FAQ - Greyhound Basics

Q: What are Greyhound breed characteristics?

A: Greyhounds have been bred for speed for centuries, making them one of the oldest and purest breeds of dogs in the world. They can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where drawings of greyhounds were found inside the tombs within the great pyramids. Greyhounds have a life expectancy of 12-15 years or more. Their coat of short hair can be coarse as burlap or soft as cashmere, and stays clean naturally, requiring little grooming. Colors can be solid or combinations of black, white, fawn, blue, and red, with as many shades of brindle. Greyhounds measure 26-29 inches high at the shoulder, and weigh 55-80 pounds. These measurements can be deceiving, considering the greyhound's sleek, aerodynamic shape, thin tapered legs, muscular hips and shoulders and long graceful necks.

Q: How old are the retired racers?

A: Greyhounds placed through the Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest adoption program are usually two to six years old. Younger dogs may not have qualified for racing. Older dogs are recently retired from racing because they are no longer competitive. Others may come from local animal shelters, or from families whose living situations have changed such that they can't keep a dog.

Q: Are Greyhounds easy to train?

A: Greyhounds crave affection, and are very responsive to your mood. After sharing one human with dozens of dogs in the kennel, adopted Greyhounds are eager to please you. They are very sensitive dogs, and can sense your mood by the tone of your voice. Even though they are full grown, they can be like a new puppy, mischievous.  A good Greyhound parent comes from understanding the racing Greyhound’s background, having the patience to train their greyhound to become a member of their family, and the understanding that it doesn’t happen overnight.

Q: Are Greyhounds House Trained?

A: Greyhounds are "kennel  trained" which means they will not normally relieve themselves in their kennel during their racing career.  All Greyhounds in the Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest adoption program spend time in a foster home prior to adoption and will be housetrained for that foster home. They are very intelligent, sensitive dogs and once your routine is established you should have no trouble with accidents in your home.

Q: Are Greyhounds Aggressive?

A: Most Greyhounds are docile in nature and are among the most gentle of breeds. They are the original “couch potato”.  They form a very strong bond with their human family and are eager to please. Greyhounds do not make good watchdogs.  Some may bark if a stranger comes near but barking is usually out of excitement.

Q: Are Greyhounds Indoor Pets?

A: YES! Greyhounds must live indoors. They cannot withstand temperature extremes due to their thin skin and low body fat.  Greyhounds must never be chained or staked outside, because in a few strides they can reach high speeds and can injure themselves severely. They are highly social animals and must be with people.

Q: Can I Trust My Greyhound Off Leash?

A: NO, Never! Greyhounds must always be on a leash when outdoors and not in a secure fenced area.  Greyhounds are sight hounds and can see clearly for a half mile.  If they see something of interest, they can be gone in an instant.  They have no knowledge of streets, cars or traffic.  Greyhounds love to run, and within a secure fenced area, it is perfectly OK.  Greyhounds enjoy walking or jogging, and are usually very well behaved on a leash.

Q: How Important Is Exercise For My Greyhound?

A: A Greyhound is an athlete like any other athlete and when they retire, they no longer need the exercise and training they did when they were racing.  Greyhounds adapt well to life as a pet and need no more than a romp in the backyard and an occasional walk in the park to keep them fit. 

Q: What About Children And Other Pets?

A: Greyhounds are normally patient, loving animals. All children should be taught to respect any dog, and never to bother a dog that is sleeping.  It is the  policy of Greyhound Pet Adoption Nortwest not to adopt greyhounds to families with children under the age of five.   Teaching co-existence to both dogs and toddlers is generally asking too much of young, busy families. Greyhounds have lived with other Greyhounds all their life and should quickly make friends with other dogs that you have.  All Greyhounds in the Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest adoption program are tested for their compatibility with cats and small dogs.

Q: Why Do I See Many People Muzzling Their Greyhounds At Get-togethers?

A: Their racing instinct is based on a well-developed prey drive. When you have a group of Greyhounds together, especially unfamiliar ones, it is advisable to muzzle them to prevent accidental bites. Greyhounds are not dog aggressive, but when excited may nip at others. Don't let the muzzles lull you into a false sense of security. You must still monitor a group of muzzled Greyhounds since it's possible to catch ears through a muzzle and so on.  muzzling is a sensible precaution if you are dealing with a group of Greyhounds.

Q: Who can I call if I have questions about my Greyhound?

A: If you adopted your Greyhound from Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest, you should have the telephone number for the Placement Volunteer that helped you with your adoption. If not, you can call our toll-free telephone number 800-767-5139 or our local telephone number 503-784-1285 telephone number, or send us an email. For general questions about Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest or adoptions, send your email to Adoption Inquiry, for help with an injury or a medical situation, send en email to our Help Group email address. The Help Group is not a veterinary service and we recommend that you contact your veterinarian first and always, however, we have volunteers with years of experience with Greyhounds and we can often provide advice, information, referrals and support.