Advice

About Greyhounds

---

Greyhounds are generally quizzical, sometimes shy, very sensitive and surprisingly gentle. They possess superior intelligence and can exhibit a quiet but surprising independence. These dogs truly take to their retirement.

Because of their upbringing and early training, retired greyhounds have, typically, never been without the company of other greyhounds but quickly adapt to new environments. Because they have never really had the opportunity to "be a puppy" they may, at first, need to act out some puppy behaviour, which they typically quickly outgrow.

They are a breed that is very anxious to please and can be trained to standard obedience commands with patience and consistency. They are leash trained, love to go for walks and will learn to heel quickly, if they don't already. Most greyhounds do not know how to sit, climb stairs or even play games, simply because they have never been exposed to such things or been given the opportunity. Most very quickly adapt and learn most of these things and play comes almost naturally. Some greyhounds will never learn how to "sit".

Greyhounds have never been exposed to other breeds of dogs until they are taken in by greyhound adoptions groups like SAGA. They know other greyhounds but may be perplexed, frightened - or more commonly will simply ignore other breeds of dogs. They do not know cats or other small "pets". Greyhounds do not typically know how to defend themselves and will usually do so by fleeing or sometimes freezing if attacked.

Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars.

Greyhounds do not typically bite but sometimes show affection, much like a wolf does, with mouth slightly open and gently grasping your hand. Most will lick in affection and almost all greyhounds show affection by leaning against you with their entire body, some will even "wrap" themselves around your legs.

Greyhounds have no fat layer on their bodies which makes them highly sensitive to winter cold or rain as well as heat. If outside for more than a short time in bad weather they should be protected with a coat. No greyhound should be left outside in the cold (or extreme heat) and always remember that they are inside dogs.

They aren't barkers by nature but some will bark if excited or trying to tell you something (like needing to out). Some also howl and can be quite entertaining if the fire trucks are driving past.

SAGA does recommend that you "crate" your retired ex-racing greyhound as they are typically placed in individual crates in the kennel between the age of 4 and 18 months. These crates are where they spend most of their time between exercise periods, training and racing and they become their private, safe space where they aren't bothered by the other greyhounds.

Generally, racing greyhounds are not abused or mistreated at the tracks, although their handling is straightforward and utilitarian in nature. They do not ordinarily get any attention or handling that is not required as part of their training for the track. This does not mean that they don't adapt to life outside of the racing community and it is SAGA's experience that retired racing greyhounds quickly understand that life in retirement is full of love and comfort. You will find that they show an almost grateful sense of attachment to you and unconditional love.

---