Retired greyhound - as first dog?

[Ginandcolic]

Actually asking for a friend ...

My friend and her partner want to get a dog and they are interested in a retired racing greyhound. I've had dogs for 20 yrs now but only labradors so I can't really advise them.

Can anyone with experience of retired greyhounds tell me a bit about them? specifically if they are suitable as a first dog? My friend has been told they are but I'm unclear about whether they will need to transition from athlete to pet and how easy that is to support?

Thanks for any wisdom you're able to share :)

The only downside is the thieving. Our boy will steal snd try to eat ANYTHING. However safely you think you've hidden something, he will reacb up and get his long pointy nose into it 😆

A retired greyhound enthusiast told me the most important thing for a greyhound is a bed!

If your friend would prefer a smaller version OP, whippets are another choice. I saw a woman on a walk a while back with the sweetest little whippet - it reminded me of a fawn, with its colouring and the delicate, tippitoed walk.

😄😄 love it!

I have heard that they don't actually need much exercise but the ones I see in the park are racing around as if back on the track!

They do need the chance to run a few times a week but they generally don't need long walks in the same way as others do.

Hahaha! I have to admit, I am VERY tempted but I have two insane cats as well as a very enthusiastic labrador! All these amazing stories and helpful posts have made me think there might be a greyhound shaped space on our sofa ....😂

Oh, photos! Yes good point, obviously photos would also be appreciated to provide evidence of greyhounds' laziness 😂

So grateful for everyone's posts - really kind of you all and hopefully this will help to recruit at least one more retired greyhound adopter (even if my circs don't lend themselves to an ex racer)

My lurcher rather than a greyhound but still competing for the title of laziest dog alive

I'll not get into the ins-and-outs of racing (I find it abhorrant but other people don't) but hats off to everyone who takes one of these beautiful creatures into their homes to give them the life they deserve .

Photo ( random t'internet search) this amazing athlete with all four paws off the ground , running just for the sheer heck of it . No collar , no muzzle , no racing coat , just his fur coat !

Oooooooooh look at the gorgeousness! 😊

So graceful - what an impressive hound

I just want to say I love this thread!

We're hoping to adopt a retired greyhound in a few years when the timing is right. We almost did a while ago but it wouldn't have been fair with our lifestyle back then.

I just love them so much, they're such loving dogs.

My greyhound is my first dog. She retired at 8, after racing then breeding. She's a sweet girl, very calm and loves a hug but she's not your typical lazy grey. We walked for 90 mins this morning, 20 mins at lunch, and may have another hour this evening so she's pretty active for a 12 year old. I was a bit put off initially by their reputation for laziness but there's plenty of hounds out there with different levels of activity needs. Girl also loves her quality napping though.

Sorry, should have attached a pic of the common resting greyhound position

Oh that photo really made me laugh - that is exactly how our late, great Lurcher, Morse, used to sleep! His mum was a greyhound, dad was half bearded collie, half border collie. We used to say "Oh, Morse has fallen out of a plane again!" because that's how he looked, like he'd splat landed there from a great height 🥰

Beautiful dog @LapinShelf

@LapinShelf

She must have had an impressive racing history to have gone on to breed after . Did you find out anything about her previous life ?

She;s a beautiful girl and lovely to see that she's enjoying her days

This has been my grey for most of the day. When I'm working, he does this too- all day apart from when he's dragged out for a walk!

There's the good sides but there's loads of previous threads on here about greyhounds .( The Bad Sides )

The theft
The TOXIC FARTS

The fact they will bankrupt you with the amazing collars /coats/lounge suits/ fleecy pyjamas ou can buy
The Greyhound Scream of Death
The bed that they will ignore for your sofa
They are prone to corns (on their feet)
Dodgy teeth that some have as a legacy from their diet
They will always look more stylish than you becuase even carrying a few extra pounds they look effortlessly chic and slim.

It's quite strange my boy sleeps all the time indoors but take him out to the field and he sprints for 20 seconds then his done Back to sleep when we get home. Beautiful dogs and a pleasure to own

Oh she's beautiful! In both pictures - particularly the very elegant sleeping pose 😁

Aaaaaaaaah he's had such a hard day already 😂

Toxic farts ??????? Oh no this wasn't on any of the rehoming sites 😂 I love the idea of all the cool clothes though ...

That look's just like mine; could even be mine🙂. There's a couple of videos on the Greyhound Data website of him racing (his racing name was Gaelic Ramble, and I agree with you about the racing business), and I struggle to believe that it's the same dog that's been snoozing on his bed for several hours and has spent most of the day doing nothing, apart from lifting his head hoping for a titbit.

He said he doesn't quite understand your laughing emoji. He was forced out for a walk in the park today in the cold for at least 40 minutes!