ABOUT GREYHOUNDS

Greyhound History

This noble breed has a long and respected past, owned and honoured as pets by both Tutankhamen and Queen Cleopatra thousands of years ago, they are recognised as being one of the oldest if not the oldest pedigree recorded. Registered greyhound racing began in Britain in the 1920s and has been a major spectator sport ever since. Greyhounds retire from racing at 4-6 years of age so there are always many looking for permanent, loving homes. To aid this situation the Retired Greyhound Trust was launched in 1974, and the charity has found homes for thousands of adorable hounds.

The following attributes hold true for the typical ex-racing greyhound, and arise from a combination of doggy instinct and kennel life:-

• GENTLE – They are used to being handled by many different people and tend to be outgoing and confident but not usually protective or snappy.
• HAPPY ON THE LEAD – Most greyhounds walk quietly on the lead with out pulling.
• LAZY/DOCILE – Contrary to popular belief they are used to a generally inactive kennel life and are real couch potatoes!
• ADAPTABLE – Patience is their virtue and they learn the ''house rules'' very quickly. Most greyhounds are housetrained within a few days of homing.
• FEED – Used to a kennel diet they are not generally fussy eaters and will readily eat dry complete food or tinned dog meat.
• PEDIGREE BREED – Yet no pedigree associated problems. They tend to live into their early teens. Each registered ex-racing dog will also have a unique official racing name and a racing record.
• NON-STICK COAT – It''s true! The greyhound is one of the few dogs capable of coming back from a muddy walk relatively clean.
• SIZE – There''s no doubt they are leggy dogs. However, they are quiet around the house and will snooze in their beds most of the time. Seeming to take up much less room than a noisier smaller dog.