Whippets and greyhounds

[gerbo]

We are starting to think seriously about adopting a rescue dog. I'm here to ask about whippets and greyhounds as from all my reading, they seem good breeds to have with children (mine are 11 and 13). They also look very beautiful, seem calm and like to sleep after walks...?

Can anyone with these dogs tell me if they think they're a good pet to have with children? Any information gratefully received. I have gleaned that they're a cliche 'great pet' on Mumsnet. I guess I'd like to ask for experiences of these breeds.

There seem to be a lot of these breeds and Lurchers too, in rescues I've investigated. Is there a reason for this? If they've been racers, so they want to zoom away on lead?

Any info gratefully received!

Ps we're up for good, short or pretty long walks and play but would prefer a calm dog. Does this sound right?!

My DSiL has had several fab lurchers and greyhounds, all rescues. The greyhounds have been lazy racers and I think the lurchers had been bread for hare coursing. The last rescue greyhound was very affectionate but had no idea how to play "fetch". That might be a "deal-breaker" with the children.

They are/were lovely dogs. Extremely lazy. They were selectively bred to sprint (and then they run out of steam). Admittedly they'd had spaniels before their first rescue, but DB had to collect DSiL and one dog after his first walk our of rescue. They all seem to have "mad rush arounds" in the early evening for about 10 minutes.

What else springs to mind? Greyhounds are massive. You need a fair sized house to accommodate a greyhound in front of the fire.

Depending on where you live, you probably can't let them off the lead unless you are rural and arable. DSiL has incurred some hefty vet bills for sticking up limbs after they have jumped hedges/fences in pursuit of squirrels/rabbits etc.