GREYHOUND  OG  CONNECTION

Frequently Asked Questions

CLICK HERE to read a great article by Kathleen Gilley which gives some insight
into what it's like for a racing greyhound to suddenly become a pet, and how YOU can ease the transition.

Why is the greyhound a great house and family dog?

If you are looking for a companion to keep you company in the house, look no further. Greyhounds are not bred to be outside dogs, they need to be indoors with you. Greyhounds do not have the body fat necessary to provide the insulation required to protect them from either heat or cold. A social breed of dog, greyhounds require interaction with people and often with other animals. As with many other breeds, to treat them otherwise can promote boredom which can lead to bad habits.

Do greyhounds need a lot of space and exercise?

Greyhounds take retirement very seriously and it doesn't usually take too long before they become couch potatoes (we call them our 45 mph speed bumps!). However, they should be walked regularly. Occasionally they enjoy a few quick bursts of speed at a local ballfield (totally enclosed of course), but most greyhounds will tire out after a few minutes of full speed running - then head back to the couch for up to 18 hours of sleep per day.

How are greyhounds with other dogs?

Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of frequent encounters with other greyhounds in the racing kennel.

How do greyhounds get along with cats?

With proper introduction and help from your Greyhound Connection representative they are often very good with cats. Each greyhound is cat-tested prior to going into a home with cats. They must be taught to differentiate between the cat and the track lure. Many thousands of greyhounds nationwide have been placed with happy cat owners with no ill effects to either animal.

Are greyhounds good with children?

Greyhounds generally love and are very tolerant of children. However, it must be remembered that all dogs require time and space to escape from children's sometimes heavy-handed play. Children should be taught to love and respect all animals. If a greyhound cannot get away from an aggressive person or child, they may "snap" at them as a warning.

What colors do greyhounds come in?

There are approximately 19 color variations: brindles - in red, brown, blue and black, solid colors including fawn, white, black, red and blue (gray). Spotted dogs are black/white, orange/white and brindle/white with blue fawns the rarest.

Do greyhounds have any common medical problems?

Occasionally, greyhounds suffer from hypothyroidism (low thyroid) and certain tick-borne diseases. These can easily be discovered by blood tests. As they age they may acquire normal age-related disorders such as arthritis. Most of the time it can be treated with medication. We have seen some cases of cancer as with other animals and people. Greyhounds are not prone to hip dysplasia as other large breeds are. They do not have "doggy odor" and shed very little. Their life expectancy ranges from approximately 10 to 14 years.

Are greyhounds housebroken?

Ex-racing greyhounds are "kennel broken". Part of the job of a foster parent is to teach their greyhound the appropriate bathroom place. We start by taking the greyhound out every hour when they are first brought into the home. Greyhounds are quick learners and learn very quickly what is expected of them. Because they are clean dogs by nature, they will prefer to go outside.

Why are greyhounds retired at such an early age?

They start racing at 18 months and go through a "grading down" process as they continue through their careers. Once greyhounds stop winning, they are no longer financially productive, and are retired.

Have they been abused?

Racing greyhounds generally are not abused because an abused dog will not be a winning dog. Their living space from birth to retirement is generally a crate with an average size of 3 feet wide, 3 feet high and 3 1/2 feet deep, with bedding consisting of shredded newsprint. They are muzzled at all times, except while eating.

How many greyhounds are killed each year?

We don't know for sure. What we do know is that even one death is one too many.

Who is Greyhound Connection?

Greyhound Connection is a volunteer organization dedicated to finding loving homes for greyhounds from race tracks and kennels across the country. Through our community education, we strive to raise public awareness of how wonderful retired racing greyhounds are as pets.

What makes Greyhound Connection different?

Greyhound Connection has a wonderful foster program that eases these newly retired racers into the beginning stages of home and family life before they are adopted. Generally, our greyhounds stay with their foster families from 2 to 4 weeks. In that time they learn about other animals, children, sharing, the home environment and much more.

How old are the greyhounds when you get them?

Greyhounds who come to us are typically between 2 and 5 years old. They usually adapt very easily to their new environment. They are naive but eager to please and love any attention given them. Most racing greyhounds are quiet, clean, gentle, good-natured dogs that get along well with other animals and people.

What size are male and females?

Males are generally 65 to 90 lbs.; females are usually 50 to 70 lbs.

Where does Greyhound Connection get their greyhounds?

Our greyhounds come from the racetrack system in Tucson, Arizona, but many have raced at tracks around the country.

Why does Greyhound Connection require spaying and neutering?

It prevents testicular and prostate cancer in males and uterine cancer and mammary tumors in females. It also helps in the fight against pet overpopulation.

