- What kind of pets do ex-racing greyhounds make?
- Greyhounds are docile, affectionate, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and
human companionship, and make terrific pets.
- Are they good with children?
- They are gentle, patient, and sensitive, so they can make good companions for
children. They can be almost too tolerant, just walking away when a child may
have gone too far. It is very important to teach children to respect the dog,
not to allow them to take advantage of this tolerance. Supervision is necessary
with toddlers, as it would be with any dog.
- How are they with other dogs?
- Greyhounds are friendly by nature, and get along well with other dogs. Careful
supervised introductions are very important. Do not leave them alone together
in the beginning. Small dog introductions must be done very carefully, but lots
of greyhounds have small dog friends/companions.
- How are they with cats?
- Cats are unknown to greyhounds, so this may take extra time and care to make
a happy home for all. Again careful introduction and supervision is crucial.
We recommend not leaving them alone together - NEVER in the beginning. Using
a muzzle in the beginning can also be useful.
- How old are retired greyhounds?
- Between two and five years old.
- What is their life expectancy?
- These pure-bred athletes, with proper care, good quality food, live between
twelve and fifteen years.
- How much does it cost to own a greyhound?
- After the adoption fee, greyhounds should be given regular veterinary care.
It costs about one dollar a day to feed a greyhound.
- Are ex-racing greyhounds already housebroken?
- They are "crate trained" which means that they are taught not to relieve
themselves in their crate (kennel). They know to go outside to relieve themselves.
When you bring home a new friend, it is a good idea to treat them as a new puppy.
So you take them outside often at first, and they soon learn that their new
home is the place they keep clean, and the outside is where they relieve themselves.
NEVER punish them for a mistake. In the beginning, in a new household, with
all the changes/confusion, the new dog could - and often does - have an accident,
but it is just that, an accident, Do not change the food, as at that time you
don't want to add digestive changes to an already stressed situation. Greyhounds
are naturally a very clean breed.
- How are they in the house?
- Greyhounds are quiet in the house. They tend to find a comfortable spot - their
bed or yours,if allowed! - and curl up there like a large cat.
- Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
- They need no more exercise than any other dog that size. A fenced yard is great
because they can exercise themselves. Walking your new friend, (on leash always)
is highly recommended because its good exercise, they love it, and enjoy all
the attention they get from the people who pass by!
- How much do greyhounds eat?
- It varies, but males can eat six cups of a quality kibble, and females four
cups daily.
- They are sight hounds,but how good is their eye sight?
- They can see movement clearly up to about a mile.
- How fast can a greyhound go?
- They are the second fastest land animal and can reach speeds up to forty-five
miles per hour,and in just three or four steps! They can always beat you to
the couch!
- How can I adopt a greyhound?
- Fill out the application on this site. If not possible call 288-4480 or 453-7737,
and we can fax/mail you an application. You can also email us - shadrach73@webtv.net
or starbright60@webtv.net - with the info to send you the application. Send/fax/email
your application and the $25 non-refundable deposit - may need to be sent separately.
We will then lend you the book "Adopting the Racing Greyhound" to
start learning/preparing for your new dog. After your application is processed,
you will be introduced to the dogs available that most fit your indicated lifestyle/preference.
Kind of like matchmaking!
- What does it cost to adopt a greyhound?
- It costs $250 including your application fee. The fee will include all necessary
veterinary expenses - heartworm test, vaccinations, tick disease test, spay/neuter,
etc. Also included will be leash/collar, information packet, training book,
weekly TTouch training classes and unlimited consultation/advice!
- If we have other questions can we contact you?
- Sure you can. Just email us, and
we will be more than happy to help you. Or call (512) 288-0068 or 453-7737 or 288-4480.
Also you can ask veterinary questions by emailing tabeckettdvm@webtv.net
