Greyhounds as Pets - Common Questions, Con't.
Are ex-racing greyhounds already housebroken?
Frequently an adopted greyhound is completely housebroken right from the start. In their kennel environment they are “turned out” three or four times a day to relieve themselves. Therefore, racing greyhounds are kennel broken, which means they’re trained to go outside and keep their kennels clean. Walk them frequently at first, and they quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean and outside is where they go to relieve themselves.How big do they get?
Greyhound males stand 26-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Females stand 23 - 26 inches tall and weigh 50 - 65 pounds.Why do they wear muzzles? Is it because they are high-strung?
Actually, the greyhound is a wonderfully unique creature blessed with both the ability to be very competitive and aggressive while on the track, yet on the other hand, a very loving and docile companion, living to please a beloved owner. They wear muzzles while racing for two reasons: to help racing officials determine the outcome of a photo-finish race, and to protect the greyhounds from injury during the excitement of the chase.Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
Greyhounds easily adapt to the lifestyle of their new owners. Fee free to take your greyhound walking or jogging with you as your exercise regime dictates.Aren't all greyhounds gray?
Not at all - they are many colors- brindle, black, fawn, or a combination of these colors. The name greyhound is not derived from the color of the animal. The name originates from three possible sources. The ancient Greeks may have called greyhounds "Greek hounds" or may have named them "Gazehounds," since they relied on sight rather than smell in hunting. Thirdly, the name may be derived from the Latin "gre" or "gradus" meaning degree, which related to the principle and care in breeding.Why are greyhounds streamlined?
Greyhounds are like any other competitive athlete. During their racing career, they eat heartily (up to two pounds of meat per day), but burn off excess weight when they run. As a pet, they eat much less, just four to six cups of dry food a day.