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FAQ................
Frequently Asked Questions
Because of some of the myths and misinformation surrounding adoption and ownership of greyhounds we have
decided to compile this information sheet based on questions we frequently hear at our programs. We hope that
this information will prove to be valuable not only to those of you interested in adoption but also to the seasoned
greyhound owners.
Because of some of the myths and misinformation surrounding adoption and ownership of greyhounds we have
decided to compile this information sheet based on questions we frequently hear at our programs. We hope that
this information will prove to be valuable not only to those of you interested in adoption but also to the seasoned
greyhound owners.
Q: Are they always this lazy?
A: Most of the dogs tend to sleep an average of 18–20 hours a day. Unbelievable, but we can all attest to it!
Q: How fast do they run?
A: We call them the “40-mile-an-hour couch potato”. the average retired greyhound can still run a respectable 40–45 miles
per hour, reaching maximum speed in three strides.
Q: Can I let them run free in a field?
A: They should never be allowed to run free. Greyhounds are “sighthounds”— when they hunt they use 60% sight, 20%
smell and 20% hearing. If they see a rabbit, squirrel or even a leaf or a piece of trash, they may tear after it regardless of
how well–trained (or small–animal friendly) you think your dog is. Needless to say, given how quickly they can run, you are
not going to catch them on foot if they happen to get away from you. If they are not on a leash, they must be in completely
fenced in area at ALL times.
Q: But, I have heard that they need a lot of room to run. Is that true?
A: No! Greyhounds are very laid-back. They are sprinters who run 30 second races at the track every 4–5 days. They are
well–suited to apartments and small houses as long as you are willing to take them out for a walk a couple of times a day. If
you have a completely fenced in area for them to run they will take advantage of it, but it is NOT a necessity
Q: Why are they so skinny?
A: As racers, greyhounds have the activity level and diet (mostly protein) of true athletes. As pets, greyhounds will gain 5–
10 pounds, thanks to their new leisurely lifestyle and diet higher in fat and carbs.
Q: What should I feed them and how much?
A: It really depends on the size of the dog. A male or large female can eat 3–4 cups of food twice a day. Some of the
smaller females will only eat 1½ cups of food twice a day. Any high quality dog food like Nutro, Pro Plan or Exclusive
(available at feed stores) will work.
Q: I had no idea they came in so many different colors. Aren’t they all grey?
A: Nope, not all greyhounds are grey. In fact, grey used to be considered a “bad luck” color and most of them were killed as
soon as they were born which is why it such a rare color now. Greyhounds come in more than 19 primary (solid) colors and
approximately 55 different color combinations. If you can imagine a color, you can find a greyhound with that color.
Q: Do they shed much?
A: On average, they shed very little. Some of the dogs that have just come off the track have “kennel coat” (this is a shaggy
version of their normal coats). They will lose this once they get into their new home. After that, the shedding is drastically
reduced. Many people who have allergies can handle at least one greyhound and many can handle more than one in their
homes.
Q: Do they bark?
A: Yes, some of them do, BUT most of them don’t have a proper bark. They make a sound called “rooing”. It is kind of a
combination of barking and whining.
Q: What is their lifespan
A: 12–14 years but it is not all that uncommon to see a 15–year–old.
Q: Do they have any genetic diseases?
A: No, unlike most purebred dogs they do not have a list of genetic diseases (hip displaysia, for example) that they are likely
to get.
Q: Are they good with other animals?
A: Some are, some are not. Through tests with small animals, we have a pretty good idea which dogs should, or should not,
be placed in homes with other animals. If you currently have a dog, we recommend that you bring in your dog to meet the
prospective greyhound.
Q: Are they good with kids?
A: Most of the dogs get along with children. Please make sure that you tell us on your application that you need a dog that
is good with cats, different breeds of dogs, children, etc. We will try to place the perfect dog with you.
Q: How do I get a dog?
A: There is an application process where we ask for some personal information, including your preferences in a dog, a vet
reference and two personal references. It usually takes about a week to process the application (as long as we can get a
hold of your references).
Q: How much is the adoption fee and what does it include?
A: Currently our adoption fee is $195.00.
The fee includes:
Spaying or neutering
Microchipping
All shots up to date
Heartworm test (and treatment, if necessary)
Fecal test (and treatment, if necessary)
Teeth cleaned
Nails trimmed
New leash and collar (includes an American Greyhound tag with emergency contact numbers in case your dog is lost)
A booklet containing information on how to care for your new greyhound
A phone number (the Buddy Program) in case you have questions after you get your new kid home.
