Greyhounds as pets

They’ve been hogging the headlines ever since the NSW government banned the racing of these

dogs from July next year. So with so many greyhounds soon to be retired and looking for a life after

the track closes, should we now open our hearts to these slim softies of the dog world?

So what sort of pets do they make?

Forget everything you once thought about greyhounds. The muzzle and those nights racing under

lights are a far cry from what these dogs can do with their lives. Family life is more their speed, with

the amount of exercise they get more dictated by your terms rather than theirs. Essentially, they’re

adaptable. A run or walk of any distance and at any speed is within their capabilities. Remember, in

the racing world these pets are sprinters rather than stayers. As a result, a walk that lasts in the

 

 

minutes is more appealing than the marathon some other dog’s desire.

Here’s their medical report card!

Medically speaking they are a vet’s nightmare. No they don’t offer more medical based drama than

Offspring. In fact quite the opposite. What I mean is that vets would go out of business if everyone

owned a greyhound. They have been bred to be athletes. Fast, efficient medical marvels where every

cog in that machine is oiled and in full working order. In fact, while most breeds have one or two

genetic diseases to look out for, they’re not particularly prone to anything. Even for a large dog, hip

dysplasia isn’t a real danger.

But what about the muzzle?

First impressions count. So when we see a greyhound muzzled on the street, many people wrongly

assume that it’s for our own protection. Instead, it’s all because of an old law that continues to have

us all fooled. In fact, Australia and Northern Ireland are the only countries where wearing a muzzle in

public is compulsory. These are placid dogs who really shouldn’t pose you any more threat than a

poodle! Laws will change but in the meantime, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western

Australia, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory allow dogs that have passed a

behavioural test to wear a green collar and go muzzle free. Yep totally face naked! And it feels good.

So here’s what you need to know if you want this headline hogger to be hogging the couch and the

hugs in your home…

Favourite exercise: Walking. Just keep them on a leash.

Amount of exercise: Around 30 minutes a day is ideal, although they are adaptable to your needs.

Number of sessions: One is fine, although they are capable of more.

Family values: 5/5 (very gentle and easy going)

Home Alone Behaviour: 5/5 (excellent)

 

 

Noise: 1/5 (they’re not known as barkers)

Coat Maintenance: 1/5 (low effort and low shedding)

Personality: 3/5 (quite shy but can be brought out of their shell)

Lifespan: 11-14 years

A big thanks to our five gorgeous Greyhounds Jack, Dudley, Junior, Heidi, Ernie and their owners

who were provided to us by ‘Greyhounds As Pets’.

A variety of adoption agencies for ex-racing greyhounds operate across the country, they include:

- GAP (Greyhounds as Pets)

- Greyhound Rescue

- Friends of the Hound

Speak to your vet about who they recommend in your local area.

About Greyhounds As Pets Greyhounds As Pets is currently a not-for-profit initiative coordinated by Greyhound Racing NSW. In the near future, the initiative will be transferred to and operated by a not-for-profit company established for the purpose of humanely and ethically rehoming retiring and relinquished greyhounds.

Weblinks For further information on Greyhounds As Pets visit:

http://www.gapnsw.com.au/