When deciding on whether or not to adopt a retired racing greyhound, please ask yourself the following questions:

Is it for myself, for the kids, or to replace a deceased canine cherished by the whole family? It is important to be sure not only that your reasons are sound and not motivated by whimsy or impulse, but that your expectations of owning a greyhound are reasonable. For instance, if you expect that getting a dog will teach your kids responsibility, think again! Dogs don't teach responsibility, that's a parent's job. Ask yourself why you are interested in greyhounds. Make a list of the pros and cons of owning an ex-racer. Although they make great pets, they are not for everyone.
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Despite good intentions and promises to the contrary, at least 75% of a dog's care tends to fall on the domestic leader of the household. To pick up the remaining 25% of the responsibilities, it is important that all other members of the family really want a greyhound (or even a dog for that matter) and are willing to pitch in. A dog that starts off being unwanted or resented by even one family member can hardly expect to live a happy life.
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Do you maintain a regular schedule? After all, dogs are creatures of habit. Would you rather go home at the end of the day to walk the dog, or get together with friends for a beer or a game of tennis? Will anyone be home during the day with the greyhound, especially if you are gone longer than 8 hours a day? If no one can get home, do you have a friend or a neighbor who can come in during the day to walk the dog? Do you truly have enough free time and energy to put into the necessary care, training, and companionship of a greyhound? Greyhounds are happiest in environments where they can be with their owners as much as possible.
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If you are someone who keeps an immaculate home, be prepared for a big change in your outlook or rethink the whole idea, because greyhounds absolutely cannot be kept in an outdoor kennel. They are indoor dogs. Greyhounds are clean by nature, but they are still dogs. As with all dogs, they are capable of dragging in mud or having an accident on your oriental rug.
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Unfortunately, the cost of food, licenses, and veterinary care (both routine and emergency) can quickly put the feasibility of dog ownership out of the question for some.
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This includes obeying licensing requirements and local laws, the etiquette of being a good neighbor (stooping and scooping), and the willingness and ability to provide proper nutrition, grooming, vet care, etc. Owning an ex-racing greyhound means agreeing to never allow your dog to be off-leash unless completely contained in safely fenced area. If you can't adhere to this requirement, then a greyhound is not the breed for you.
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If you are seriously interested in adopting a retired racing greyhound, you are required to read either Cynthia Branigan's Adopting the Racing Greyhound or Lee Livingood's Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies. You should also attend a meet and greet where you can visit with greyhounds and get a better idea what they are all about.
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Dog ownership is very rewarding. You receive unconditional love, a friend that is happy simply being with you and hangs on every word you say. But it is also a big commitment, an expense, and a lot of work.

 

If you are considering adopting a greyhound "for the kids", please be realistic. Regardless of all the pleading and promises, the reality is that you will end up doing the bulk of the dog walking, feeding, care, and training. Even the most conscientious child probably won't be able to restrain an adult dog that decides to bolt. In-home and backyard play will need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Respect between children and a dog must go two ways. Children should be taught to respect the hound and not abuse them. This applies regardless of the breed.

 

RETIRED RACING GREYHOUNDS MUST NOT BE EXERCISED OFF-LEAD UNLESS IN A SAFELY FENCED AREA!
This point is so important that is worth repeating...
RETIRED RACING GREYHOUNDS MUST NOT BE EXERCISED OFF-LEAD UNLESS IN A SAFELY FENCED AREA!
If you do not have a fenced yard of your own and wish to exercise your greyhound off-lead, you should scout your neighborhood for suitable exercising areas, such as fully-fenced ballparks or ask friends and neighbors if you can borrow their yard. Tying out a greyhound is extremely dangerous. They are not used to being tied up and due to their quick acceleration, they can severely and fatally injure themselves when they come to the end of a tie-out.

 

Do your research before deciding on a retired racing greyhound (or any other breed). This breed has a wonderful history and their warm, loving, laid back temperament makes them terrific family members.

 

Greyhound Pets of America - Minnesota is available and willing to answer your questions and help you decide whether a greyhound is in your future. Contact us!
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