I have two rescue greyhounds adopted via the local greyhound adoption program, Peggy and Jedi. Based on my personal experience with my greyhounds, they are the most calm, gentle, quirky and loving dogs. They’re just AMAZING and I’m sure that most people who adopted greyhounds would agree.
Sadly, because of the fact that most greyhounds are known for greyhound racing over many years, there are many misconceptions about this beautiful calm breed.
So, what is it really like to have a greyhound as a pet?
Before Peggy (my first greyhound) came into my life, I was searching for people’s personal experience with their greyhounds online but all I could find was very generic fact sheets. So I asked my fellow greyhound pawrents on our Dahound Instagram page about their experience in having a greyhound as a pet. Here is what they said:
Your steaks will be stolen
With their long legs, they can easily steal your steak (or anything…) from the bench top!
Many greyhounds are basically indoor dogs
Of course, I’m sure there are many greyhounds who love their outdoor lives, but there are also many greyhounds who love their couch! Because they spent most of their time snoozing, some of them prefer the temperature controlled indoor life style. And this makes them the perfect apartment dog!
They can be independent or super attached
Just like us human beings, every greyhound has its own unique personalities. Some may be very attached to their pawrents or they might be just independent and love their own space. But it wouldn't’ really matter, because they will show affection to you in their own way and soon you will fall in love with them regardless.
You will find yourself shopping for your greyhound more than yourself
Greyhounds are lean (some people say they're shredded). Unlike other breeds, greyhound feel cold easily in winter and need to wear jumpers. In winter, they need thick jumpers and in autumn, they need think jumpers. They may need Pjs seperate to their outdoor outfit. For the rainy days, they may also need raincoats. It goes on and on and on...and this is not a joke.
Because their neck is thicker than their narrow heads, greyhounds wear a martingale collar instead of a standard collar. Martingale collars are often made of beautiful fabric, so again, there is a high chance that you'll want to buy one for every occasion and outfit.
Here at Dahound, we specialise in trendy martingale collar, click here to check out our range.
Be Ready For Big Dog Fart & Poo
Yes, a greyhound is classified as a large dog breed and they eat a large portion of food. So you know that what will come out of them will also be larger than what other smaller breeds will produce!
Patience is the key, and they will give so much back to you
Rescue greyhounds are born and raised in a kennel and as you can imagine their kennel life is very different to their pet life. Everything is new to them, and each greyhound will take things differently. Some may be anxious about their new environment and others may be completely fine with everything. Separation anxiety and reactiveness are common in rescue greyhounds, but don’t let this stop you from adopting this beautiful breed. With patience and training, they will eventually overcome their fear or you will find a way to manage it.
A lot of greyhound pawrents say that it took about a year for their greyhounds to truly come out of their shells. Some may get over their fear pretty quickly, and the others may need that extra help from you to learn that their new home is safe. But they also agree that it is the most rewarding and enjoyable journey.
If you’re kind and patient with them and welcome them to their pet life with an open heart, they will give so much back to you, more than what you give to them. They just need some time to open up to you fully. Laura, the fellow greyhound pawrent, said “the sparkle that you see in greyhounds’ eyes when they know you are their people is unforgettable” and I cannot agree more.
Adopting rescue greyhounds has been life changing for me. They taught me how to be patient and give unconditional love. If you’ve been considering adopting a rescue greyhound, I hope you do, because you won’t regret it!
Are you new to martingale collars? Here is a list of other blog posts you may be interested in:
