# Is a Retired Racing Greyhound the Right Dog for You? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-a-retired-racing-greyhound-the-right-dog-for-you/ - Published: 2024-02-10 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- Greyhounds are arguably the most iconic "professional athletes" of the dog world. These sleek, elegant hounds are born and bred to race, reaching astonishing speeds of 45 miles per hour on the track. But what happens when their brief racing careers come to an end? Increasingly, lucky retired racers are finding their way into loving adoptive homes. As a lifelong dog lover and greyhound owner myself, I can attest that these gentle dogs make wonderful pets in the right circumstances. However, bringing an ex-racing greyhound into your life comes with unique joys and challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about providing a forever home to one of these remarkable dogs. From their history and unique traits to the practicalities of living with a retired athlete, you‘ll get an insider‘s perspective on sharing your life with a greyhound. ## The 411 on Greyhounds Before we dive into life after the track, let‘s cover some greyhound basics. This ancient breed has been cherished by humans for thousands of years, appearing in art and literature dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Greyhounds belong to a family of dogs called sighthounds, athletic hunters that rely on their keen vision and explosive speed to pursue prey. For hundreds of years, greyhounds were used for coursing game and later transitioned to the sport of racing. The modern racing greyhound is purpose-bred for speed, endurance, and drive. The typical greyhound is tall and lean, weighing 60-80 pounds and standing 27-30 inches at the shoulder. They have long, slender heads, deep chests, and muscular hindquarters. Their short, smooth coats come in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, and black. Despite their elite athlete status, greyhounds are known for being incredibly sweet-natured, gentle, and affectionate companions. They are often called "45 mph couch potatoes" due to their love of lounging and surprisingly low exercise needs. ## By the Numbers: Greyhound Racing in the U.S. Greyhound racing has a long and sometimes controversial history in the United States. The first circular racetrack opened in 1919 and the sport reached its height of popularity in the 1980s. However, concerns over animal welfare and declining revenue have led to a steady decline in recent decades. According to advocacy group GREY2K USA Worldwide: - There are currently only 4 active greyhound tracks left in the U.S., all in West Virginia - Between 2020-2022, over 50 greyhound tracks worldwide closed or ended live racing - In the past 3 years, 5 U.S. states passed laws prohibiting greyhound racing Still, thousands of greyhounds are bred each year for the racing industry. The National Greyhound Association (NGA) registers around 8,000 greyhound litters annually. It‘s estimated that a typical greyhound‘s racing career lasts just 1.5-2 years before they are retired, usually by age 2-5. So where do these dogs go when their racing days are over? The lucky ones are placed with adoption groups to find forever homes. In 2021, over 2,000 retired racers were rehomed through greyhound adoption agencies. Sadly, not all are so fortunate – in previous decades, it was common practice for "surplus" greyhounds to be euthanized by the racing industry. ## Life After the Track: What to Expect Opening your heart and home to a retired racing greyhound can be an incredibly rewarding experience – but it‘s important to go in with eyes wide open. These dogs have lived a unique lifestyle and may need time and patience to adjust to pet life. ### Finding Your New Best Friend The first step is connecting with a reputable greyhound rescue or adoption program in your area. Most groups are volunteer-run by experienced greyhound owners dedicated to finding great matches for their dogs. The adoption process typically involves submitting an application, having a home visit, and providing personal and veterinary references. Many groups require adopters to have a securely fenced yard. Expect the process to take some time as the group works to find the right dog for your home. ### Expect an Adjustment Period It‘s important to remember that the initial transition from racing kennel to home life can be overwhelming for many greyhounds. These dogs have never lived inside a home or been exposed to the "human world" the way most pet dogs are from puppyhood. Common "novel" experiences for retired racers: - Walking up and down stairs - Slippery floors like hardwood or tile - Glass doors, windows, and mirrors - Household noises like vacuums, TVs, doorbells - Being loose inside a home or yard - Meeting new people and dogs of all types - Riding