3 Myths About Greyhounds As Pets

 

“Should have got a greyhound!” she called out as she was being dragged head first down the street behind her dog.

We’ve had the same conversation with a few people around our neighbourhood, who having met George and seen how placid and gentle he is, instantly regret not having considered a greyhound themselves.

Our theory is that people make a bunch of assumptions about greyhounds, most of which are entirely wrong.

In today’s post we try to dispel a few of the common myths we’ve heard by contrasting them with our own experience with George.

Myth #1 They Have Lots Of Energy And Need Lots Of Exercise

Don’t get us wrong, George loves a walk.

He’s gentle on the lead, and trots happily along beside you.

But he can easily get by on two 10 – 15 minute walks day.

When the weather is just right (not too hot, not too cold) he will walk up to 40 minutes, but long walks are not really his thing.

He’ll spend the rest of his day either in his cot or on the couch.

He does like to be around us, but he’s happy to just be in the same room and doesn’t compete for your attention.

Myth #2 They Have To Be Muzzled Because They’re Dangerous

Our understanding is that the muzzles for racing dogs are for their own protection, both while they’re racing and while they’re being walked.

They always have to be on lead, so they’re vulnerable to other off lead dogs that may approach them.

In Victoria once they’re retired and become pets, they no longer need to be muzzled.

George absolutely loves every human he meets, and is amazingly tolerant of even little kids patting him in unusual ways.

He’s a little more selective when it comes to other dogs.

If they’re too bouncy or energetic, he’ll want to get away.

Worst case he’ll growl or bark at them if they keep hassling him, but he’s certainly never tried to bite anyone or anything.

We had a white fluffy maltese-shitzu (older dog) when we first got George and they got along fine.

Myth #3 They’re Not Suitable As House Pets

We heard a high profile journalist say this a year or so ago.

We were genuinely surprised, as it’s becoming more and more common to see people with greyhounds as pets.

Having had George, we cannot see ourselves ever having another breed of dog.

He’s a gentle, calming influence and not demanding of our time or attention which works really well for us.

He’s also quiet; we’ve had him 5 years now and I don’t think he’s ever barked inside the house.

The biggest problem we have with him is he’s so pleased to ‘meet’ new people that when we have people over, he follows them around the house at close range.

If people stay the night, he sleeps in their room.

When they leave, he sulks.

He’s on first name terms with all the local couriers and our postie, and our neighbours tell us he’s often the topic of conversation around here.

Not suitable my ass.

Do Yourself A Favour!

So if you’re considering getting a dog, do a bit of reading and see if you think a greyhound may be suitable.

Be honest with yourself about how much time and energy you have to invest in a dog.

At least two of our neighbours went for highly intelligent, energetic dogs (border collies, german shepherds) that they spent no time training and figured chucking them in a decent sized yard would be good enough.

It ain’t so, and they’ve regretted it.

If you’re time poor, can’t be bothered with any training, and want a really low maintenance, gentle dog that’s easy to manage we cannot recommend a greyhound more highly.

Any questions about George or greyhounds in general?

Get in touch!

ben@legendaryaussie.com.au

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