Advice on greyhounds please!

[sair5412]

I posted earlier asking about smallish dogs and their personality traits. I think I have now been convinced to rescue a greyhound! They sound so lovely natured. Although they are fairly tall and not cute in the sense that most people know it, they seem to be lovely dogs and obviously need homing desperately. I am willing to do this in return for a friendly companion, no matter what he/she looks like to others! A few other questions before I start making phone calls.... I work 2 days a week. How do greyhounds cope with being left alone? I have a back yard and an open porch for shelter but do they get lonely and make a fuss? I'd hate to disturb my neighbours but i'd also hate for the dog to be distressed. Also, are they prone to smell a bit? I know labradors can. Do greyhounds shed much hair?
Thanks in advance.

[seekeerz]

You will have a wonderful companion if you decide on a greyhound, they don't smell or shed their coat, they will roam if they get the opportunity so if your back yard is securely fenced your friend should be quite happy there while you're at work.

Do you anticipate having the dog inside as they do feel the cold a bit and do you have space to walk him/her ?

They are gentle with other animals and people alike and very intelligent, not prone to barking, and other peolpe will be impressed - they are elegant beautiful dogs, so go for it
and enjoy - all the best Steff

[~posy-jo~]

greyhounds are happy in their own company - it's means their sleep does not get disturbed!! (they are sooo lazy) they don't moult so you don't have to worry about dog hair. and they don't stink!! the only part of them that might is their breath but if you take them to have their teeth cleaned 2 - 3 times a year that should combat it. they are the most placid, friendly, easy-going dogs i have come across. there is a number you can ring to ask questions and find out about rehoming. i'll find it for you and post it. if you look at your other thread i typed a link but if you just type in "retired greyhound trust" into google you should be able to find your nearest centre. give them a ring and tell them your concerns. they will be happy to help. good luck. let us know how you get on xXx

[Noweia]

Also, most ex-racing greyhounds are used to being in kennels for significant lengths of time every day, so they won't mind being left alone for periods. Maybe get two so they are company for each other?

[~posy-jo~]

here is the main retired greyhound trust number 0870 4440673 or here is a list of local branches

http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/index.asp?p ageid=43

[doglady]

Yay!! I'm so happy that you've been swayed to getting a greyhound. You'll be so pleased when you finally get your dog. Let us all know how you get on, and what dog you get.

[WendyS]

I have never kept a greyhound who knew somebody who took in a retired one and he found it a delightful creature, extremely good natured and with a very gentle disposition. I am sure you won't regret it, and at least you'll be rescuing one of these creatures from the fate of a shotgun to the head and being dumped and buried in a field with 3000 others.

[horsestache1]

Well done you. I did not see your last post, but you will be so happy with your grayhound, they are lovely dogs, as everyone above has posted. Contrary to popular belief, they do not require as much excersize as some dogs, and will be fine whilst your at work.

Good luck, you'll just fall in love!!!

[lankeela]

Most Greyhound bitches are not very tall, usually only about the same size as a collie. You can also get some dogs that are small as well. And as for being cute - they are beautiful! So kind and gentle that you will be smitten.
Don't worry about leaving it for a few hours, as someone else said, it will sleep. Give it a nice cosy duvet type bed so it can snuggle into it - they do curl up but sometimes like to sprawl out full length. Main thing to watch is leaving food about - because they have only ever had access to food that is rightfully theirs, they consider anything left out is for them! This includes things like the butter or Sunday joint left on the table to cool. You'll soon learn.

Also one more thing, don't over exercise in this hot weather. Ashort walk early moring and late evening, and a couple of 'comfort breaks' during the day (in the garden is fine). Aw, now I'm getting broody!

[noxlumos]

gorgeous, gorgeous dogs. We've had a couple from the evesham greyhound and lurcher rescue a while back and couldn't fault them except as lankeela said they are terrible sneak thieves and if you aren't careful they'll serenely gaze at you and hypnotize you into letting them on the sofa. You've made a great choice, let us know how you get on:)

[deemartin]

Just adding to everyones elses postings- seems a great decision to me and I wish you well. NB I think they they are rather cute looking myself.
Good luck!

[harriman]

Only just spotted this post - I have a Lurcher who is 7/8th Grey and 1/8 Staffy...and he's absolutely bonkers, but he needs to be as he lives with 4 kids, 4 cats, 2 rats, guinea's etc etc.
He is left for 2 days a week whilst i work. I am out of the house for 8 hours but my friend comes to spend an hour with him during the day. He's fine to be left although he is crate trained and he is happy to go in their as it is his 'den'
Definitely go for a grey - they are an ideal dog.
We got ours from www.greyhoundgap.com. They are rescue dogs that have been fostered first to assess their behaviour- they will match you up with the right dog, eg, they will only let you have a dog that is used to being left. (i needed a cat/child friendly dog) They also provide good after support.
Good luck in your search for the right dog