• Greyhounds are high strung.
• Greyhounds need lots of space to run.
• Greyhounds have health problems.
• Greyhounds are too big.
• Greyhounds are shy and aloof.
• Greyhounds are not safe around cats and other small animals.
• Greyhounds are not good with children.
• Greyhounds are not good with other breeds of dogs.
• Greyhounds are muzzled because they are aggressive.

Greyhounds are high strung.

This is one of the biggest myths about greyhounds! Greyhounds are like many other breeds of dogs; some are more energetic than others. But, for the most part, they are laid back and calm. The term "40 mile-an-hour couch potato" is used often to describe them! They have an exceptionally gentle nature and do not need the amount of exercise that a lot of other large-breed dogs require. They seldom bark except during play or with other greyhounds.

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Greyhounds need lots of space to run.

Greyhounds CAN run, but they do not necessarily need to run. They can and do run if they have the opportunity (in a fenced-in area), but most people are surprised to see them run only a very short time before they are ready to quit. They have short bursts of energy followed by a nice long nap! They are essentially sprinters and run for short distances at top speeds. They are not long-distance runners. Like all dogs, they need average exercise and a daily leash walk is sufficient.

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Greyhounds have health problems.

Actually greyhounds can live from 12 to 15+ years of age with average care. With the exception of old healed track-related injuries most greyhounds are healthy and resilient dogs. They do not suffer from genetic problems (like hip displasia) that are typical in other large breeds of dogs. The health problems they experience as they get older are no different than what would be experienced in any other breed of dog.

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Greyhounds are too big.

Because of their gentle nature, greyhounds are safe around furniture, kids, and your valuables. In fact, they are much quieter and gentler than most small breeds of dogs. They range in size from 47 to close to 100 pounds but they can navigate the smallest areas with ease. Because they have lived most of their lives in crates at the track, they are aware of their surroundings and are not the type of dog to knock things over or to be rough with children and other animals. They will "give over" rather than to challenge anything in their way.

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Greyhounds are shy and aloof.

Greyhounds have been with humans and other dogs constantly from the moment they are born and are the most sociable of all dogs! They have been raised in kennels with at least 20-80 other dogs from the time they are born. They are allowed to be puppies and do puppy things like play with each other, sniff, explore, chase, chew, etc. They are also handled by their trainers from an early age and, as a result, they are used to interacting with humans. That's why we refer to them as "fast friends."

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Greyhounds are not safe around cats and other small animals.

Very few, not all, greyhounds are not safe around cats and other small animals. Remember, greyhounds are taught to chase lure around the track and some chase better than others based on how much of their hunting instincts have been brought out during training (as well as genetics). However, all of our available greyhounds are cat tested before being placed into homes with other small animals.

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Greyhounds are not good with children.

Although greyhounds have not spent much time with children at the track, most get along very well with children because of their tolerant and friendly nature. Because they are adopted as adults, most will walk away from a child rather than to growl or snap if they are bothered. However, greyhounds, like other breeds of dogs, have their limits and should not be pushed or treated badly. As with any dog never leave a dog alone with a child and teach the child respect for the animal which includes: not letting kids crawl, jump or pounce on any sleeping dog, pulling / pinching fur / tails, taking a bone; treat or toy away and not putting their hand between the dog and his food bowl. These precautions are not just for homes with Greyhounds, but for homes with any breed of dog.

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Greyhounds are not good with other breeds of dogs.

Most Greyhounds are raised with their litter mates making them sociable with other dogs and who enjoy the company of other dogs. Greyhound adoption groups will try to match the right Greyhound with the families' needs, life style and other family pets.

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Greyhounds are muzzled because they are aggressive.

Racing Greyhounds are one of the most non-aggressive breeds there is. During a race muzzles are worn to help prevent injuries from the excitement of the chase (bumping and nipping). Being thin skinned they can easily be injured. Muzzles are also used for determining a winner in a photo finish for a close race. The muzzle helps to determine the winner as it's hard to tell one black pointy nose from another on the finishing fine of a close race.

When they are together in numbers, they should be muzzled because their competitive nature and eagerness to chase may cause them to nip which can tear their thin skin. Other dogs also play-nip, but their thicker coats prevent them from getting injured.

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