 |
|||
See the Events Calendar for our monthly Meet and Greet events and for more details on the special events below. 4/20-22 America's Family Pet Expo 4/21 GreySave Spa Day in Pasadena 5/19 GreySave Race to the Park! Picnic Search GreySave Navigating this site from a touch-screen device
Check out GreySave Greyhound Adoptions on Facebook
Support GreySave when you shop at Amazon by clicking below. How this works. (866) Grey-Save 866-473-9728 |
 |
||
     |
|||
 |
|||
|
How do I adopt a greyhound from GreySave? GreySave usually has a number of greyhounds ready for adoption, and we're always looking for new foster homes and permanent homes. To find out how you adopt a grey from us, click here. Don't greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
Exercising your greyhound with walks and occasional chances to run around in a fenced area is all that's required. Most greyhounds will enjoy an occasional sprint in an enclosed, grassy area.Some of them love to run; others are simply not interested after they retire. Greyhounds also make great jogging and hiking companions once they become accustomed to longer distances and the new pace. Since they have been trained as sprinters, their endurance must be built up.
Are greyhounds good pets?
In general, greyhounds tend to be calm, gentle and reserved, affectionate, adaptable and loyal. They are curious, however, so GreySave recommends that you keep things like shoes, remote controls, cell phones and magazines out of your greyhound's reach. Most of our greyhounds have some very basic socialization and training, and they tend to learn very quickly (yes, even for housetraining!). In addition to basic commands, other important things most greyhounds need to learn are how to go up/down stairs, glass doors and linoleum or tile floors. One important thing is to never strike or hit a greyhound as they are extremely sensitive. It's far better to use a stern voice and a verbal reprimand such as ãNoä when your greyhound misbehaves.
Do female greyhounds make for calmer pets? One assumption about dogs that does not fit the greyhound breed is that males are more active and unruly than females. Every greyhound is an individual and that the full range of temperaments is found among both males and females. Some experienced greyhound owners will say that male greyhounds, if anything, tend to be more easy-going and relaxed than females. Male greyhounds have a reputation in the grey adoption community for being sweet, big "doofuses."
What health issues can I expect with a greyhound? GreySave treats all medical problems of the dogs in our foster homes, which range from minor cuts and scrapes to severely-broken legs. We recommend regular well-dog checkups with a greyhound-knowledgeable vet, and are happy to help you find such a vet in your area. Unlike most purebred show dogs, greyhounds tend to have fewer genetic issues (such as hip displaysia, eye, knee, and back problems). Most greyhounds live for 12 years or more, but some have been known to live for more than 17 years! Be sure that your veterinarian is knowledgeable about greyhounds. Greyhounds require only about one-fourth of the normal anesthetic, and are sensitive to certain flea medications. Barbiturates of any kind are not tolerated by these dogs and are usually fatal if used. Your veterinarian can contact a GreySave representative for further information.
Are greyhounds active, noisy dogs?
GreySave's use of foster homes to acclimate greyhounds to home life also gives us the perfect opportunity to discover the activity level of each greyhound, and to add that info to our personality profile on each dog.
Are they good with children?
GreySave does not recommend greyhounds for families with very young children. No matter the age of the child, we recommend that parents work hard at training both greyhounds AND children to live together happily.
Are greyhounds affectionate?
At the racetrack, your greyhound had to share a human with a dozen or more other dogs. As a result, adopted greyhounds are eager to please and will soak up all the love you can give them. They are very sensitive dogs, and can sense your mood by your body language and the tone of your voice. You'll find that when they are not curled up for a nap, they like to follow you around the house so they know where you are.
What if I have cats or small dogs?
Most can learn to accept cats, but the introductory
period must be very closely monitored. Some greyhounds need to be
taught to differentiate between the cat and the mechanical lure
they have been chasing around the track. If your greyhound even
looks at your cat, jump right in and GreySave has some greyt tips for handling introductions for a new greyhound, whether it's for a large or small dog, a cat, or any other pet or family member. If you have any questions, please go to the Contact Us page and submit your question.
Can I leave my greyhound out in the backyard?
GreySave recommends that a greyhound's yard be fenced by a 6-foot fence, but a 5-foot fence is sufficient for most greyhounds. Never tie a greyhound to a tree or stake in a yard. A greyhound can reach an amazing speed by the time he gets to the end of the rope, and could likely injure himself.
