Would you like to adopt Greyhounds? There is just one way to say this. Greyhounds are an extremely appealing and popular dog breed that lives all around the globe. These are wonderful pets and if you consider adopting one, you are on the right path. But, there are still a few things you need to know before you adopt one. Below we are going to share all the main details new owners should know today.
5 Facts About Greyhounds To Know Before You Adopt One
1. Greyhounds Have An Extremely Strong Prey Drive
You must know that all greyhounds have a strong prey drive. This means that they will hunt and chase any animal or any dog when they can. This can happen every single day if you don’t pay attention. If you keep one in a backyard, make sure it is safe. If you want to walk your pet, always use a leash. These dogs must not walk without a leash unless the area is 100% safe. They can also nip other dogs (smaller of course) or animals due to this drive.
You probably believe that you will catch him if you walk him without a leash and he starts chasing an animal. Greyhounds can run up to 45 miles per hour hence you will never chase them. This is the main reason why they are race dogs and why they enjoyed this purpose for decades.
2. Greyhounds Love To Sleep
Most people believe that greyhounds are loaded with energy. They are race dogs hence they must run all day in the house. On the contrary, these pets love to sleep and spend time with their families in the house. They love to rest, enjoy calm times and they like to cuddle. All of this makes them happy and appealing pets.
You will still have to walk him occasionally but you don’t have to let him run. You should play with him as well. However, these are obvious things and all dogs need them. An interesting fact is that you can keep one in a small apartment or a condo. There will be no issues. Still, this breed likes having a backyard. They love to sleep but they love to chase animals as well.
3. You Must Train and Socialize Your Dog
All dogs must spend time with other dogs and people and must get training if you want to have a calm, pleasant and adorable pet. This is especially the case with greyhounds. If you adopt a puppy, start with socialization as soon as possible. You will need it.
There is no need to pay for expensive services or something like that. All you have to do is to walk him and expose him to new people, places, and dogs on a regular basis. By doing this, your pet will know that people and other dogs are safe for him and he will be a better pet.
Training is mandatory as well. These pets can be a bit complicated to train. They don’t like punishment and you can scare him easily. Using treats and patience while training is mandatory. Yes, you are going to need a lot of patience. But, training will help you. You will have a dog who is smart and who will obey you all the time.
In a family, these dogs love spending time with family members. You will have a dog who likes being next to you and who is happy when you are happy. Some of these dogs won’t like strangers. However, they can start to like one if a dog sees him a few times. They are stranger-friendly.
4. Caring For Your Dog
Here we have good news. These dogs don’t shed a lot. They are low in shedding meaning you won’t have to clean your home all the time. If you live in an apartment this is a huge advantage. After all, greyhounds have short fur so very little grooming and work is all it takes.
This also means that they are not ideal to keep where the temperature is very low. Sort fur cannot protect him well so shivering and freezing are common things for greyhounds. If you live in an area where the temperature is low and where rain is common, you will need to invest in a coat for your dog. It may sound like a luxury but it is mandatory.
Greyhounds don’t have a fat layer under the skin to keep them warm so they are not ideal to expose to low temperatures. During cold times they love to spend time inside the house and they don’t want to spend too much time outside. For some owners, this is an advantage while for others it is an issue.
5. Most Dogs Are Healthy
All dogs are prone to certain health issues. Greyhounds are no different. But, before you adopt a dog you should know all the health risks that breed has. In this case scenario we are looking at:
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastric torsion
- Osteosarcoma
- Anesthesia sensitivity
As you can see these are not extremely dangerous issues. Add the fact that they will affect a small number of greyhounds and you can deduce the obvious. These are healthy dogs and this is a huge advantage these days.
You don’t have to worry about expensive vet treatments or medications. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean your dog will end up with one of these conditions. It simply means that greyhounds have above average risk of developing one of these issues. Many will live happy and long lives without any issues from the list.
The Final Word
Still want to adopt Greyhounds? Greyhounds are great dogs. They are smart and they come with amazing advantages compared to other dog breeds. For instance, they don’t shed a lot. They are also very healthy dogs which is a nice perk. You will have to train your dog and help him socialize as soon as possible. Once you complete these two you will have a perfect dog. Now you know all about this specific dog breed so you can decide if it is suitable for you and your family. We believe he will be.