Welfare

Greyhounds as Pets

Image of Greyhounds

Why Choose a greyhound?


Why on Earth would you choose a greyhound as a pet when there are perfectly good pet dogs of other breeds to choose from? Well, read on to find out!

  • Health: Because of generations of breeding based on only the healthiest and most talented racers, greyhounds do not suffer from congenital illnesses as much as other breeds might.
  • Temperament: From the moment they are born, greyhounds are handled and actively socialised so that they become used to people and strangers. As a result of this handling, designed for ease of training, greyhounds tend not to ‘make strange’ with people they don’t know and are very sociable.
  • Viciousness: Absolutely not! Even in a racing capacity, an angry greyhound would not be permitted to race, so over time, any angry tendencies have been ‘bred out’. Of course, any dog will ‘reflex snap’ if in pain or suddenly injured but vicious by nature? Not a chance!

  • Exercise: Because they are designed to expend their energy in short, sharp bursts, greyhounds don’t need as much exercise as you’d imagine. Access to a garden and 2 short walks per day are more than enough. In fact greyhounds are notorious for their reluctance to go out in the rain!
  • Diet: Contrary to what you might believe, once greyhounds are retired, they don’t actually need a fancy training diet. Ordinary dry complete dog food is more than adequate. A note of warning, however! Greyhounds can tend on the greedy side and are Masters at persuading their unwitting owners into liberal treat-giving...
  • Shedding: Because of their smooth, low shedding fur, greyhounds tend not to transfer their fur onto every surface in the house. Also, they are one of the few dogs proven to be less of a risk to those with asthma and other allergenic reactions.
  • House: Greyhounds are very fastidious in their houses and very, very few will mess. Also, because they are used to napping the day away in their kennels and being let out for ‘business’ they will generally walk over to the door and pace a bit to tell you they need to go out.
  • Naughty: Lest we have you believing greyhounds are angelic animals, far above any misbehaviour, we ought to come clean and tell you that many greyhounds ‘acquire’ household items, which they hide in their beds. Beware; underclothes are a particular favourite...

Cat and Greyhound



  • Bony: Because they have such little body fat, greyhounds can’t tolerate hard surfaces or extremes of hot and cold. They will prefer a comfy sleeping area; your couch will do nicely and are strictly a House pet, not an outdoor one.

Pet Greyhound with Owner

Retired Greyhound Trust - Donations

The Retired Greyhound Trust / Greyhounds As Pets Programme is a bona fide registered charity (Registration No. CHY12127). We endeavour to do the very most in the areas of greyhound adoption and re-homing and for this reason donations are always very welcome.

Did you know that you may be eligible for tax exemptions on foot of donations of €500 or more to this charity? Talk to your financial adviser for further advice.

Click to donate

 

Stadia

Find your nearest Stadium.