The Greyhound's special requirements

The Greyhound's silhouette can be found all the way back to ancient Egypt, and we've all seen its sleek form on the bus that wears its name. Because of its unique physical and behavioral characteristics, it has health requirements not shared by any other breed. Unfortunately, many people become enthralled with these dogs at the races, and end up with a dog they do not even begin to understand.

People seeking a doglike dog will be the most disappointed. Their behavior is more feline than canine. Many greyhounds are adopted right at the races. It is important to understand what their life has been before they retire from the race and go home to become a family pet. Typically greyhounds are trained from birth, sent to different facilities, and changing homes two or three times before their first birthday. Their enthusiasm for chasing the lure at the track is built by tempting pups with a pole-lure outside their runs. Then they go to a schooling track where they learn to break from the box and run with other dogs. After that, they may go to a kennel housing about sixty dogs. They spend a season at the track and may then move to another track.

Greyhound kennels who neglect their dogs have received some media attention. It is good to report these abuses, but the public may have developed animosity toward trainers which is not warranted. There are also excellent, caring and respectful trainers who take very good care of their dogs. These dog will adjust quickly and well to family life. They appreciate the love and attention of family members, and the fact that they do not have to strive to be first when they are in a loving family. Greyhounds love to relax with their owners and will lie next to you for hours quite happily. They have been called the world's fastest couch potato. When they are not running fifty miles an hour they just seem to enjoy lounging.

Remember that they are bred to chase a lure. This dog will chase a piece of paper, a squirrel or a cat and will not stop - they have been taught to run the race. They must have a chance to burn that energy every day, so you need to have a safe place for your dog to run and stretch his legs. Greyhound also live together well as a result of all the kenneling and race training. Once they have done their sprinting, which may take less than half an hour, they are ready to lounge the entire rest of the day. Because of their speed, they may be mistaken for a dog which will want to lope along next to you while you ride your bicycle, getting lots of exercise. This is a mistake. They are sprinters, not marathon runners, and this exercise will exhaust and possibly injure them.

Like cats, they are independent, somewhat aloof, and love their creature comforts. If you are their special one, they will love to be stroked and may rub along your legs like a cat. They have a rather dignified form of affection as opposed to some dogs' licking and jumping.

Be prepared to provide a raised bed for your Greyhound. Remember they do not have built-in padding, and need lots of soft bedding to protect their sharp, bony bodies. They also must be protected from any extremes in temperature. Be especially careful about leaving food around the kitchen, as these tall dogs will happily scarf anything they find on the counters. This can result in an unpleasant and avoidable trip to the vet.

Although they do need a place to run, the greyhound can be a good apartment dog. As the owner, you must be absolutely committed to a regular exercise regime appropriate to the greyhound. Treat and train them gently, provide them with the comforts of home, and they will happily devote themselves to your family for life.