If you're thinking of homing a greyhound, here are some interesting and useful things you'll need to know.

Of Noble Descent

Up until the last century, greyhounds were the dogs of noblemen and commoners were not permitted to own a greyhound . The Greyhounds incredible speed and hunting ability made it a valued status symbol and it was so highly thought of that the punishment for a person found to have killed one, was the same as that for human murder.

In the Hands of the Racing Industry

Nowadays, with the introduction of oval track racing in the 1920s, greyhounds have become debased and at the mercy of a betting industry which sees the dog only in terms of financial gain. Every year around 10,000 racing Greyhounds are ‘retired’ before the age of four. A greyhound can live until the ripe old age of 16. Tragically, ‘retirement’ can range from shooting or drowning, to export to a hot foreign country to be raced in terrible conditions. ·Only some of these dogs are lucky enough to end up in rescue.

Exercise Requirements

Lots of people think greyhounds needs loads of exercise, but it's just not true. Greyhounds love nothing more than spending their days sleeping on your sofa if allowed! A couple of 20 minute walks a day are usually plenty for your average lazy greyhound.  But the odd longer walk during the week is good for them, and they love the chance to have a good run around too - although you must be sure they're in a safe, enclosed area. Their short coats give very little protection, so please avoid dangerous fences or branches!

Things To Consider

There are one or two significant differences to be remembered. Greyhounds are sighthounds and their schooling for the track teaches them to chase small furry animals. It's advisable to keep a greyhound on a lead when outside until you are absolutely certain that, firstly your dog will come back to you, and secondly, it will not chase other people's small pets. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Greyhounds are a dream on the lead as they are so well mannered and rarely pull. With love and patience your dog will soon learn on which side his bread is buttered, and will only want to please you.

Another widely held myth is that they can't co-habit with smaller furries like cats. This is not always the case and in this respect they are no different to any other rescue dog. However, there are certain aspects of owning both greyhounds and small furries that need to be taken into account. By talking to a Greyhound-specific rescue, like us, you can be sure that the re-homing volunteers will be able to advise you on whether a particular hound will be suitable to live with cats or other small furries. They'll also give you advice on making sure the introduction goes as smoothy as possible.

Greyhounds and Children

Greyhounds are good pets to have around children since they are generally of a gentle and placid nature. As with all breeds, common sense and adult supervision is advised.

Health Issues

There are certain breed requirements that differ when you own a greyhound, with the type of anaesthetic being one of them. It is imperative to check that your vet is sighthound aware before allowing him to treat your dog. Greyhounds can also be prone to a condition called gastric torsion (bloat) which is a serious condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. Ways to avoid this include raised feeding and giving them no exercise directly before or after meals.

Greyhounds do not need a special diet specific to the breed. They enjoy a mixed and varied diet and can thrive on complete dry foods which are readily available at retail outlets, and if you're happy to add ingredients like sardines, mince, vegetables etc then your Greyhound will be more than happy too!

As with any dog, it is important to keep your Greyhound's vaccinations up to date. Most rescues will have dealt with this prior to adoption but yearly boosters are required. It is also recommended that parasites are kept under control by worming on average about every 4 months and maintaining a regular program of de-fleaing. These preparations are reasonably cheap and available from your vet.

Dogs with a racing background and indeed some from a home environment may have poor teeth. Again most organisations will have dealt with this prior to adoption. It is advisable to get a dental paste from your vet - these are generally inexpensive and can help reduce the build up of tartar.