Rescue greyhounds at the mall today!

[manda99]

they are so awesome in person, aren't they?

i've heard they tend to get along only w/ other greys... is there any truth to that? anyone know?

[Kfamr]

Originally posted by manda99
i've heard they tend to get along only w/ other greys... is there any truth to that? anyone know?

I think it's probably how they're raised, same with any other dog.

[shais_mom]

Originally posted by manda99
they are so awesome in person, aren't they?

i've heard they tend to get along only w/ other greys... is there any truth to that? anyone know?

They tend to be ok with other dogs I believe but I do think they bond deeply with other greys. Most people I talk to say if they get another grey they will get 2!

[jcsperson]

Originally posted by manda99
they are so awesome in person, aren't they?

i've heard they tend to get along only w/ other greys... is there any truth to that? anyone know?

From birth to the end of their racing careers they have never been apart from other greyhounds. Unlike most puppies who are taken from their mothers at 8 weeks or so, greyhounds stay with their dams for three to six months and with their littermates for a year to 18 months. Their socialization is very much in greyhound culture, rather than the pack dynamics of a human/canine household.

Greyhounds are acclimated to humans throughout their puppyhood, but the pack dynamic is still canine. The boss is at first their dam and then the alpha of the litter after their dam leaves. This process is repeated again in the racing kennel. I think this upbringing makes them very observant of pack dynamics. As my "pack" has changed over the years with the passing of old greyhounds and the addition of younger ones, I'm always amazed at how quickly that dynamic is settled.

As far as other breeds are concerned, I'd be less concerned about bringing a greyhound into a new pack of non-greyhound breeds than a non-grey into a pack of greyhounds.

Greyhounds may not be familiar with other breeds, but they adapt quickly. It's important to work with a group experienced with adopting greyhounds into a variety of home situations so they can help you select the hound most likely to fit into your situation, even if that includes cats.