, I'm rambling now - I really cant praise this breed enough!! and just for good measure here's a link to a few pics of Caspar - the last dog we fostered.

https://picasaweb.google.com/115037384622749956207/Casper?authkey=Gv1sRgCNTssc2JvtOdlQE

username123

Bookworm85 wrote: »

and just for good measure here's a link to a few pics of Caspar - the last dog we fostered.

He is gorgeous!!!!

Chris_Heilong

There was also a connection with the Travelers and the Lurcher type dogs that were again a working dog, they never got the lime light they deserved like many other breeds and I think perhaps the most famous Greyhound was Santa's little helper from the Simpsons. I honestly never liked the look of them in the past but since then with promotion of te breed from people like the OP I have changed my mind.

fishfoodie

I always loved Greyhounds since I was a kid & one of our neighbours raced them & was very enlightened for the time & kept the dogs beyond the end of their racing career. I know in the US they've really taken off in the last decade or so as popular dog to rescue, because of really dedicated people showing what brilliant pets they make.

One question I have is how they work out as companion dogs for other breeds ?

I thought that would be a perfect 'selling point' for them as rescues; with their chilled out nature & playfulness I think they'd be perfect for keeping with another dog.

Zapperzy

I haven't met too many retired hounds, although I did meet the lovely Pat that was found on mullaghmore beach in Sligo at the start of the year and I have to say he was a lovely placid dog, would love to have taken him home! Relatives of mine had a good few racing hounds years ago and it always struck me how placid they were, always willing to just stand still and have their ears rubbed, was always told they weren't suitable as pets, just never questioned why.

Changed my mind now and I'd love a one but I have a small scruffy terrier that occassionally likes to impersonate a hare and run around in circles around the garden and a cat that is afraid of her own shadow at times, current dog occassionally chases her but I can call him off with one word, I would be afraid with 2 dogs, especially a terrier and a greyhound, that I wouldn't be able to call them off if she ran and they chased, and I would never forgive myself if anything happened her as a result of me adding another dog in. If I was in a position to take another dog I would consider a lurcher but I would be have to be very careful in choosing one. I definitely plan on having a greyhound at some point in my life though when the time suits, or at least fostering some.

Nollipop

After my beloved old collie Sam died, I thought that I'd never be able to get another dog.

I'd read about greyhounds before and always liked their elegant appearance, plus the sheer power of their amazing muscles. They are obviously the race horses of dog world.

Then I started volunteering at a Greyhound rescue in Yorkshire because I missed going on walks with a furry friend. These amazing animals had often been so badly treated, full of scars and starved or missing fur and even ears! Yet they were so gentle and trusting. I was hooked.

I moved to Ireland and not soon after, Pace found us. He's an absolute treasure.

One warning about greyhounds though. They are addictive!!! I could easily take one or two more on if we had the money.

Mark_stimpo

we are thinking about getting a grey hound, so this has been very useful thanks we are probably going to go ahead and one, from a rescue centre. I always wondered if there were high maintenance, walking wise but apparently not thanks again

Toulouse

Great decision! You'll never look back if you adopt a Greyhound

Vel

Once again thank you everyone, its been really useful.

Just to address a couple of points. It just seems to be practice within the racing community to muzzle racing dogs when out walking whether they need to be or not. Its i nothing to do with them being vicious. Greyhounds wear muzzles for racing to protect their thin skin from tearing during a race if they happened to get nipped by another.

Most pet greyhounds I know do not need to be muzzled, although it all depends on the prey drive. One beautiful ex-courser who walks with us used to be muzzled as he was very interested in anything that moved! However, some work by his owner and he know longer requires the muzzle and is the calmest, most laid back dude I know. He regularly attends meet and greets and fun dogs show and is great with dogs of all shapes and sizes.

It is important to remember that many greyhounds know nothing outside of their kennel and racing life and have often never met any other breeds so they may need to be socialised with other breeds. All of the pet greyhounds I know either live with other breeds or socialise regularly with them. One of my favourite greyhounds is another ex-courser who lives with two yorkies and a cat.

Greyhounds can and do live happily with cats. Again it depends on the prey drive of the dog as to whether it would be suitable to live with a cat but I know vast amounts who do.

