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| GREYHOUND FAQ |
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Are greyhounds good pets?
Greyhounds are fantastic pets. However owning a dog of any shape or form requires a serious commitment from you as the owner. Not only does a dog need food and water, it needs exercise, grooming, training, regular veterinary care and lots of attention. You may want to do a little homework about greyhounds to determine whether they are the right dog for you and the following information may answer some of your initial questions. Dogs require our time and consideration on a daily basis and in return give us unconditional love and continual entertainment and companionship. Owning a pet is a serious responsibility and if you have decided that you are ready to have a dog, please consider adopting a greyhound.
Why do greyhounds wear muzzles?
According to a law introduced into Australia in 1927, greyhounds must always wear a muzzle when in a public place. Initially, the muzzle was introduced on the race track to prevent these valuable animals from injuring themselves during the general excitement at the track and their high spirited racing.
Are greyhounds highly strung and aggressive?
Nothing could be further from the truth. Greyhounds are intelligent, calm loving animals that thrive on the attention of people in general. Many vets that work with greyhounds point out that they are among the best natured breeds. The nature of the greyhound racing industry means that from a very early stage the race dogs are handled by a large variety of people at the kennels, racetracks and vet surgeries, so they are use to adapting to unfamiliar surroundings and different people. |
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Are greyhounds good watch dogs?
Greyhounds are fantastic watch dogs, they'll watch everything, they just don't always protect it! Owing to the greyhounds non-aggressive nature they don't really make the best guard dogs, however their sheer size and appearance is intimidating to many and their deep bark sounds threatening and imposing enough to ward off any intruders, even if it is just an excited friendly greeting!
Do greyhounds need a lot of room to exercise?
Although greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog they achieve their incredible speeds in one all out sprint and do not have a great deal of endurance. A greyhound is quite content to be a "couch potato" and spend most of the day sleeping. As they don't have a lot of endurance a greyhound actually requires less exercise than most other dogs. Many live happy healthy lives with only a small fenced yard and occasional walks on a leash.
Can I trust my greyhound off a leash?
No! Greyhounds are trained to chase based on the sight of the fast moving lure and they can see clearly for almost one kilometre. They have no knowledge of cars and traffic and can run at great speeds so being off leash in an unfenced area could be the recipe for disaster. Greyhounds love to run, and within a securely fenced area it is perfect to let them loose. Greyhounds enjoy walking and jogging and are very well behaved on a leash so they make a great exercise companion. |
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Are greyhounds good with children?
Greyhounds have a very gentle and quiet disposition and are patient and sensitive with children, however just like any dog, they do not wish to be abused or harassed by anyone. Being non-aggressive, a greyhound will often walk away from a worrisome child rather than growl or snap. However, even the gentle greyhound has its limits and should not be subjected to continuous harassment, so in return all children should be taught to respect any dog, and never to bother a dog that is sleeping or eating. As with any other dog, take special care to avoid accidental injury to either the dog or child when very young children are in the home.
Which makes a better pet - a male or female?
Both! Greyhounds are all individuals with a wide variety of personalities. The difference in temperament between the sexes is much less pronounced in this breed than in others. One real advantage of adopting an adult dog is that the animal's basic personality traits are already developed and evident. Personality is more important than weight or sex. A low key 35kg dog may be happier in a quiet small relaxed home, whereas an energetic 25kg dog could be better suited to a busy and active home.
Where should a greyhound live?
Greyhounds are not very well suited to being outside dogs as they have very little body fat and a short thin coat. Whilst racing, they are housed in heated and air conditioned kennels where they are guaranteed a private bed and lots of company. Like us, a greyhound enjoys outside activities but looks forward to a cool or warm house depending on the season. Natural "couch potatoes", greyhounds appreciate having their own soft spots where they can relax and feel secure. Adjusting to a new home is made easier for greyhounds when they have a small private area that they can claim as their own. |
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| Last Update: 29/01/07 01:02 |
Views: 803 |
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