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Adopt a racing Greyhound and get a wonderful dog! Within an hour drive of where I used to live is a well-known dog racing track. Several years ago a story was written about the fate of many Greyhounds who had become too old for racing. This unhappy story led to outrage in the community, and an adoption program was started for these wonderful dogs. When people adopt a racing Greyhound they get a wonderful dog, and help save the life of the dog as well. It is a win-win situation more people should inquire about when seeking a great family dog.
Adopt a racing Greyhound
Greyhounds bred for racing are sent to training facilities soon after they are weaned from their mother. They stay up to the age of one and a half years old. By this time they have been trained and are mature enough to now become part of the racing dog’s fraternity. The average length of a Greyhounds racing career is up to the age of four years old. It is at this point they often become a liability to their owners and in the past many were put down. This has changed fortunately, and now the dogs are available for anyone who wishes to adopt.
Why you might want to adopt a racing Greyhound is of course to give a then a good, loving home but only do so if this is why you want one. Saving the dog just too then ignore them is not what your motivation should be, as this breed is very personable, loving, gentle and makes a wonderful family pet.
They are well socialized, as described in this article by The Greyhound Project, Inc:
Greyhounds are pack animals, which means that they are social creatures who live in a social hierarchy. This socialization is particularly strong with Greyhounds because they have been in the company of a large number of other dogs from birth.
That having been said, they may be nervous or frightened when first exposed to other dogs. They have never been around anything but Greyhounds! And they usually don’t have a clue about what a cat is. So tread easily when introducing the dog to other animals.
They do need a good run every day or so but not hours of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Contrary to what many people might think they are not high strung dogs due to their competitive upbringing and time on the track.
Because this breed of dog has been in great shape from puppyhood to the end of their racing career they have a high metabolism. This helps keep them from gaining weight and loosing that sleek, muscular appearance. It also contributes to the fact they live long lives of up to fifteen years. The colors of a Greyhound can be red, fawn, white, solid blue, red, black, brindle or any combination of these colors. There are 16 “official” colors. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds while females weigh in from 55 to 65 pounds.
Note that the “racing” Greyhounds are considered a separate breed, and are registered by the National Greyhound Association in the USA, not the AKC.
If you would like to adopt a racing Greyhound they are easily located by contacting one of the racing facilities, or check the directory on The Greyhound Project, Inc.’s site. Before buying a puppy of another breed take a good look at giving one of these great dogs a home. You will not regret your decision to do so.
Have you owned a Greyhound? Please share this article with others who might be considering owning a dog.
Aaron Cross
Jan 30, 2013 at 4:50 pm
Great positive article, but a point to clarify, racing enthusiasts are still killing a huge amount of healthy dogs when they no longer earn. The adoption movement hasn’t stopped that, only added a band aid, in the bigger picture of things. When a dog doesn’t win, it is a liability and is replaced. Obviously not all can win. Its a vicious cycle and needs addressed at the cause of the problem just as much as it needs to be seeing adoptions happen. The only real solution is a total end to dog racing. Its merely an entertainment industry anyway, and also leads to horrific injuries on track, just so gamblers can be entertained. It really has, had its day.
Ron Miller
Feb 4, 2013 at 7:57 am
Aaron: unfortunately, you are correct about many (probably most) being euthanized. There have been attempts in the past to outlaw dog racing, but it has had limited success. In the meantime, we can educate people about and expand the rescue efforts as much as possible to help rescue more of these wonderful dogs. Thanks for pointing this out.
Bobbie M.
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I adopted an ex-racer in September. She’s a wonderful dog, very affectionate and well-behaved. You can find greyhounds in your area by going on Petfinder.com and typing in your zip code. Some, but not necessarily all, of the local greyhound rescue groups will be on there.
There are lots of greyhounds in need of homes and thousands are still being euthanized every year for lack of homes.