Greyhound Rescue and Adoption
Retired Racing Dogs Need Homes After Leaving the Racetrack
Oct 31, 2009
Originally bred as a hunting dog, the quick, graceful greyhound is built for speed. Racing greyhounds usually retire by the time they reach the age of five. Upon retirement, they require a new home, preferably in a loving family environment. Greyhound rescue and adoption organizations have made it their goal to match these majestic animals with caring owners.
The Greyhound Breed
The greyhound is the fastest breed of dog and can run up to a speed of 45 miles an hour. Racing greyhounds are between 25 and 29 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. The average lifespan of a greyhound is between 12 and 15 years.
The greyhound has a long, slender body that is also muscular and athletic. With a short, sleek coat, it requires very little grooming. A greyhound does not need a significant amount of exercise, as it will tire itself out after just one sprint.
Greyhounds are quiet and gentle dogs by nature, making them a great choice for a pet.
Greyhound Racing
Historically, greyhounds were bred as hunting dogs, a practice which led them to develop strong, agile bodies. The sport of coursing, in which two dogs race to catch a game animal, led to the establishment of the Greyhound racing industry. The first greyhound racing track in America was opened in 1919 in Emeryville, California. Throughout the 1920s, the sport gained popularity in the United States and Europe. Today greyhound racing is still held in many countries, including the United States, England and Australia.
Greyhounds begin racing on the track between the age of 14 and 16 months. The career of a racing dog ends around the age of four or five. Without a home, these dogs seek the companionship of humans.
Greyhound Adoption Organizations
There are countless non-profit shelters and agencies that facilitate the adoption of retired racing greyhounds. They include:
- Greyhound Pets of America, a vast organization that operates chapters throughout the U.S.
- Greyhound Friends for Life, a California based greyhound adoption service.
- Greyhound Pets Inc., an organization which matches retired racers with owners in the Pacific Northwest.
- Greyhound Relocation and Adoption Canada, based in southwestern Ontario.
- Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada, serving the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
- Retired Greyhound Trust, a greyhound adoption organization in the United Kingdom.
- Greyhound Adoption Program of Queensland, located in Australia.
Adopting a Greyhound
Bringing a retired racing greyhound into the home can be a fulfilling experience. However, adopting any animal requires a great deal of responsibility, and transitioning a greyhound from the track to a new environment will take special care and patience.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when adopting a greyhound:
- Upon adoption, greyhounds should undergo a complete veterinary check-up. Owners should have the vet check for any health conditions, such as worms. If the dog’s annual booster shots are not up to date, they should be scheduled soon after adoption.
- The adopted greyhound, like all pets, should have identification tags that include the animal’s name and owner’s phone number.
- Since a Greyhound can easily slip out of a standard dog collar, new owners will need to invest in a Martingale. This special type of collar fits snugly around the dog’s neck so that it cannot slip out. The Martingale does not cause the dog any pain.
- Greyhounds need to wear a winter coat, as their own coats are not thick enough to keep them warm in cold temperatures.
- Greyhounds are large, fast animals and should only be allowed to run off-leash when in a yard with high fencing.
- Owners should take special care to ensure their greyhound does not become overweight. Too many extra pounds will lead to health problems.
Those looking to adopt a pet may want to consider a retired racing greyhound. With its beautiful features and gentle nature, the greyhound makes a wonderful companion.
Greyhounds Make Great Pets
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