Don't greyhounds eat a lot?

No, actually they eat no more than other dogs of similar weight. Four to six cups of dry kibble per day is normal, 2-3 in the morning and 2-3 in the evening. We sometimes add a teaspoon of corn oil to keep their skin supple and their coats shiny.

Don't they need a special diet?

No, a good premium dry kibble will keep a greyhound happy and healthy. We use ProPac Adult Chunk, which contains high quality chicken meal as the primary ingredient combined with high quality chicken fat. Such better-quality brands are usually available at pet stores, feed stores and veterinarians.

Aren't males hard to housebreak?

No, they're easy to housebreak because they have already been trained as racing dogs. They are accustomed to being let out of their crates several times a day to exercise and relieve themselves, so a similar routine at home will work fine.

Don't greyhounds need a LOT of space?

Greyhounds can tuck in their legs and curl up into amazingly small spaces. They love to curl up in a dog bed or on a doggie pillow...or the couch or overstuffed chair if you'll let them occupy the furniture. We've caught our guy Champ on the couch a few times, but ususally he's smart enough to lie there only when we're away.

Aren't greyhounds aggressive?

No, they are very docile, gentle creatures who love becoming part of the family. They're loving and sensitive and form strong bonds with humans.

Don't they have health issues?

Compared to other breeds of dogs, greyhounds are almost free of health problems and live a long life after racing to the age of 12 to 14. Hip displaysia and other common genetic defects are very rare in greyhounds, due to their careful, selective breeding for speed and stamina.

Don't greyhounds need a place to run?

Occasional walks are enough exercise for greyhounds, along with an occasional romp either in the yard or house. Our two guys like to either run from the family room to the kitchen and back or just spin around in the family room. When they first came home they used a circular path through the house as their own little racetrack, so a baby gate conveniently placed stopped that activity.

Aren't they aloof and unsociable?

Most greyhounds are very friendly, even with strangers. Some really love attention and companionship, like our guy Champ who tends to curl up in whatever room we're occupying at the time, or BamBam who likes to lay on the floor with Bill and even use him as a pillow.

Aren't greyhounds really hyperactive dogs?

They're not called "45 mile per hour couch potatoes" for nothing! They can sleep up to 20 hours a day. Ours are quite content curled up on a doggie pillow or on the carpet for hours at a time. They may grab a toy and have a sudden burst of speed, but it usually doesn't last long. Champ often sleeps in this crazy upside-down position pictured at the left.

Don't they need to be muzzled at all times?

Many people associate muzzles with vicious, snarling dogs. Racing greyhounds wear muzzles to help determine which hound's nose is in front at the end of the race in a "photo finish." There are certain situations where a muzzle could be helpful or even suggested, such as:

• If your dog happens to get injured, to keep a nervous dog from snapping
• To keep him from licking a wound or stitches
• When first introducing your greyhound to cats or other small pets
• When playing with other greyhounds because they're trained to be competitive and pushy
• To deter a greyhound from chewing on things

Aren't they dangerous around other animals or pets?

Greyhounds are so social that they will generally get along well with all other breeds of dogs and like having new canine friends. Some greyhounds even love cats and small pets, and some don't. All greyhounds are screened prior to being placed in homes.

Aren't greyhounds hard to handle on a leash?

No, they're used to being handled by humans and do quite well on a leash. They are usually quite easy to handle. A Martingale collar is designed specifically for sighthounds.