Greyhounds: "45-mph Couch Potatoes"
Who would think that the Fastest dogs on Earth can be calm and loving family pets, once they retire from racing?
When I adopted a retired racing greyhound, 3 years ago, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Although he was raised as "livestock" at the track, he soon learned to love another, gentler, slower way of life...
Greyhounds as Companion Dogs
45-mph Couch Potatoes
Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, capable of reaching up to 45 miles per hour in just three strides! They can sustain speeds of 30 mph for as much as a mile, but greyhounds are sprinters -- not long-distance runners. They are not "hyper" or extremely active dogs -- just the opposite!Although they do love to stretch their long legs from time to time, greyhounds often actually need less exercise than most large dog breeds. Greyhounds are sprinters, not long-distance runners, and just a 20-minute walk each day will usually do them fine.
In fact, many greyhound owners will tell you that their retired racers become quite lazy, once their racing days are done! They truly enjoy snoozing on a soft bed or mat for most of the day, and many retired greyhounds now live happily in city apartments and suburbs as well as in country homes.
Sew Your Own Greyhound Coat and Dog Boots
Free DIY Sewing Patterns and Instructions
- Free Pattern for Dog Boots
- Jen's all-weather dog boot pattern was designed for a greyhound but also can be sized up or down to fit other breeds of dogs. Easy to sew in fleece fabric with vinyl soles for paw pad protection. The combination of velcro and elastic on the fasteners mean they can be quickly and easily adjusted to stay on a greyhound's skinny legs when he walks in snow.
- Hooded Hound Coat Instructions
- This hooded hound coat pattern from Greyhound Manor was inspired by a drawing in a magazine from 1910 and updated with a bit of velcro, very elegant on a long lean greyhound - and practical for winter storm wear!
- Greyhound Applique Coat Decorations
- Add a sporty accent to your hound's coat with a running greyhound applique - free pattern!
- Sew a Dog Collar Cover
- Fabric scraps are all you need to make a simple-to-sew dog bandana that slips over the dog's collar for special occasions or to dress him up for "meet and greet" events with your greyhound rescue / adoption group.
Dogs in Boots
How to Teach a Greyhound to Wear Boots
Lots of people say that their dogs "don't like" wearing paw protectors -- they kick them off, or simply refuse to let the boots get put on their feet in the first place. Fortunately, this doesn't have to be the case. With a bit of patience -- and some good dog treats! -- you can train a greyhound to wear winter boots quite easily. Greyhound Health & Fitness
- Greyhound Health Research & Information Network
- The Greyhound Health and Information Network is a resource dedicated to the interest and welfare of greyhounds in the American dog racing industry. In addition to on-track health information, the network provides links to reputable sites on greyhound health, including current veterinary research.
About the Greyhound Breed
As members of the Sighthound family of dog breeds, greyhounds are characterized by their lean and muscular build, deep chests, and powerful hindquarters.The neck is long and muscular, carrying a long-nosed elegant head. The rosette ears are normally carried flat against the head but they can stand at attention to indicate interest or alarm. Long tails are carried low and slightly curved.
The American Kennel Club breed standard gives the size range for AKC "show dog" greyhounds as 65 - 70 pounds for dogs (males) and 60 - 65 pounds for bitches (females).
Racers are judged on their speed and spirit, not their appearance, so there is a greater range of sizes among racers registered with the National Greyhound Association (NGA) racing industry organization. A dog with a lean racing weight of 80 pounds is not uncommmon, for example. Similarly, a greyhound's height at the shoulder can range from 25 to 30 inches or so.
Greyhounds are lean by nature, with very low body fat, and at first may seem undernourished to people who are not accustomed to seeing these athletic dogs in a home setting.
Free Greyhound Craft Projects
- Life-Sized Stuffed Hound Dog Pattern
- Free sewing pattern to make a life-sized stuffed hound dog... in case your greyhound needs a furry friend!
