I would like a retired greyhound - is it right for us?

[BumgrapesofWrath]

I see there is a thread for greyhound owners, but thought I'd start my own as I have a few questions.

I'll start by saying that growing up we had a dog, and was always surrounded by family members dogs. So, I am used to dogs (though not owned one of my own as an adult.)

However, the dogs I am used to are all mongrel terriers or jack russell crosses. I've not really got much experience with other breeds of dog. I always thought we'd get a terrier, but my mind has changed, mostly since starting a family and wanting a dog that is less temperamental than some of the terriers I've known.

So, I've been thinking of a retired greyhound as our family pet. Our situation is this. I have two DSs - one that is 7 months, one that is nearly 3, and a DH. I am currently on ML, due to go back to work 3 days a week in January, though my DM will be here looking after the boys 1 day a week. So the dog, from January onwards, will be on its own for 2 days a week for about 7 hours.

My family think I'm crazy to introduce a dog when I've got two small boys. I obviously do not want any harm to come to my boys, but I think that surely the kennel will try and match us with a dog who would be friendly with small children (and it goes without saying that I'd be vigilant).

I just think this would be the best time for us, I'm at home a lot of the time at the moment, so can put some time into getting the dog settled in. I also would like the family to get out and walk a lot more often, and I would like to do this with a new family dog. Should also add we have a fairly large house, so there should be plenty of space for him/her. I also think it would be great for the boys - having grown up with dogs I know what a big and important part of your life they can be as a child.

So, am I crazy to want a greyhound at this stage in our lives? Could a greyhound fit in with us? I am due to go and view a greyhound I am interested in tomorrow, but I really need to go into this with my eyes wide open to ensure it's the best decision for us. I should also add my DH is not convinced, as he thinks they are a bit big, and might mistake the baby for a racing hare.

A retired Greyhound is always the right choice but you will need a dog walker on those 2 days a week. 7 hours is too long all alone and with no loo breaks.

If we had a shelter/kennel and they were allowed free roam of the garden, would that be better? Or are they used to being indoors having lived in kennels (all our family dogs were outside if we were out)

Oh no, they don't like being outside and despite being kept outside by racing kennels, they're really not suited to it. The difference in the health of a kenneled dog and one who lives indoors is very striking.

They literally turn into a different dog both physically and mentally when they've been in a home for a few weeks.

I would be very surprised if any Greyhound rescue would be willing to rehome you with those plans, plus you need to consider the possibility of theft from your garden. Pointies are attractive dogs in most areas.

They really are lovely dogs, very easy and very laid back and very child friendly, but they need to be indoors and not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time.

Dog walkers aren't too expensive.

I thought it would be best to ask the question on here, like I said I don't know the breed at all if I'm honest (I just got a lovely feeling from the greyhound I met at a retired greyhound event, who I'm planning to see tomorrow)

Agree about not leaving them alone all day. Dogs don't like bring alone at all. Could they go to your DM when you're at work maybe?

Also you say that at the moment you're at home a lot of the time, but who knows how long the dogs will live and will you still be at home most of the time then?

All things to consider.

I have fostered a retired greyhound for a while. She was lovely. However, she couldn't be let off the lead because she would be off so fast, you'd have no chance of getting her back. They are also wimps. Cry over the slightest little thing. Ours caught her dew claw running around the garden and made a big song and dance about it

Very loving dogs though. Like to sleep A LOT and very calm and quiet. Contrary to what people think, they don't need lots and lots of exercise. Or that's what I was told.

I don't like the idea of a dog being on its own (I know our dog didn't like it when my mum went out to work for 4 hours), but I suppose I that even though they would be alone for 2 days, I kind of thought that might be preferable to life in a kennel.

We have a beautiful retired greyhound and I agree with what everyone else has said

They are lovely, dopey, quite lazy dogs! Great with kids, very docile and friendly :) ours we can now let off the lead but even at 9 he's very very fast!

