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The Retired Racing Greyhound
Greyhounds are generally quizzical, sometimes shy, very sensitive and surprisingly gentle. They possess superior intelligence and can exhibit a quiet, but surprising independence. These are not animals whose spirit has been broken by their training or racing experience.
Because of their early training, retired Greyhounds have never been without the company of other Greyhounds and have never had the opportunity to really be a puppy. They may need to act out some puppy behavior, like chewing, which they typically quickly outgrow. They are anxious to please and can be trained to standard obedience commands with patience and consistency. They are used to a leash, love to walk and will learn to heel quickly. Most Greyhounds do not know how to sit, climb stairs or play games only because they have not yet learned, so with time they can learn all of these things.
Greyhounds have never been exposed to other breeds of dogs. They know other Greyhounds but may be perplexed, frightened or simply ignore other breeds. They do not know cats. Greyhounds do not know how to defend themselves except by flight and will often "freeze" if attacked.
Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars.
Greyhounds do not typically bite but sometimes show affection as a wolf does with mouth agape, gently grasping. They will lick your hand, too. They show affection with their whole body and may rub up like a cat or lean against you.
Greyhounds have no fat layer on their bodies, which makes them sensitive to winter cold, or rain. If outside for more than a short time in bad weather, they should be protected with a coat. No dog should be left outside in the cold.
They are not barkers by nature, but will bark if excited or trying to tell you something like needing to go out.
Sometime between four and eighteen months, they generally are placed in individual crates in the kennel where they spend most of their time between exercise periods and training. The crates become the dog's private, safe space where they cannot be bothered by other dogs.
Generally, Greyhounds are not abused or mistreated, although their handling is straightforward and utilitarian. They do not ordinarily get anything in the way of attention or handling that is not needed as a part of their training for the track.
