Greyhounds--any experience with them?

[triumphguy]

They snap as they run - it's how they were bred. And if they chase something they snap at it.

There will be a ton of dogs in your local humane society.

[Phaedra777]

Originally Posted by Mary Gail 36

I do see your point. I've always been afraid of dogs (even though I do like the idea of a loyal pet like dogs are) I think it might be too large of a dog, and I guess if I'm afraid, it will sense my fear.

I am a SAHM, I also would like it to be an exercise in responsibility for my kids, but maybe wait until they are older.

Good plan! Your feelings count as much as the rest of the family's so you're wise not to take on more than you know you can handle.

[lax16]

Originally Posted by Mary Gail 36

My kids, every so often express the desire to get a dog.

I, on the other hand have never had a dog, and sadly I'm a bit afraid of dogs.

Today, looking through the newspaper, I saw an ad for adoption of rescued greyhounds. These dogs used to race at dog tracks, but are now "retired."

Would a greyhound be too much of a dog for a first time dog owner----and since it's not a puppy but full grown are they harder to acclimate to a family with 3 (rather rambunctious) kids?

Thank you.

Hi Mary Gail - We adopted a greyhound about 8 years ago as a family pet. We had three children at the time (number 4 born later) ages 10,8, and 6.

The dog was not social or loving. We took excellent care of him with a special diet and lots of walks. We had to be EXTRA careful walking him because if he were to get away he would keep running and never stop.

We enjoyed being a part of the greyhound get-togethers and our oldest son helped with greyhound adoption festivities and the like. We were very committed to the "greyhound lifestyle."

Unfortunately, one day the dog was eating a treat on the floor that had just been cleaned, and our daughter (8 years old) tried to pick it up and move it to another area. The dog bit her. When we discussed this with the person who helped us with the adoption she claimed we were at fault and that our family was not a good match.

We had just found out that I was expecting and there was no way we wanted a dog that would bite around our children. The dog was quickly placed with a couple with no children and last we heard was doing fine.

After much research and finally deciding it was time to get a dog, I decided to get a miniature golden doodle puppy. We had rescued two adult dogs that both were aggressive with our kids, and I had had enough and decided to choose the breed and get a puppy instead of an adult dog.

Obviously there is a great deal of work with a puppy, but our dog is now 2 years old and is funny, loving, affectionate, gentle, patient and a true member of the family. The polar opposite of our experience with our greyhound.

To sum it up, I think greyhounds are very interesting dogs and there is much about them that can be rewarding. I do not recommend them for families with children who are looking for a fun-loving dog to interact with their children.

Also, people found our greyhound to be scary. He wasn't the kind of dog that you could pet and play with - they don't chase balls or anything like that. My mom said she actually had nightmares about the dog because he was so intimidating. He was a large dog.

We did tons of research before choosing our golden doodle. It might be helpful to go the park and see what kinds of dogs people have and ask about the breed. Golden doodles are all the rage right now where we live and when I talk to the owners they claim that they are the smartest and most fun dogs they have ever owned.
Of course, other dog owners would say the same about their breed as well.

Just wanted to chime in as we really debated the dog subject for years and have obviously made some mistakes.

[lerapt78]

My family adopted a brindle greyhound when our ages were 17,15, and 9. She was the only experience I've had with greyhounds, so what I write may not be applicable to the breed in general (as you would probably see a personality difference between greyhounds raised as puppies vs those who have lived a life in the racetrack):

Very laid-back, mellow

Not the type to take to training easily (not much for learning tricks to get food)

Did not seek to interact much with the family (didn't come up to be petted, didn't run to us excitedly when we came home, etc)

NOT a good guard dog - rarely barked, and displayed no protective or territorial instincts when strangers came to the house. So in this sense, they're good if you want a quiet animal.

So I would say a rescue greyhound might be a good choice if you're not a dog person, because they are happy to just lay around the house and are not very "needy" with regards to playtime, attention, etc.

With regards to having very active children in the house though, I can't offer an opinion on whether they're be a good breed or not. Generally speaking, they not aggressive dogs, but they're not really as fun-loving as other breeds, so I don't know how they would respond to a child getting in their faces often.

