Greyhound Basics
For the casual observer, greyhounds are dogs whose best purpose is for dog racing, often to be seen at race tracks with their owners. To support this business, the US currently has about forty dog tracks, with many more greyhound breeding and training facilities. Several reforms have since been implemented to improve things in the greyhound industry. The “no kill” policy is one such reform, but there are other rules and regulations in place in many greyhound racing tracks that protect the dogs’ fate and good health. But despite these changes, there are many more greyhounds that are in need of adoption once their racing days are over.
How Racing Dogs Get Adopted
A newborn greyhound’s first home is oftentimes a puppy farm. Greyhounds sent to puppy farms train in here until they are about eighteen months of age. By this time, greyhounds are then sent to the racetracks, where they compete until they reach about three to four years old. Once a greyhound is older than that, they are usually offered for adoption.
A Greyhound’s Personality
It’s more than just concern for a greyhound’s health that should fuel an owner’s desire to own one. This is because the greyhound is much more than a dog that is best for racing and gambling purposes. You may be surprised to find your greyhound to be relaxed and laid-back. The greyhound is a fast and furious dog that can go fast speeds with ease, so this trait may surprise a few. In fact, most greyhounds are only capable of a few good sprints on any given day. Greyhounds would rather relax and play, as sprinting and running around is a stressful activity that goes against their nature. To match their peace-loving personality, greyhounds are naturally loyal to their masters - they are intelligent dogs who are most at home when showing loyalty to their owners or simply walking around the lawn.
How A Greyhound Should Look Like
Most greyhounds come in solid colors, often living up to their name color-wise, but there are also fawn and black-colored greyhounds, and also varieties with spotted patterns. The greyhound is an average-sized dog - male greyhounds weigh anywhere from 65 to 75 pounds, and female greyhounds between 55 and 65 pounds. Try to keep your greyhound around these suggested weights, especially if they have retired from racing. A greyhound burns calories quite quickly, so maintaining their weight shouldn’t be too hard. Greyhounds are usually expected to live 12 to 15 years, which you can credit to their great conditioning.
Owning A Greyhound - Where To Find One?
If you’re looking to adopt a greyhound, you can check your local shelter, which is often associated with a race track. Animal shelters will need to know more information about how things are at home. Openly disclose to them whether you have any cats, any other pets, or toddlers in the house. Since greyhounds are specially trained for racing, they may not always be friendly towards smaller animals or humans. The information shared with the shelter would help the adoption director in suggesting the ideal greyhound that will match your needs.
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