Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is their life expectancy?
A. Greyhounds have a life expectancy of 12 years or more. This holds true for ex-track dogs, as well as other greyhounds.

Q. How much does it cost to own a greyhound?
A. Greyhounds cost about a dollar a day to feed and all the love you can afford.

Q. Are they good with children?
A. More so than most breeds. They are not as playful as puppies, of course, being mature dogs, but they are very tolerant of children and would usually walk away rather than growl or snap, if children become overbearing. This is not to say, however, that they can be tormented for long periods of time and still not growl or snap, since like most dogs, greyhounds also have their limits.

Q. How are they with other pets?
A. Since they live with other greyhounds their whole lives, they are remarkably compatible with other pet dogs. Cats, however, are unknown to greyhounds and a little extra time and patience is required to ensure household harmony. It is easily achieved.

Q. Are greyhounds house-broken?
A. Greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means they're trained to go outside and keep their kennels clean. Walk them frequently at first, and they will quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean and outside is the place where they go. Another thing which will make it easier to house-break your greyhound is to limit the area in the house in which he is allowed to roam. This helps him to identify the area he must keep clean.

Q. Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
A. Unless you have a fenced-in yard, greyhounds should be walked three or four times a day, primarily to empty themselves, and taken to an enclosed grassy area where they can sprint once or twice a week. Greyhounds also make excellent jogging companions after they have been trained to go at the new pace and distance for, like any athlete, they need to be built up in order to accompany their owners for anything longer than a sprint.

Q. What kind of pets do ex-track greyhounds make?
A. Greyhounds are very affectionate, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and human companionship and make terrific pets once they get used to their new homes. Raised with their littermates, where they compete for affection, greyhounds really love becoming the center of attention as pets.