15 Adopting a Greyhound Pros and Cons

If you are familiar with greyhounds, then you may know of their racing history. These dogs were specifically bred for speed. Many of them can reach a top speed of 40 mph. Premium racers can maintain the top speed of 45 mph for up to 250 meters. When you bring a retired greyhound home after an adoption, you will also discover that these dogs really enjoy being couch potatoes.

These dogs might like to run, but they also like to find the most comfortable place in your home. They do have a larger size compared to some other breeds, but most of them are quiet, affectionate, and gentle dogs that can adapt to many different lifestyles. You will find greyhounds living in the city, in suburban homes, and in farming communities.

Greyhounds have coats which, in many different colors. Their grooming needs are minimal, often needing a weekly brushing and the occasional bath at most. Some dogs will need regular nail trimming as well.

If you are interested in the adoption of a greyhound, then here are the vital pros and cons to consider before you complete the process.

List of the Pros of Adopting a Greyhound

1. Greyhounds are very affectionate dogs.
You will find this breed really loves to have human companionship. Although there are some greyhounds bred for show, most of them come from the racing world. They are used to having humans telling them what to do. That environment creates a loyalty that is arguably unsurpassed in the canine kingdom. These dogs will follow you everywhere, especially if they think there might be a snuggling session in the near future.

2. Greyhounds require less exercise than you might think.
Greyhounds as a breed do enjoy running as a pastime when there is enough room for them to run. They do need to have some exercise, but most are satisfied if you can give them a 20-minute walk every day. That’s why this breed can excel in urban environments when the other larger breeds struggle. Most dogs prefer to snooze all day while you’re away at work and being lazy around your home.

3. Greyhounds are usually a low-maintenance breed.
Greyhounds as a breed do you have some special needs that owners must meet. Their skin is somewhat fragile compared to most other dogs. They also have less body fat than other breeds, which means they do not always come out of an impact situation with good results. If you can get past these barriers, then you will find that they are surprisingly low-maintenance dog.

They don’t require any fancy grooming, special foods, or custom beds to meet their physical requirements. Give them the occasional bath, a weekly brushing, and lots of love. That’s really all a greyhound needs to be happy.

4. Greyhounds are awesome with kids.
Greyhounds can make for the perfect family pet. They have lots of love to give everyone who lives with them. You will find them being affectionate with children of all ages. Although some families may have too much energy for this breed because of their unique physical requirements, most kids can adapt to what the dog wants if you give them half a chance. The one exception might be homes with multiple toddlers who are still learning their boundaries when combined with a greyhound who needs to figure out their personal space too.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but most greyhounds are well-mannered, quiet, loving, and highly intelligent. If you love and accept them, then you will receive the same in return.

5. Greyhounds are ready to be your new best friend.
This breed is an excellent choice for families or households that have never owned a pet before. They are among one of the easiest breeds to care for, assuming that you have access to regular veterinarian care. Most individuals will adapt easily to virtually any living environment if you are patient enough to get through the initial transition. You may experience some behavioral issues and the occasional mess, but that can be said of every home that has dogs. You will not find another breed that offers as much compassion for the companionship you offer than this one.

6. Greyhounds love to get dressed up for a day out and about.
One of the best experiences that you will encounter after adopting a greyhound is the fact that they love to get dressed up. This breed loves to travel and socialize with others in a variety of situations. There is a practical reason for dressing them up, since there are lower levels of body fat reduce the insulation they have during cold weather. You will find that their politeness, style, and personality come together in a way that will have some of them even choosing the outfits that they want to wear.

7. Greyhounds as a breed need people who are willing to adopt them.
There are thousands of healthy greyhounds killed around the world every year because they lack the potential from winning. Some owners will even put down their animals because they were injured during the race or are too old to compete. Despite rising opposition to the practice of greyhound racing, there are still about 17 tracks operating in the United States.

