Frequently Asked Questions
About Adopting A Retired Racing Greyhound

What qualities make a racing Greyhound a good pet?
They are loyal, friendly, funny, affectionate, gentle, quiet, clean, loving, sensitive, trusting, and good natured.

What is the most important criteria in adopting a Greyhound?
At Whittingham Kennels we strive to match the right dog with the right family. Providing pertinent truthful information about your lifestyle and family make-up, answering questions regarding pets, children, etc., is extremely important in helping us find the right Greyhound for you. We happily adopt out to almost any situation - our main concern is that you are a responsible caring person who will look after an ex-racing Greyhound for life.

How long will it take for an adult Greyhound to get to like his adopter?
Greyhounds are generally very friendly and thrive on human companionship. Generally, bonding is usually established within a few days, and getting used to a new environment and routine may take a few weeks. The older dogs tend to be better mannered from the start, while the younger dogs are generally more curious and active. Some dogs are naturally nervous and may take longer but usually a dog is at home within days.

Is a racing Greyhound difficult to housetrain?
At the Kennels, Greyhounds are accustomed to being let out of their kennels several times a day to relieve themselves and explore the paddocks. Because of this, a similar routine in a new home makes housetraining relatively easy. Initially it is a good idea to take them out every hour and immediately after meals or sleep. When the adopter employs patience and common sense, the Greyhound's natural cleanliness will assist in the process. If you work for a full day then - like any other dog - it would be a good idea to have someone come to let the dog out at lunchtimes. Alternatively, a companion animal can stop the dog becoming lonely. The companion animal doesn't have to be a dog - but I'd recommend another Greyhound as they look better! A dog door opening onto an enclosed garden or yard can also be used - I have used one successfully for years.

What ages are available and what is the life expectancy?
Most are between two and five years of age, but they can range from 12 months to 12 years!. The adaptable, stable, and loving nature of the Greyhound predisposes it for an easy transition to a companion dog regardless of age. Generally, younger dogs will be somewhat more active, and older dogs will be more quiet and well mannered. The average life expectancy of a former racer is 12 - 15 years.

What is the size of a Greyhound?
Greyhounds normally are between 24 and 29 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males.

What are the colours of a Greyhound?
Greyhounds are black, brindle, blue (grey), fawn, white, and a combination of these colours.

How can I find out about my adopted greyhound's racing career?
To obtain a copy of his racing history send a £5 cheque made out to "The Retired Greyhound Trust" to the NGRC, Twyman House, 10 Bonny Street, Camden Town, London NW1 9QD with his earmarks and racing name. Videos of his races, where known, may be obtained from GREYHOUND VIDEOS, 24 Park Lane, South Harrow, Middlesex, HA2 8NB for some stadiums.

Are Greyhounds good with children?
They are better than most breeds, but not as tolerant as some. If a child becomes overbearing, a Greyhound will usually walk away rather than snap or growl. However, every dog has its limits. Because Greyhounds are gentle by nature, most are fine with children, if the child has been taught respect for animals. Many adoption groups are hesitant to place any breed of dog with young children, unless there are specific assurances that parental supervision over both child and dog will be provided at all times.

Are Greyhounds good with other dogs?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and can socialize well as a result of their exposure to other Greyhounds at the racing kennel. But they have never seen other shaped dogs, They often need time to adjust to other breeds of dogs, especially small ones. Very "keen" dogs (that is with a high prey drive) may need supervision for a considerable time. Most Greyhounds will quickly become accustomed to other breeds. Taking the dog to the local pet socialisation classes will speed the process. Initially it is a good idea to muzzle the Greyhound in new situations and introductions until you are completely satisfied that he will react correctly. Also, common sense must be used during the introductory period with regard to food, treats, and toys. .

Are racing Greyhounds compatible with cats?
Some retired racers are naturally cat safe - these are often very young and normally slow runners. Some retired racers can learn to live harmoniously in a home with a cat quite easily. Others eventually learn, Even then the dog is sometimes not safe with cats he meets outside the home. but caution should always be used until all animals are completely comfortable with each other. This can sometimes take several weeks. It is important to follow the instructions given at the time of adoption. Some Greyhounds are always "keen" and are not compatible with cats. Completely "Cat Safe" dogs are sometimes available but are always in demand.

Why do Greyhounds have to be kept on lead or in a fenced area?
Greyhounds hunt by sight rather than by scent and can see movement hundreds of yards away. Instinct will tell him to run, mindless of any dangers around him. They are often so fast that they are out of earshot or sight in before you realise it! Some councils state that Greyhounds specifically must be kept on a lead or muzzled even in public parks. Plus responsible owners never allow their dogs to run loose, regardless of breed, unless the dog has a perfect "Recall". Many are as reliable as other breeds of dogs - however Greyhounds are very fast and can catch most small animals on the run which the average dog cannot. Initially a muzzle can be worn (they are used to these of course) until your greyhound has learnt what is expected. So provided extensive training is given most Greyhounds can be allowed off the lead and unmuzzled.

Can Greyhounds be obedience trained?
Many former racers have earned obedience titles. All training must be done with a light, encouraging hand. Positive reinforcement and food rewards are the best incentives for training. Spending time working with and training your Greyhound also help the bonding process, and should be an enjoyable time for both of you. Some Greyhounds enjoy agility classes which are also fun. It is also an excellent idea to enroll your new Greyhound in socialisation classes as this can shorten the time required for him to be familiar with other breeds under controlled conditions and will give you an idea of how well he is likely to react to full blown obedience courses.

Are Greyhounds hyperactive?
No definitely not! The most common misconception about racing Greyhounds is that a dog capable of great athletic feats is a dog in perpetual motion. In reality, they are rather lazy and much prefer lounging about with the family. The greyhound is a sprinter so short bursts of exercise is the norm. They have been described as "forty mile an hour couch potatoes". Their time at the kennels is spent lazing in their kennel with short forays in the paddock - or sprint schooling - or going to the track for a grading trial or an actual race.

Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
They enjoy, but are not dependent on, moderate exercise. They make good jogging companions after they are properly conditioned for long distances. In most households, the shared experience of a brisk walk is enough to keep both Greyhound and owner in good condition. Two 20 minutes walks at a brisk pace is all that is required to keep them healthy - most will enjoy more.

Do females make better pets?
No! Males and females make equally good pets. The females are generally more independent, and the males are somewhat more affectionate

Are Greyhounds abused?
Generally speaking the answer is NO! During a dog's racing career it is counter-productive to abuse them as only happy fit dogs will race well. A trip to a race meeting will show that Greyhounds love to run. Particularly observe them as they run to their handlers after the race is over. The vast majority are happy just to have taken part in a race. Some though, are known to sulk if they lost! Under NGRC rules the dogs are examined before and after a race by a vet. In the case of track accidents the dog will be treated for it's injury before leaving the track. This is not to say that abuse never happens - as in all walks of life abuse does happens - but systematic abuse does not. All NGRC training kennels are examined regularly - twice by a vet and once by a racing steward each year so abuse would be picked up. It is obviously against NGRC rules to abuse Greyhounds - anyone found doing so could lose their licence for life.

How do you read a greyhound's ear tattoos?
Please look under Greyhound Care and Facts on the home page.

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