Anyone have a greyhound - what are they like?

[GooseyLoosey]

Thinking of rescuing an ex-racer. Anyone got any experience of what they are like as family pets?

Bump.

Hello
Dunno about family pet but my SIL (no kids yet) has one and I was surprised about how MASSIVE he is - sort of has to reverse out of tight spaces

He does seem very docile though and very lanky when he runs.

Thanks.

You're right, they are huge - I was surprised by the size of this one and he has teeth that would make Jaws envious! That said, he seems as soppy as can be.

Um we have three

Although it is impossible to be completely precise about any dog, as much will depend on individual idiosyncrasies - here are the main things:-

Typically live to their mid teens, and although pedigrees are not subject to many health problems. If you do have one, make sure the vet is familiar with them, as their processing of anaesthetics and some drugs is different because of the very low levels of body fat. Because of the low body fat, they need a coat in the winter and a soft bed to cushion all the bony bits. Generally every pointy I know quickly colonises sofas and beds - if that is an issue for you, probably not the dog for you.
They have very short hair, so are good if like my DH you have asthma or allergies. But they DO shed, and need baths, and regular grooming. They vary in size, males usually larger than females - our two males are enormous but quite happy to curl up on sofa. You may need to think about transport but if you already have a child friendly vehicle that should be fine. Usually when they come off the track they are used to travelling by car, walk very well on the lead and are semi housetrained - ours "got it" within two days. Will need to be introduced to stairs, hoovers and washing machines although many rescues foster them first so they can help them get used to living in a house. They are not bouncy, fussy dogs - if you want something like a terrier or another breed that is always up for a play and seeking attention then not the dog for you. Greys usually sleep a lot in the day, have short bursts of activitiy then return to their sofa/cushion of choice. Some do have issues with chasing things if they have high prey drives although many can cohabit happily with other pets including small fluffy dogs, and even cats. However, recall is not their strong point and you will need to be always aware of their chase instint and ensure they only play off lead where it is safe to do so.
Also they are completely addictive, being gentle, funny, aristocratic and very photogenic - you will be living with the supermodel of the dog world. Please feel free to ask any more questions - happy to help!

Would like to add a couple of extra points. Most vets these days do understand their needs - just that it is always good to ask. Also there is a network of greyhound charities across the country - a quick Google will bring up loads. As with any reputable rescue,they will insist on doing a homecheck before allowing adoption.
Key points to think about are your fencing - this is a real issue of safety for the dog and many rescues will not adopt out to families with kids under 5 although it is difficult to be exact as much depends on the number/nature of children and your prior experience with dogs/other factors. They can be brilliant with SN kids and autistic kids, partly because they are so quiet and gentle. All reputable rescues will do a great deal to ensure you are matched with the right dog for you and for your circumstances, will offer a great deal of support and will do follow up visits to see how you are all getting on. Dogs being adopted will be chipped and neutered. They will not let you adopt if you are planning on working the dog or keeping it outside. Most charities have lots of family friendly activities such as regular walks and get togethers - many do greyhound playdates where needlenoses all get together and have off lead play somewher like a riding school. You will find yourself with a huge community of like minded enthusiasts. Sadly, you will need to be VERY vigilant about theft - I endorse Valhalla's recent posts about this. Greyhounds can be used for working a variety of quarry and on flapping tracks with no questions asked so can be valuable. The other sad thing is that you will inevitably find out more about the racing industry and some of the downsides of that - but by adopting a dog you will be part of the solution in a small way, which is enormously satisfying. Will stop here -as you probably tell, am quite keen on them.

My MIL has a greyhound, a former racer. She is a really lovely dog.

She is not an exuberant dog, she doesn't jump up or get excited, but seems to float through life serenely. Likes to be stroked and petted but doesn't demand attention. Has a lovely nature.

I was quite concerned when MIL said she was getting an ex racer as I thought they would have little social skills, but she has adapted very well and has a wonderful nature.

If I ever got a dog I would seriously consider a greyhound.

MIL's dog is not too large at all, perhaps the boys are bigger,.

we had ex-racers when I was growing up.
Scuttlebutter has them down to a tee.

The dogs we had were calm and docile, and generally to be found on beds/sofas. The dogs we had were also hard to recall, so we could only let them off the lead in secure fenced fields. One of them would chase anything small, from cats to yorkshire terriers, and so again we had to be very careful where we excercised her. I would have one tomorrow, but I think our cats would strongly object.

I have one, a girl. Boys are definetly bigger though she is still quite big, just the right height for grabbing food off the table/worktop. Be warned they are quite food obsessed, don't leave the room to answer the phone, etc and leave food on the table. IME it won't be there when you come back!

Mine is very laid back, sleeps all day apart from walks or until she hears the fridge door being opened. She is good with the pet cats and the chickens. She walks off lead no problem and has good recall - even if she starts chasing a rabbit she will come back if called. I think thats unusual though.

They're prone to dental problems, mine had her teeth cleaned 2 years ago under GA and I think it needs doing again. She has bad breath now and her gums look sore.

She's very good with DD. No agression at all.

Ooh - thanks all.

The one we are looking at is male and at the big end of the spectrum. My main concern is that we have a 5 bar gate at the end of the drive which is clearly not high enough to stop him getting out. How high can they jump?

