An ex-racing Greyhound is a Greyhound that has retired from a career in dog racing. Greyhound racing is a competitive sport where Greyhounds race each other around a track, typically chasing a mechanical lure. Most Greyhounds retire from racing between two and five years of age.
Once their racing careers end, these Greyhounds are often placed with adoption groups or agencies to help them find new homes as pets. Despite their racing background, many Greyhounds transition well to a life of leisure and companionship.
Here are some key characteristics and considerations about ex-racing Greyhounds:
Characteristic | Description |
Temperament | Generally quiet, gentle, docile, and affectionate. They are often described as “40-mile-per-hour couch potatoes” due to their love of lounging and napping. |
Exercise Needs | They are sprinters, not endurance runners, and don’t require as much exercise as commonly believed. Daily walks and occasional opportunities to sprint in a securely fenced area are usually sufficient. |
Home Environment | Can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments, due to their calm nature and ability to curl up in small spaces. They are sensitive to noise and thrive in peaceful environments. |
Socialization | They are accustomed to being around other Greyhounds but may require gradual introductions and supervision when meeting other breeds or small animals due to their prey drive. Many can live harmoniously with cats if properly introduced. |
Training | Many ex-racers are already crate-trained and kennel-broken (meaning they are used to not soiling their living area), according to MoKan Greyhound Adoption. They are intelligent and generally eager to please, making them receptive to training with positive reinforcement. However, house-training or adapting to household items may require patience and consistency. |
Special Needs | Due to low body fat and thin skin, they get cold easily and may need coats in cooler weather. They are sensitive to certain anesthetics and insecticides, so specialized veterinary care is important. They have a high prey drive and must be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outdoors. |
Health Considerations | While generally healthy, they can be prone to certain issues like gastric bloat, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and dental disease. Regular vet check-ups are essential. |
