April was Adopt a Greyhound Month, and as a breed that stands out for their unique charm and affectionate nature, a greyhound can make a wonderful family companion. Known for their speed and chasing abilities, greyhounds are often misunderstood as being high-maintenance pets. However, nothing could be further from the truth! In reality, they are laid-back sofa loafers who couldn’t enjoy more the opportunity to hang out with their humans.
Understanding Greyhounds
The greyhound is a breed of dog that has been around for thousands of years, originally bred for hunting and racing. Their sleek bodies and powerful legs allow them to reach incredible speeds, making them the fastest breed of dog on Earth, and the third fastest land mammal behind the cheetah (whose double suspension gallop gait they also use to achieve high speed) and the pronghorn (a type of antelope native to North America). Their speed, however, is just one aspect of their nature; they are also known for their calm, gentle, and affectionate characters.
The Myth of High Maintenance
One common misconception about greyhounds is that they require a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. While it’s true that they need regular physical activity (like any of us!), they don’t need as much as you might think. Two short walks of around 20 minutes each day, and some playtime at home, are sufficient for most greyhounds. They are not built for long-distance running or marathon sessions of fetch; instead, they prefer short bursts of activity followed by plenty of rest.
In fact, greyhounds are often referred to as “45 mph couch potatoes” because they love nothing more than curling up on a soft cushion or sofa for a good nap. This can make them an ideal choice for families who live in smaller spaces or anyone who has limited time for extensive exercise and long daily walks.
Bringing a Retired Racing Greyhound Home
If you’re considering bringing a greyhound into your family, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Space and Environment: While greyhounds don’t need a huge garden, they do appreciate having some space to stretch their legs. A small to medium-sized garden can be great but isn’t necessarily essential depending on the needs of an individual dog – and they can also thrive in apartments if you’re committed to regular walks for toilet breaks.
Socialisation: Greyhounds are generally very friendly and are used to being around people. However, they may need some time to adjust to new environments, routines, other dog breeds (especially smaller dogs) and animals. It’s important to take things slowly as they settle in at home to help them get used to everyday items we take for granted, such as the TV, doorbell and hoover, as well as ensuring they go on quiet walks as they gain their confidence having largely enjoyed quite a narrow lifestyle leading up to and during their racing career.
Health Checks: Like any breed, greyhounds can be prone to certain health issues, dental problems are common for example. However, greyhounds are not prone to many of the genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, prevalent in some other pedigrees today. As with any animal, however, regular vet check-ups are important to ensure your greyhound stays healthy and happy.
The Joys of being a Greyhound Guardian
Living with a greyhound can bring immense joy and companionship into your life. Here are just a few reasons why:
Affectionate Nature: Greyhounds are known for their affectionate and gentle nature. They love people and enjoy spending time with their family. They often form strong bonds with their people.
Low Grooming Needs: Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. A quick brush every now and then (usually during a season change) is all they need to stay looking their best.
Quiet Companions: Unlike some breeds, greyhounds are generally quiet dogs. They don’t bark much, making them a great choice for those who prefer a peaceful home environment.
Intelligence and Trainability: Greyhounds are intelligent dogs and can be trained quite easily once they understand ‘what’s in it for them.’ Keen to please, they generally respond well to rewards and praise and usually pick up life skills, such as house training, very quickly.
Community and Support
With a greyhound is the community that comes with it. There are numerous greyhound and sighthound groups across the region and country (great for trips away), offering social events and meet ups for hounds and their humans. These communities are a great way to meet other greyhound fans, and learn more about what it’s like to live with them.
A retired greyhound can make an ideal companion for anyone looking for a loving and laid-back canine friend. Their gentle nature, low maintenance lifestyle, and affectionate personalities make them an ideal choice for families, couples, and individuals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned dog person or a newcomer to the world of canine companionship, a greyhound could be the perfect addition to your life.
If you’re considering bringing a greyhound into your life, remember that they offer a unique blend of companionship, loyalty, and joy. With their calm demeanour and adaptable nature, they can thrive in a variety of living situations. So, why not give a greyhound a go? You might just find that they become your new best friend as you open up a whole new world for each other!
RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter
Black Hat Lane
Bakers Hill
Exeter, EX2 9TA