A good rescue will assess their dogs and know exactley what kind of home would suit them best. There is a greyhound out there for almost every situation!

For anyone thinking of adopting a greyhound who would like to meet one in the flesh who is happy, healthy and homed rather than a racing greyhound who may be more shut down than feel free to come to our next walk taking place in Sandymount this Saturday 1st October. PM me for further details

strandroad

What an interesting thread. I've never thought about greyhounds as aggressive dogs but for some reason I assumed they need loads of constant exercise and long runs all the time. It was only a year or so ago that I learnt that it's not true and they run in short bursts then come back to bed I would certainly consider adopting a greyhound in the future.

What are they like in terms of intelligence and interaction with humans? Are they smart and "talkative", do they have interest in learning obedience and tricks/games, or are they more like docile, mellow pets, just happy to be around you but not that interactive?

bernard0368

I have two grey crosses both rescue's, The are the most placid and intelligent animals (the bitch is to cute by far). I find both great with people and kids and other dogs (of all sizes) I never had a problem there.
However as both were rescues and I am positive both were used for hunting, they have a very high prey drive, small furries and cats are a no go and all are regarded as dinner on the run, but that is just my pair.
Would I change them not a hope, they are great around the house, clean, know their boundries and love nothing better than to crawl up beside you on the couch.

joyce2009

I've always liked greyhounds,,there is something about their eyes that is so soft,,but the first grey i met was in america where i was working in a vets that had kennles down stairs, this beautiful grey came in to board and i was called to take her down to settle in , well she walked through the reception and stopped dead at the hall and refused to move, i looked at the owner and he smiled and said "she dosent like to walk on lino or wood" so i picked her up and carried her down stairs, and did so for the week she was there:D...Beautiful animal..:)

kylith

My uncle used to breed them and I think they're beautiful and elegant. I intend to have one when I'm too old to bend down to terriers.

scarlet_mandy

Never had one myself but as the owner of a Lurcher now I can say if they are similar they are fantastic dogs! Laziest one I've ever met and content to go for a long walk then collapse for hours on the couch, watching TV And ours also has that amazing ability to curl himself up so so small its shocking, he can sit on my lap like a terrier when he curls up, and loves to be in your arms and comfy I'd say they would make ideal dogs for first-time owners as they are low maintenance and so lovable and affectionate

Bookworm85

mhge wrote: »

What an interesting thread. I've never thought about greyhounds as aggressive dogs but for some reason I assumed they need loads of constant exercise and long runs all the time. It was only a year or so ago that I learnt that it's not true and they run in short bursts then come back to bed I would certainly consider adopting a greyhound in the future.

What are they like in terms of intelligence and interaction with humans? Are they smart and "talkative", do they have interest in learning obedience and tricks/games, or are they more like docile, mellow pets, just happy to be around you but not that interactive?

Hi mhge,

Now I'm far from an expert but I found the two that I fostered were pretty smart. The first guy was a devil for counter surfing and trying to take food from the table/counter but I managed to clicker train him out of the habit in less than a month. The second guy had woeful recall and as soon as he was offlead he'd bolt. I was clicker training him too but never got his recall 100% before he left, but he improved immensly in the few months we had him. Both of them picked up house rules with verbal correction & praise (using words like "Leave it" or a simple "Ah - Ah" and plenty of high pitched praise) within a few days.

I never tried to teach them tricks so I cant hep you there but I'll just mention that not all greys are able to learn the 'sit' command. It can be very uncomfortable for them and IIRC it has to do with the way that their back legs and spine are aligned. Now, I know one couple who had a grey from a pup who was never raced or coursed and he has no problem with the conventional sitting position so maybe it has something to do with the training and subsequent muscle/bone development? Maybe somebody more knowledgeable could clarify??

I wouldnt say they are talkative, I could count the amount of times either of them barked on one hand, but you'll pick up on their body language very easily. The last fella used to look at me a particular way (which I cant quite explain) if he wanted to play and would head-butt me if he wanted a cuddle. He even learned to paw the windchime at the back door if he wanted to go outside all on his own. It used to hang from the handle on the back door so he soon associated the sound of the chimes with the door opening all on his own.