What if I live in an apartment?
Can I adopt a puppy? Greyhound puppies are rare, but we occasionally do find a puppy in a shelter or at the track. Like any other puppy, they have a lot of growing to do and are considered adolescents until they're at least 3-years of age.
Do greyhounds shed? Yes, but less than most dogs. Their coats are short and sleek. Greyhounds can go long periods between baths without smelling "doggy."
Do greyhounds eat a lot? Greyhounds don't eat more than other dogs their size. They typically eat one to two cups of kibble twice a day. GreySave suggests greyhounds be fed high-quality dog food, and is happy to recommend a variety of foods. The important thing is to not overfeed a greyhound. GreySave recommends the two-ribs rule (a good rule for all dogs): you should be able to see the outline of the last two ribs on your greyhound. You should be able to feel the rest of the ribs with a light touch. If your dog is overweight, GreySave has a number of tips and tricks to help you get your grey back in shape.
Can greyhounds swim?
How should I correct my greyhound? For any correction, a firm NO! is all that you should need. Your tone of voice and a firm NO! will quickly let your greyhound know how to behave. Some methods taught by obedience schools prove too harsh for use with greyhounds and must be modified.
How do track (NGA) and show (AKC) greyhounds differ?
|
|||
 |
 |
||
NO!
Greyhounds are known as "45-miles-per-hour couch potatoes"
for a reason: they sleep 18 to 20 hours a day . But as the second
fastest land animal, they can run at truly amazing speeds for very
short bursts. Because of this, greyhounds MUST be leashed at all
times when not in a fenced area. When they're inside your home,
however, you're most likely to find them lounging on their dog bed
or your couch.
Any
greyhound lover is sure to say "YES", but you need to
make sure that a greyhound is right for your family. Just like any
dog breed, greyhounds have a variety of personalities, from outgoing
and playful to shy and reserved. 
The
most common misconception concerning greyhounds is that they are
hyperactive. It is actually the opposite. Greyhounds are an inquisitive,
gentle, mild, quiet animal by nature. The greyhound is basically
a quiet dog and will spend much of its time sleeping in the corner
of the room--unless you allow it a spot on the sofa. They are not
barkers by nature, but will bark if excited or if they are trying
to tell you something. 
An adult should always be present when a greyhound,
or any dog, is around young children. Most greyhounds do very well
with kids, especially well-behaved older children.
Some
greyhounds are absolutely fine with cats and small dogs, and others
will see them as just right for chasing. We have a number of foster
homes with cats and small dogs, and we try our best to keep overly-curious
dogs for homes without cats or small dogs. 
say NO! It will quickly learn
the right behavior towards a smaller animal. Never leave your greyhound
alone with your family cat until you are sure they get along.
Absolutely
not!!! Greyhounds are not outside pets. The double-layer coat on
most dogs helps keep them insulated from heat and cold. Greyhounds,
however, have a single-layer coat so they are not as able to self-regulate
their temperature. Their 2% body fat offers little protection from
the cold. The thin coat of some greyhounds (especially on their
stomaches) causes them to sunburn if exposed too long to the sun.
If outside for more than a short time in cold weather, they should
be protected with a coat. 
Greyhounds tend to be greyt apartment dogs. Although
they're larger than many dogs, they don't usually take up any more
room than other dogs. As long as they are taken out at reasonable
intervals, many greyhounds love life in an apartment or condo. Many
greyhound adopters even report that their apartment neighbors are
thrilled to hear a greyhound has moved in because greyhounds tend
not to bark. 
Most
greyhounds that GreySave has available will be between 2 and 5 years
old, but sometimes we will have puppies or seniors available. 
To some extent, but not very well. Their structure and low body fat make them poor swimmers.
If they fall into water they will naturally dog-paddle, like any
dog, but because they are not bouyant they tend to sink quickly.
Never leave a greyhound unsupervised near any body of water, including
a pool. 
In general, track greyhounds are a little shorter
and less heavy than show greyhounds. Track greyhounds are more heavily
muscled in the rear and their necks and heads are not as slenderly
exaggerated as those of show greyhounds. Behavioral differences
probably are due to differences in upbringing. Track greyhounds
may live longer because of superior cardio-vascular conditioning.
However, these differences have not been established scientifically. (Right: Cedric is an AKC greyhound that GreySave helped find a new home.)