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.

[zoomer]

They're extremely gentle & very social. They're couch potatoes and think they're lap dogs. Never let one off lead unless they're in a high fenced area because if they see a squirrel or something they'll take off, even if they're oh so well trained, don't even try it. Dry food is recommended for greyhounds by some rescues... like this one...http://www.adoptagreyhound.com. They're very good with kids but wouldn't suggest having any smaller animals in the house because they do tend to chase all small animals. They tolerate heat well but not cold. Keep them inside as much as you can if the cold is heavy, and if not, have a coat on them. They need a calm enviorment and plenty of time outdoors. They need lots of space to run, a big backyard. If given that space they will often excersize themselves. They're grooming is low. They require occasional brushing and nail care. They are sensitive, sweet, and elegent. They do not tolerate physical scolding well.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Okay, I thought of another ? but now I can't remember it . Soooo, I know you have Lucky along with Giselle, but honestly, with the 2 cats and Lily I don't know if any in the current 5 years or so would work out =/. What do you think?

[bckrazy]

=P Um, what about Roxy, as well?

I honestly am not sure. I know a handful of Greys, none of which live with cats or small animals. I'm sure that would be a huge challenge. I would love a Greyhound, but I know they are for special people, and I really enjoy playing with my dogs at the lake and the park which are not comlpetely fenced... and I know it'd be unfair to have a Grey that wasn't exercised safely. If I had a massive, all grass, fenced yard (like a few acres) I would definitely feel more comfortable looking into adopting a Greyhound. Our yard is like an acre, but only half of that is flat and grassy. They really, really love & need to run in open spaces. As far as my home, that would definitely fit a Grey, because Fozzie & Gonzo are couch potatoes while they're inside, and they both stay indoors all day except when playing in the yard, at the park, or going on walks. I would never, ever keep a Greyhound outside for an extended period of time, or alone... they are not built to withstand dips in temperatures.

Wth is up with the dry food comment? Gissey obviously does pretty well with Raw!

[Roxyluvsme13]

=P Um, what about Roxy, as well?

I honestly am not sure. I know a handful of Greys, none of which live with cats or small animals. I'm sure that would be a huge challenge. I would love a Greyhound, but I know they are for special people, and I really enjoy playing with my dogs at the lake and the park which are not comlpetely fenced... and I know it'd be unfair to have a Grey that wasn't exercised safely. If I had a massive, all grass, fenced yard (like a few acres) I would definitely feel more comfortable looking into adopting a Greyhound. Our yard is like an acre, but only half of that is flat and grassy. They really, really love & need to run in open spaces. As far as my home, that would definitely fit a Grey, because Fozzie & Gonzo are couch potatoes while they're inside, and they both stay indoors all day except when playing in the yard, at the park, or going on walks. I would never, ever keep a Greyhound outside for an extended period of time, or alone... they are not built to withstand dips in temperatures.

Wth is up with the dry food comment? Gissey obviously does pretty well with Raw!

Well, I was thinking of Roxy, too, . They would def. HAVE to get along so I could walk them together and let them play together, hopefully.

I easily have the time to walk a Grey, Roxy, too, of course. I'm wishing I could get a fenced yard, and basically that's one of the things holding me back from getting one. Of course, Roxy living atleast 8 hours a day isn't going to put us as the best pet owners, and they do do home visits.. Eh, my mom said she doesn't want one anyways, I'd even be willing to rehome some bettas to put more time and dedication to the dogs.

[Suki Wingy]

I have to say 2 things, 1. walks are NOT just for exerscize, they're for interaction and stimulation, the sights, sounds, smells, etc.
2. I you may not know the whole story, so don't be so quick to judge. Bri may provide the best home, or she may not but don't judge someone over the internet. My own mother has called me a hoarder, seriously, and it's not something to joke around with, it can hurt if you're not.

[animal_rescue]

I have to say 2 things, 1. walks are NOT just for exerscize, they're for interaction and stimulation, the sights, sounds, smells, etc.
2. I you may not know the whole story, so don't be so quick to judge. Bri may provide the best home, or she may not but don't judge someone over the internet. My own mother has called me a hoarder, seriously, and it's not something to joke around with, it can hurt if you're not.

I have to agree, I was very upset when MY mom told me I was a hoarder..

[Roxyluvsme13]

I have to say 2 things, 1. walks are NOT just for exerscize, they're for interaction and stimulation, the sights, sounds, smells, etc.
2. I you may not know the whole story, so don't be so quick to judge. Bri may provide the best home, or she may not but don't judge someone over the internet. My own mother has called me a hoarder, seriously, and it's not something to joke around with, it can hurt if you're not.

1. Yes I know, that's why I provide plenty of playtime if I can't walk her.

2. Thank you! I am not an animal hoarder, and I take that in very high offense. Animal hoarders are people who don't give a da** about their animals, and I do. I wouldn't have them if I didn't.