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Thinking Of Getting a Greyhound

15 replies

happymandy · 26/02/2011 15:25

Hi I have been thinking about adopting a rescue greyhound for many months as I will be moving into a better area I would like to get one do any one have a greyhound? and what are they like as a pet? does anyone who where to get a resue one from Thanks for all your help

OP posts:
CalamityKate · 26/02/2011 15:29

I haven't had one - I had a Lurcher but from what I've heard they're much the same. IE - gentle, touch sensitive (expect shrieks if you even look as if you MIGHT step on their tail) and need far less exercise than you'd think. Being sprinters by design, they tend to move in short bursts rather than be on the go all day.

I used to work at a stables and my Lurcher used to come with me to the field for the first lesson of the day, where he'd run like a loony for 3 minutes. He would then spend the rest of the day under the desk, sound asleep.

On my days off he spend his days in his armchair, pretending to be stuffed. Ideal lazy person's dog Grin

Vallhala · 26/02/2011 15:33

I know loads of greyhound rescues - whereabouts are you? That way I'll be better placed to advise.

I can thoroughly recommend them as pets but to be fair I've only dog-sat/dog-walked and fostered Greys. Our resident Greys expert is ScuttleButter, who I haven't seen about for a couple of days so perhaps on top of the helpful advice from lots of other people who know Greyhounds better than I do you might like to pm her. I'm sure she'll be happy to advise.

Outside of MN my own contacts for Greyhound advice are Trudy of Greyt Exploitations campaign group, Helen at Greyhound Crusaders ampaign group (both are activists who own Greys and can be found by Googling, I'm posting from my phone right now), and Tony Peters of Greyhound Action.

Tortoise · 26/02/2011 15:41

I have a greyhound. He came from Retired greyhound trust. Google it to find local branch. Lovely dogs, great with kids and very lazy! Downside can be their wind but luckily my dog isn't too bad. He is a bugger for stealing food, perfect height for reaching the work tops!

Vallhala · 26/02/2011 15:43

And yes, it's true, they are gentle souls who don't require miles of exercise!

I see you're in Swindon, in which case I'd suggest West of England Greyhound Rescue (don't know them just know of them), Bristol Cats and Dogs Home, which is RSPCA run, Bath Cats and Dogs Home (also RSPCA) and to Google then turn to Helen of Greyhound Crusaders and South Western Animal Protection (SWAP) campaign groups for advice on reputable local rescue - she knows them all, I'd think.

Vallhala · 26/02/2011 15:45

Plus South West Sighthounds and, i've just been told, Swindon Retired Greyhound Trust. :)

HTH

CalamityKate · 26/02/2011 16:09

You see quite a few on leads round here, often being walked by older people, and now I think of it I don't think I've EVER seen a Greyhound pulling on the lead. No idea why. Maybe it's because they're older and more sedate, having been retired from racing.

happymandy · 26/02/2011 16:55

Thank you all so much for that I am so looking forward to get my own Greyhound after I have move to Wroughton near Swindon.

OP posts:
happymandy · 26/02/2011 17:00

Hi what food does a greyhound eat I was told they cant have dog meat because it gives them worms does any one know thanks

OP posts:
emptyshell · 26/02/2011 17:29

I'd love one (if I ever found a cat-friendly one near here I'd be sorely tempted except we're broke at the moment) - the ones that walk around here are so utterly utterly gentle and dignified with their mannerisms... and incredibly bemused when my dog in his eternal optimism tries to challenge them to a game of chasies.

Tortoise · 26/02/2011 17:44

Mine only pulls if he spots a cat! Then he barks madly at it! The only thing I was told about their food is that it needs to be low in protein. I try to keep under 20%. Tuna is a popular treat for my grey.

I want to win the lottery and buy a big house to have room for more greyhounds! One plus 4 dc and a jrt is enough in our small house!

Scuttlebutter · 26/02/2011 18:08

Hi Happy Mandy, having a greyhound is greyt!! They are affectionately known as 40 mph couch potatoes which is a good indicator as they are either going flat out or are lying upside down on the sofa with their legs in the air. Most are very gentle, sensitive dogs and as others have said are true drama queens. When they come off the track they are excellent on the lead, used to travelling so very good in the car. They are long lived for big dogs - often to 15 or 16 and generally very healthy though they often need their teeth looked at when they come off the track.

Downsides - they are very addictive. Few people stop with one - we now have three. Grin Some have what is called a "high prey drive" - this means they will try to chase small furry creatures like squirrels, rabbits and unfortunately things like cats and Yorkshire terriers. Lots of dogs chase cats but greyhounds are fast enough to catch them. I must stress NOT all greyhounds do this - when you adopt from a rescue they will talk to you about this and many will "cat test" dogs before homing and many greys live happily with cats, rabbits etc. You just should be aware of this.

Also, recall is NOT their strong point. When any sighthound sees somethign that attracts their attention they will be deaf to owner and will simply take off, very, very fast. If there is a road in the way they won't even see it - so as an owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you only let them off the lead where it is safe to do so - this is really important and any good charity will go over this with you. Because of this, your greyhound should nver be walked on one of those extendable leads or a narrow collar - they must wear either a martingale collar or a traditional leather greyhound collar, with a proper lead.

Diet - same as any other dog, proportionate to their size. Like any dog, you should worm them regularly. Someone is talking bollocks to you by the sound of it when saying dog food gives worms??? We are in the process of going over to BARF diet, but any good kibble will be fine such as James Wellbeloved. They enjoy bones and these are good for their teeth. Because they are often so tall, make sure your kitchen is tidy - we learned this the hard way!! V talented food thieves!

They hate rain and cold and you should have a coat for them for walking in cold weather - no body fat and a thin natural coat so important to keep them warm. They will take over your sofa and beds - love soft warm comfortable environments.

I would wholeheartedly recommend either South West Sighthounds or Greyhound Rescue West of England - both are very reputable.

Generally when you adopt they will come to you as neutered, vaccinated and chipped and greyhounds also have ear tattoos so you can look up their pedigree and racing history on the database.

Please feel free to ask any questions - I could go on and on and write a mini essay! Smile

Mermaidmad · 26/02/2011 18:14

Oh am so envious Envy. I desperately wanted a greyhound but DH just isn't up for it. Have had to sit down and come to the only sensible decision ......divorce papers are on their way Wink Grin

Enjoy finding and owning your grey, one day I hope to as well Smile

vjg13 · 26/02/2011 19:56

I have two lurchers and they are fantastic dogs. I walked them for three years before they came to live here (their owner died) and they have gone from being a 'breed' I knew very little about to one I'm obsessed with.

There is a great website called Lurcherlink which has greyhounds and lurchers looking for homes and lots of useful information.

QuincyMincemeat · 26/02/2011 20:08

i got my lurcher boy (3/4 grey) from Lurcher link. very impressed with them.

Interesting stuff about the diet aspect Tortoise. Have just changed mine on to a low protein food, because of poo eating habit; it seems to suit him.

I love my boy, he is amazingly patient with naughty 3yo ds, and is shit scared of my cat.

RattysPicnic · 26/02/2011 20:15

Oh do it!! Greyhounds are special, special animals.

Lurcher Link very good, as is Greyhoud Gap.

I have a lurcher but I think we'll have added another greyhound to our household by the end of the year. I'm sort of hoping it falls into my lap...

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