I gather that they are quite "placid". No problem with that, but the kids would clearly like a dog who will play with them sometimes. Do they do that - run after balls in the garden and play tug?

I have been told 2 20 min walks a day will be enough as they are bred for short intense exercise. I understand the short bit, but it won't exactly be intense - so is that really enough for them?

Finally, my house gets quite cold in winter and I never leave the heating on over night. I understand that you can get fleeces for them but how warm do they need to be?

Thanks again - quite excited about him now!

thanks stripey, we are at the early staegs of thinking about an ex racer as our next dog - reassuring they can settle with chickens.
Is the fencing a serious problem, we live in the country and our garden/fields are not dog proof - would be impossibly expensive due to the size - we have trained our current lab to stay on the premises provided the gate is shut, possible? or a real sticking point?

You can buy them house jumpers if you're worried how cold they'll be at night. I don't have heating on at night and mine has been fine.

RGT said to me I needed a 6ft fence/gate/hedge all way round garden.

Loshad - its hard for me to say if it would be ok or not without knowing how un dog proof your garden is. Your local greyhound rehoming place will come and do a home inspection and advise you if your garden isn't secure enough. I think with most greyhounds the temptation of a passing cat may be too much if they can get out and chase it.

Do they play at all (wouldn't need to be much)?

They don't really play much. She wouldn't chase a ball or play tug. If you run round the garden clapping your hands she thinks thats great fun and goes crazy running round the place.

Hi Goosey, Yes they do play, but quite often are not good at/interested in fetching things - they've not been bred or trained for it, and can't really see the point! As they've been working dogs,the idea of play is often a strange one to begin with, and one of the joys of owning them is basically teaching them how to have fun and be goofy with toys. Ours have short bursts of activity - we play with them with certain toys and enjoy watching them chase about - they also love being tickled and stroked. One of ours has a particular toy our nephews got him and likes to sleep with it - looks really sweet.

Our charity also recommends a 6ft solid fence - we helped a friend on the weekend, her grey (now renamed Houdini) was getting through a hedge and chicken wire so DH was putting up extra fence panels for her. Loshad, most reputable greyhound charities simply will not rehome to you unless you can demonstrate a secure garden area - rightly in my view.

In the winter, ours wear housecoats at night - a light fleece coat just to keep them warm. It's also not unknown for them to end op on the bed having a snuggle where it's cosy .

That sounds fine - the kids don't really have any expectations how he will play - they just want him to interact with them a bit.

The security may be a problem. Most of the garden has a 10ft stone wall around it, so no problem there. There is however a 5 bar gate and I think I would need planning permission for a taller one. If I put chicken wire along the top, would that keep him in? I am struggling to think of any other solutions.

What a lovely thread. One of the most under-rated breeds out there, IMO. Often completely misunderstood and overlooked but some of the best family pets imaginable. And for reascue dogs some truly excellent rehoming organisations out there, offering genuinely ongoing support for new owners.

Pointy dogs are fab - so graceful and dignified but also hilariously goofy, comical and mischievous. My sleek, graceful Saluki-cross bitch completely forgetting herself and try to catch a kite, yelping and leaping into the air, is one of the funniest things I've ever seen

Top tip for winter (or any time of year really) - they really love to be tucked in, so give them an old duvet or similar which you can cover them up with at night

For those of you who like greyhounds here he is.

[swoon]

Goosey, can completely understand! He's gorgeous! TDD - sounds like a fellow addict. Did I also mention that it is almost impossible to stop at one?

Glad you like him. Dh and the dcs went to see him today at the kennel - they all came away in love with him. We just need to come up with a solution for the gate.

My ddog is half whippet - result of taking dd2 to choose a rescue greyhound, she wanted the mini one! They are lovely dogs, they smile. And the speed is incredible, my lad races anyone he can find in the park.

Another Greyhound owner here. (Think have a pic in profile)
Agree with everything that has been said.
Don't think anyone has warned you of the terrible smelling wind they do seem to suffer from! And they poo a lot and huge poos at that lol!

Mine took over the sofa pretty quickly!
He loves anything that squeaks and will play fetch sometimes!
He has a duvet in the winter which he gets under at night. Very funny to watch him getting himself under the duvet.
He gets on quite well with our latest addition, a 1yr old Jack Russell.
As someone else mentioned, their height is just perfect for worktops and we have to be careful about leaving food anywhere because he will steal it including out of kids hands if they look away as he passes by! He is so quick at nicking the food but luckily takes it quite gently!
I brush his teeth a few times a week because of the dental problems they are prone to(and his bad breath!)
If i had a bigger house i would love another Grey. He is the most adorable dog.

To add to the gate query, our gates aren't 6 ft and RGT approved the garden. He has never attempted to jump the gate (to lazy i think!) even when the rabbit was in the run. He used to stand by the gate whining or barking (Rare for greyhounds to bark too) at it. (Rabbit sadly dies recently)

Good to hear that about the gate - ours is just a standard 5 bar and I think I would struggle to get it up to 6 ft, although could put some chicken wire across the top.

I have been looking at greyhound accessiories - there is so much stuff you can buy for them!