Anyone ever had a Greyhound ?

[2ndovc]

Dog racing is pretty big in OH.

Every season they put down dogs that have grown too old or just couldn't compete.

I've always thought they were really cool and have read a lot about them.

Would love to hear from someone that's had one.

It may be a bit before I'm ready for another dog but I'm trying to decide if I want another Lab, a Greyhound, or another pound puppy. But still going to be awhile. It's going to be some time
Before I'm ready for another dog.
Three is good for now.
But .....
You never know.

jb

[FWiedner]

I've never owned a greyhound myself, but have met and spoken with several folks who have rescued retired racers.

To a person they have only good things to say. They seem to be friendly, affectionate, good dogs.

Not as high-strung as one might think.

[Old Ironsights]

Oddly, they require little actual space to live in (being kennel-bred dogs) but they DO need plenty of exercise or they will begin to have psychological problems. I.e., Greyhounds are GREAT pets for High Rise dwelling Fitness Nuts.

A Greyhound is not a "loyal" dog in the Lab sense, but more loyal like a favored cat... they would be Lap Pets if allowed and tend to be followers/chasers (duh).

I don't think you would be disappointed if you adopted one, though they are much, much different creatures than a "traditional" gundog or even mutt...

[Chuck 100 yd]

I have never had one but folks who have say they are GREAT !!

[pdentrem]

Neighbor has 2 and sponsors more. They are great dogs. Tend to be a bit timid at the beginning but usually quiet and inquisitive. Murder on cats and squirrels or other small animals. Love to run and need space to run. Fenced yard or fenced dog park is suggested.

[cowboykell]

Coyote hunters use them here. They drive country roads until they see a coyote, turn 3 or 4 greyhounds loose to tire out the coyote. Once the coyote is tuckered out and the hunters catch up, they turn loose the killer greyhound to finish the coyote off. Coyotes are bringing $50.00. Don't let them run coyotes on my place, just doesn't seem sporting.

[2ndovc]

I've got about half of my 1 1/2 ac fenced in because of my crazy Lab and long legged Dane.

Its still too soon for another dog but I've always loved the look of Greyhounds and would rather adopt a needy dog than spend big $ on a pure bred. Labs don't count though. I'd pay dearly for another big sweet black Lab.

I went too great lenghts to find the breader of my Dearest Lab Tasha. Finally found her AKC papers. Went for a drive to Clinton, OH after work one day hoping that AKC Lab pups
Sign was still there.

Found the property but all that was left was the old split
rail fence. The house and barns were gone.
Don't know what happened but I hope that sweet lady Katie is ok.

j

[Mescalero]

2ndovc,
Had a retired greyhound, when I first brought him home he slept in the closet for a while.
They had put him in a crate at night.
He got out of it and was a good dog and a loyal friend.
If you are used to an independent dog, you will have to have patience with him/her to redevelop that part of thier persona.

[Hobie]

They smell like hounds and got to run/exercise. HOWEVER, every one I've ever known has been friendly and relaxed when not chasing a lure.

[Bill in Oregon]

The ex-racers do seem to be a bit emotionally stunted, but respond well to love and come out of their shells. These guys are actually couch potatoes at heart, and love to lean against their humans. Very sweet.

[wecsoger]

Ditto. Friend of mine had a rescue greyhound. Said she was a great companion. Good with his kid also.

[getitdone1]

Coyote hunters use them here. They drive country roads until they see a coyote, turn 3 or 4 greyhounds loose to tire out the coyote. Once the coyote is tuckered out and the hunters catch up, they turn loose the killer greyhound to finish the coyote off. Coyotes are bringing $50.00. Don't let them run coyotes on my place, just doesn't seem sporting.

cowboykell,

One time I shot at and missed a coyote. The coyote took-off and boy could it run. I'm wondering if they are as fast as a greyhound.? I've noticed in lists of animal speeds they are ranked pretty high.

Don

[madman4570]

Jason,
A lady I know has 4 of them and loves em.

Another dog(beside the lovely labs)that is such a absolutely cool dog is (don't laugh)the full size poodle(the big one)
OMG---my daughter has one(a male,apricot colored) Jason, let me say this dog is absolutely unreal.
We baby sit him some weekends,he is 9 months old and he is as smart as most people.
Daughter keeps his hair longer so he looks kinda like a big airedale or something.(not dreadlocks but kinda mid length)
Has cut his hair twice(lady does it for $30)
A extremely nice dog,but will guard you/family/home like no ones business.
He sleeps with us and there is NO shedding/dander/smell??????/
He don't chew(ruin stuff)does everything but write his name and gives all my 95lb 2 year old lab he can handle.
But he is much different on the protection deal,but extremely friendly when you tell him(their nice,its ok)
I never would have believed a poodle could be this way.
He also likes to just chill on the couch and relax.
Absolutely stunning dog($300 she paid for him,purebred)and what a dog! His name is Cooper! (a big dog)

[soon 2 retire]

An avid jogger in my old neighborhood back in Indiana had a rescue greyhound. I talked to him one day when the two were out walking. He absolutely loved that dog but he bought him hoping he would be a good jogging partner. However, the dog steadfastly refused to run again, ever. Now that I'm retired I know how the the old boy felt.