They don't tend to be cat friendly whatsoever, although you don't mention a cat anyway just might be worth knowing

Greyhounds don't need lots of exercise, couple of short walks rather than needing hours of exercise

The only issue is the days the dog would be left, we're very lucky that a neighbour pops in on our dog on days we're both out, could that be a possibility? If not, dog walkers can be quite reasonable especially if it's only a.couple of days a week

I love greyhounds but we have cats so out of the question. We have a soppy lump of a Golden Retriever instead. Just lovely

Some greys are fine with cats - and I know a MNer who has recently adopted a large one that's frightened of her cat and wouldn't think of chasing it.

You might also want to think about lurchers too... often a bit more energetic - we got one rather than a grey due to DS(8) and wanting him to be able to have active play with her - she loves playing football and hide and seek in the woods.

We wanted to adopt a retiree but because of cat we're not allowed, despite spending a long time discussing it with the rescue shelter.

Manchesterhistory - check out the pointy hound cushion and ask for comments on that - someone has recently adopted a grey, having an existing cat. The lurcher rescue I got mine from also comments on the suitability of their dogs with cats - some are used to cats already.

That would be me then Mistle . Right now, cat1 is sleeping on the sofa, cat2 is sleeping on the dog bed by the patio door, and the lurcher is curled up in a chair as he wouldn't dare disturb them. Yesterday, he got whopped by cat1 for licking him while cat1 was asleep.
We also have rabbits and chickens, and frequently find dog toys on the rabbit hutch as lurcher takes them lovingly to them.

Ours is fine in his crate for a full day on the odd occasion we have to leave him, with someone popping in to let him out for a wee and a drink.

I wouldn't leave a sighthound loose in a garden as they can a) jump and b) dig.
Some ex racers get distressed if on their own - we had a failed adoption as he was just too unhappy on his own and had to go to a home with other dogs to show him the ropes.

We're leaving it for now as we have our house on the market, but once we've moved, we'll reinvestigate.

I think they are great family dogs. Our only problem is.that she is a bit too.interested in baby's squeaky toys.
Ours is quite happy on her own for 6-8 hours, not regularly obviously, but as long as she has her comfy bed she is fine. Our dogwalker used to.come to give her a pee break and would have to drag her out to go the toilet. I think how long you can leave them really depends on the individual dog's temperament, but I also think they're very adaptable. When we got ours, I was told that the dog has to adapt to our routine (within reason). They are fantastic.dogs, good luck.

We have cats and as mentioned previously fostered a greyhound. They were fine together, she never chased them. They do have some they test to see if they are ok with cats and we did have a muzzle on her for a couple of days just in case. She was so laid back, no interest in the cats at all.

Well, CMot, yours is a lurcher - whilst someone else has adopted a greyhound which is even bigger than your lurcher and equally frightened of the cats!

Mistlehound saw the park cat on Saturday. She was up on her back legs, bouncing in her efforts to get it! (we removed her at that stage, and she was securely in hand on her slip lead) It was very blatantly stalking along the top of the wall by the terrace and giving the odd hiss to any dog that looked too interested.....

I have a retired greyhound and 2 pussy cats who she is petrified of! She is also scared of small dogs and only really likes other hound shaped dogs.

Our dog is happy being left alone all day (we built it up over time) as long as she's been out before we go. We used to leave the tv or radio on for her but now she doesn't seem fussed either way, she just lays on the sofa and sleeps.

She is fantastic with our kids which was the deciding factor, her and DS2 (8) shared a room in our tent on holiday last week, cuddled up to each other overnight.

I have a retired greyhound. I am occasionally out for a long day. My Dad comes up to let him out but he often refuses so he ends up taking him for a walk lol. However, he has been known to refuse to pee at that point so often will go 8 or 9 hours without going. I have known him to do that voluntarily when I'm in and the back door is open - he is just too lazy to get up ;) He is, however very tolerant of the dd's and they already adore him :)