[horselvr]

I use to show sight hounds in the conformation ring and my MIL was an AKC judge and breeder of sight hounds. My X brother-in-law has a lot to do with the racing Greyhounds.

They are aloof creatures and I don't feel should be kept in an apartment. They are bred for speed and if not on a leash will be in NY in a skinny minute. Being sight hounds you might need to separate them from any small animals your kids might have for pets. They require exercise.

The racing Greyhounds are bred for just that----racing.
Some are treated very well on the track by their trainers while other "trainers" are not so kind.

I would not consider them to be a family dog as stated they are athletes and bred for racing. They are the Secretariat of the dog world.

I think your decision to wait until the children are older and then to go with a different breed is wise.

[OscarsMama]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE dogs! So, that is very cool that you are thinking about getting one. I know that Greyhounds can be a bit aloof, though. They are wonderful dogs, but if your kids want a dog that they can run around with, "rough house" with, etc, then a retired Greyhound might not be the dog for them. The retired greyhounds can have some anxiety issues (due to the treatment of them on the tracks). So................

for a first time dog owner, I would recommend a wonderful trip to the humane society ie. pound in your town and look at some middle age mix breeds (labs are great family pets). You can get one that is 3-5 years old. Labs have TONS of energy and are very "puppy like" for the first 20 years of their life (LOL, but it seems that way....... just ask a lab owner!! ). Anyway, they have a ton of energy and will love the kids.

I agree that puppies, as cute as they are, are a ton of work. So, adopt a middle age one and have a friend for life!! Take your children to the humane society with you so it is a family decision. Allow the people there to help you pick a dog out to match your family.

For example, if you live in a "crazy" house with kids running everywhere and all that, and you want the dog to be part of that, then tell the volunteers at the shelter. They can match you with one. If your family is a "lets watch movies!" every night, then they can also guide you toward the right one.

You life will never be the same when you are owned by a dog!!

[SgtSchultz]

I've ridden on ones that still use a manual transmission; boy are they rough!

[Hmgbrd]

Just a thought that you might consider before getting a dog, whether it is a greyhound or another breed or mixed breed. Remember that the dog will become a family member.

"Getting a dog (just) for the children" is not an option. Dogs are not toys. Everyone in the family will be responsible for and must want the dog. And unfortunately most of the responsibility will fall on Mom. That's just a fact. So pick a dog that you want too. Because you are "a bit afraid" of dogs, I would deal with that fear first before looking into bringing one into your home. Dogs know when they are welcome and when they are not welcome. Remember a dog is an animal and not a human. Many dogs are very strong on the leash and can put a child down if they see something they would like to go check out. (Squirrel, another dog, bird etc) Children should always be supervised with the dog in the beginning. Finally, remember that a dog is psychologically formed by his experiences in life. If you get an adult animal at the shelter they can tell you about his past and have already done a temperment evaluation of him.
Do your homework and learn about dog behavior so that you can teach your children about the dog, his instincts and needs. They vary according to the breed.

A dog can be a wonderful new member to any family. Prepare for him and use the learning and preparation time to teach your children about the dog and how to behave and treat him even before the dog comes into your home. Make it a learning experience for the whole family from the beginning.

[lerapt78]

Originally Posted by OscarsMama

I know that Greyhounds can be a bit aloof, though.

That's the word I was looking for in my last post, and perfectly accurate, IMO. It's not that they aren't friendly, they just have a more dignified way of showing affection, as opposed to the other rump-shaking, slobbery kiss-seeking breeds.

Originally Posted by OscarsMama

You life will never be the same when you are owned by a dog!!

True, although I think my cat paints a better picture of the master/slave relationship. I'm supposed to jump when he wants food or a back rub, while I on the other hand must humbly await his attention. And that's if he even deigns to give it to me if it falls between his designated 18-hour nap schedule.

Originally Posted by SgtSchultz

I've ridden on ones that still use a manual transmission; boy are they rough!

But they corner so nicely at maximum speed.