Q & A

Common Questions & Answers

Why Greyhounds Make Greyt Pets? 
Greyhounds have been bred with four goals in mind...speed, health, intelligence and sociability.  As pet owners, we don't care how fast our dog is, but good health, intelligence & a good disposition makes a superior pet over a pet bred for appearance.  Their natural good nature along with the constant handling they receive in the racing kennel make them good with other pets, children & your friends.  This, their intelligence & their cleanliness make them ideal house pets

Are Greyhounds Housebroken? 
Greyhounds are kennel trained and have spent all their lives in a crate.  They do not want to mess where they live.  They have been let outside several times during the day to relieve themselves.  A greyhound has never had to tell anyone that they had to go out.  Until you learn to communicate with your new dog, make frequent, yet scheduled trips outside.  Greyhounds were used to a schedule, so bank off that  characteristic when house training.

How Much Exercise is Needed? 
You can NEVER let a greyhound run free.  He/she must always be in a fully fenced area or on a lead.  Your greyhound has no 'street smarts' and will run with no concern for getting directions.  Or worse yet, getting hit by a car. 
Running in your fenced back yard, walks on a leash will provide all the exercise your dog really needs.  Greyhounds are 'couch potatoes' and will be happy to walk as much or as little as you want.

What type of Medical Care is Needed?  
Your newly adopted dog has had all his shots as a part of our adoption procedure, and he/she has been spayed or neutered
along with teeth cleaned, wormed and checked by our vets.
However, it never hurts to take your newly adopted greyhound into your veterinarian to get him/her acquainted
and checked for other problems that may occur. Be sure your vet knows that the wrong anesthesia can kill your greyhound.
Shots should be updated yearly and toenails should be clipped at least once a month to keep your greyhound from having back and walking problems. Teeth should also be brushed regularly.  Flea collars & certain flea medications are dangerous for greyhounds & should not be used.

What & How Much Do Greyhounds Eat? 
Your Greyhound will eat between four and six cups of pretty much any good grade of dry dog food per day.  We highly recommend that you feed a small meal twice a day.  Example: 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups in the evening.
The exact brand of dog food may vary.  Some maybe to rich for your greyhound while another will be the perfect diet.

Editor's Note... 
All of the above questions are just a quick reference and can be answered in depth by various ways.  GRI has an adoption handbook available up on request as well as has some recommended books.   
GRI volunteers are always available to answer questions and discuss the dogs at ALL adoptions booths.  GRI is not just an adoption organization.  We are a support network.
See the calendar for a time and place convenient for you.

 

Greyhound Tidbits

Greyt Greyhound Tidbits of Information

 
  • The greyhound is the only dog to be mentioned in the Bible - King James Version, Proverbs 30:29-31
     
  • Greyhounds are the oldest purebred dog, dating before the Pharaohs. The first records of greyhounds are about 8,000 years old. All greyhounds alive today are descended from a dog called King Cob, who lived in the 1700's.
     
  • A law passed during the reign of King Canute stated that no commoner could own a greyhound. The law also called for capitol punishment for anyone causing the death of a greyhound.
     
  • The racing greyhound is the only breed of dog to have no recorded cases of hip dysphasia, a common genetic disease in large breeds.
     
  • Fredrick the Great of Prussia asked in his will to be buried with his beloved greyhounds. The graves remain today.
     
  • Greyhounds are quiet and calm. They seldom bark. They curl up into a remarkably small space to sleep. The retired racing greyhound returns the love you give him many times over. Few things in life are as satisfying as adopting one of these wonderful dogs.
  • The actor John Barrymore always kept a house full of greyhounds as pets. The actress Bo Derek owns several retired racers, and is a great advocate of these dogs.
     
  • Greyhounds are by far the fastest breed of dog, reaching speeds well in excess of 40 miles an hour. They can see clearly more than half a mile.
     
  • Greyhounds do not cause allergies, and can be kept by people who are allergic to other pets. Greyhounds do not sweat & do not have a doggie odor.
     
  • Throughout history, greyhounds have been the treasured pets of nobility.
     
  • Greyhounds do not make good watchdogs. They are bred specifically to be even tempered and good natured. As a result, they love everyone and view every stranger as a new friend.

Greyhound Literature

Greyhound Literature & Poems

On Loan From God

God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
... His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.

It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.

His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.

He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.

Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.

Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.

Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?

I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.

"But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand

Recommended Books  

Reign of the Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan

Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan

Greyhound Tales by Nora Star & Susan Netboy

An Owners Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet, The Greyhound by Daniel Braun Stern

If you have a book to recommend, please email to us.