[Williamsse]

Hi All,

Myself and my family have been considering adding a Greyhound to our family for some time now, well over a year or so.

We realise that it is a huge decision adding a dog to the family, which is why it has been much pondered!

We have met a few Greys, and just fell in love their beautiful nature. We have read a lot about them, and of others experiences of owning a Greyhound, and it all seems extremely positive.

Reading this back, it sounds as though we've already made up our minds but I would love to hear any thoughts or experiences that you Greyhound owners have had that can either persuade us more, or maybe persuade us otherwise??

We have two children, 3 and 6. I don't work, so will be home most of the time. Fully understand the implications of adopting a dog, time for walks, training etc.

Love the thought of giving one of these wonderful dogs a second chance, and bringing much happiness to us as well Just want to be fully sure that we are making the best decision for us, and for one of these gorgeous animals.

Thanks everyone, and hope that all makes sense!

P.S. Also, any experiences of re-homing with GRWE?

[jensyfer68]

We have a 9 year old Greyhound - we have had her for 5 years and she is a wonderful member of our family.

Nikky is an ex-racer and we re-homed her from the Retired Greyhounds Trust: http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

Our experience of owning a Greyhound has been nothing but positive - I cannot recommend a Greyhound enough as a family dog - she has been lovely with our 12 year old daughter who adores her as much as we do

Good luck with your search for your new member of the family xx

[Swinetown]

Greyhounds are fantastic and very misunderstood, they are great to have around children, they are loving and gentle but then can have a playful streak. Sometimes this takes a while to bring out, due to the intensive training they have had, mine loved a fluffy toy, he was a different dog when i gave him a fluffy toy, I saw the puppy in him.

He still never chased the cat though, they are very obedient, again due to their training. You might have to re train with some things as obviously if they have raced they have been trained to catch fluffy things ( mine was fairly simple), they have also been trained not to sniff and also not to sit, there are many things like that.

But all in all they are a pleasure to have and very low maintenance once you have settled them in.

[Aarghawasp!]

Greys and lurchers are fantastic pets! I'm on my phone so can't search/link but a search of this forum will bring up a few threads singing their praises.

[Mrs Mackintosh]

I've had my rescued Greyhound for just over a year now. We got him from Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary. We walk him every 4th Sunday with another greyhound charity called Gracehounds. They are fantastic dogs and are very low maintenance.

[ty webb]

I agree with all the above posters, our boy will be 12 come January, Greyhounds are great, be aware of their strong "prey instinct" though, our boy wants to chase any cat, rabbit or small dog! Greyhounds are hunting dogs, obviously some are more tolerant towards smaller animals than others. They are very loyal, clingy even and are very fast-learners, totally misunderstood as a breed, they only need 2 or 3 short walks per day. Greyhounds like nothing better than lazing/sleeping for hours on end, we have no children but we constantly get stopped whilst out walking by kids wanting to pet him and ask questions, our Grey loves it! So all in all- get a Greyhound! You wont be disappointed

[nw0307]

My neighbours have 2 rescued greyhounds. They are so placid and lovely. Great around people and kids. However, one of them was always after their elderly cat and one day got her and nearly ripped her to pieces. It was horrible. The poor old girl had to be put to sleep. I think it was because they were used to chasing the rabbit things around the track. So I'd be wary if you have a cat.

[JJ75]

Mum and dad have a greyhound, they have had him for coming up 18 months now and we are seeing a new side to him, they really do take a while to settle in.

With any breed of dog, please be extra careful of your 3 year old around him/her. Sometimes 3 years olds think a good tug of ears or a tail is a sign of affection, usually the dog wont see it that way!!!

Greyhounds are fab dogs who enjoy sleeping... alot! They are also food driven and if any food is in reach its fair game.

Keep us updated and let us know how it goes.

[LoopyDog]

We have a greyhound. The only downside to them is that you'll be sat on the floor in your living room once you get it home. They are sofa hogs.

[JJ75]

Originally Posted by LoopyDog

We have a greyhound. The only downside to them is that you'll be sat on the floor in your living room once you get it home. They are sofa hogs.

So true.

[AmberPanda]

I have just registered and saw this thread so thought I would post.
My late husband and I had 3 greys and 3 lurchers over the years but now I am on my own I only have a lurcher, I would get another dog but have been in poor health lately so 1 dog is as much as I can cope with.
Both breeds are brilliant, so gentle and what I love about my lurcher is when I have a visitor she just comes and greets them and then goes back to her bed, she is never a nuisance even when having something to eat but I never feed her in the lounge, any food or treats are given in the kitchen.
My one word of warning is NEVER keep one of these dogs with a cat, I know ppl do but it is a risky, they have a very strong hunting instinct, I live in the country and my lucher had a rabbit one day, I had to ring my electrician to come and deal with the body, I really am a coward
At the moment my lurcher is asleep on the sofa with the ceiling fan on above her, it is very muggy today, I of course am getting no benefit from the fan but of course I am only a human LOL.

