Greyhounds may be known for their need for speed on the race track, but you may be surprised to learn that these dogs are incredibly cool, calm, and collected off the track. These sedate sopranos (they are known to hum!) have a knack for melting hearts with their sweet-tempered personality. Miracle though it may seem, these long-nosed, sleek, and fast sprinters, which can outrun a horse in a sprint, also excel at being the ultimate canine couch potato and their chilled-out-hang-around-the-house vibe translates well to their suitability as family pets.
Perhaps one of the most endearing characteristics of greyhounds is their downright devotion to human companionship. They have been described as “45-mph couch potatoes” by their owners, a nickname that accurately captures their dual-nature. While these dogs are built for speed, they are also known to spend the majority of their time just lounging around. Sounds of contented snoring, gentle humming or muffled dream-chasing woofs often fill a Greyhound-loving home.
Greyhounds are decidedly gentle and tolerant, making them excellent companions for children. They adore human interaction and are quite eager to receive and return love and affection. This makes them a fantastic choice as a family pet, especially for families with gentle, respectful children who understand the boundaries of a dog’s comfort zone. Nonetheless, by teaching your children to approach their fast furry friend gently and quietly, you can create a wonderful, loving relationship between your greyhound and your kids.
True to their reputation as racing dogs, greyhounds require regular exercise to keep them healthy and fit. Despite this need, they are usually quite satisfied with a brisk walk or a short sprint in a safe, enclosed area. They love a quick dash across the backyard but they don’t require extensive yard space. However, trace their lineage – which goes back by over 4,000 years to ancient Egypt – and one will find that these dogs truly belong to the open, sweeping plains. Hence, daily walkies are non-negotiable!
Greyhounds have short and smooth hair that’s easy to maintain. Because of this, and their lack of body fat, they don’t do well in cold weather. Consider them as a desert breed, after all, their ancestors hailed from North Africa. A home where they’re allowed to live indoors than outside would suit them best. And when the temperature drops, a fashionable doggy jacket would be much appreciated.
One thing that all potential greyhound owners should be aware of is this breed’s unique dietary requirements. Greyhounds have a speedy metabolism to match their running style and therefore require a diet rich in protein. This doesn’t mean that you are going to be continuously feeding your dog. They eat about the same amount as other large breeds. As with any other pet, a balanced diet and regular meals will be enough to keep them healthy and happy.
Another greyhound advantage? They’re highly trainable. Remember, most retired racing greyhounds have been trained to follow commands from their handlers. They’re also a clean breed known for having non-oily, short coats and producing less of the protein that triggers allergies. This hypoallergenic trait plus their calm demeanor makes them good for families and individuals alike.
There used to be an unfortunate stigma attached to adopting ex-racing hounds. They were perceived as high-strung, unsociable, and difficult to manage in a household. But this stereotype is misleading and damaging. Today, many animal charities and organizations are working tirelessly to rehome retired greyhounds, and are helping to dispel these myths.
Adopting a retired racing greyhound is like offering them a second lease on life. Many of these dogs need love and affection once their racing days are over, something that many families with children can readily provide. Such dogs are well socialized, used to being handled, and have no problem living with other dogs.
While they are often seen as aloof or reserved, greyhounds are amiable dogs that are friendly towards strangers, making them less suitable as guard dogs but perfect as a family companion. They get along well with other dogs, especially other greyhounds, and with training and socialization, they can live peacefully with smaller pets.
When considering adding a greyhound to your family, it’s important to remember that each dog, just like each family, is unique. Some dogs may be full of energy and playful, others more laid back, some are outgoing, others are shy. Meeting the dog before adoption, spending time with them, and asking lots of questions about their behavior can give you a good sense of whether they will fit in well with your family’s lifestyle.
To recap, if you’re considering adopting a greyhound as a family pet, take note: They’re gentle, sweet-natured, great with kids, love human companionship, and are fairly low maintenance compared to other breeds. Plus, if it’s in their interest of course, they wouldn’t mind howling a languid ballad for you either!
Every dog brings joy, loyalty, love, and fun to a family. But with a Greyhound, you get all this, plus a dash of ancient royalty, a shimmer of the sports star, a hummer of ballads, and a champion-level couch potato! What’s there not to love!
