Adopt a racing greyhound & get a wonderful dog

Video: Ex Racing Greyhounds as pets (Naturally Happy Dogs)

Adopt a racing Greyhound and get a wonderful dog! Within an hour drive of where I used to live is a well-known dog racing track. Several years ago a story was written about the fate of many Greyhounds who had become too old for racing. This unhappy story led to outrage in the community, and an adoption program was started for these wonderful dogs. When people adopt a racing Greyhound they get a wonderful dog, and help save the life of the dog as well. It is a win-win situation more people should inquire about when seeking a great family dog.

Adopt a racing Greyhound

Greyhounds bred for racing are sent to training facilities soon after they are weaned from their mother. They stay up to the age of one and a half years old. By this time they have been trained and are mature enough to now become part of the racing dog’s fraternity. The average length of a Greyhounds racing career is up to the age of four years old. It is at this point they often become a liability to their owners and in the past many were put down. This has changed fortunately, and now the dogs are available for anyone who wishes to adopt.

Why you might want to adopt a racing Greyhound is of course to give a then a good, loving home but only do so if this is why you want one. Saving the dog just too then ignore them is not what your motivation should be, as this breed is very personable, loving, gentle and makes a wonderful family pet.

They are well socialized, as described in this article by The Greyhound Project, Inc:

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Greyhounds are pack animals, which means that they are social creatures who live in a social hierarchy. This socialization is particularly strong with Greyhounds because they have been in the company of a large number of other dogs from birth.

That having been said, they may be nervous or frightened when first exposed to other dogs. They have never been around anything but Greyhounds! And they usually don’t have a clue about what a cat is. So tread easily when introducing the dog to other animals.

They do need a good run every day or so but not hours of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Contrary to what many people might think they are not high strung dogs due to their competitive upbringing and time on the track.

Because this breed of dog has been in great shape from puppyhood to the end of their racing career they have a high metabolism. This helps keep them from gaining weight and loosing that sleek, muscular appearance. It also contributes to the fact they live long lives of up to fifteen years. The colors of a Greyhound can be red, fawn, white, solid blue, red, black, brindle or any combination of these colors. There are 16 “official” colors. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds while females weigh in from 55 to 65 pounds.

Note that the “racing” Greyhounds are considered a separate breed, and are registered by the National Greyhound Association in the USA, not the AKC.

If you would like to adopt a racing Greyhound they are easily located by contacting one of the racing facilities, or check the directory on The Greyhound Project, Inc.’s site. Before buying a puppy of another breed take a good look at giving one of these great dogs a home. You will not regret your decision to do so.

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