[JJ75]

Originally Posted by AmberPanda

I have just registered and saw this thread so thought I would post.
My late husband and I had 3 greys and 3 lurchers over the years but now I am on my own I only have a lurcher, I would get another dog but have been in poor health lately so 1 dog is as much as I can cope with.
Both breeds are brilliant, so gentle and what I love about my lurcher is when I have a visitor she just comes and greets them and then goes back to her bed, she is never a nuisance even when having something to eat but I never feed her in the lounge, any food or treats are given in the kitchen.
My one word of warning is NEVER keep one of these dogs with a cat, I know ppl do but it is a risky, they have a very strong hunting instinct, I live in the country and my lucher had a rabbit one day, I had to ring my electrician to come and deal with the body, I really am a coward
At the moment my lurcher is asleep on the sofa with the ceiling fan on above her, it is very muggy today, I of course am getting no benefit from the fan but of course I am only a human LOL.

Have to agree about the hunting instinct. The poor cat next door was on the receiving end Cost the neighbour a fair bit in vests fees though - ooops!!

[Mrs Mackintosh]

Originally Posted by LoopyDog

We have a greyhound. The only downside to them is that you'll be sat on the floor in your living room once you get it home. They are sofa hogs.

Originally Posted by JJ75

Mum and dad have a greyhound, they have had him for coming up 18 months now and we are seeing a new side to him, they really do take a while to settle in.

With any breed of dog, please be extra careful of your 3 year old around him/her. Sometimes 3 years olds think a good tug of ears or a tail is a sign of affection, usually the dog wont see it that way!!!

Greyhounds are fab dogs who enjoy sleeping... alot! They are also food driven and if any food is in reach its fair game.

Keep us updated and let us know how it goes.

Completely correct!

Our old boy is getting a bit better but he managed to get away with 4 venison burgers we were planning on barbequing the first week we got him.

Also, they could advertise for DFS the amount of time they spend lolling around on couches.

[SallyArmy]

Originally Posted by Mrs Mackintosh

Completely correct!

Our old boy is getting a bit better but he managed to get away with 4 venison burgers we were planning on barbequing the first week we got him.

Also, they could advertise for DFS the amount of time they spend lolling around on couches.

Another funny reply!

Greyhounds are beautiful dogs in every respect!

Every home should have one!

[LoopyDog]

Originally Posted by AmberPanda

I
My one word of warning is NEVER keep one of these dogs with a cat, I know ppl do but it is a risky, they have a very strong hunting instinct, I live in the country and my lucher had a rabbit one day, I had to ring my electrician to come and deal with the body, I really am a coward

A decent rescue will assess the suitablilty of a particular dog with cats. Our grey was considered cat safe and lives quite happily with our 3 mogs (can't say that the happiness is reciprocated ).

[JJ75]

Originally Posted by Mrs Mackintosh

Completely correct!

Our old boy is getting a bit better but he managed to get away with 4 venison burgers we were planning on barbequing the first week we got him.

Also, they could advertise for DFS the amount of time they spend lolling around on couches.

I had a tug of war with a french stick on day two !! He wasent giving in without a fight.

[Rhonda]

If you are rescuing a retired racing greyhound then be VERY careful with small furries. I would not trust them at all. However there are lots of litters of pups in rescue, and if you are prepared to take on a pup and bring them up with cats I don't think there will be a problem. They just accept the cats as part of their pack, and obviously you have to make it clear that the cats are not fair game.
We did this with our pup, and haven't had a moment's worry with any of our cats in 13 years, and we've had various cats and kittens over the years coming and going. However outside of the home it's a different matter, and as with most dogs,anything furry will be chased.
We have had a rescue lurcher too and had no problem. She was cat-tested by the rescue we got her from before we agreed to take her, though.

[Aarghawasp!]

My lurcher lived with my cat. They'd curl up and sleep beside each other, however he would chase squirrels and rabbits in the woods. Lurcher Link rescue forum has many members whose lurchers live with cats and even rabbits, every dog is different and a good rescue like LL will cat test their hounds before rehoming.

[ty webb]

Williamsse- Almost 3 weeks since your original post, did you get a Greyhound or not? Hope you did

[Williamsse]

Thanks so much for your replies everyone, has confirmed what I already thought and more

Sorry for my late acknowledgement of your replies, only just got back from holiday.

We don't have a cat, so no immediate small furries to worry about!

Have registered our interest with the GRWE, so waiting to hear back. Will keep you posted! Very excited

[ty webb]

Good show, hope it all works well for you. Great dogs

[Sniffle774]

Originally Posted by LoopyDog

We have a greyhound. The only downside to them is that you'll be sat on the floor in your living room once you get it home. They are sofa hogs.

People dont own greyhounds, greyhounds own people

My mates family always had greyhounds, lovely placid animal who like a nice long snooze with occasional food and walk breaks.

[RAINBOWGIRL22]

I am not a 'dog person' as such but if ever we are in the position to do so I'd love to rehome a retired greyhound.

There is just something about them as a breed that really gets to me.

Well done OP, I look forward to meeting your new addition in the not too distant future.

[LoopyDog]

That's 'greyt' news
IF GWRE don't have any suitable hounds, consider Greyhound Gap too. They are an excellent rescue.

[BrambleRamble]

Good luck mate. I've got a lurcher but know lots of peeps with greyhounds, they are brilliant dogs.