The two that passed through my house loved being around us and were very curious about everything. They didnt need to be at somebody's side 24/7 but would balm out on the floor with one eye open watching us. Our last guy was fascinated when we did the washing up. As soon as he heard stuff ratlling in the sink he was over straight away to watch. I'm sure that if I had handed him a towel he would have dried up

Overall I've found them to be very chilled out, relaxed no hassle dogs. quite happy to keep pace with whatever is going on. Our own home is fairly mellow and slow paced but my Mum's is like a madhouse. Always people coming and going and things going on. Id take them up for a visit a few times a week and they never seemed phased by all the activity.

strandroad

Thank you, this is a wonderful post! I would certainly look into rescue greyhounds if we wanted to take on another dog.

They are such beautiful creatures and it's so sad to think how they're bred for entertainment and abandoned. I remember reading somewhere that there are huge numbers of greyhounds raced every year and only a fraction shows up to be adopted at the retirement age - what happens to the rest?...

Bookworm85

mhge wrote: »

They are such beautiful creatures and it's so sad to think how they're bred for entertainment and abandoned. I remember reading somewhere that there are huge numbers of greyhounds raced every year and only a fraction shows up to be adopted at the retirement age - what happens to the rest?...

Well the last guy we fostered - I did a bit of research into his breeding/pedigree. His sire/father covered cerca 400 bitches in the year that our foster was born. If you average that at 5 pups per litter thats about 2000 pups that, that dog fathered in a year. :eek:

Many dogs are simply destroyed. Either they dont make the grade or are retired due to injury or whatever. If good racing bitches are retired due to age/injury/whatever then they usually serve as breeding bitches after their 'career' ends.

Other dogs are sent abroad, usually to Italy and Spain. I wont go into detail about what happens to these dogs, I'm getting upset even thinking about it. If you really want to know (and I urge you to use your own discretion here!) then I'll let you do your own research, but its not for the faint hearted and makes for upsetting reading.

strandroad

Thank you. I know what you mean about where they can end up, I don't know and do not want to know the details. All I know is I will never buy a puppy and I try to convert friends whenever I can. There is so much misery in this world for some animals... and they didn't bring it on themselves.

Meteoric

I'm a Labrador person but was minding 5 greyhounds in my aunts boarding kennels for a week, they were a mix between an ex racing Greyhound three between 4 and 2 and a yearling and they were so adorable, before I met them I never thought I'd consider another breed than Labs. But they changed my mind, absolutely wonderful dogs. Happy to run around and steal fruit from the trees in the run area also coming up for cuddles as it occurred to them and not at all aggressive. Wonderful dogs.

Vel

It can get very disheartening and depressing when you think about the amount of greyhounds that are unaccounted for each year and there are organisations doing great work in lobbying for greyhound welfare and ensuring that people know about the realities behind a 'night at the dogs'

I also think it is important to focus on the postives also, as people will always feel sorry for a greyhound that was dumped in the pound in bad shape but that might not necessarily lead to them adopting one as they may still not realise their potential as great pets.

As such, it might be nice to hear some happy, positive greyhound stories which help show what they can be like.

Agility Greyhounds!: http://www.neversaynevergreyhounds.net/competing.html

Reading Greyhound!: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/835908-batman-the-greyhound-that-helps-pupils-read

Wildlife Sanctuary Greyhound!: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1103645/Meet-Jasmine-rescue-dog-surrogate-mother-50th-time.html

Nursing Home Greyhound!: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/greyhound-racer-daisy-ross-new-life-at-macarthur-house-aged-care-home/story-e6freuzi-1226003244369

Prison Greyhounds!: http://teamcanine.com/prisondogprogram/

axle108

Bookworm85 wrote: »

Hi mhge,

Now I'm far from an expert but I found the two that I fostered were pretty smart. The first guy was a devil for counter surfing and trying to take food from the table/counter but I managed to clicker train him out of the habit in less than a month. The second guy had woeful recall and as soon as he was offlead he'd bolt. I was clicker training him too but never got his recall 100% before he left, but he improved immensly in the few months we had him. Both of them picked up house rules with verbal correction & praise (using words like "Leave it" or a simple "Ah - Ah" and plenty of high pitched praise) within a few days.