Q: How is our group different from other groups?
A: Our adoption fee is lower, with our group you OWN your dog (some groups only lease dogs which means they have the
right to remove the dog at any time – whereas we will only remove a dog in extreme cases, such as abuse), and lastly, with
each new adoption, we feel that we have gained a new family member.
A: Most of the dogs tend to sleep an average of 18–20 hours a day. Unbelievable, but we can all attest to it!
Q: How fast do they run?
A: We call them the “40-mile-an-hour couch potato”. the average retired greyhound can still run a respectable 40–45 miles
per hour, reaching maximum speed in three strides.
Q: Can I let them run free in a field?
A: They should never be allowed to run free. Greyhounds are “sighthounds”— when they hunt they use 60% sight, 20%
smell and 20% hearing. If they see a rabbit, squirrel or even a leaf or a piece of trash, they may tear after it regardless of
how well–trained (or small–animal friendly) you think your dog is. Needless to say, given how quickly they can run, you are
not going to catch them on foot if they happen to get away from you. If they are not on a leash, they must be in completely
fenced in area at ALL times.
Q: But, I have heard that they need a lot of room to run. Is that true?
A: No! Greyhounds are very laid-back. They are sprinters who run 30 second races at the track every 4–5 days. They are
well–suited to apartments and small houses as long as you are willing to take them out for a walk a couple of times a day. If
you have a completely fenced in area for them to run they will take advantage of it, but it is NOT a necessity
Q: Why are they so skinny?
A: As racers, greyhounds have the activity level and diet (mostly protein) of true athletes. As pets, greyhounds will gain 5–
10 pounds, thanks to their new leisurely lifestyle and diet higher in fat and carbs.
Q: What should I feed them and how much?
A: It really depends on the size of the dog. A male or large female can eat 3–4 cups of food twice a day. Some of the
smaller females will only eat 1½ cups of food twice a day. Any high quality dog food like Nutro, Pro Plan or Exclusive
(available at feed stores) will work.
Q: I had no idea they came in so many different colors. Aren’t they all grey?
A: Nope, not all greyhounds are grey. In fact, grey used to be considered a “bad luck” color and most of them were killed as
soon as they were born which is why it such a rare color now. Greyhounds come in more than 19 primary (solid) colors and
approximately 55 different color combinations. If you can imagine a color, you can find a greyhound with that color.
Q: Do they shed much?
A: On average, they shed very little. Some of the dogs that have just come off the track have “kennel coat” (this is a shaggy
version of their normal coats). They will lose this once they get into their new home. After that, the shedding is drastically
reduced. Many people who have allergies can handle at least one greyhound and many can handle more than one in their
homes.
Q: Do they bark?
A: Yes, some of them do, BUT most of them don’t have a proper bark. They make a sound called “rooing”. It is kind of a
combination of barking and whining.
Q: What is their lifespan
A: 12–14 years but it is not all that uncommon to see a 15–year–old.
Q: Do they have any genetic diseases?
A: No, unlike most purebred dogs they do not have a list of genetic diseases (hip displaysia, for example) that they are likely
to get.
Q: Are they good with other animals?
A: Some are, some are not. Through tests with small animals, we have a pretty good idea which dogs should, or should not,
be placed in homes with other animals. If you currently have a dog, we recommend that you bring in your dog to meet the
prospective greyhound.
Q: Are they good with kids?
A: Most of the dogs get along with children. Please make sure that you tell us on your application that you need a dog that
is good with cats, different breeds of dogs, children, etc. We will try to place the perfect dog with you.
Q: How do I get a dog?
A: There is an application process where we ask for some personal information, including your preferences in a dog, a vet
reference and two personal references. It usually takes about a week to process the application (as long as we can get a
hold of your references).
Q: How much is the adoption fee and what does it include?
A: Currently our adoption fee is $195.00.
The fee includes:
Spaying or neutering
Microchipping
All shots up to date
Heartworm test (and treatment, if necessary)
Fecal test (and treatment, if necessary)
Teeth cleaned
Nails trimmed
New leash and collar (includes an American Greyhound tag with emergency contact numbers in case your dog is lost)
A booklet containing information on how to care for your new greyhound
A phone number (the Buddy Program) in case you have questions after you get your new kid home.
Q: How is our group different from other groups?
A: Our adoption fee is lower, with our group you OWN your dog (some groups only lease dogs which means they have the
right to remove the dog at any time – whereas we will only remove a dog in extreme cases, such as abuse), and lastly, with
each new adoption, we feel that we have gained a new family member.
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