We just reserved a greyhound!

[Boynamedsue]

He's coming come on Friday and we're so excited. He's 3 years old, an ex racer and so beautiful, I love him already. We've researched the breed and are planning on buying a bed, coat and tag (he comes with a collar and lead and 6 weeks insurance). We think we'll transition to a raw diet but will do the mix he's used to to start.

Anyone else got one? Anything we've forgotten?! I'm stupidly excited!

love all these pics! They are such beautiful dogs!

Why can't you use a narrow collar with a greyhound? I've often wondered why, I know why extendable leads are out.
I've always wanted one, an ex-racer rescue.

Ah yes, MissisBee, our fella was terrified of stairs, took him two years to attempt going up!

Thisismyfirsttime - because they have long, slim necks and a narrow collar puts too much pressure on them. Also, their head is about the same size as their neck, so normal collars will slip over their heads - martingale collars have a limited (so are not like check collars) amount of tightening available when pulling so can't slip over

I have homed one before from www.greyhoundhomer.co.uk in Essex, they love the dogs and it shows. They are such loveable and gentle animals. These guys are full of good help and practical advice in my experience.

Can I ask a daft question? Why are extendable leads not advised? Do they break? (We have a scruffy but cute terrier, not a beautiful pointy dog)

IlPorcupino (ace name btw), because if your dog can reach 20mph+ by the end of that lead, you can't hold them to the extent you can dislocate or break things, it hurts the dog, and will probably snap the lead as well

Ah thank you Throat, (hope the sausage inna bun trade is still going). I never thought of the acceleration- your arm would probably come off!

onlymrsmac generally they are pretty good. Obviously depends on the dog but I'll just leave this here

Ah congrats sue ! Is it your first dog? We would really like to get a greyhound but neither of us have ever had dogs before and it seems like such a big step! I have horses too but a dog seems a much bigger commitment!

I've always liked dogs, never particularly wanted to own one though. Then about a year ago my local park had a rescue event, - and there was a booth with a few greyhounds. And I fell in love! A grown lazy dog would be perfect for me, I have no desire for a bouncy puppy. It's not the right time for me to have a dog yet, but one day in the future!

Reading this thread (good luck btw OP, so exciting) made me realise I've never seen a greyhound puppy. Just googled. They're amazing.

Aw lovely, congratulations! Make sure he has lots of soft thick bedding around to lounge on (especially if you're not planning on sharing your sofa/bed)! They are bony so can get uncomfortable and even sore laying on a hard floor.

You'll have to look at the thread I made Miaow They aren't the saluki x ones (though I did meet them on Thursday and they are totally adorable), but two black and white girls who are nearly house trained, walk on a lead perfectly, love children, and appear to be cat and chicken safe so far.

They are luvverly, and I hope they will find forever homes very soon. It would be worth enquiring as I think the last rehoming is this week until the new year

Gratuitous photo of the puppy snoozing on me arm

agree about the dangers of extendable leads! when I got my first rescue lurcher (the very first day!) and kept her on the lead in the garden so she would not run off. Of course she bolted after something interesting and I tumbled onto my wrist and head on the hard ground while the lead was speedly extracted from my hand.
She came back to investigate why I was lying stunned on the ground so did not escape but I had a badly broken wrist and mild concussion necessitating a vist to a and e. I learned my lesson and thereafter did what any sensible hound owner does for collars and leads.
Enjoy your hound - they are the best.

I had a greyhound x pup years ago. She was ridiculous! All legs.

Beautiful dog.

Why do they need a coat inside ? Is it because they are skinny and short haired?

Coco with thin fur and very low body fat they feel the cold very easily. Also as they are so bony a bit of cushioning is always nice for them.

Thanks fenella, I didn't know that . I have a fat hairy dog

Comfy bed ordered today so hopefully it'll be ready for his arrival in Friday. He's our first dog so it's a bit scary as well as stupidly exciting! We have a couple of steps to the door so I am bit worried about him actually getting in the house! They didn't seem concerned on the home check tho so hopefully we won't be attempting to carry 32 kilos of dog through the front door...

I was going to wait until he was home but here he is.