|
| WHAT
KIND OF PETS DO EX-RACING GREYHOUNDS MAKE?
Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly dogs who
thrive on attention and human companionship and
make terrific pets. Raised with their littermates,
where they competed for affection, greyhounds
love becoming the center of attention as household
pets. Greyhounds do not usually make good watch
dogs. Their friendly nature is not really very
threatening.
TOP
|
| ARE
THEY GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
More so than most breeds. They are not as playful
as puppies, of course, being mature dogs, but
they are very tolerant of children and will usually
walk away rather than growl or snap if children
become overbearing. Like any other dog, however,
if they are tormented for long periods of time,
they too can become irritated. Even a gentle greyhound
has its limits.
TOP
|
| HOW
ARE THEY WITH OTHER PETS?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize
well as a result of encounters with other greyhounds
in the racing kennel. Cats are unknown to a greyhound
and a little extra time and care are required
to make a happy home for all.
TOP
|
| ARE
EX-RACING GREYHOUNDS ALREADY HOUSEBROKEN?
Frequently an adopted greyhound is completely
housebroken right from the start. In their kennel
environment they are "turned out" three or four
times a day to relieve themselves. Therefore,
racing greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means
they're trained to go outside and keep their kennels
clean. Walk them frequently at first, and they
quickly learn that their new home is the place
they keep clean and outside is where they go to
relieve themselves.
TOP
|
| HOW
BIG DO THEY GET?
Greyhound males stand 26 to 30 inches tall at
the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds.
Females stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.
TOP
|
| WHY
DO THEY WEAR MUZZLES? IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE SO
HIGH-STRUNG?
Actually the greyhound is a wonderfully unique
creature blessed with both the ability to be very
competitive and aggressive while on the track,
yet on the other hand, a very loving and docile
companion, living to please a beloved owner. They
wear muzzles while racing for two reasons: to
help racing officials determine the outcome of
a photo-finish race, and to protect the greyhounds
from injury during the excitement of the chase.
TOP
|
| WHY
DO GREYHOUNDS NEED TO BE KEPT ON A LEASH?
A leash assures the greyhound protection from
disasters. Greyhounds have no fear of cars and
other hazards in our world and as history has
proven, the greyhound is an animal born to run.
It can run up to 44 mph and see up to ½ mile away!
Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash
and enjoy the exercise, as well as the attention
they receive from the people who pass by.
TOP
|
| AREN'T
ALL GREYHOUNDS GREY?
Not at all--they are many colors--brindle, black,
brown, fawn or a combination of these colors.
The name greyhound is not derived from the color
of the animal. The name originates from three
possible sources. The ancient Greeks may have
called greyhounds "Greekhounds" or may have named
them "Gazehounds," since they relied on sight
rather than smell in hunting. Thirdly, the name
may be derived from the Latin "gre" or "gradus"
meaning degree, which related to the principle
and care in breeding.
TOP
|
| WHAT
HAS THE LIFE OF A RACING GREYHOUND BEEN LIKE?
Greyhounds spend most of their lives in the company
of other dogs. When they are born, the average
litter size is about eight pups.Young greyhounds
are given a lot of attention and handled as much
as possible. As they approach their first birthday,
their training begins and they are taught to chase
a lure, eventually progressing to a racetrack.
Track life is very routine--feeding in the morning,
turnouts in the exercise yards to relieve themselves
and retiring between races in individual kennel
crates. Dogs race every three to seven days and
most racing kennels have about 60 dogs. Most greyhounds
have seen very little of the everyday world including
houses, stairs, mirrors and cats, and have seldom,
if ever, ridden in a car. The transition to living
in a home requires some time.
TOP
|
| WHAT
SHOULD I EXPECT, IF I ADOPT A GREYHOUND?
Expect a gentle, loving pet who, with a little
time and patience, will be a great addition to
your family. Because everything is brand new to
the greyhound, expect him/her to be somewhat confused
and very curious. House manners have to be learned,
but greyhounds are very intelligent dogs and learn
quickly.
TOP
|
|
