Valhala - can I ask you something?

[BettyTurnip]

I've seen your various posts on rescue dogs and would like your advice.

Do you think a retired/recue greyhound would make a good pet for a family with three young children - age 15m, 3yrs and 5yrs? I'm a SAHM, the eldest is at school, middle one at nursery 9-1pm and we have no other pets. Are greyhounds noted for being gentle and tolerant?

TIA.

[thesunshinesbrightly]

yes i think so, i have never known a nasty greyhound, they are all lovily i'm sure. phone the rescue i'm sure they will be able to give you some more information.

[thesunshinesbrightly]

i know i'm not who you wanted, but thought i'd say something anyway

[stleger]

We were suppose to get a greyhound, but ended up with a whippet/shetland cross because my dd2 was allowed to choose! The greyhounds in the rescue place were lovely, I know some people who only ever have greyhounds or lurchers. One of them has 3 children. The main issue with all the rescue dogs I know (ours included) is they go through a 'second puppyhood' when they arrive home, until they settle in.

[BettyTurnip]

All responses welcome

I'm going to make a few tentative enquiries but just wanted to sound out some opinions first. I might post another question with a less restrictive title actually.

[valhala]

Hi Betty.

Greyhounds do make gentle pets as a rule and certainly have a quiet elegance. But, like all dogs, the breed is far less relevent than the individual animal. Whilst we can generalise and say, for example, that collies need a lot of exercise or that St Bernards need less than a Whippet, what really counts is the attitude of each dog (I speak as the owner of a stroppy Lab and an-over friendly GSD.... but hang on, isn't that normally the other way round?!).

If I am brutally honest the one thing which concerns me is your question as to whether Greys are noted for their tolerance. I always get a bit worried when I hear this sort of remark as I think oh no, they're looking for a dog that the kids can "climb all over", which I would NEVER advocate. If - and forgive me please if this isn't the case, but IF you think that a dog in your home would have to display tolerance because the children could be a bit hands-on/full-on, I'd seriously advise that you hold back from owning a dog for a few years for the sake of all concerned.

That aside, the best thing to do is to consult many rescues, breed and all-breed, the big ones and independents and give yourself lots of time to ask questions and to ensure you have the perfect match.

A good rescue won't only neuter, vaccinate, chip etc but will also offer lifelong advice and support and will match you to the right dog - or be honest and say that they haven't got the right one for you, rather than encourage you to take anyone.

I'd also advise you to join the forum of LurcherLink as I'm sure you'll enjoy Kay's expert advice on all things pointy.

Good luck!

[BettyTurnip]

Thanks for your replies.

Stleger - how old were your children?

Valhala - no, the children would definitely not be allowed to climb all over the dog, pull its tail, poke eyes or ANYTHING like that. It wouldn't be there as a playmate or companion for them. I was meaning tolerance more for the general noise, 'busy'ness and activity which comes with having young children in the house.

Anyway, it may possibly be a moot point as I rang a greyhound rescue yesterday which does do home visits and careful matchmaking etc, and they won't rehome to families with children under 3yrs.

Speaking of stroppy Labs, we did go to meet an 18m Lab bitch who growled at the children as soon as they walked (quietly and calmly) through the door. I was as it was entirely different to other Labs I've met, so it certainly is down to individual dog and not 100% to the breed.

I'll have a look at LurcherLink. Thanks again.

[stleger]

My kids are teenagers. But my lurcher owning friends had them with small children (and ferrets too). But I agree the individual dog is more important than its breed!

[valhala]

Hi Betty and thanks for the reassurance. Sorry if I sounded rude but I'd hate to advocate that you took in a dog and then an overenthusiatic tot got bitten and the dog PTS, couldn't bear that on my conscience.

I get very peed off with a blanket rule from rescues - not all under 3's are allowed to behave badly with dogs, mine weren't and clearly yours won't be permitted to either. These damn rescues are losing potentially great homes and condemning dogs to death.

Do please have a word with LurcherLink as I'm sure that with a bit of patience you will find a sensible rescue or help from their members. My username there is "paulsspangle". If I can help or if you just want a chat, please do pm me.