FAQ
To
help you decide if a greyhound is the dog for you, REGAP (Retired
Greyhounds As Pets) of CT, Inc. has created a FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions) about Greyhounds. This FAQ may help you decide if a greyhound
is the proper choice for you.
What should I read before I adopt?
Are Greyhounds gray?
What kind of personality and temperament does the
greyhound have?
How fast are Greyhounds?
How much exercise does a greyhound need?
I have a large, unfenced field nearby, with very few
cars in the area. Is it OK to let a greyhound run loose there?
How big are Greyhounds, and how much do they eat?
Do Greyhounds have health problems?
How long do they live?
What is the difference between adopting a greyhound
and another breed of dog from a shelter or breeder?
Are Greyhounds housebroken?
Will my new greyhound cope with being alone when
I go to work?
I have cats. Will a greyhound chase my cats?
I have a toddler. Are Greyhounds good with
children?
Why should I adopt a REGAP of CT greyhound?
What does REGAP of CT charge to adopt a greyhound?
Will the greyhound have been neutered or spayed,
and will it have had dentistry, shots and tests?
What should I read before I adopt?
There is a lot of information available on the Internet and in bookstores.
Many people consider Adopting the Racing Greyhound,
by Cynthia Branigan required reading for potential adopters. Cynthia's
book is one of the best references any greyhound owner can have,
and we highly recommend it. There is also a book called Greyhounds
for Dummies. We will let you know when
this book is available.
Another great resource is Celebrating Greyhounds, The Magazine
You can find information on subscribing to CG here.
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Are Greyhounds gray?
Actually, gray Greyhounds are rare. A gray greyhound is officially
called a “blue.” Greyhounds come in solids, from white to
black, and in patches and in brindle coloring. They are a
very colorful breed. You can find a color chart
here.
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What kind of personality and temperament does the greyhound have?
Greyhounds are very sensitive and eager to please. They are
very people oriented and enjoy the company of other Greyhounds.
In general, the males tend to be excellent with children and the
females tend to be more reserved. As with other breeds of
dogs, the females tend to “rule the roost.” Greyhounds adore
the company of other Greyhounds, which is why one often sees more
than one greyhound in many houses.
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How fast are Greyhounds?
Very. They run up to 45 MPH and can hit top speed in 30 feet.
For this reason, they must be kept on a leash unless they are in
a fenced area, and must NEVER be placed on a cable-run or other
type of tether.
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How much exercise does a greyhound need?
A greyhound appreciates a brisk walk every day. They also
enjoy a good run in a fenced area a couple of times a week.
We recommend a fenced yard for your home.
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I have a large, unfenced field nearby, with very few cars in
the area. Is it OK to let a greyhound run loose there?
No. A sight-hound, Greyhounds chase small prey, such as rabbits,
squirrels, birds and even the neighbor’s cat. They can cover
many miles very quickly and will ignore your recall if they are
in the middle of a chase.
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How big are Greyhounds, and how much do they eat?
Weight ranges from fifty to ninety pounds, although they average weight range of a male is sixty to seventy pounds. Many males are smaller, and many females are larger. Weight ranges from fifty to ninety pounds, although they average weight range of a male is sixty to eighty pounds and a female is fifty to sixty pounds. Many females are smaller, and many males are larger.
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Do Greyhounds have health problems?
Greyhounds have no genetic difficulties, unlike many other pure
bred dogs. Greyhounds (and other sight-hounds and collies) are more
sensitive to chemicals and anesthesia than other breeds of dog.
This is not a problem if the proper procedures and recommended chemicals
are used, particularly flea and tick remedies.
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How long do they live?
Many Greyhounds live to fourteen, and some have been known to live
beyond sixteen.
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What is the difference between adopting a greyhound and another
breed of dog from a shelter or breeder?
Greyhounds, unlike other dogs, have never lived in a home.
They have never met other breeds of dogs. Their world has
been limited to the kennel setting where they have seen only their
trainers and caretakers. They need socializing with adults,
children, babies and small pets. Some dogs adjust to the outside
world very quickly, while others take more time. When you
adopt a greyhound, you are getting a dog that needs to be taught
about steps, windows, mirrors, small animals and children.
All these things are brand new to a greyhound, but you will be getting
a gentle, clean, quiet, affectionate dog that will become very devoted
to you. If you have the desire to help a greyhound adjust
to the outside world, then a greyhound will be an ideal companion
for you.
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Are Greyhounds housebroken?
No. They are crate-trained. This means that they will
not soil their crates. If they do, it is because they are
ill or anxious about something. Most Greyhounds can be housebroken
in a very short period of time. Some will never have an accident
in the house. A vigilant owner who learns to “read the signs”
of a greyhound in need of going outside will be able to train their
greyhound very quickly. Unlike groups which kennel their adoptable
Greyhounds, REGAP Greyhounds generally have been in a home setting
before they are adopted out. Their adjustment has already
begun before the adopters take their new greyhound home.
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Will my new greyhound cope with being alone when I go to work?
We recommend that you adopt your greyhound when you are on vacation
so that you may gradually acclimate your greyhound to being alone
over longer and longer periods of time. REGAP will give you
lots of tips on how to do this when you bring your new greyhound
home. Many people keep their Greyhounds in crates or a dog-proofed
room while they are at work.
Most REGAP dogs are with the founder who is able to assess the dogs personality which reassures that you will be matched with the dog that is best suited for you and your lifestyle. REGAP has been successfully placing greyhounds into loving homes for over 20 years.
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I have cats. Will a greyhound chase my cats?
The greyhound was bred as a hunter five thousand years ago.
Some Greyhounds have a keen prey drive and will chase small animals,
including cats. Some Greyhounds are afraid of cats.
After a period of educating and adjusting, the vast majority of
Greyhounds live peaceably with cats and even sleep with them.
REGAP offers advice on helping your greyhound adjust to your small
pets.
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I have a toddler. Are Greyhounds good with children?
Greyhounds are much larger than infants, and even some youngsters
up to the age of five. As with any larger dog, small children
must be supervised when with a large dog. In general, if the
child is good with the greyhound, the greyhound will be good with
the child.
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Why should I adopt a REGAP of CT greyhound?
Unlike groups which kennel their dogs prior to adoption, most REGAP dogs have already been in a home setting before being adopted out. This reassures that you will be matched with the dog best suited for you and your lifestyle. Having been in a home setting is easiest on both the dog and the adopter because the dog has already begun the adjustment from kennel life to home life.
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What does REGAP of CT charge to adopt a greyhound?
REGAP has no source of funding other than the donations of adopters. For a dog that has had no veterinary work, we recommend a minimum donation of $75.00 This helps defray some of the costs of food, veterinary, and office expenses. The adoption fee depends on the degree of veterinary work you choose.
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Will the greyhound have been neutered or spayed, and will it
have had dentistry, shots and tests?
In most cases, yes, this work will be done before you take your
dog home. We have also made arrangements with some “greyhound-knowledgeable”
veterinarians who can perform this work for you after you adopt.
It is far more cost-effective for you if the medical work is done
with one of our recommended veterinarians before you adopt or immediately
after you adopt.
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