Greyhounds are bred for racing and typically live a different lifestyle than your typical house pet. These dogs are kept in kennels when they’re not on the racetrack, are fed high-performance diets and will race until they are anywhere between two to five-years-old before they are considered no longer viable. Consider that these regal dogs live for up to fourteen years and you can see the need for a national adoption month. Greyhound fostering and adoption groups have stepped up and are taking care of re-homing these retired race dogs.
Greyhound facts
- They don’t need large yards, but fenced in yards are recommended
- They don’t require any more exercise than any other breed — they are happy with a long daily walk
- They are very mellow and are considered couch potatoes by their owners
- They require a special collar because their necks are wider than their heads
- They must be kept leashed because it only takes them three strides to reach top speed
- They can see up to a half a mile away
- They were originally bred as hunting dogs
- Be patient with them as it may take time for them to get accustomed to living in a home, walking on grass and navigating around furniture
- They quickly adapt to their new lives
There are many greyhound rescue and adoption organizations with whom you can work if you’d like to welcome a greyhound into your heart and your life.