Post by Jane on Jul 13, 2011 7:11:45 GMT -5
Introduction
In sharing your home with a Greyhound you are following in the footsteps of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, medieval kings and queens and more and more modern dog lovers. The common perception of Greyhounds is one of dogs charging round a racetrack at high speed. In fact they are extremely laidback, intelligent, affectionate, loyal , require little exercise and are particularly good with children and elderly people. Greyhounds are welcomed into homes all around the world as pets. In Ireland they tend to be perceived as unsuitable as pets, due to myths about them being vicious, nervous, and un-trainable. However, thankfully this perception is slowly beginning to change and more and more Irish people have welcomed greyhounds into their homes as pets. Sadly they are also a neglected breed and many of those bred to race never get the chance to enjoy life once their racing career is over.
Appearance and Temperament
Greyhounds come in a variety of colours: black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours broken with white. Males are usually bigger and slightly taller than the females - the typical height of a dog measured at the shoulder is between 28"-30", bitches are around 27"-28". They are a pedigree breed and normally stay fit and healthy into their teens. In terms of temperament, there is little to choose from between the genders. The breed is typically intelligent, gentle, affectionate and even-tempered. They are quite laid back and docile, yet despite possessing remarkable stamina and endurance need only two twenty minute walks each day. They are often described as 'couch potatoes', requiring less exercise than average dogs. Most greyhounds walk quietly on a lead without pulling. Greyhounds get along with children, the elderly and often live happily with other pets, including cats.
Adapting to Home Life
Most retired racers have lived exclusively in kennels but will adapt extremely quickly to the more physically comfortable environment of your home. They may need house training, but if given regular opportunities to relieve themselves outside, they quickly learn appropriate behaviour - all dogs have a natural disinclination to soil their living area. Many rescue groups now place their greyhounds into foster homes where they begin to learn to adapt to life as a pet. Greyhounds are very sensitive and do not respond well to being shouted at or disciplined. If they are afraid they will not learn anything.
Feeding
Any dry complete food is fine for Greyhounds but it's best to avoid those with more than 20% protein. Greyhounds benefit from having their food lifted up off the floor. You can buy feeding stands to hold the food and water bowls at the right height or use an upturned bucket. This will also help to prevent digestive problems.
Greyhounds with your cat/other dogs
It is important to remember that not only greyhounds chase cats - so do many other dogs! Greyhounds are sighthounds and their instincts have been deliberately bred for chasing: they have been trained to chase something small that is moving. Humans might not even realise this because a greyhound may see something seen to be worth chasing that could be up to half a mile away. But just as Greyhounds show different degrees of competitiveness in a race, they show greater and lesser degrees of interest in small animals. Some greyhounds CAN AND DO LIVE WITH CATS. Even if your Greyhound is good with cats inside don’t be complacent outdoors. A neighbour’s cat in your garden could trigger the Greyhound’s chase instincts, as could cats encountered out on walks. You will be advised if the dog you are choosing is considered suitable to home with a cat and the rescue you are getting your dog from should provide you with all the information you require to safely introduce your new dog to your cat and enable them to live in harmony.
As a result of living in a racing kennel situation, Greyhounds are usually very friendly towards their own kind but can be unsure of other breeds to start with. It is important to socialise your dog with lots of other breeds so he builds up good associations with meeting them. Introductions should take place in a neutral area and should be calm and controlled. A dog training class is an excellent environment to socialise your Greyhound with other dogs. As mentioned above, Greyhounds who have been placed in foster homes while they await their new homes have already started to be introduced to other dogs and often cats, so the rescue you are choosing your dog from will be able to give you further information on how your Greyhound is with other dogs.
Greyhounds and Children
It is essential that when introducing any dog into a home where babies and small children are present, special care is taken. There is no exception with a greyhound. Children and babies should never be left unattended with the dog. Children must be educated to be calm and gentle with the dog and have respect for its needs and its bed. An escape place is an excellent idea, so when the dog has had enough, it can retreat to its own space. Greyhounds are people orientated, gentle, placid and docile but all breeds have a breaking point when taunted by children. Please teach children respect for your dog and soon they will be best of friends. Never let a child disturb a greyhound when it is asleep.
Sleep Time
Greyhounds love to sleep! They can sleep for up to 20 hours a day in racing kennels where there is little else for them to do. If nothing exciting is happening your Greyhound will probably be asleep! This is part of their appeal and means they fit in well with a working lifestyle. Greyhounds sleep deeply and it is important they are not suddenly startled awake. .Make sure your dog sleeps in a safe place on a soft bed well away from everyone, and children are told to leave him alone when he’s in his bed. The best way to wake your Greyhound is to call his name rather than touch him.
