Common Questions

DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD PETS?
ARE THEY HOUSEBROKEN?
HOW OLD ARE THEY - HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE?
CAN I KEEP A GREYHOUND OUTDOORS?
MUST I ALWAYS LEASH-WALK MY GREYHOUND?
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ADOPT A GREYHOUND?
ONCE THE GREYHOUND IS HOME, WHAT MUST WE KNOW?

DO GREYHOUNDS MAKE GOOD PETS?

YES, they do! As with any dog breed, there are variations in temperament, but 99% of all greyhound owners love the breed so much that they own more than one greyhound. Contrary to what many people think, most racing greyhounds are docile, quiet, even-tempered, and adore the company of people and other animals. They are not aggressive or nervous. The discipline and intelligence required for racing assures many good qualities in these dogs. Used to being handled, they are very good with children. Racing dogs also travel from track to track, so they ride well in cars. Although they chase a plastic or rawhide lure around the track, they are no more likely than any other dog breed to chase your cat. Many greyhounds live with other family pets and livestock including horses, rabbits, cats, birds, etc. As with any new pet you bring into the household, you should introduce your greyhound with care. Keep a close eye on them for several days to see how they get along with each other.

ARE THEY HOUSEBROKEN?

Greyhounds have never been in a house; they have spent their entire lives in a kennel. That is why we say they are kennel trained. However, they are accustomed to keeping their crates clean and they are housebroken very quickly. We recommend that for the first few days you leash walk your dog every two hours or so and praise it greatly for doing its business outside. Always take your dog out 20 to 30 minutes after eating. Elimination occurs naturally at this time. If you think of your greyhound as a puppy, you can succeed in quickly housebreaking your new companion and the introduce them to the idea of living in a house instead of a crate.

HOW OLD ARE THEY - HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE?

Most retired racing greyhounds are between 2 and 4 years old at the time they are adopted. Many live long lives, from 12 to 14 years, and have no congenital problems. One greyhound, owned by a veterinarian, lived to be 21 years old.

CAN I KEEP A GREYHOUND OUTDOORS?

NO, greyhounds are indoor dogs. Their coats are short, making them very neat from a housekeeping standpoint, but their short coats don't offer protection from heat or cold. Monica's Heart will loan you a crate for 30 days when you adopt your dog. Using a crate often simplifies the training process since greyhounds are accustomed to this arrangement. Because your new greyhound will want to be near you, it will prefer to sleep in your bedroom.

MUST I ALWAYS LEASH-WALK MY GREYHOUND?

ALWAYS keep your greyhound on a leash if you are not in a totally fenced area. Greyhounds are capable of 40 mph sprints and if they see something at a distance and decide to go for a run, you have no chance of catching your dog. Greyhounds enjoy a run once in a while, but they do quite well without running if they are taken for brisk leash walks several times a week.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ADOPT A GREYHOUND?

Monica's Heart asks for a $195 donation when you adopt a dog. This is used toward the cost of foster care and medical services for all the dogs in our program. The veterinarians working with Monica's Heart provide services at a reduced cost. These services include but are not limited to: spay/neuter, shots (including rabies), fecal and heartworm check, teeth cleaning, nail clipping, and a general checkup. Monica's Heart is a non-profit organization which exists on donations and fund-raising. We receive no funds from the racing industry. Every contribution you make is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and helps to care for dogs still in foster care.

ONCE THE GREYHOUND IS HOME, WHAT MUST WE KNOW?

Greyhounds eat about 1-1/2 to 2 cups of kibble (moistened) at both the AM and PM feedings (total 3-4 cups average a day). Greyhounds need annual shots and heartworm tests, and THEY NEED YOUR LOVE AND ATTENTION! Should you need any advice or help with your new greyhound, your representative will be happy to help you.