GREYHOUND FACTS

Greyhounds, fondly called "40-mile-per-hour couch potatoes," make excellent companions. They are generally quiet, and you are more likely to hear them sing or "roo" than bark.  Intelligent, affectionate animals, most retired racers adjust well to home life and will be your devoted companions for many years to come.

Why adopt a greyhound?

Adopting a retired racing greyhound is truly a rewarding experience. Your greyhound will quickly become a member of your family and add joy to your home. Their playful and sensitive nature will endear them to everyone.

Most importantly, adopting a greyhound is a serious commitment. Your greyhound will depend on you for guidance in its new life and to meet all its needs; food, shelter, health care, and lots of love. 

Is greyhound adoption right for you?

The following information will help you decide if a retired racing greyhound is the right choice for you and your family. Please call us at 603-355-1556 with any questions or to schedule an appointment to meet one of our adoptable dogs.

Personality — Greyhounds are quiet, well mannered, loving, and sensitive. Because of their gentle nature, they do not make good watch dogs.

Training — Greyhounds are easily trained with positive reinforcement. A firm NO! is all that is needed to correct unwanted behaviors.

Life Span — On average, greyhounds live from 12 to 14 years. Most of the retired racers we have available for adoption are from two to five years old.

Size — Like people, greyhounds vary in size. Females weigh from 50 pounds for a petite girl to 60 pounds for the more average one. Males tend to be a bit larger, weighing between 65 and 75 pounds on average. Regardless of their size, greyhounds take up very little space and curl up into a ball when sleeping. 

Color — Greyhounds come in a wide array of colors with 18 recognized variations. They are solid, patched, brindled, spotted and striped. The least common of all is the "blue" or gray-like color. 

Exercise — Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do not require a tremendous amount of exercise. As racers, they are sprinters, not endurance runners. While they enjoy a good romp around a fenced yard or in an enclosed area, many greyhounds do equally as well with a brisk daily walk. The rest of the time, they are content resting on a soft bed or sofa. 

Leads and harnesses — Greyhounds must always be leashed when walked outside of a safely fenced area. Since greyhounds are sighthounds, they are always ready for a good chase, even after a blowing paper bag or leaf. We suggest using a martingale collar, as traditional collars are easily slipped off their slim, tapering heads. Harnesses are also a recommended way to keep your greyhound safe and secure.

Other Considerations

Children — Retired racing greyhounds have never experienced a home environment, and almost all of their human interaction has been with their trainers and handlers. While many greyhounds bond well with the children in their forever families, others are frightened by these strange creatures. Because of this, it is our policy to only adopt greyhounds to families with children over the age of seven.

Cats — Greyhounds and cats can and do get along! Many greyhounds live happily with cats and other small animals. Be sure to let us know the make-up of your household so we can assist you with finding a cat-safe greyhound. 

Intelligence — Many greyhounds excel as therapy dogs. Others score well in agility and obedience. All find the perfect way to make themselves a member of the family. 

Shedding — Greyhounds have short coats and are not big shedders. A good weekly brushing with a comb or glove eliminates most shedding. Greyhounds are considered hypo-allergenic and are often suitable pets for those with allergies.

Cleanliness — While racing, greyhounds are "kennel broken," which means they are trained not to relieve themselves in their living area. They are clean dogs by nature and would prefer to relieve themselves outdoors when given a choice.

Feeding — The average greyhound requires 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, spread over two meals. Thinner dogs may need more food until they reach their ideal weight.

Special Needs  —  A greyhound's short hair and lean body make a coat a must when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. A non-slip, humane collar accommodates the narrow head and wider neck. Raised bowls make eating easier. A soft bed is always appreciated. Most of all, patience and love are the best tools to ease the transition from track to home.

Other ways to give

– through PayPal
– through Venmo (@fastfriends in the app)
– by calling 603-355-1556 with your credit card
– by sending a check or money order to: Fast Friends, PO Box 10093, Swanzey, NH 03446

A greyhound may be the right dog if you ...

Are patient. Retired racing greyhounds have been raised in a kennel environment, so life in a home with people is a completely new experience. They need families that are willing to help their greyhound adjust to life after the track.

Keep to a schedule or routine.  Retired racers are very schedule-oriented as a result of track life. Adhering to a normal schedule of feeding and exercise is very important.

Enjoy staying active. Greyhounds do not require a great deal of space to run, but they do need regular exercise. A twenty-minute walk once a day is adequate for most greyhounds.

Respect an independent companion. Inside the house, greyhounds especially enjoy having a soft spot of their own, such as a blanket or a pet bed.