Bob in Friday Harbor

[Mescalero]

Yeah!
You can't get me ANYWHERE near a plane now.

[Hobie]

An avid jogger in my old neighborhood back in Indiana had a rescue greyhound. I talked to him one day when the two were out walking. He absolutely loved that dog but he bought him hoping he would be a good jogging partner. However, the dog steadfastly refused to run again, ever. Now that I'm retired I know how the the old boy felt.

Bob in Friday Harbor

I resemble that as well!

[pdentrem]

Brian Kilcommon says the Full size poodle is the best dog when you have kids. Perfect baby sister/guard dog for your kids.
Corrine a friends wife has one and it is a hunter. It will take on anything that moves. But once it stops moving the poodle looses interest and walks away. It got a slow moving shrunk the other day.

[J Miller]

I have a Greyhound sewing machine ....... does that count?


Joe

[Mescalero]

Joe,
the short answer is no.
The good news my mother has an in perfect condition a Singer treadle sewing machine

[pneuby]

a friend has rescued a few and kept one for a long time. They will kill neighborhood stray cats. The cats run, they chase...end of story. I read this thread and would agree with what most have posted. You may get a mixed bag, emotionally, with a critter that has been bred as a tool, and not a a pet. But, most turn out ok.

The one thing I could not stand is that it's like petting a skeleton with fur.

[J Miller]

Joe,
the short answer is no.
The good news my mother has an in perfect condition a Singer treadle sewing machine

Well drat. It should count .... it runs fast.

Greyhound front view.JPG

The better news, I have four treadle machines. 3 Singers and a Franklin.
All of 'em work.

Just like Lays Potato Chips, you can't have just one.

Joe

[J Miller]

Back on topic. I have never had a Greyhound dog. But from what I've heard I would have no problems with one "IF" I had enough acres for the dog to run in. They are one dog I just would not want to coop up.

Joe

[2ndovc]

a friend has rescued a few and kept one for a long time. They will kill neighborhood stray cats. The cats run, they chase...end of story. I read this thread and would agree with what most have posted. You may get a mixed bag, emotionally, with a critter that has been bred as a tool, and not a a pet. But, most turn out ok.

The one thing I could not stand is that it's like petting a skeleton with fur.

The long lean dog has always appealed to me. My Abbey looked a bit like a Greyhound and I
Would like a dog that has some of her physical traits. Plus I've always loved to rescue animals and people for that matter. Just part of my being.

We got some more bad news from the vet today. The Lab we got from a rescue shelter last spring has a heart problem. She may be fine or it could develop into something more serious.
No matter what she will have a comfortable and loving home for as long as is able.

Not a big fan of Feb. 2012!

j

[J Miller]

Jason,

Give your Lab a big pat on the head for me. And don't give up on her. She may well just turn around and recover.

Joe

[madman4570]

The Danish in below video looks a lot like my Charlie now!
I did not even know about these dogs??
Watched it,called the wife and she said hey thats Charlie.
I said ----yep,but that is not a Lab
And we paid big bucks for our big boy!
I love that look in a dog!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&featu ... VwlMVYqMu4
If that big one ain't pumpkin pie don't know what is!(melts my heart)look at that face when he is looking at others plate
The other one looks like an older small female lab,not a golden???????

[pokey]

no , but i rode in one from the east coast to the west coast one time.

hoooboy, i'll never do that again.

[preventec47]

One thing you have to remember about Greyhounds is they have no body fat or fur to keep warm and cannot be left outside below 50 degrees. ( unless they are running of course) If you dont live in the south, you will have to have sweaters and clothes for the dog for outings
longer than just an hour or so.

[OJ]

We have friends who adopted a GAP (Greyhounds As Pets)
- it lives with two Labs and is a sweetheart - I admit to being dubious in the beginning - thinking the way they started life, they would never relate to people. I was 100% wrong.

[2571]

Neighbor has one 2 of those racing dog rescues. He says he can't let them off a leash. 'Hood is full of squirrels though.

His dogs are approachable and seem ok as pets.

He puts sweaters on them in the Michigan winter when they go outside.