When a person thinks about bringing a new furry family member into their home, the more common options will usually be researched first. The newspaper ads for expensive puppies will be quickly skimmed and of course, a visit to the local animal shelter is always a good idea. What some may not know is that there is another option available to a person or family with an empty corner in a loving home.

Why Should Greyhound Adoption Be Considered?

There has always been great debate and controversy surrounding the greyhound racing industry in the United States. Some dogs are abused during their short careers and some are well taken care of. Some are given up to adoption agencies, along with a few tears from an attached kennel owner. In some cases, greyhounds are killed or left to die in very inhumane ways when they stop performing well enough. The fact still remains that these racing dogs have rarely had the one-on-one connection to any one person or family that most other dogs with normal lives have the privilege of experiencing. Greyhounds are usually packed into small kennels, or cages, and stacked on top of each other in a holding area. There’s not a whole lot of time between races for human interaction and bonding. That is where you come in!

It's Not For Everyone

But is a greyhound right for you? Greyhounds are gentle and loyal creatures who want nothing more than food, an occasional treat and one caring person, or five caring people, to snuggle up with. If an outdoor dog is what you have in mind, this is not the dog for you. Greyhounds have very thin skin and virtually no body fat to keep them warm. However, contrary to what you might think, greyhounds only need minimal exercise. A few good walks a week should keep your hound happy. And if it’s possible, a good run every now and then. Greyhounds even make great apartment pets if the time is available for several potty breaks during the day. If you need a quiet dog, a greyhound is a close as you can get! They rarely bark. They are also usually great with other pets and with children, but be sure to check with your local greyhound shelter to be sure. Most shelters do fairly extensive child and cat testing on each hound they receive. As with any breed, when considering a retired racer as a family pet, there are some medical predispositions to consider. For instance, greyhounds are known for having bad teeth, they are sometimes intolerant of normal forms of anesthesia, and they are predisposed to a treatable eye disease known as Pannus. Further questions about greyhound health quirks can be answered by your veterinarian.