Why should I keep my Greyhound on a leash?

Can you run 45 mph? Probably not, but your new greyhound can. Greyhounds should always be kept on a leash unless they are in an enclosed area. Remember that greyhounds are classified as "sight hounds" so they are very good at seeing moving objects at great distances and are liable to chase after anything with surprising quickness. They have the ability to reach full speed in seconds and can turn on a dime, so there is no way to catch them yourself. They are not street-smart, so they have no regard for traffic. They have been trained extensively on leash and will make wonderful walking companions and can even be gradually trained to jog short distances with you or go on longer hikes. Greyhounds are sprinters and are not bred for endurance so it's best to run or walk them for a bit, then let them rest, and never over do it on warm days.

What is the process for adopting a Greyhound?

You can click here for an application which can be printed and mailed/faxed or submitted online. After the application is received one of our home representatives will contact you to arrange a home visit. We do a visit to check for potential hazards in your home and yard. Also, it allows us to meet the entire family and other pets, and answer what questions you may have. Once we know you better we can find the greyhound most suited to your home and lifestyle.

What is the cost of adopting a Greyhound?

Our fee is $230.00. This is paid at the time of adoption and is non-refundable.

What is done for our greyhound prior to adoption?

Your greyhound will be spayed or neutered, any parasites are eradicated, they are dewormed and they are given a dental cleaning. Their ears are cleaned and checked for infection. All their shots are given, they are bathed, and treated for fleas. A preliminary physical exam is done and they are placed on doxycycline. We test for small animal safety (cat testing), they then receive a new Premier® martingale collar and a Greyhound Connection identification tag. Each dog has a number in our database which can be used if he/she is every lost. A special "baby book" is given to each new parent with vital medical information, a family tree, a first photo of their new life and other important greyhound information. Once the adoption takes place you should introduce your new greyhound to your vet (greyhound knowledgeable) or, if you don't have a vet, there are many we can recommend.

How long does the adoption process take?

Depending on your needs and on how many available dogs we have, you could have your dog in a matter of a few weeks. However, we try very hard to find a greyhound that will be as perfect a match as possible for your needs so it may take considerably longer.

What if the adoption doesn't work out for some reason? Can I bring the dog back?

Our adoption agreement requires that you agree to return your dog to Greyhound Connection in the event that it doesn't work out happily. But remember that an adoption that doesn't work is traumatic for both family and dog. That's why Greyhound Connection representatives work very hard to place the right greyhound in the right home from the start. Your home placement representative will work with you if there are any problems, or if you have any questions. Our representatives are available to support you every step of the way.

What will I need before my Greyhound comes to my home?

  • Bedding - a large dog bed or soft comforter.
  • Large food and water bowls.
  • Brush - rubber hand mitt. No metal brushes.
  • Tooth brush kit.
  • Toys - they love stuffed toys that squeek, but be sure to remove eyes, buttons, etc.
  • Dog food - good quality kibble, i.e., Canine Caviar, Nutro, Natural Balance, etc. They usually enjoy wet canned food or cooked chicken and rice added with their kibble. It is also good for their skin and coat.
  • A book called Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies which can be purchased from Greyhound Connection's sales page.

    Is a Greyhound for me?

    The greyhound is a very mellow breed as a rule. Although they have their moments of excitement, they are usually very easy to handle. If you have the time and love to share with a greyhound - who will return it may times over - then one of these ex-racers is for you! You must be patient and understanding as your new friend adjusts to his/her new surroundings. Remember that these dogs have lived their whole lives in a crate and can be naive about the life they are being exposed to. Our foster program helps to start the process but you will ultimately be the one who continues it.

    How else can I help the Greyhounds?

    If you can't adopt a greyhound at this time, you can still help by:
  • Volunteering to help with fostering, fund raising, bathing, show-n-tells and much more.
  • Donating money, dog food, towels and toys among other things. We are a non-profit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, so all of your contributions are deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

    Hopefully this has answered some of your questions about greyhounds. If you still have questions, contact us now!

    If you really want to see how great these dogs are, don't just take our word for it! Go to our events page to see when our next "meet-and-greet" is and go see these wonderful dogs in person. You'll be glad you did!

    Don't forget to tell your friends about Greyhound Connection and our wonderful dogs! We would also love to hear from you if you have ideas to help promote our program and improve our operation.

    • All right, all right! You've convinced me to adopt a Greyhound. Who do I call?

    Greyhound Connection
    P.O. Box 277
    Carlsbad, CA 92018
    Phone: (619) 286-4739 (general) or (760) 822-5155 (foster)
    greys@GreyhoundConnection.org