Frequently Asked Questions about Greyhounds

What are GPA Greyhounds?

Greyhounds placed through the GPA program are usually between 18 months and 5 1/2 years old. These ex-racers are very intelligent, adaptable dogs. They fit easily into their new home environments following a brief adjustment period. They are eager to please and respond positively to any attention given them.

The majority of ex-track greyhounds are quiet, clean, gentle, good-natured dogs. They seem grateful for their new homes and regard their new owner with never-ending affection. They do not require a great deal of space to run, as many people think, but they do need exercise. Inside the house they enjoy curling up on a needed soft blanket or bed.

Female greyhounds usually weigh about 50 to 70 pounds. Male greyhounds can weigh from 60 to 80 pounds. Greyhounds are about 27 to 30 inches tall. Greyhounds can be many different colors. There are blue, tan, white and black Greyhounds, some with spots, but there are more brindle greyhounds than any other color.
 

How long do they live?

Greyhounds typically can live about 12 to 15 years.
 

How much does it cost to be an owner?

Greyhounds cost about a dollar a day to feed and all the love you can afford.
 

Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?

Greyhounds should be given a nice long walk three or four times a week. Greyhounds like to run and they are the fastest dogs on Earth, but if they are not accustomed to running once they retire they are no longer in shape - an infrequent run can cause serious injury so care must be taken. Some will enjoy jogging, but not all!!! They take their retirement very seriously! They are sprinters, so their endurance must be built up for jogging.
 

Do Greyhounds shed?

Greyhounds shed very little. Their coats are very short and sleek. They stay sweet-smelling for long periods without baths.
 

Are ex-track Greyhounds already housebroken?

In their kennel environment Greyhounds are "turned-out" 3 or 4 times a day to relieve themselves. Therefore, Greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means they are trained to go outside and keep their kennel clean. Walk them frequently at first, and they quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean and outside is where they relieve themselves. Housebreaking is generally not difficult at all as long as you are diligent at first.
 

Are Greyhounds good with children?

Greyhounds are typically good with children, however they are adult dogs who have never been around children. They are not as playful as puppies, of course, being mature dogs, but they are tolerant of children and will usually walk away rather than growl or snap if children become overbearing. This is not to say that they can be tormented for long periods of time…even a Greyhound has limits. And often, a very young child can be upsetting to a greyhound. They are not accustomed to the quick, busy movements and funny, loud noises of a playing child.
 

How are they with other pets?

Greyhounds are friendly by nature and socialize well as a result of encounters with other greyhounds in the racing kennel. They can learn to accept cats but the introductory period should be monitored closely. The Greyhound must be taught to differentiate between the cat and the mechanical lure he has been chasing at the track.
 

What kind of pets do ex-track Greyhounds make?

Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and human companionship and make terrific pets. Raised with the littermates, where they complete for affection, greyhounds love becoming the center of attention as household pets. Greyhounds do not usually make good watchdogs, and they seldom bark.