Frequently Asked Questions

A - Quite the opposite. Being that Greyhounds have been breed for millennia to give a quick burst of blinding speed, they really have very little stamina and don't need much activity to be happy. Think of that fast cat, the Cheetah. The Cheetah can run for only a short distance at 60mph, and spends the rest of the day lounging around. It's the same with Greyhounds, only they tend to lounge around whether they get any exercise that day or not! That's why they're nicknamed "45 m.p.h. couch potatoes".

Q - Do I need a huge, fenced yard?

A - A fenced yard is ideal, of course, mainly as a convenience for the owner who otherwise has to walk the dog on a leash 4 or more times a day. But it is not absolutely necessary if you are committed to dog walking and understand that Greyhounds can not, under any circumstances, be let off leash unless in a securely fenced area. As for exercise requirements, many Greyhounds would be happy if their only exertion was to go from the couch to the food dish, but regular walks and the occasional run in a fenced field are recommended for their health. They do love to run when given the opportunity, and it's breathtaking to see. PSGA requires fences when there are children in the home under the age of 10. Fences must be a minimum of 4 feet in height.

Q - Aren't they "wild" when they come off the track?

A - Absolutely not. The trainers are sure to handle and socialize the dogs from a very early age - it makes them easier to deal with on a day to day basis. Greyhounds are very attached to their people and will happily accept as much attention and affection as they can get. The term "Velcro Dog" is often applied to Greyhounds fresh from the track. They never want to let you out of their sight! Because they've spent their lives in the constant company of 40 or so Greyhounds, they tend to have good doggy social skills too!

Q - Why are they so skinny? Will they ever fatten up and look "normal"?

A - Once again, those 8,000 years of breeding come into it. Greyhounds are made for two things - hunting and running very, very fast. Therefore they have excellent eyesight (full focus at 1/2 mile) and a body that has eliminated all attributes not needed for speed. One of the unnecessary attributes is fat. Greyhounds have hardly any body fat, and that's the way they're meant to be. At their ideal weight the back 3 ribs should still be visible and a slight protrusion of the hipbones is evident, though the spine should not appear as a bony ridge. The sleek, streamlined shape and defined muscles of a healthy Greyhound are evidence of his/her highly specialized nature and should be admired!

Q - Are Greyhounds good with children?

A - This is a bit of a "hot-button" issue. It's impossible to make a blanket statement and say that ex-racers are good with children, but it's hard to say they're not because there are many families with kids and Greyhounds doing just fine. Our experience here at PSGA is that families with very young children (under 7 or 8) should probably consider adopting a more goofy, uncomplicated dog such as a retriever, or else wait to adopt a Greyhound until the children are older and can understand how to respect the dog's space. Greyhounds have opinions and aren't afraid to express them, especially toward a little person that they do not perceive as an authority figure.  If a child is annoying them it's not uncommon to hear a growl or a bark, and if that's not respected (or corrected by an adult) then it can progress to a snap. Annoyances can range from physical pain (tail pulling, eye poking) to just bothering them while they're resting. Serious bites are extremely rare, but most parents understandably won't accept a large dog growling at their child(ren), and the #1 reason for returns is the child factor. Greyhounds can be tolerant of kids, but they are rarely, if ever, a "kid's dog".

Q - How old are the retired racers?

A - Greyhounds recently retired from racing are usually 2 to 5 years old. The younger dogs may not have run well, may have been injured, or may have belonged to a kennel that's closed - for the season or permanently. Many of the older dogs are retired because they're just no longer fast enough to keep up with the youngsters. Considering that the average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, a retired Greyhound could be with you for a long time. We also sometimes have to find new homes for previously adopted dogs who have been displaced for a variety of reasons.

Q - Are there any health problems specific to ex-racers that I should be concerned about?

A - Racing Greyhounds are a healthy breed. Genetic problems such as hip dysplasia are almost unheard of, because a racer who is physically inferior simply won't be bred. Only the best of the best are allowed to produce puppies! The most common health issues particular to racing Greyhounds: Tick-borne diseases and worms (all curable with proper medication), racing injuries resulting in arthritis or tendonitis in their later years, and the soft diet that the dogs are fed during their racing life can result in teeth that are old before their time. Also, Greyhounds have delicate skin and tend to "tear" more easily from sharp objects than most dogs. Cancer is no more common in Greyhounds than any other breed, but they do tend toward bone cancer (osteosarcoma) from which long-term survival is rare.

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For more information or other questions, please contact a PSGA representative.