When you choose to adopt a greyhound, then you are creating multiple benefits. This process will create another space in a local shelter where another animal who needs help can receive it. Most dogs retire by the age of five, but they have an expected lifespan of 13 years. You will give that dog a good life, find a friend for yourself, and a loyal companion for your family.

8. Greyhounds are part of a supportive global community.
When you make the decision to adopt a greyhound, then you will belong to a special group of individuals who are working to help this breed find a new place in this world. These owners stick together to find new and innovative ways that can help those who are in need. Most adopters are willing to answer any questions that you may have about what it takes to have a successful adoption experience.

List of the Cons of Adopting a Greyhound

1. Greyhounds are still very large dogs for some homes.
Deciding to adopt a greyhound is definitely a worthy cause. You just need to make sure that your home and family are ready for this large bundle of joy to come your way. This breed tends to get overly excited very quickly, which means you could have a dog weighing up to 95 pounds start wiggling around you. That can be dangerous in homes where there are small children or people with frailty issues.

2. Greyhounds have unique body language characteristics.
When a greyhound is feeling stressed out for some reason, then they typically keep their tails tucked down and keep their ears back. Some dogs will even balk when someone approaches them when they are in this emotional state. People who are unfamiliar with this breed will often mistake this body language for aggression. If you’re walking the dog around the neighborhood with these elements present, it is not unusual for some well-meaning neighbors to call animal control because they are concerned for your (or their) health.

3. Greyhounds shed – a lot.
It doesn’t seem like a greyhound would shed much because their coats are short and light. They are like any other breed, however, and there is fur that is going to come off of their body when you keep them in your home. You will find this hair getting tucked into the corners of your room if you have hardwood floors. If your home has carpet, then you will want to vacuum every day to prevent the possibility of fur floating everywhere. It will get on your clothes, your furniture, and sometimes even your food.

4. Greyhounds require a lot of activity to stay happy.
Greyhounds are an energetic breed. If you adopt a retired dog that is used to racing, then you will have a high-energy animal that will require a lot of attention. Having a small backyard will not be enough to tire them out each day. Expect to take frequent walks with your new pet. If you have access to a local dog park where they can run off their leash, then that can be an excellent way to expend some of the energy. If you let them start running in your backyard as a way to save on these trips, then expect your landscaping to get torn up in a few weeks.

5. Greyhounds are going to make messes.
Even if you manage to adopt the most loving, best-behaved greyhound in the world, there are times when you’re going to encounter a mess. Dogs get sick, and it isn’t a pretty experience if they don’t make it outside before it happens. You’re going to be dealing with issues like colic, diarrhea, and other intestinal issues. When these dogs get bored, they tend to chew a lot as well. If you have elegant items in your home that you don’t want to have damaged, then you will want to remove them before you bring home an adopted greyhound.

6. Greyhounds have unique health needs that must be met.
One of the unique things that owners face when they adopt a greyhound is the body structure requirements of the animal. Most of these dogs have very little padding around their skeletal structures. Their skin will also tear easily when compared to other breeds that are popular to adopt. There is little protection for them if you have rowdy children at home. Even a following toddler creates enough impact that could injure the dog. They are gentle and quiet as a breed, which means they tend to work best when there is a tranquil environment for them to enjoy.

7. Greyhounds require your protection against numerous issues.
Greyhounds have a bevy of special needs what you must be able to meet before you qualify for an adoption. They must be protected from temperature extremes, rough environments, and handling that would be deemed inappropriate. That is because their bones are long and thin, they have very little body fat, and their personalities tend to be rather sensitive. You must be able to keep them in a fenced area at all times, and then have them on a leash when you take them for a walk.

The pros and cons of adopting a greyhound can help to determine if your environment is suitable to meet their needs. These dogs are gentle souls who would love to find a forever home because they have lots of love to share. If you can meet their special needs, including their energy requirements, then this breed is one that you will adore having. If this is not a possibility, then consider adopting a dog from your local shelter who works well with your current and future lifestyle.