4 Myths About Greyhound Adoption
Oct 02, 2019
Myth 1: They need a lot of exercise
Fact: Greyhounds would rather laze around all day
Some people are concerned about taking on a greyhound for dog adoption or fostering because of the time it will take to give them enough exercise each day. But while it would be easy to think these dogs need a thorough exercise routine, they are much better suited to a quick 20 to 30 minute walk each day. Trust us, a few minutes of exercise will be enough to have them curling up on their bed or the couch to sleep the day away.
While they do have a playful personality, they are bred for speed, not stamina, so their idea of fun is running around the backyard for 10 minutes or a brisk 20 minute walk before retiring to their nap spot for the rest of the day.
Fun fact: they are so laid-back they can even sleep with their eyes open!
Myth 2: They’re not affectionate dogs
Fact: Greyhounds are some of the sweetest and most gentle dogs around
If you have only seen greyhounds racing at the track, you would be forgiven for thinking they have a temperament more like an independent working dog and less like a cuddly indoor pet…but nothing could be further from the truth!
Greyhounds are some of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs you will meet. They’re happiest when they’re following you around like a second shadow, or with their elegant head nestled in your lap. When you foster or adopt a greyhound, he or she will be quick to fall in love with you, and will make it known!
Myth 3: Adopting a greyhound is expensive
Fact: They cost a third of what it costs to adopt from other organisations
For some people a barrier to adopting a dog is the initial cost of adoption. When you factor in that they have to be sterilised, microchipped and have their health looked after, you can understand why the adoption costs around $500.
However, one of the great things about adopting a greyhound is that most of these costs are already taken care of. Greyhound dog adoption will only cost you $150, which includes having your greyhound:
- Sterilised
- Wormed and C5 vaccinated
- Microchipped
- Health-checked and dental-checked
Myth 4: Greyhounds are aggressive because they wear muzzles
Fact: Greyhounds are very gentle, and have to wear muzzles by law until they get a Green Collar Assessment
You have probably seen greyhounds wearing muzzles while they are racing or being walked in public, so it’s easy to assume that is because they are aggressive. However they have good reasons for wearing one that have nothing to do with aggression.
Until a greyhound passes its green collar assessment (when it is still racing or being fostered) the greyhound must wear a muzzle by law. This can make people assume that greyhounds are vicious but that is not the case.
Green collar assessment: At GAP SA, we prepare greyhounds for dog adoption, they undergo a Green Collar assessment, which will enable them to be in public without a muzzle. We will provide you with a muzzle exemption safety certificate, which you can use to apply for an exemption status from the Dog and Cat Management Board (DCMB). Once you receive this exemption, your greyhound will no longer have to wear their muzzle in public.
What have you learned about greyhounds?
What myths about greyhounds did you believe? Did any of these facts surprise you?
Greyhound owners absolutely adore their dogs, and they have every reason to (even if we’re a bit biased!)
If you’re thinking you might like to take up greyhound dog fostering or adoption, head over to our Foster and dog adoption pages or check out our greyhounds up for foster or adoption
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