Greyhounds as pets!

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tigger01

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We have been offered the nicest, sweetest little black greyhound. He's never raced and seems very chilled and relaxed. We've never had a dog before and presently have two very opinionated Siamese cats who were there last night and met the dog. They hissed a bit then promptly spent an hour giving him the eye!! But they didnt run away and doggy was obviously interested but didnt do anything. He was muzzled just in case and this would continue to be the case if we took him until we knew all would be well. He would have his own cage (he's used to living in one) and we would have a stairgate so that the cats could have their space upstairs if nbecessary. Can anyone reassure me that a 1 year old little greyhound boy would make a nice pet? Being pathetic I know - but having not had a doggy before I dont want to take on something we cant handle.

Sorry for rambling on!!!
 
I can't recommend them too highly! We have had two rescues for the last 4 years a boy Chancer and a girl Kitty. They have both raced and are Irish. They love our old dog Jessica (16). All they want to do is sleep all day. They love a walk but hate the rain. I have never come across such bone idle creatures. They have great characters and are really sociable even with children. Would trust them 100%. Not sure with cats and small dogs though but many greyhounds are great with cats.
Why don't you see if you can have him on a trial basis?
 
I echo this ^^^. they are fab pets to own, very relaxed and easygoing as a breed.

there may be the tiny worry that he'll chase your cat, they are sighthounds after all, .
 
They ineed as suggeted make fab pets, if he is crate trained the cat/dog problem will be much easier for you to get past and it can be done, I get greys used to living with cats all the time in order to home them, so we can give u lots of advice on here in regard to that.
I have whippey x greys and lurchers and they make fab pets.
 
Ps, most dogs have the "chase instinct outdoors" but generally can get them living along side each other indoors in a short space of time, my whippey x grey chase my cats in the garden cos he is a cheeky little sod (he does no harm once he collars the cat), but he does get reprimanded all the same :rolleyes:, being so young u should be able to work ok with his recall outdoors and get ome sucess too, its generally the X racers thats have raced for a good few years and lived in a kennel environment that take the work to train.
 
He will take work yes, but worth it. Likely he will always been keen outside, but many ex-racers learn to go off lead and adapt extreamly well. I personally never allow ex-racers off lead unmuzzled, even with the kindest dog nature will out sometimes so it's just not worth the risk. Lazy is the Greyhound so if you want a dog that will bounce and play all day generally forget it but for a first time dog owner I couldn't recommend a Greyhound enough, they are sweet,gentle and kind dogs and so loving. Absolutely go for it, nothing ventured and all that!!! :D
 
Yes, I have a friend in Troon who rehomes them. They are sweet, but total wimps - they will winge like a baby when they get injections as they're skin's so thin. They're hypoallergenic, so good for people with allergies. They are wonderfully natured but they are bred to chase small, furry things meaning they're not suited to homes where kids have rodent pets usually (or they can, but you must manage the security of said rodent). Well, unless Mum and Dad want a fast and efficient way of said hamster/guinea pig etc to meet its end! lol.
 
I would agree with the above. I have an ex racing Irish greyhound who raced until he was 5 years old. His chase instict is really strong but am fairly convinced ( having got to know him) that he could live with his "own" cat if I ever got one. Don't think I would ever leave them alone together tho.

One other point - he is the most terrible thief. Has never chewed or stolen clothes/shoes/furniture etc and has never messed in the house, but nothing edible is safe - even if its on a worktop and I thought it was out of reach !!!!
 
its a fair point to invest in a muzzle until you get to know him better also. With the greatest will in the world the chase is one of his primary instincts and you may find though he doesnt exactly mean it maliciously its best to err on the side of caution. A greyhound can take down a large dog fox with relative ease, ive seen it myself (before the ban:p) so if you approach things responsibly and get to know him you'll save yourself what could be alot of stress and potentially some neighborhood cats.

If I were you id go for it, of all the people ive known with greyhounds, even the ones my uncle used to race, they are superb dogs.
 
They make brilliant pets.....we have had ours two years now and he is amazing. Best type of dog ever.

He is off the lead on all walks, really obdient, loves to sleep is good with cats and is the funniest thing ever.

Love him to bits, i'd highly encourage anyone to haev one as a pet, hard work to start with but worth every moment. I'll never have another type now.

Even better they don't smell doggy, even when wet. Bonus:D

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Thank you for all your prompt replies. I really appreciate it. I think we will go for it. I know the lady who rescued him (he was tied up in a derelict farm with another 5 greyhound - how cruel can some people be) is not in a hurry to part with him but would obviously like to know that we're interested. She is very keen that we get it right so he's coming with all his bits and pieces including his toys and bedding. We just need to find a crate - any suggestions there?!!!

And thank you for all your offers of advice - I know I'll be taking you up on it!!!
 
wise move to invest in a muzzle when out and about, my JRT was on the receiving end of a greyhound that had not been muzzled and it nearly killed him, squeezing him by the throat until his eyes bulged and his tongue lolled out. Not a pleasant experience when I was 5 months pregnant that's for sure. :(
 
Yes absolutely go for it. I would echo the remark about pinching food - they are just the right height for worktops!! Enrol in a good dog training school who can also help you should you have any problems - its a great way to get your dog socialised and you meet some great people too!
 
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