Greyhounds

[Giselle]

If you adopt a greyhound from a good adoption group, chances are it's probably illegal to allow your dog off-lead in an unfenced area. Most, if not all, groups have a contract that requires you to keep your dog on a leash unless you are in a securely fenced-in area. No buts ands or ifs.

It's not necessarily true that all greyhounds are aloof with strangers. In fact, the contrary is true. One of the main reasons greys tend to make such wonderful therapy dogs is because they LOOOVE humans. They love ear rubs, kisses, hugs, and gentle pats. They live to be fawned over. Giselle has never met a stranger. Everybody she meets is an instant friend. However, these dogs are not Golden Retrievers. They show their affection in a much more reserved manner. They're also much more sensitive. There are many "spooky" or shy greyhounds and they take more time to trust a person, i.e. allow you to pet them. To the unexperienced person, this might seem like "aloofness". In most cases, it's just a normal part of greyhounds and their sensitivity.

For recommended reading:
Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan
Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood

As was mentioned previously, greys need comfy beds. Most often, this means your couch. Greys have funny ways of sleeping as you'll soon find out, so I would not recommend forking $100+ on a fancy schmancy bed. Chances are your dog would much rather sleep in the cat's bed. Case in point:


But since you asked about character, I'll answer accordingly. Greys, in a nutshell, are pure lovebugs. They're mellow creatures in the house and they love to be loved! They're large, goofy, sensitive dogs. And at the end of the day, there's nothing like a wet greyhound schnoz planted firmly on your lap.

Btw, is there a reason why you say "borzoid"? Is it an inside joke or something? At first I thought it was a typo, but now my curiousity is peaked

[borzoimom]

Aloof meaning- they do not fawn over guests ( a plus at the door meeting), like to be petting- but very low key. My guys do more pacing waiting for someone to come up the walk then once they get in the door.. lol. They love to be admired!
One more note- most of the sighthounds are sensitive to chemicals. Things like flea shampoos or treatments need to come from the vet. Do not use things like " Bio-Spot", Hertz etc. Mine do well on Frontline, but Advantage caused a reaction with Femka. If they apply one of those- the dog needs to be observed for several hours. Any signs of problems- drooling, shaking, vomiting, or staggering- WASH IT OFF IMMEDIATLY like with Dawn.
She also needs to understand, except for the Irish Wolfhound, sighthounds live a long time especially considering they are a " giant breed". I have met several greyhounds that were 15,16, and even two that were 17.
Their metabolism is fast too, so they need a good food with high digestable fat. And tell her to be prepared for statments like " boy the dog is too thin" and know it is natural to look " thin" compared to like a lab.. Accept what the vet says about the weight- not people that do not know the breed.

[mike001]

Aloof meaning- they do not fawn over guests ( a plus at the door meeting), like to be petting- but very low key. My guys do more pacing waiting for someone to come up the walk then once they get in the door.. lol. They love to be admired!
One more note- most of the sighthounds are sensitive to chemicals. Things like flea shampoos or treatments need to come from the vet. Do not use things like " Bio-Spot", Hertz etc. Mine do well on Frontline, but Advantage caused a reaction with Femka. If they apply one of those- the dog needs to be observed for several hours. Any signs of problems- drooling, shaking, vomiting, or staggering- WASH IT OFF IMMEDIATLY like with Dawn.
She also needs to understand, except for the Irish Wolfhound, sighthounds live a long time especially considering they are a " giant breed". I have met several greyhounds that were 15,16, and even two that were 17.
Their metabolism is fast too, so they need a good food with high digestable fat. And tell her to be prepared for statments like " boy the dog is too thin" and know it is natural to look " thin" compared to like a lab.. Accept what the vet says about the weight- not people that do not know the breed.

Well, I guess she really did pick the right breed. She loves to spend on coats and stuff for her dogs. And the longer lived the better as she falls apart when she loses a dog, meaning, literally falls apart. And she's just the right person to fawn over a dog all night. We've never had to use any of those medications or strong shampoos, for some reason fleas aren't prevalent here.
As for being aloof with strangers, that's the way Shepherds should be too. If they jump and lick every stranger you know you have a nervous shepherd, not desirable. As for food, she works for a dog food company but wants to feed raw. You feed raw don't you Borzoi??? Not to worry, the more fussing and spending she can do, the happier she is...lol...
And of course we are no different than anyone else, we do have leash laws and we obey then. But we are allowed to let then run free in an enclosed empty ball park or outdoor hockey rink in the summer.

[borzoimom]

Well, I guess she really did pick the right breed. She loves to spend on coats and stuff for her dogs. And the longer lived the better as she falls apart when she loses a dog, meaning, literally falls apart. And she's just the right person to fawn over a dog all night. We've never had to use any of those medications or strong shampoos, for some reason fleas aren't prevalent here.
As for being aloof with strangers, that's the way Shepherds should be too. If they jump and lick every stranger you know you have a nervous shepherd, not desirable. As for food, she works for a dog food company but wants to feed raw. You feed raw don't you Borzoi??? Not to worry, the more fussing and spending she can do, the happier she is...lol...
And of course we are no different than anyone else, we do have leash laws and we obey then. But we are allowed to let then run free in an enclosed empty ball park or outdoor hockey rink in the summer.

I will be more than happy to set her up on a raw diet. If you check out feeding raw, you will see the 4 step video which makes it easier for someone to start it. Or I can email you with it to forward to her.. Give me your email on pm only please or where I can send it..
I like peace in my life after all those years of having to think one step or 10 steps ahead of the shepherds- to me sighthounds are the best well kept secret.. I do miss having cats, but the love I received from my crew- I wouldnt change it for the world!