Greyhound Information =)

[Roxyluvsme13]

I'm planning on rescuing a Greyhound in the future. Anybody have some info about them for me? (and I mean farrrrrr into the future, I'm just doing my research now)

I already know they must be indoor dogs, they require 1/4 of anestehsia(sp?) as a normal dog their size would, they have to wear martingale collars, they require daily excersize or a fenced yard, and that they're very sensitive to certain flea medications.

Giselle, I'm really hoping you see this since you own a grey .

[dogzr#1]

Hello Bri long time no see . Well as I've told you before, I don't know anything you don't know. Just wanted to wish you luck in finding all the info you need.

[Karen]

Never let one off leash in an area that is not fenced in, as they are sight-hounds, so if something catches their eye, the "chase" instinct kicks in, and they can be deaf to your cries of Stay! or anything else.

While they love a good run, they also, even more, adore couch time.

If you get a rescue, ask lots of questions about what the dog has and has not experienced. Some get freaked out by grass, if they've never been off-track much, some have no idea how to navigate stairs ...

[Roxyluvsme13]

Never let one off leash in an area that is not fenced in, as they are sight-hounds, so if something catches their eye, the "chase" instinct kicks in, and they can be deaf to your cries of Stay! or anything else.

While they love a good run, they also, even more, adore couch time.

If you get a rescue, ask lots of questions about what the dog has and has not experienced. Some get freaked out by grass, if they've never been off-track much, some have no idea how to navigate stairs ...

Okay, thanks, Karen .

[Giselle]

One website that will answer all your questions: GreyTalk.com

But I'll try to sum it up for you

Karen was right. Greys can not be let off leash unless in a fenced area. This will most likely be written into your contract so if you do, it's going to be a breach of contract. The whole on/off-leash topic is highly debated, but it'd be safest to err on the side of caution.

As you've noticed, Greys are quite unique from other dogs. Thus, it'd be preferred to find a vet that has prior experience in Greys and similar sighthounds. This will require a bit of research on your part because some vets don't understand the intricacies of Greys. For example, Greys have terribly thin skin. What may start as a small, superficial nick on Grey can turn into an open gash that would require stitches. Because of a Greyhound's thin skin and coat, they will need a coat if you live in a colder area. My rule of thumb is, if I'm cold, my Greyhound probably is, too. When it hits 40-45 degrees F, I'll put a light coat on Giselle. You can easily find coat and collar merchants here: clicky

Don't worry about the flea med sensitivity. As long as you use reputable brands like Advantage and Frontline, your dog should not exhibit any intolerance. Actually, I don't even use these meds on Giselle. Her coat is so thin and easy to groom that I have never seen a tick or flea on her.

Karen also mentioned how Greys are usually not exposed to "home life". Up until the dog has entered foster care, s/he has most likely never been exposed to stairs, linoleum floors, glass doors, etc. However, if you find a good adoption group, they will have exposed the Greyhound to all of these and more. They will also have cat-tested the Grey to see if it is compatible with cats. Otherwise, many Greys have a rather high prey drive and WILL chase and kill the household cat, even if the two have been co-existing peacefully for years. Just a few months ago, one of the adopters from my group had her cat killed by her Grey.

I can't think of much else that hasn't been mentioned, but if you'd like me to go into more detail, please don't hesitate to ask!

[Roxyluvsme13]

One website that will answer all your questions: GreyTalk.com

But I'll try to sum it up for you

Karen was right. Greys can not be let off leash unless in a fenced area. This will most likely be written into your contract so if you do, it's going to be a breach of contract. The whole on/off-leash topic is highly debated, but it'd be safest to err on the side of caution.

As you've noticed, Greys are quite unique from other dogs. Thus, it'd be preferred to find a vet that has prior experience in Greys and similar sighthounds. This will require a bit of research on your part because some vets don't understand the intricacies of Greys. For example, Greys have terribly thin skin. What may start as a small, superficial nick on Grey can turn into an open gash that would require stitches. Because of a Greyhound's thin skin and coat, they will need a coat if you live in a colder area. My rule of thumb is, if I'm cold, my Greyhound probably is, too. When it hits 40-45 degrees F, I'll put a light coat on Giselle. You can easily find coat and collar merchants here: clicky

Don't worry about the flea med sensitivity. As long as you use reputable brands like Advantage and Frontline, your dog should not exhibit any intolerance. Actually, I don't even use these meds on Giselle. Her coat is so thin and easy to groom that I have never seen a tick or flea on her.

Karen also mentioned how Greys are usually not exposed to "home life". Up until the dog has entered foster care, s/he has most likely never been exposed to stairs, linoleum floors, glass doors, etc. However, if you find a good adoption group, they will have exposed the Greyhound to all of these and more. They will also have cat-tested the Grey to see if it is compatible with cats. Otherwise, many Greys have a rather high prey drive and WILL chase and kill the household cat, even if the two have been co-existing peacefully for years. Just a few months ago, one of the adopters from my group had her cat killed by her Grey.

I can't think of much else that hasn't been mentioned, but if you'd like me to go into more detail, please don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you soooo much! I absolutely can't wait to get a Grey. At the time we do have 2 cats, so now wouldn't be a good time unless I kept them entirely separated, right? What about Lily? Do you think a Grey and Lily would get along okay? Roxy, too, seeing as I would be walking them together.

[GreyhoundGirl]

They don't slobber ! ( my favourite reason ! ( joking ! ) )
They look you in the eye when you speak to them.

There are thousands of them needing homes.

They are great with kids, and walk away instead of fighting. ( usually )

They're ADORABLE !!!! ( I had to say that. )

I would check out adopt-a-greyhound and http://www.greyhoundpets.org/chapters1.htm

I'll update as I think of more things.

P.S. I have a question, I was thinking of making a new thread for it, but as you have already captured the greyhound-lovers attention.

Q: What are the phisical abilities of a greyhound? I was thinking of teaching Jenny " sit up pretty" but I'm not sure if her hind legs could handle it.

[areias]

Great info, I am also looking into greyhound rescue.

I know that they can shed a lot, don't let the short coat fool you. They can also have teeth problems, and need regular tooth brushings to keep up with the diseases of the mouth. Supposedly, for a lot of them house training is really easy (with the help of a crate) because they are generally 'kennel trained', meaning they won't mess their kennels.

You need to be careful where you have them sleep, as hard surfaces (a metal crate w/o a blanket, linoleum/tile/hardwood floors) because they are inclined to get pressure sores. If you board them at a kennel, make sure they are aware of this fact! I've seen many dogs come from boarding kennels who had no idea.

I also know a grey who is terrified of ceiling fans, you cannot have him in a room with one that is turned on or he panics.