Frequently Asked Questions
Since being involved with public Greyhound education and adoption we find those who are curious about Greyhounds commonly ask the following questions. Amazingly, the general public is surprised to find out the real truth about the demeanor and personalities of Greyhounds. As many have never seen a Greyhound up close and personal. The cumulative response is how strikingly beautiful and majestic they are, and are taken by their gentle nature, behavior, and as the majority say, the eyes are of a Greyhound…captivate one’s heart.
1. Why are Greyhounds retired from the racing industry?
This question comes up almost every time. Greyhounds typically have six
maiden races. If a particular Greyhound does not win, place, or show
within six races they are usually retired.
2. How old are Greyhounds when they retire?
Generally speaking, Greyhounds are 2-5 years in age when they retire. Greyhounds begin training at the age of 12 months, and participate in the first maiden race at the age of 18 months. If a Greyhound continues to consistently win, place, or show they will remain racing. In the event, a Greyhound starts to decline and does not win, place, or show they are retired. In some instances, a Greyhound may be over the age of 5 if they were used for breeding purposes.
3. What makes a Greyhound a desirable pet?
Greyhounds are noted for their sensitivity, patience, loyalty, tolerance, trust, friendliness, gentleness, sweetness, affection, etc. Generally, Greyhounds are very good-natured animals. Overall, they make remarkable pets.
4. How much does it cost to adopt a Greyhound?
We like to clarify Greyhounds are adopted for an adoption donation of $225.00, rather than cost. This adoption donation is tax deductible.
5.What are the different colors of Greyhounds?
Greyhounds come in many different color combinations. Greyhounds can be fawn, red, blue, black, white and various shades of brindle, with a combination of any of these colors.
6. Which is better to adopt a male or a female Greyhound?
There is no favor of one gender over the other. Both male and females make exceptional pets.
7. What is the life expectancy of a Greyhound?
For being a larger breed, Greyhounds are typically very healthy animals. With proper care, nutrition, and veterinarian treatment Greyhounds can live up to 12-14 years of age.
8. Does adopting a Greyhound change your life?
Yes, sharing your life with a Greyhound will change your life in every way. In some ways, it is like you have adopted a child. Greyhounds are not viewed just as pets; rather they become valued, beloved members of the family.
9. Are Greyhounds good around children?
Generally, older children and Greyhounds have the capacity to live in harmony. As with any breed, children need to respect the animal and be taught accordingly. Greyhound Expressions does not adopt to families with children under the age of five. It is difficult for younger children to understand the needs of a Greyhound (i.e. respect space, etc).
10. Are Greyhounds good around small animals/cats/exotic breeds?
It is possible for Greyhounds to live in harmony with small animals, cat, and other exotic pets. Every Greyhound is different, depending on their “prey drive”. This means their instinct to chase. Before adoption, Greyhounds are tested for compatibility with such animals. One should exercise caution and introduce under muzzle until the owner is certain each is safe around one another.
11. How long does it take for a Greyhound to bond with its new owner/family?
The bonding process between a Greyhound and its new owner/family happens relatively quickly. Typically, bonding occurs within the first few days. Keep in mind, Greyhounds have to learn to trust you. The more you do with your Greyhound, the stronger the bond and the relationship. The more you love, touch, play, and spend time with your Greyhound, the more they will render in return.
12. How long does it take for a Greyhound to adjust to its new home?
Amazingly, despite their life on the racetrack and living in a kennel environment, Greyhounds adjust well to being in a home environment. Obviously, the amount of time will vary with each Greyhound depending on their personality. Typically, the first 30 days are going to be the most challenging. During this time, a Greyhound is getting used to its new owner/family, new schedule, house, vehicle, children, stairs, other pets, etc.
13. Are Greyhounds difficult to housetrain?
A Greyhound is crate trained coming off the track, but need to be taught house etiquette. Due to the life on the racetrack they have become accustomed to a routine and usually respond well to a routine once adopted. It is important to allow frequent opportunities to go to the bathroom. When they do go to the bathroom outside, shower them with praise. You can never praise a Greyhound too much. It is good to get in the habit of positive reinforcement. However, it is not uncommon to experience some accidents after adoption until they adjust.
14. Greyhound must need to eat a lot of food, right?
Most people assume Greyhounds need to eat a lot of food, but they do not. Depending on weight, generally Greyhounds eat 2-4 cups a day. Two cups once in the morning and early evening works well for most males and females. It is important to not free feed Greyhounds, and make sure they do not over eat. It is very unhealthy for a Greyhound to be overweight. Their body frames are not designed to withstand a lot of weight.
15. Why do Greyhounds have to be under lead if not in a securely fenced enclosure?
Greyhounds are members of the sighthound family and primarily hunt using eyesight. They can see distances up to a ½ mile away. Over the centuries Greyhounds have been breed for one thing ~ speed. As a result of centuries and centuries of breeding Greyhounds have an innate instinct to chase any moving objects. If you let a Greyhound off the lead, drop the lead, etc. more than likely some stimuli will cause a Greyhound to take off running after it. At this time, they will not hear you, listen, or usually come back. You certainly cannot catch up to an animal that can reach speeds up to and exceeding speeds of 45 mph in four strides! You must keep your Greyhound under lead when not in a securely fenced enclosure, at all times! No exceptions!
16. Does a Greyhound require a lot of room to run?
Due to their previous life on the racetrack, Greyhounds do not require a lot of room to run. A standard-size fenced yard is sufficient to exercise a Greyhound.
17. Are Greyhounds energetic?
Generally, Greyhounds are very laid back and docile animals. They have spent the majority of their time living in a kennel environment. They are accustomed to lying around, and partake in such behavior after being adopted. Don’t be mistaken, Greyhounds love to run and play. Remember, they are sprinters, and after a few laps full speed around the yard, they are done.
18. Why do Greyhounds have to wear muzzles?
Most people see pictures of Greyhounds wearing muzzles while they are racing. This is necessary to provide protection to them and other Greyhounds while racing. Greyhounds can be very competitive while racing. This deters any snapping, nipping, or biting during a race. Even after adoption, if you have more than one Greyhound running together, it is best to let them run under muzzle to deter any altercations.
19. How fast can Greyhounds run?
Greyhounds can reach speeds up to and exceeding 45 mph in three strides.
20. What provisions need to be supplied by the adopter?
The adopter needs to provide a safe, secure, loving, responsible home for the duration of the Greyhound’s life.