Caring for Senior Dogs: Greyhound Edition

Many people will be unaware that Greyhounds are a gentle dog breed. People make the mistake of associating them with the racetrack and the aggression that surrounds that activity. Unfortunately, in many people’s’ minds they are still largely connected with Greyhound racing, which remains a highly controversial sport. If Greyhounds don’t perform well they are often abandoned, sold to laboratories, or euthanized.

Suggested: Caring for Senior Dogs: Pug Edition

Greyhounds are actually a quiet and affectionate breed and really do make for a wonderful family pet. They are hound dogs and have a great lifespan of between 12 to 15 years. Families who own Greyhounds will tell you of their sweet, placid nature. Many people wrongly believe that Greyhounds can be dangerous, but they are in fact kid friendly, friendly towards strangers, and extremely playful.

Their association with Greyhound racing may cause people to conclude that they are extremely active dogs, but they are very relaxed. They have a burst of speed on the track, but are commonly known as “40 mph couch potatoes.”

Another thing to keep in mind if you adopt a greyhound is that they need to be taught about common household fixtures. This is because at the Greyhound track they are rarely exposed to physical structures such as hardwood floors, mirrors, steps, and glass doors. You need to teach your new Greyhound about them to prevent run-ins.

If you do to decide to get a Greyhound, there will always be a settling in period. It might be best to take a few days off work to help them adapt to their new home. It is likely not a good idea to keep your Greyhound in a separate room to sleep, as they are generally used to sleeping with many other dogs in the same area.

If you do decide to adopt a Greyhound you are guaranteed a loving companion for life. They have minimal shedding, easy to train, and are highly intelligent. It’s time to start changing people’s’ perceptions of Greyhounds!

About the Author

Tom Clarke is a Greyhound supporter, who loves to share his knowledge of these gentle pups. Check out his blog at Greyhounds As Pets to learn more about bringing them into your homes. 

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