Thinking about adopting a retired greyhound? Here are some things you need to consider before you make your decision.
Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds in the world, originating over 4000 years ago. They are even mentioned in the bible. Nowadays, greyhounds are used in the sport of greyhound racing. This is where the dogs chase a mechanical rabbit around a circuit, and people place bets on their favorite dog to win.
One of the negative aspects of this sport is that the dogs are forced to retire between 3 and 5 years of age. The dogs are still very young and have many years ahead of them. Sadly retired greyhounds are often abandoned and left homeless. If you are thinking of adopting a retired greyhound, here are some pros and cons of doing so.
They Are Visually Exquisite
One pro of adopting a retired greyhound is that they are beautiful dogs. If you look at greyhound posters or photos, you will immediately fall in love with their big, innocent eyes and sleek physique. Many of them have smooth, silky coats with unusual markings and color palettes. They have a quiet, gentleness about them which seems absent in many other dog breeds.
They Have a Lovely Temperament
Greyhounds are also one of the most gentle breeds of dog. They are used to being around people and are eager to please. They are wonderful dogs to have if you have young children because they are so placid and laid back. Their temperament really makes it worth adopting a retired greyhound.
They are Low Maintenance
Another pro to adopting a retired greyhound is that they are a low-maintenance animal. Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do not need a lot of exercise. They are built for speed and not stamina, so they are happy with a couple of short walks a day. The rest of the time, they will be satisfied dozing in front of a warm fire.
Having a medium-shedding coat, they do not require much grooming, and they do not give off intense doggy aromas. Greyhounds are not generally greedy dogs, so you won’t blow your budget on dog food. Another advantage is that they are quiet and don’t bark excessively.
They are Bred to Chase
Racing dogs are trained to chase mechanical rabbits, so if you decide to go through with adopting a retired greyhound, they will still have this learned trait. It may take some time and training to dampen this behavior, and you may find that your new family member will chase cats or other animals when you are out and about.
They are Delicate
Build for speed, greyhounds have low body fat levels and therefore have limited padding over their bones and vital organs. Their skin is also relatively thin, and it is essential that they are handled with care when out and about or playing with children. They should be protected from potential hazards that could break their thin bones or tear their delicate skin.
In addition, during the cooler months of the year, it is imperative that greyhounds wear a coat to keep them protected against extreme weather conditions.
They are Big
One thing you need to be aware of if you are considering adopting a retired greyhound is that they are big dogs. Greyhounds can grow up to 76 cm in height and weigh about 32kg, so they can take up a lot of space in a small house. If you have very small children, they may be in danger of being knocked over by an excited dog.