Greyhounds as Pets: Separating Myth from Reality

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with many different breeds over the years. But there‘s one type of dog that never fails to melt my heart: the greyhound. These incredible canines are so much more than their sleek, athletic build and racing pedigree. They are gentle souls, quirky companions, and deeply loving pets. If you‘re considering bringing a greyhound into your life, allow me to share some insights into what makes them so special.

The Greyhound Personality: Couch Potatoes with a Silly Streak

One of the biggest misconceptions about greyhounds is that they are high-strung, hyperactive dogs that require hours of intensive exercise. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth! While they are certainly capable of incredible feats of speed and agility, retired racing greyhounds are often the biggest couch potatoes you‘ll ever meet.

A typical greyhound‘s ideal day involves:

• 18-20 hours of sleeping
• A short walk or two
• Plenty of time curled up next to you on the sofa
• A chance to romp and play with toys or other dogs

Greyhounds have a delightfully silly side that often surprises new owners. They love to "roo" and "chatter" when they are excited, making goofy vocalizations that sound like a cross between a yodel and a purr. Many greyhounds also enjoy "roaching" – sleeping on their backs with their long legs in the air, looking like adorable upside-down cockroaches.

Caring for Your Greyhound: Health, Nutrition, and Grooming

Greyhounds are generally a healthy, low-maintenance breed, but like all dogs, they have some specific care requirements to keep in mind:

Diet and Nutrition

Greyhounds have unique dietary needs due to their lean physique and fast metabolism. Look for high-quality, high-protein dog foods formulated for athletic breeds. Avoid foods with fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Some top-rated brands for greyhounds include:

• Orijen
• Wellness Core
• Taste of the Wild
• Solid Gold

Feed your greyhound two to three small meals per day rather than one large serving to reduce the risk of bloat or gastric torsion, a serious condition more common in deep-chested breeds.

Health Concerns and Preventative Care

Some health issues seen more often in greyhounds include:

• Dental disease – Brush your greyhound‘s teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings as needed to prevent painful tooth decay and gum inflammation.
• Nail problems – Keep your greyhound‘s nails trimmed short to avoid splitting or breaking. Many retired racers are not used to walking on hard surfaces and may damage their nails more easily.
• Hypothyroidism – This hormone deficiency can cause weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. Your vet can diagnose it with a blood test and prescribe daily medication.
• Osteosarcoma – Greyhounds have a higher incidence of bone cancer than many other breeds. Watch for signs like limping or lameness and schedule regular vet checkups to catch any issues early.

Grooming and Coat Care

Greyhounds have short, smooth coats that are very easy to maintain. Brush your greyhound once or twice a week with a soft bristle brush or hound glove to remove loose fur and distribute natural skin oils. Bathe only as needed – every few months is usually plenty unless your hound rolls in something stinky!

One important thing to know about greyhounds is that they have very little body fat and thin skin, making them prone to nicks, cuts, and scrapes. Check your dog over regularly for any wounds and keep a pet-safe antiseptic on hand for minor injuries. Greyhounds may also be sensitive to flea and tick preventatives, so talk to your vet about the safest options for parasite control.

Adopting an Ex-Racing Greyhound: Giving a Dog a Second Chance

When most people think of greyhound adoption, they picture bringing home a retired racing dog. And there are so many wonderful reasons to open your heart to one of these special pups:

1. You‘ll be giving a deserving dog a loving forever home after a career on the track. Most racing greyhounds retire between 2-5 years old and have many years of life left to enjoy as a family pet.

2. Greyhound rescue organizations provide extensive support to help your new dog adjust to life as a pet. They can tell you about each dog‘s unique personality, energy level, and preferences (housebroken, good with kids or other dogs, etc.) to make the perfect match.

3. Many behaviors that new owners worry about teaching like crate training, leash walking, and riding quietly in the car often come pre-installed in former racers. You can focus on helping your dog learn about life as a pet – navigating stairs, having free access to toys and soft beds, and being adored 24/7!

4. Adopting an older greyhound allows you to skip the crazy puppy stage while still enjoying many years with a wonderful companion. Greyhounds typically live 10-14 years, so even a 5 year-old retiree likely has half a decade or more of love to give.

By adopting a greyhound, you also become part of a tight-knit community of owners who are passionate about the breed. From annual "greyhound gatherings" to online forums and Facebook groups, greyhound lovers love to connect and share stories about their hounds.

Debunking Greyhound Myths: The Truth About These Gentle Giants

There are a number of persistent myths and misconceptions about greyhounds that may give potential adopters pause. Let‘s set the record straight on a few of the most common ones:

Myth: Greyhounds are hyperactive and need hours of exercise every day.
Truth: As mentioned earlier, greyhounds are often very calm and lazy indoors. Most are content with a short walk or play session once or twice a day. They don‘t require a huge yard and can be great apartment dogs as long as they get regular potty breaks.

Myth: Greyhounds are aggressive because they are trained to race and chase.
Truth: Greyhounds are bred for speed, not aggression. In fact, most greyhounds are very gentle and easygoing by nature. They typically get along well with other dogs and are not prone to fighting. Many can also live peacefully with cats and other small pets if introduced properly.

Myth: Greyhounds can never be let off-leash because they will take off running.
Truth: It‘s true that greyhounds have a strong prey drive and should only be allowed off-leash in fully enclosed areas for their safety. However, they are not "uncontrollable" and many owners successfully train their greyhounds to walk politely on leash and come when called.

As Dr. Cynthia Branigan, author of Adopting the Racing Greyhound, puts it: "Greyhounds are like any other dogs in that they are individuals and products of their upbringing and environment. The difference lies in the fact that you are starting with an adult dog who has already experienced a great deal of life, some of which may need to be retaught or reshaped to live compatibly in your world."

Is a Greyhound Your Perfect Canine Match?

Greyhounds can be wonderful companions for many types of households and lifestyles. According to the American Kennel Club, over 4,000 greyhounds were adopted into homes in 2020, either through breed-specific rescues or other shelter organizations.

So what makes these dogs such great pets? Veterinarian Dr. Leanne Bertani sums it up well: "Greyhounds are incredibly sensitive and loving dogs. They are so in-tune with their people and always seem to know just what you need, whether it‘s a snuggle on the couch or a reason to laugh as they zoom around the backyard at top speed. They have a remarkable ability to go from 45 mph to zero almost instantly and then transition into the sweetest, most affectionate companions imaginable."

If you are looking for a gentle, laid-back pet who will adore you unconditionally, a greyhound may just be your perfect match. These low-maintenance dogs are content with a soft bed, a couple short walks a day, and endless amounts of love and belly rubs. Adopt a greyhound and experience firsthand why they are often called "45 mph couch potatoes!"