Adopting a greyhound

[IsisOhIsis]

Has anyone done it? We had several greyhounds, whippets and lurchers growing up and I love them, such gentle, loving dogs! I've been thinking for years about adopting an ex racing dog and am finally in a position where I can do that. Any pros and cons you can think of?

I have a 2yo dd.

We have just adopted a greyhound. We have had him 9 days. I cant recommend them enough. Quiet, calm, gentle, low exercise requirements. He's perfect.

Wow I pressed send too soon!

I cant give you any drawbacks because so far there have been none. We are new to greyhounds so i'm not very knowledgable but there is a specific pointy thread here full of very experienced owners.

Thank you! Glad you're loving your new boy :) how old are your dc? Is he ok with them? I'm thinking more do they make him nervous, than anything, though I guess it depends on how old and noisy your dc are! I'm going to the rescue on Wednesday. So excited!

I know of an ex racing greyhound rescue dog who was rescued and then found to be pregnant. So if you want a greyhound pup I can point you in their direction. I assume they're in Somerset as that's where my dog rescue contact is.

I have a GH and honestly can't think of any breed specific disadvantages. I love my GH girl and am a complete convert.

My DS would say that our GH doesn't want to play ball as he had pictured they would, but ours has zero prey drive and is an absolutely lazy bones so I think that's dog specific rather than breed specific and to me is an advantage! She's so mellow and gentle.

The usual general considerations not relating to GHs but to getting a dog in general:

• What about holidays (kennels/pet sitters)
• Vet bills
• If you are at work or will return to work - dog walker/ dog daycare costs
• Some rescues won't re-home where there are young children.

We only have one child, she is 10. Stepsons are here very regularly but they are late teens and early 20's so not children. He is fantastic with my DD. Patient and cuddly. He isn't much of a 'player' and from what I have been told about the breed they aren't the ball chasing types (although some are!).

Best thing to do is be 100% honest with the rescue so they match you with the right dog. If your children are young and therefore more likely to be bouncy/noisy then it's best you are honest about it because there will be a dog that matches your circumstances.

As YourHand has said, I also can't think of a disadvantage. Our boy doesn't have a particularly high prey drive and is therefore fine with other dogs and ignores cats but some will be the opposite and you will need to be careful around small dogs/cats but, again, speak to the rescue and they will do their utmost to match you with the right dog.

kitsmummy, have pmd you x