CARE OF YOUR BEST FRIEND

 

 


Temperament

A retired racing greyhound makes a superb pet. Greyhounds have been bred for centuries as a companion animal and Greyhound racing was a result of friendly competition between pet owners. Contrary to popular belief, these dogs are not highly strung or aggressive. They are, in fact, very calm, affectionate but playful animals. They have little or no problem fitting into a variety of situations. Another trait of the retired racing Greyhound is its need to be near it's human companions. Owners constantly comment on their 'second shadow'. These dogs are most content sitting on the couch beside you with their long, elegant head nestled in your lap. Greyhounds are ideal house pets, because they have very little body fat and thin coats, they prefer to live inside. 

Greyhounds are very pack orientated dogs and will quickly adopt human masters into their 'pack'. To allow different Greyhounds to hunt and race together, aggressiveness towards other dogs and people has been nearly eliminated from this breed. Some still retain a strong prey drive (which is a component of their training) and are sometimes unsuitable for houses with other small pets such as cats or rabbits. Their sensitivity and intelligence make them quick learners, and good candidates for obedience training.

Greyhounds are tolerant of children, especially if they have been raised with them. Being non-aggressive, a greyhound will generally walk away from a worrisome child, rather than growl or snap. However, even the gentlest greyhound has its limits, and should not be subjected to continuous harassment. Children should be taught at an early age to respect and not interfere with any breed of dog when they are resting or eating.

G.A.P. Greyhounds are first assessed for temperament and if suitable, placed in a foster home to prepare the dog to live in the big wide world (outside the racing kennel). Most Greyhounds have never been inside a house, walked on wooden or carpeted floors, negotiated stairs or had to deal with glass doors and windows, seen cats and other dog breeds, or heard a vacuum cleaner, washing machine and other noisy machinery. It can be a scary place at first. Basic skills training such as house training (though this is just an extension of the kennel training they have already had) is begun in these foster homes. They also get used to living without the strict discipline and regime of a racing kennel and learn the rules of that home. They need this time in a supportive and understanding environment. Some dogs take to home life almost instantly, while others need time to adjust but with patience and love they learn. Remember, it doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen. When these Greyhounds are re housed after the foster period they are faced with a whole new set of experiences. Give them time to cope with it all.

The impact of racing in the last 200 years has meant that only the strongest, fastest and best natured dogs have been used for breeding. Their skeletal system and other body systems have to be able to cope with the stress of racing. They are the only breed free from major deforming inherited defects such as hip dysplasia. Greyhounds were originally bred as a nobleman's hunting companion, as opposed to a hunting dog.

They are suited to this, as they are sight hounds and can see clearly for a distance of one kilometre. Also, their speed allowed them to keep up with the hunt. They are not bred as boundary dogs and take time to learn the limits of their territory. As sight hounds they are not suited to being exercised off a lead unless it is within an enclosed area. They have been bred to see something in the distance and give chase.

Furthermore, the law restricts them from being exercised off a lead on public property.

 

Size

Male greyhounds can weigh between 28kg - 38kg and can stand at a shoulder height of up to approximately 65cm. Female Greyhounds can weigh between 24kg - 30kg and are shorter than most males. Both make excellent pets.

 

Colour

Greyhounds come in a variety of colours with brindle, fawn, and black being the most common. Other colours include blue, as well as a range of combinations such as blue brindles, white with brindle markings, black and white, blue fawn. We do not select by colour as our main criteria is suitability.

 

Age

With proper care, the Greyhound enjoys a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

 

Exercise

Although Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, they achieve their incredible speed in an all out sprint, and do not have a lot of endurance. Because of this a greyhound actually requires less exercise than most dogs. Most greyhounds are quite content to be a 'couch potato' and spend most of the day sleeping. They enjoy playing and short walks of twenty minutes as least twice a week will maintain the fitness of these canine athletes. Greyhounds do make good jogging companions but only after their endurance and stamina has been built up gradually.

 

Worming

Regular worming benefits the health of both your dog and yourselves as some worms can be transmitted to humans by animals. Your pet should be wormed every three - six months.

 

Bedding

Your Greyhound will appreciate having its own bed. A folded doona complete with cover is very good and even better if raised off the floor by at least 12cm. A warm kennel or the kitchen or living room is the best place for your new pet to sleep.

 

Teeth

Dog chews, raw bones and dry food help maintain good dental hygiene. Bad dental health is indicated by bad breath, rotting and/or tartar covered teeth. If your dog has a considerable build-up of tartar, this needs to be removed by your veterinarian.

 

Coat

Your pet should be regularly washed with a dog shampoo. Human shampoos are too drying for use on dogs.

 

Fleas

Check your dog regularly for fleas, especially where cats share the same household. Please seek veterinary advice on the method of flea control best suited to your home situation.

 

Heartworm

All Greyhound Adoption Program dogs are heartworm checked and should be immediately placed on heartworn prevention treatment.

 

Nails

Nails are usually kept short if your dog walks on concrete or hard ground on a regular basis otherwise nails should be regularly clipped. Best done by a vet if your dog has black nails as it hard to tell where it is safe to cut and could result in uncontrolled bleeding.

 

Vaccinations

Your new pet will have been vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis and parvo and should only require yearly booster shots. If you going to be taking your dog to dog obedience then speak to your vet about vaccination against kennel cough.

 

Muzzles

At the end of July 2004 a law passed through State Parliament that greyhounds adopted through the South Australian program are no longer required to wear a muzzle out in public. They are however required to wear a green numbered collar that is supplied bt GAP when out in public.For more information regarding the new law please contact GAP on 8243 7124 or contact us through the web site.

 

Registration

Normal council By-laws apply. Some councils offer a reduction on registration fees for desexed dogs. Present your dog's desexing certificate for the lower fee.