Frequently Asked Questions

Given their past lives, how long do they take to bond with people?
Greyhounds are very friendly and thrive on human companionship. Bonding is usually accomplished in a matter of days.

Do they housebreak easily?
The greyhounds crated life is conducive to easy housebreaking because they are accustomed to being let out to relieve themselves several times a day.

Are Greyhounds good with other pets?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of their exposure to other greyhounds at the racing kennels. However, common sense must be exercised during the introductory period and with regards to food, treats, bones or special toys. Feeding separately is always recommended in any multi-pet household.

How about cats?
At least 90% of track greyhounds can be placed with cats and live peacefully together. It is important, however, to follow the advice of your adoption counselor.

Why do greyhounds have to remain on a leash?
Every responsible dog owner keeps his dog on a leash, regardless of breed, near roads or moving hazards. Cars present an ominous threat to the greyhound who bears 6,000 years worth of instinct to run without looking both directions for oncoming vehicles.

Are greyhounds hyperactive?
NO! The most common misconception about greyhounds is that a dog which is capable of great athletic skill is a dog who must be in perpetual motion. In reality they are quite lazy and enjoy lounging with the family.

Do greyhounds require a lot of exercise?
They enjoy but are not dependent on moderate exercise. They can make good jogging partners after proper conditioning. In most households, the shared experience of a brisk walk is enough to keep both the walker and the greyhound fit and healthy.

Are females better pets?
NO! Males and females make equally good companions and housetrain equally fast. The females are generally much more independent and the males are somewhat more affectionate.

A History of the Racing Greyhound

The greyhound is as ancient as the desert from which he sprung. For thousands of years they were the dog of choice for kings, queens, pharaohs and sheiks. In early Arabian culture, the birth of a Greyhound was cause for great celebrations. They were also the only dog mentioned in the King James Version of the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31). To be presented with a Greyhound was considered the most prized gift one could receive.

It was believed that the Greyhound was permitted in the next world to give information and evidence about mankind. It was the Egyptians who first raced Greyhounds for sport in open fields with a wild hare as quarry and no rules of the game except speed. Greyhounds were considered to possess divine powers. The destruction of a Greyhound was an extremely serious crime.

In the 15th century, commoners were beheaded if caught with a Greyhound in their possession - so that the sport of coursing (racing) could remain an elite activity shared only by royalty.

In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth established the beginning of formalized dog racing, dubbed the "Sport of Queens". The first track to open in the United States was in California in 1920.

These fleet-footed hounds are sight hounds, they can spot a moving object up to a half mile away. Their sprinting ability enables them to expend an enormous amount of energy in a short period of time. They run at their fastest between 40-45 miles per hour. Their ability to blend speed, coordination and strategy have made them great hunters as well as racers. Like our forests, lakes and oceans, Greyhounds are one of our valued natural treasures.