About Greyhounds

Retired racing greyhounds make wonderful pets. Surprised? Have you ever gone to the dog track and seen only a long, lean, running machine in a racing jacket and muzzle? Perhaps you assumed that they must wear that muzzle to sheathe those teeth! And all that energy! Racing greyhounds must need to run all day, every day just to calm down even a little! Actually racing greyhounds wear muzzles as a state requirement and have all that energy because they are about to do what they were bred for-a quick sprint around the race track. Unlike most sporting dogs, who were bred to be able to run all day, greyhounds are capable of expending enormous amounts of energy in a few minutes; but after the race, it's back to the business of kennel life: a drink of water, a turn in the exercise pen, and a three-day rest in the kennel before running again.

History

Greyhounds belong to a family of dogs known as “Sight Hounds”, a grouping that includes the Whippet, Saluki, Borzoi, and Irish Wolfhound, among others. They are called “Sight Hounds” because unlike other dogs which typically hunt by smell, these dogs locate their prey with keen eyesight. Greyhounds can identify a small animal up to a half-mile away. This family of dogs is among the oldest identified breeds, tracing their origins to 4000 BC and ancient Egypt. Images of these hounds appear on the tombs of Egyptian royalty. The Greyhound was prized among English nobility for their exceptional speed and hunting ability as well as their success at lure coursing. Until the early 20th century greyhounds were primarily bred for lure coursing. Modern greyhound racing was introduced in England and the US in the 1920s. The name “greyhound” is derived from the old English “greuhund,” which means running dog.

From their beginnings, greyhounds have been bred to outrun their prey. Traditionally, they were walked on a lead until game was sighted and then they were released. From that moment on, they pitted their grace and intelligence against that of their quarry. The necessity of making their own hunting decisions has made them self-reliant and quick-witted. Lure-coursing and modern greyhound racing are controlled recreations of this chase. The prestige of owning the fastest running dog led gentlemen to race their dogs against each other. The owners and interested observers would bet on the outcome of the race. If, in the context of the race, a dog interfered in any way, it was put down immediately. Centuries of this type of genetic selection has bred out most aggression and led to the greyhound’s docile demeanor.

Greyhounds as Pets

Centuries of selective breeding have created a wonderful house pet. Greyhounds are calm, relaxed animals that will enjoy the atmosphere in your home. They need to be let out in a fenced yard or walked on a lead 3-4 times per day, and will generally quickly adapt to your household’s schedule. They do well in small houses or apartments and require only a soft place to sleep or rest. You will find your greyhound to be a loyal and devoted companion.

If you are interested in adopting a greyhound, visit our adoption section to get started. If you have more questions, check out the FAQ and the Myths section for more details. If you have more specific questions about greyhounds or the adoption process, please contact us today or check the calendar and make plans to visit us at a meet and greet or other event. We are always excited to talk to you about adopting a greyhound. These wonderful dogs have stolen our hearts, and we would be happy to tell you why!