in a car "When a retired racer first arrives, we tell adopters to treat them like they‘re a puppy in an 80-pound body," says Sarah Weiss, a volunteer with Greyhound Rescue of New England. "They are seeing, hearing, and experiencing so many new things. Patience is key as they learn the ropes." Most greyhounds adapt well within a few weeks as they settle into a routine and bond with their new family. But some may need extra time building confidence, especially if they are especially sensitive or anxious. Taking things slowly, using positive reinforcement, and not overwhelming the dog are important for a smooth transition. ### Get Ready to Fall in Love Once your new greyhound has decompressed from the stress of such a big life change, get ready to be amazed by what wonderful companions these dogs make! As someone who has shared my life with several retired racers, I can say that their gentle, quirky, loving personalities are truly special. "They are the sweetest, most sensitive dogs," agrees Dr. Samantha Curran, a veterinarian who regularly treats retired racers. "They just want to be with their people and soak up affection. But they‘re also very in-tune and intuitive dogs. They pick up on emotions and seem to know when you need some extra snuggles." Indeed, many greyhound adopters say their dogs become "velcro" dogs, always wanting to be touching or in the same room as their beloved humans. They are generally patient and tolerant with children, though may be initially startled by fast movements or loud noises. Another major bonus for many adopters is the greyhound‘s low-key attitude and moderate exercise needs. Unlike many breeds, a few good walks a day and some opportunities to zoom around a fenced yard are usually enough to keep a greyhound content. "Sure, they can run 45 miles per hour – but they‘re usually sprinting towards the nearest couch," laughs Weiss. "These dogs were bred for speed, not endurance. Most are total couch potatoes and love nothing more than snoozing the day away, preferably on a soft bed or human lap." This makes them surprisingly adaptable to apartment life, as long as they can get out for regular potty breaks and a chance to stretch their legs. Potential adopters should budget for a few good walking sessions a day, but extensive hiking or jogging is not usually necessary. ### Special Medical Needs While greyhounds are generally healthy dogs with few genetic disorders, owners should be aware of some common medical issues, especially those related to their past life at the track: - **Injuries:** Racing is a high-impact sport and many greyhounds accumulate old injuries over time. These may include muscle tears, toe and foot problems, and fractures. Arthritis and mobility issues tend to show up earlier than in other breeds. - **Dental disease:** Greyhounds are prone to rapid tartar buildup, gum infections, and worn or broken teeth. Regular dental cleanings and at-home tooth brushing from an early age are important. - **Sensitive stomachs:** Many greyhounds have sensitive digestive tracts and may experience diarrhea or vomiting, especially during times of stress. Avoid table scraps and keep to a consistent, high-quality diet. - **Skin problems:** The greyhound‘s short, thin fur and lack of an undercoat makes them prone to nicks, scrapes, and skin irritations. Keep an eye out for fleas and skin parasites. Many appreciate wearing a coat in cold weather. A thorough vet exam is always a good idea when first adopting your greyhound. Be sure to collect any medical records from the adoption group and alert your vet to your dog‘s racing history. Annual or bi-annual vet visits can help catch any developing issues early. ### Prey Drive Problems Another common challenge for greyhound owners is managing their dog‘s prey drive. Centuries of selective breeding means the instinct to chase can be very strong in this breed, even into retirement. "Many of our adopters are surprised to learn their new dog cannot be trusted off-leash, even after months of bonding and training," shares Theresa Foley of Golden State Greyhound Adoption in California. "Greyhounds can become so laser-focused on a squirrel or rabbit that they completely tune out anything else, even a road full of traffic." This means greyhounds should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area. It‘s not unheard of for greyhounds to jump or climb 5-6 foot fences or dart out an open door after a small animal. Owners must be vigilant about preventing escapes. Prey drive also means greyhounds may not do well in homes with other small pets like cats or toy breed dogs. While some learn to peacefully coexist, the risk of predatory drift is always there. At the very least, greyhounds should be muzzle-trained and closely supervised around any small animals. "We test our dogs to see if they can live safely with cats or small dogs, but