Exercise
Greyhounds are very flexible when it comes to exercise and are not referred to as ‘coach potatoes’ for nothing! On a rainy day, or a day when you are very busy, two 30-minute walks will be enough. If you want to go for longer walks at the weekend, though, your Greyhound will be happy to join you. Greyhounds are almost always good on the lead and are used to riding in cars. Avoid letting your dog exert himself directly before or after a big meal as this can be dangerous for his digestive system.
When taking a Greyhound out it's essential to have the necessary equipment. Greyhounds can slip their collars easily if you are not using the right kind. Use a wide collar designed for the breed and make sure that when you are outdoors it is tight enough. When the collar is up behind the ears you should be able to slip two fingers underneath it, no more. Indoors you can loosen the collar or replace it with a softer one. If you do this you should ensure you have ID tags on both collars.
Most Greyhounds are safest being kept on the lead. No matter how much your Greyhound loves you, once he is in hot pursuit of a squirrel or rabbit you will cease to exist, as will other obstacles like cars and barbed wire fences. After a good deal of training some Greyhounds will achieve a level of recall. It is essential to find safely fenced areas for any off lead time. Even if you can’t provide regular off-lead exercise, your Greyhound will still be having a wonderful life compared to what he is used to, especially if he’s an ex-racer. And by taking simple precautions you'll ensure he has a long as well as a happy life.
Health /Maintenance and Physical Care
Generally speaking Greyhounds are fit and healthy and are not prone to the genetic problems that affect many breeds. They have very little body fat and feel the cold, which is why many people use dog coats on colder days. Greyhounds can be wimps and if they get hurt they'll let you know. Any little knock can result in a scream. Don’t be overly alarmed, though, you only need to take notice is if they can actually remember which leg it was five minutes later!
Neutering/Spaying: All reputable rescues will only rehome a Greyhound who has been neutered/spayed. However, if you decide to adopt a Greyhound directly from a trainer, the Pound or from another source that has not been neutered, we strongly recommend this be done as soon as possible so as to prevent future unwanted pregnancies/unwanted mating. This also prevents problems in later life.
Skin and Coat: One of the best things about Greyhounds is their soft, short coat which can make them a perfect companion for people who suffer from asthma. They are clean dogs and require minimal grooming. You will find that by the time you get back from a walk any mud seems to have disappeared. However they really enjoy having their coat brushed with a grooming mitt or good brush with firm bristles. If they require a bath, ensure they are dried quickly and can lie down somewhere warm. Many Greyhounds have bare patches, especially on the bony prominences or on their rumps. This is usually due to poor bedding or ii the dog has been lying regularly on concrete or wet paddocks. Stress can often cause bare patches too. With good food, soft bedding and regular brushing, your dog’s coat will soon improve and look shiny and healthy. Some dogs may come with scars from their racing days. These, once healed, rarely give any trouble.
Ears: Ears should be checked regularly, as although ear infections are no more common with Greyhounds than other breeds, they can occur. Regular cleaning of the outer ear with cotton balls, plus warm salt water, will keep the ears free of wax that can trap germs leading to infection. Special wipes can also be purchased from pet stores and vets. If your dog is flapping their head and rubbing or pawing at their ear, and the problem persists, seek veterinarian advice. An infection will quickly be cleared up with antibiotic ointment or drops. Many Greyhounds are sensitive with their ears due to racing (due to tattoo checking) so take care when handling them.
Feet and Nails: The feet and nails have been very important to your Greyhound while they have been racing and need continuing care from you. Their nails will have been clipped short on a regular basis and you will notice they grow quickly. If your greyhound is walked on paths regularly that will probably be sufficient to ensure the nails do not grow too long. If your greyhound is not receiving exercise in places where their nails are worn down, once you have their trust, hold their feet firmly and gently clip a small amount from their nails straight across with sharp nail cutters. Alternatively, file with a nail file. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your dog’s nails, ask your vet! Check your Greyhounds pads, feet and legs for cuts after they have been exercising outdoors. This is particularly important if they have been running in a large area that you cannot examine completely. Sharp stones, sticks, thorns and glass can cause cuts or become embedded in the foot. Wash their feet in warm soapy water and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
We hope we have provided some useful information for anyone thinking of adopting a greyhound. There are many great rescue organisations across Ireland who often have Greyhounds in their care and there are a number who specialise solely in Greyhounds and Lurchers.