I never tried to teach them tricks so I cant hep you there but I'll just mention that not all greys are able to learn the 'sit' command. It can be very uncomfortable for them and IIRC it has to do with the way that their back legs and spine are aligned. Now, I know one couple who had a grey from a pup who was never raced or coursed and he has no problem with the conventional sitting position so maybe it has something to do with the training and subsequent muscle/bone development? Maybe somebody more knowledgeable could clarify??

I wouldnt say they are talkative, I could count the amount of times either of them barked on one hand, but you'll pick up on their body language very easily. The last fella used to look at me a particular way (which I cant quite explain) if he wanted to play and would head-butt me if he wanted a cuddle. He even learned to paw the windchime at the back door if he wanted to go outside all on his own. It used to hang from the handle on the back door so he soon associated the sound of the chimes with the door opening all on his own.

The two that passed through my house loved being around us and were very curious about everything. They didnt need to be at somebody's side 24/7 but would balm out on the floor with one eye open watching us. Our last guy was fascinated when we did the washing up. As soon as he heard stuff ratlling in the sink he was over straight away to watch. I'm sure that if I had handed him a towel he would have dried up

Overall I've found them to be very chilled out, relaxed no hassle dogs. quite happy to keep pace with whatever is going on. Our own home is fairly mellow and slow paced but my Mum's is like a madhouse. Always people coming and going and things going on. Id take them up for a visit a few times a week and they never seemed phased by all the activity.

Clever dogs, great write up.

mrky2011

I have grown up with greyhounds and can say ive never known a sweeter, more loving and playful breed of dog. It really bothers me how people can be so small-minded and quick to judge this breed. Many people have said to me that they think they are ugly and try to convince me that they are a notoriously vicious breed and my response is always 'have you ever spent anytime with a greyhound?' to which their reply is 'No'. I have yet to meet a vicious greyhound, if anything i think terriers (not all of course) are the most wicked breed of dog that I have come across, most are lovely but I have me a few that are a bit ill-tempered.

From time to time we have had a greyhound who has been quite shy and timid so in that case I would take him/her for a walk on the beach, (the trips in the car and walking passed lots of people help to build their confidence and become more forward). When doing this I would keep him on the lead in case he gets too scared and runs away in me but the amount of people who seem shocked to see me walking a greyhound on the beach, as if it shoudn't be allowed, and what's worse is these people have their dogs running loose and coming up to my greyhound which makes him even more nervous, i understand people want to let their dogs loose as they may not have space at home for them to run but if their dogs are going to be bothering other walkers with their dogs then they should be kept on the lead.

To those of you wondering why greyhounds are muzzled when walking I can only speak for myself, usually i don't muzzle them when walking but often I have to walk two or more dogs together and two of them may not get on well with each other (they might growl at each other a bit) so in that case I would put on a muzzle just in case they got in a quarrel while walking, it's never happened to me but can never say never. Also our dogs are kept in open runs so they wouldn't be used to seeing other small dogs and cats so naturally enough if they see one when we're out walking they will want to run over to it and check it out and possibly hurt particularly if the cat etc starts to run, so in that case if im walking more than two dogs I might muzzle them just in case something ran out in front of us and Im not strong enough to hold them on the lead and they hurt the cat or whatever it is.

We race our dogs which is really exciting when you raise a puppy and spend so much time with him and then watch him perform on the track. When we can we keep our greyhounds as pets once they retire, but when this is not possible we always rehome them and are very concerned to make sure they go to a good home. Greyhounds are just like any other dog, they all have different personalities.

EEm

Hey, I have a question. I have a lurcher, greyhound crossed with a husky. She's very energetic, and always chewing everything she sees Even when I play with her she's still very hyper. She's about a year old. When will she quieten down and stop chewing everything? Also she's able open the door and does it several times a day, we keep putting her out and running her away but she doesn't stop coming in

EEm

Also on the muzzle thing I understood was in case they saw another small animal and stopped it attacking the smaller animal?

mrky2011

Hey EEm,

I'm not really sure about your dog, sounds like she's getting her energetic side from the husky genes as they are known to require a lot of exercise unlike greyhounds. As she's only a year old she's still got her puppy personality, I'm sure she'll quieten down a bit in time. As for your second question about the muzzle, I'm not really sure what you are asking...could you rephrase it?

M.