About Greyhounds
Greyhounds - Where do they come from?
Our greyhounds come from tracks in
Florida, mostly from Melbourne Greyhound Park. When they are retired from
racing between the ages of two and five. Some dogs never race; these
dogs are quite young, often less than two years of age, and thus are quite
puppy-like! While in the adoption kennel, the dogs visit the veterinarian
where they are examined, spayed/neutered, given dentals, vaccinated,
heartworm tested and dewormed and are given other care as needed. The people
at the adooption kennel continue to care for the dogs during their stay at
the adoption kennel and also profile them to see if they are child-safe and
small-animal safe, if they are quiet or outgoing, if energetic, or laid
back. This is important as we try to match the dogs to each adopter’s
lifestyles and wishes. Once the dogs are moved into our adoption program
they are placed in foster homes where they learn all about home life.
Greyhounds - What are they like?
Greyhounds are typically a very calm
breed. Due to their natural temperament and kennel environment most
Greyhounds are sweet, calm, even-tempered, and loyal. They don't require a
lot of exercise or a lot of room. Most Greyhounds will be happy if they can
run in a fenced area for a few five minutes a day. Because they don't
require a lot of room or exercise, this makes them good apartment pets. They
are often compared to cats because they can curl up into a surprisingly
small ball. Greyhounds are sighthounds, which means they respond better to
sight cues than to voice commands. They don't bark often, or in some cases,
they don't bark as much as other kinds of dogs. They do not have a lot of
"dog" smell because they don't have a lot of body fat. Since they are lean
and very thin-skinned, they don't tolerate extreme hot or cold. Thus, they
are inside dogs.
Answers to some common questions
- Greyhounds generally stand between 26
and 29 inches to the shoulder and can weigh between 50 and 100 lbs,
depending on sex. The average greyhound weighs between 60 and 75 pounds,
although many girls weigh in the 50 to 60 pound range.
- Greyhounds often live past 12 years
old. A few have lived to 20.
- Greyhounds are generally retired from
racing between two and five years of age. Most of the dogs that retire are
closer to two. Some have never raced. The youngsters can be much more
energetic and puppy-like than the older ones.
- Greyhounds do not necessarily need a
home with a large place to run. Many prefer walks and being retired (i.e.,
lounging and being lazy).
- Greyhounds are not known for being
watch dogs although many will let you know when someone has arrived.
- They have short hair with little to
no undercoat and once they shed their winter coats they shed very little,
making them tidy house pets.
- Most greyhounds are child or small
animal friendly.
- Greyhounds are kennel-trained, meaning they do not
eliminate in their kennels. The transition from kennel to home is generally
an easy transition. There may be an occasional accident, but much of this
will have been dealt with in the foster home.