it‘s really a case-by-case basis," explains Foley. "In general, the safest bet is to be your greyhound‘s only small animal companion. Most are perfectly happy being the solo pet and center of attention anyway!" ### Training Tips for Greyhounds While retired racers are generally well-behaved and pick up on house rules quickly, they can still benefit from positive reinforcement training. Focus on building a bond first, then work on basic skills like sit, down, stay and come when called. Keep training sessions short and fun – greyhounds can be sensitive and shut down if pushed too hard. Use high-value treats and plenty of praise. A group obedience class can be a great way for both dog and owner to build skills together. One essential skill to teach is a rock-solid recall, even with distractions. Practice in enclosed areas first, calling your dog and rewarding them generously for coming to you. Gradually add in distractions like toys or food. While your greyhound may never be fully trustworthy off-leash, a emergency recall could save their life. Greyhounds also benefit from ongoing socialization throughout their lives, especially if they are shy or anxious. Organize play dates with calm canine friends, take trips to the pet store or coffee shop, and have visitors over frequently. The more positive experiences they have, the more confident they will become. ### Preparing Your Home Before bringing your new greyhound home, take some time to prepare the environment. While you don‘t need to completely remodel, a few adjustments can make the transition much easier. Some things to consider: - Block off slippery floors with rugs or interlocking foam mats - Put up baby gates around stairs and off-limits areas - Consider window film at greyhound eye level to prevent crashes - Secure screens and use extra latches on doors - Remove dangling cords or long curtains - Keep trash cans, food, and medications out of reach - Provide a variety of cozy beds and safe chew toys Greyhounds may take some time to build up their confidence on slick surfaces or stairs, so go slow and use positive reinforcement. Many appreciate having soft beds or blankets to lounge on, as they have little natural padding. You‘ll also want to stock up on some key supplies like a well-fitted martingale collar and 6-foot leash, elevated food and water dishes, and a coat for chilly weather. Consider investing in a GPS tracking collar for added peace of mind in case of an escape. ### The Perfect Companion Living with a retired racing greyhound is a truly special experience. These gentle, loving dogs touch everyone they meet and make a lasting impression with their sweet souls and quirky personalities. "These are not your average dogs," says Dr. Curran. "They are survivors and they have such a zest for life. It‘s impossible not to fall in love with them once you get to know them." Indeed, greyhound adopters often say it‘s like living with a canine Buddha – a wise old soul in an athlete‘s body. They are intuitive and in-tune, always seeming to know when you need a snuggle or a smile. And you can‘t help but laugh when they kick into zoomie mode, racing around the yard at top speed only to flop down for a nap minutes later. "I always say greyhounds are like potato chips – it‘s hard to have just one," jokes Foley. "They are just such easy, lovely companions. Once you go grey, you never go back." Of course, living with any dog comes with challenges and greyhounds are no exception. They can be sensitive, shed like crazy, and may always see your neighbor‘s chihuahua as a fuzzy squeaky toy. Not every greyhound will be a social butterfly or enjoy the dog park scene. But for the right person, the quirks and special needs of the greyhound are a small price to pay for the privilege of having one in your life. Opening your home to a retired athlete is a special calling – a unique chance to give one of these deserving dogs the life of love and comfort they‘ve always dreamed of. Is there anything more rewarding than that? I certainly can‘t think of it. Maybe your home has a greyhound-shaped hole just waiting to be filled. ## Resources - [Adopt a Greyhound (National Greyhound Adoption Program)](https://ngap.org/) - [The Greyhound Project](https://www.greyhoundproject.org/) - [Greyhound Pets of America](https://greyhoundpetsofamerica.org/) - [Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood](https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/retired-racing-greyhounds-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/) - [GREY2K USA Worldwide](https://www.grey2kusa.org/) - [Your New Greyhound: Moving At Your Dog‘s Pace](https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/greyhound-moving-at-your-dogs-pace/) --- Source: [Is a Retired Racing Greyhound the Right Dog for You?](https://33rdsquare.com/is-a-retired-racing-greyhound-the-right-dog-for-you/)