Most people associate greyhounds with the speed of the track, and a working dog life. Indeed, it is not always easy to locate a breeder who is not involved in that world somehow. However, greyhounds are retired from the track life from as early as two years old, and certainly after five years, which is the maximum age for racing dogs. However, most greyhounds live between 12-13 years. But, just where do they live?
That is a crucial question for many retired racing dogs. After all, they are just like other dogs in their desire for a warm and safe forever home, but they tend to be grouped with difficult dogs, rather than the sweet and loving pets that they truly are.
Adopting an Older Greyhound
Man pet owners are looking for a puppy to add to their family. There is a misconception about the negative traits that come with the adoption of older dogs. While abused dogs may require a specific home (for example one without children) because of the trauma associated with certain circumstances, many shelter dogs are simply lovely and willing to do whatever it takes to become a special part of your family. Greyhounds are no different. And indeed, many families desiring a greyhound dog will struggle to find one that has not been retired from the track, which means it is an older dog or bust.
But, what many owners forget is that retired greyhounds have actually led a rather sheltered life. They have never been exposed to stairs (and have no idea how to climb them). They do not know what a mirror or a dog toy is. Very interestingly, they have seemingly no idea what glass is. So that outside door to the back garden will trip them up a few times. Along with these oddities, greyhounds are also remarkably clever, which means that forever families are able to experience the best of the puppy years and bonding – without all that awful chewing.
Getting into Family Life
Greyhounds are usually unlike the other dogs at local shelters and rescue societies. Rather than being skittish to the touch and avoiding their new owners, greyhounds are typically quite docile and loving, even with new people. And although they are likely to have little (or no) contact with smaller children, they are remarkably good with them. One of the traits learned on the track is that any form or sign of aggression is not acceptable. Now, this means they are unlikely to guard your house for you, but they will easily slide into family life, regardless of the number of people (or ages) in your home.
With short haired coats, and rather thin structures, greyhounds are not meant to live outdoors. This is not a problem for most owners as many retired racers are simply happy to lie on a cushion in the corner of the room – watching everyone else at rest and play. For as fast as they can be on the track, greyhounds rarely race through the house. Nor do they take long to toilet train. All they need to know is that the entire house is a giant crate. So, although they are larger dogs, they do not tend to make the house feel too small.
Training greyhounds, in general, is typically easy. Although it is different from the skills needed to assimilate into a family, greyhounds are used to being trained from the moment they leave their mothers. Toilet training and “sit” are only the beginning. These intelligent animals are up for just about anything you want to throw at them.
Greyhounds are remarkably agreeable. It goes beyond children too. Although every dog is an individual, many greyhounds are naturally cat tolerant, even without prior exposure, which is rather unusual (especially for larger breeds). Everyone – and every dog – has their limits, but most greyhounds would rather walk away from a fight than engage in an argument of any sort. This can be a wonderfully comforting trait when it comes to leaving children in the room with your dog, but it also means that you must attempt to discipline your dog gently at first. Stern voices may cause them to retreat to their corner.
Caring for Your Greyhound
Greyhounds are racers simply because their bodies were designed to do it (and do it beautifully). And, truly they do love a strong, fast run. But, they do not need any more exercise than other dogs of similar sizes. A nice daily walk will keep them exercised, or a rather lovely, long walk every other day does them well. Provided you can offer them regular exercise, greyhounds do not do badly in apartments and flats, though a lovely garden would obviously be appreciated.
With short coats, greyhounds are not compulsive shedders. As with any coated animal, there can be a bit of hair loss and growth during seasonal changes, but typically these dogs require remarkably little daily grooming. Their coats also tend to hold their shine well between baths, so they appear clean for a remarkably long time. With such natural, easy grooming, some owners that have previously experienced allergic reactions to canines have not experiences any symptoms with greyhounds.
The most crucial part of caring for your greyhound is diet. Dogs fresh of the track tend to look overly skinny. Their lean muscle would have certainly helped them to perform well during a race, but many owners feel they are too thin. First time greyhound owners must battle the urge to fatten their new pets as this is unhealthy for them. Retired racers should only gain between two and three kilos above their racing weight for optimum health. It is the quality of the food that is essential for greyhounds as they transition from racing life to family life. Because of the incredible amount of exercise they received during their early years, greyhounds are prone to putting on too much weight (which is difficult to lose later) – even if it has been years since they have seen a track. Always insure that you feed your greyhound specially formulated food meant for retired racers as their nutritional needs are different from other pets.
Oh, and remember to tell your greyhound that you love him every day. More than any other dog, hearing that will melt his heart!
For more information about caring for your adopted greyhound please visit the Burgess Pet Care website – http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/
Glorious Greyhounds 