All the Colours of Grey
Greyhound ancestors living in the wild did not need to rely on colouring for camouflage, as their great speed let them catch prey and escape from predators. As a result, the greyhound's short-haired coat may be almost any colour or combination of colours.Eighteen "official colours" are recognized by the American Greyhound Track Operators (AGTO), but more than three times that number are listed by Greyhound-Data, an international database site for greyhound pedigree and race records information. Oddly enough, grey (called "blue") is the colour that is most rare -- only one in about 500,000 greyhounds are actually grey!
Gear for Greyhound Lovers
"Lose A Couch" Women's T-Shirt
Greyhound owners will know exactly what this means:
Adopt a Greyhound... Lose a Couch!
I Want You for Greyhound Rescue Women's Cap Sleeve
A clever variation on the classic Uncle Sam recruitment poster.
20% goes to support GPA (Greyhound Pets of America).
Want to Adopt an Ex-Racer?
Adoptions are most often arranged through a local non-profit adoption group that works directly with tracks and racing kennels to match up newly retired greyhounds with their new homes and families.These adoption agencies also serve as a great social circle and network of experience, advice, and support to new adopters in helping a greyhound make the transition from life at the track.
International List of Greyhound Adoption Groups
The Adoption Agency Directory from The Greyhound Project, Inc. lists a huge number of greyhound adoption groups in every corner of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe including groups in Belgium, England, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, and Wales.
Dogs on the Blogs
- Luna
- We adopted a Greyhound from an adoption group last Thursday. "Winnie" Luna has fit in perfectly with our family. She is 5 years old and raced for 2 years. She went on to become a blood donor in NYC. Luna is very friendly and I'm really ...
- Greyhounds as pets? Why not?
- I get an ?awe shucks' feeling about it because my brother adopted a greyhound and never regretted it. (The neighbourhood rabbits were really pissed off though.) A bit skittish at first, she settled into family life and provided several ...
- JK Rowling adopted a greyhound!
- http://the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/10/8/new-pet-for-jkr-no-mere-padfoot.
- JKRowling adopts a greyhound
- The Herald reports that JKRowling has adopted a greyhound from Greyhound Rescue Fife. Celia Fernie, who runs the organisation, described Jo as a "very nice lady", not actually realising who she was until a cheque was given to her for ...
Best Books on Adopting a Greyhound
#1
Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies
by Lee Livingood -- If you only get one book to help your adopted greyhound make the transition from track to home, this is a good one. A challenge that many greyhound owners face is trying to teach their dog to "Sit" -- because it's not a comfortable or natural position for a dog built like these athletes. Lee Livingwood's "couch potato" training method works like a charm! The book is also a good reference for medical and first aid issues.1 point
#2
Living with a Greyhound
by Cynthia Branigan -- in fact, any book by Cynthia Branigan would be a good (close second) alternate choice. Readable and reliable.0 points
Greyhound Guestbook
Want to Throw Us a Bone?
Got a greyhound? Want a greyhound? Got a good greyhound link you'd like to share? Please leave a comment here and let us know what other information you'd like to see!
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CDT
I love greyhounds...I know what you mean about "not stopping at 1" - I have 3 rescue Lurchers (sighthound crossbreeds popular in the UK), 2 of whom are part greyhound. Posted June 19, 2008 |
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flycatcher
Guess what... I'm thinking about adopting a second greyhound! That's what they always say, isn't it? Greyhounds are like potato chips - you can't stop at having just one! :D Posted June 01, 2008 |
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Kerrys
Grey't lens! I've had my greyhound for just over a year now and he is a big part of my family. My sweet, gentle, 89 lb lap dog, couch potatoe! Posted June 01, 2008 |
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Angel-Eleven
Nice article. My brother adopted a greyhound and I guess he is not kidding me. His was not well treated and he had some problems, but he has come a long way and is doing well. Thanks for the education. Posted January 23, 2008 |
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Food_Junkie
Greyhounds are the best. Thanks for spreading the word. Posted January 23, 2008 |
