Buying or Adopting a Greyhound

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Greyhound the right breed for you?

Greyhound Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Greyhound?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No very small dogs in the household
• No cats in the household
• Ample exercise after maturity – Greyhounds need the space to stretch out their legs and gallop in short 5-minute bursts several times a day, after which they curl up on the sofa and sleep
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as the sport of lure coursing
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Greyhounds are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Greyhound to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Greyhound, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Greyhound?

Greyhounds are a fairly common breed in the United States. There aren't a lot registered with the American Kennel Club, but many more are registered with the National Greyhound Association, the official registry of Greyhound racing dogs. Most people who own a Greyhound have adopted an ex-racing dog.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Most likely you'll acquire a Greyhound from a rescue organization that specializes in ex-racing dogs. There are many of these groups all across the country.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Greyhounds are rarely found here. Greyhound Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Greyhound turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
If you have your heart set on a Greyhound puppy – and I hope you don't, because so many adults desperately need homes – your only real source is a show breeder, who breeds Greyhounds to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I've never seen a Greyhound in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Greyhound Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Greyhound puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Greyhound puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?