In sharing your home with a Greyhound you are following in the footsteps of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, medieval kings and queens and more and more modern dog lovers. The common perception of Greyhounds is one of dogs charging round a racetrack at high speed. In fact they are extremely laidback, intelligent, affectionate, loyal , require little exercise and are particularly good with children and elderly people. Greyhounds are welcomed into homes all around the world as pets. In Ireland they tend to be perceived as unsuitable as pets, due to myths about them being vicious, nervous, and un-trainable. However, thankfully this perception is slowly beginning to change and more and more Irish people have welcomed greyhounds into their homes as pets. Sadly they are also a neglected breed and many of those bred to race never get the chance to enjoy life once their racing career is over.
Appearance and Temperament
Greyhounds come in a variety of colours: black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours broken with white. Males are usually bigger and slightly taller than the females - the typical height of a dog measured at the shoulder is between 28"-30", bitches are around 27"-28". They are a pedigree breed and normally stay fit and healthy into their teens. In terms of temperament, there is little to choose from between the genders. The breed is typically intelligent, gentle, affectionate and even-tempered. They are quite laid back and docile, yet despite possessing remarkable stamina and endurance need only two twenty minute walks each day. They are often described as 'couch potatoes', requiring less exercise than average dogs. Most greyhounds walk quietly on a lead without pulling. Greyhounds get along with children, the elderly and often live happily with other pets, including cats.
Adapting to Home Life
Most retired racers have lived exclusively in kennels but will adapt extremely quickly to the more physically comfortable environment of your home. They may need house training, but if given regular opportunities to relieve themselves outside, they quickly learn appropriate behaviour - all dogs have a natural disinclination to soil their living area. Many rescue groups now place their greyhounds into foster homes where they begin to learn to adapt to life as a pet. Greyhounds are very sensitive and do not respond well to being shouted at or disciplined. If they are afraid they will not learn anything.
Feeding
Any dry complete food is fine for Greyhounds but it's best to avoid those with more than 20% protein. Greyhounds benefit from having their food lifted up off the floor. You can buy feeding stands to hold the food and water bowls at the right height or use an upturned bucket. This will also help to prevent digestive problems.
Greyhounds with your cat/other dogs
It is important to remember that not only greyhounds chase cats - so do many other dogs! Greyhounds are sighthounds and their instincts have been deliberately bred for chasing: they have been trained to chase something small that is moving. Humans might not even realise this because a greyhound may see something seen to be worth chasing that could be up to half a mile away. But just as Greyhounds show different degrees of competitiveness in a race, they show greater and lesser degrees of interest in small animals. Some greyhounds CAN AND DO LIVE WITH CATS. Even if your Greyhound is good with cats inside don’t be complacent outdoors. A neighbour’s cat in your garden could trigger the Greyhound’s chase instincts, as could cats encountered out on walks. You will be advised if the dog you are choosing is considered suitable to home with a cat and the rescue you are getting your dog from should provide you with all the information you require to safely introduce your new dog to your cat and enable them to live in harmony.
As a result of living in a racing kennel situation, Greyhounds are usually very friendly towards their own kind but can be unsure of other breeds to start with. It is important to socialise your dog with lots of other breeds so he builds up good associations with meeting them. Introductions should take place in a neutral area and should be calm and controlled. A dog training class is an excellent environment to socialise your Greyhound with other dogs. As mentioned above, Greyhounds who have been placed in foster homes while they await their new homes have already started to be introduced to other dogs and often cats, so the rescue you are choosing your dog from will be able to give you further information on how your Greyhound is with other dogs.
Greyhounds and Children
It is essential that when introducing any dog into a home where babies and small children are present, special care is taken. There is no exception with a greyhound. Children and babies should never be left unattended with the dog. Children must be educated to be calm and gentle with the dog and have respect for its needs and its bed. An escape place is an excellent idea, so when the dog has had enough, it can retreat to its own space. Greyhounds are people orientated, gentle, placid and docile but all breeds have a breaking point when taunted by children. Please teach children respect for your dog and soon they will be best of friends. Never let a child disturb a greyhound when it is asleep.
Sleep Time
Greyhounds love to sleep! They can sleep for up to 20 hours a day in racing kennels where there is little else for them to do. If nothing exciting is happening your Greyhound will probably be asleep! This is part of their appeal and means they fit in well with a working lifestyle. Greyhounds sleep deeply and it is important they are not suddenly startled awake. .Make sure your dog sleeps in a safe place on a soft bed well away from everyone, and children are told to leave him alone when he’s in his bed. The best way to wake your Greyhound is to call his name rather than touch him.
