4 Things to Consider When Adopting a Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for their speed, grace and overall athletic ability. That combined with their incredible sight and hunting skills have made them one of man’s favorite companions, dating back as far as to references in the Bible.
In Ancient times and throughout the Middle Ages, they were sought out by royalties and nobility, and who made killing this special breed a capital offense. The life of a Greyhound was considered more valuable than even that of a human.
In modern times, Greyhounds are still revered for their beauty and grace, as well as their ability to adapt into becoming amazing pets and wonderful companions to humans and other animals alike.
In honor of National Greyhound Adoption Month, here are 4 things to consider when adopting a Greyhound:
- Introductions.
When Greyhounds first come off the track, they have usually never been in a home environment, so everything most people and even pets take for granted, like stairs, vacuums, doorbells, kids, and even food on counters, is all new for them, and may take a while to get used to. Things like shiny floors, passing cars, and fast movements startle a lot of Greyhounds. However, because they are raised in kennels, and kept on a strict routine during their life as racers, getting them on a feeding and bathroom regimen will help them adjust quicker.
- Size and Health.
Greyhounds are considered to be large dogs and can weigh up to 50–60 pounds, however, because of their thin skin, they prefer to lay on soft, fluffy pillows and blankets for comfort. They have very short coats are often more tolerated by people with allergies, but they do shed, and are not considered hypoallergenic. Another important health issue to note is that the skin on a Greyhounds paws is very thin and sensitive. It must be washed and cleaned regularly, especially after being exposed to salt, dirt or other debris often found on city sidewalks, such as the salt used to melt snow in the winter. When well cared for, Greyhounds can live to be up to 12 years of age.
- Socialization.
Socializing a Greyhound can be challenging at times because of the competitive temperament they develop in their years as racing dogs. However, keeping your Greyhound sleeping near you at night, as well as, slowly introducing him or her to new situations while on a leash, will help him or her adjust. It should be noted that some Greyhounds could be food aggressive and/or not take well to smaller animals, at first. However, these behaviors can be managed and dealt with when handled with patience, care and proper training.
- Speed.
Greyhounds are sight hounds, which means that if they see something they want to chase, they will take off — at 40 miles per hour! That means that keeping your Greyhound on a harness and leash, or in a fenced in yard, is of the utmost importance. Catching a Greyhound running at full speed will be nearly impossible, and may even startle them more, and make them run further and faster.
Once the initial training and acclimation into the home environment has been made, Greyhounds can go on to live healthy, happy and wonderful lives with their human and pet families. Adopting a Greyhound is a fantastic way to save a life and make a true friend for many years to come.
