All About
Adopting Greyhounds
as Pets
|
|
Greyhound Adoption – Great Dogs, Great Cause
By Michele Elward
History of Greyhounds
Throughout the US and in many parts of the world, greyhounds are
used as racing dogs to support gambling. In the United States
alone, there are roughly 40 dog tracks and hundreds of puppy
farms and training facilities around the country. Years ago, the
greyhound industry was in much worse shape than it is today. Many
tracks have established very good policies as well as “no kill”
rules that help ensure the health and fate of the greyhounds.
However, there are still thousands of greyhounds that after their
racing days are in need of forever homes.
From Puppy to Adoption
Soon after greyhounds are born, they are sent to farms for
training. They often remain in these training facilities until
they are 18 months old. At this age, the dogs are introduced to
the track and if they’re fast enough, will often race until they
are between 3-4 years old. Aft this, they are usually put up for
adoption.
Personality of Greyhounds
It’s not enough to consider adopting a greyhound for humanitarian
reasons alone. Think about the breed’s characteristics to
determine if it would be a good fit in your home. Greyhounds are
very easy-going dogs. This might surprise you, since we’re used
to seeing greyhounds speeding around racing tracks reaching
speeds of 40 mph. Despite this, greyhounds are normally good for
only a few sprints per day. Otherwise, they are truly happy to
relax around the house and casually play with a toy or a
companion. The greyhound’s docile personality is complemented by
their loyalty, intelligence and excitement about simple things
like taking nightly walks or seeing their owner return home from
work.
Appearance of Greyhounds
Greyhound come in a variety of colors including solid blue,
white, black, red, fawn and combinations of these colors with
spotted and brindle patterns. Male greyhounds generally weigh
between 65-75 pounds and females tend to weigh between 55-65
pounds. Their sleek, athletic look should be maintained even as
they enter retirement. Keeping a greyhound fit and trim should be
relatively easy since their metabolism is quite fast and they
don’t tend to gain weight easily. Perhaps in part because of
their great conditioning, greyhounds have long life expectancies
for such large dogs, spanning between 12-15 years.
Availability of Greyhounds
Greyhounds are available at shelters around the country – many of
which are associated with local racing tracks. Be sure to discuss
your home situation with the director of the adoption facility.
They’ll want to know if you have cats at home, small dogs and
very young children. Based on greyhounds’ training and instinct,
some maintain left over aggressiveness toward small animals. The
facility’s adoption director should be able to suggest a number
of greyhounds that match well to your home life.
http://www.thepetman.com/
Library of All Dog Breed Info
Library of Dog Training Info
Library of Info About
Puppies & Puppy Care
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Try doing a search
|