Exercise
Greyhounds are very flexible when it comes to exercise and are not referred to as ‘coach potatoes’ for nothing! On a rainy day, or a day when you are very busy, two 30-minute walks will be enough. If you want to go for longer walks at the weekend, though, your Greyhound will be happy to join you. Greyhounds are almost always good on the lead and are used to riding in cars. Avoid letting your dog exert himself directly before or after a big meal as this can be dangerous for his digestive system.
When taking a Greyhound out it's essential to have the necessary equipment. Greyhounds can slip their collars easily if you are not using the right kind. Use a wide collar designed for the breed and make sure that when you are outdoors it is tight enough. When the collar is up behind the ears you should be able to slip two fingers underneath it, no more. Indoors you can loosen the collar or replace it with a softer one. If you do this you should ensure you have ID tags on both collars.
Most Greyhounds are safest being kept on the lead. No matter how much your Greyhound loves you, once he is in hot pursuit of a squirrel or rabbit you will cease to exist, as will other obstacles like cars and barbed wire fences. After a good deal of training some Greyhounds will achieve a level of recall. It is essential to find safely fenced areas for any off lead time. Even if you can’t provide regular off-lead exercise, your Greyhound will still be having a wonderful life compared to what he is used to, especially if he’s an ex-racer. And by taking simple precautions you'll ensure he has a long as well as a happy life.
Health /Maintenance and Physical Care
Generally speaking Greyhounds are fit and healthy and are not prone to the genetic problems that affect many breeds. They have very little body fat and feel the cold, which is why many people use dog coats on colder days. Greyhounds can be wimps and if they get hurt they'll let you know. Any little knock can result in a scream. Don’t be overly alarmed, though, you only need to take notice is if they can actually remember which leg it was five minutes later!
Neutering/Spaying: All reputable rescues will only rehome a Greyhound who has been neutered/spayed. However, if you decide to adopt a Greyhound directly from a trainer, the Pound or from another source that has not been neutered, we strongly recommend this be done as soon as possible so as to prevent future unwanted pregnancies/unwanted mating. This also prevents problems in later life.
Skin and Coat: One of the best things about Greyhounds is their soft, short coat which can make them a perfect companion for people who suffer from asthma. They are clean dogs and require minimal grooming. You will find that by the time you get back from a walk any mud seems to have disappeared. However they really enjoy having their coat brushed with a grooming mitt or good brush with firm bristles. If they require a bath, ensure they are dried quickly and can lie down somewhere warm. Many Greyhounds have bare patches, especially on the bony prominences or on their rumps. This is usually due to poor bedding or ii the dog has been lying regularly on concrete or wet paddocks. Stress can often cause bare patches too. With good food, soft bedding and regular brushing, your dog’s coat will soon improve and look shiny and healthy. Some dogs may come with scars from their racing days. These, once healed, rarely give any trouble.
Ears: Ears should be checked regularly, as although ear infections are no more common with Greyhounds than other breeds, they can occur. Regular cleaning of the outer ear with cotton balls, plus warm salt water, will keep the ears free of wax that can trap germs leading to infection. Special wipes can also be purchased from pet stores and vets. If your dog is flapping their head and rubbing or pawing at their ear, and the problem persists, seek veterinarian advice. An infection will quickly be cleared up with antibiotic ointment or drops. Many Greyhounds are sensitive with their ears due to racing (due to tattoo checking) so take care when handling them.
Feet and Nails: The feet and nails have been very important to your Greyhound while they have been racing and need continuing care from you. Their nails will have been clipped short on a regular basis and you will notice they grow quickly. If your greyhound is walked on paths regularly that will probably be sufficient to ensure the nails do not grow too long. If your greyhound is not receiving exercise in places where their nails are worn down, once you have their trust, hold their feet firmly and gently clip a small amount from their nails straight across with sharp nail cutters. Alternatively, file with a nail file. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your dog’s nails, ask your vet! Check your Greyhounds pads, feet and legs for cuts after they have been exercising outdoors. This is particularly important if they have been running in a large area that you cannot examine completely. Sharp stones, sticks, thorns and glass can cause cuts or become embedded in the foot. Wash their feet in warm soapy water and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
We hope we have provided some useful information for anyone thinking of adopting a greyhound. There are many great rescue organisations across Ireland who often have Greyhounds in their care and there are a number who specialise solely in Greyhounds and Lurchers.