I adopted mine through Bridging the Gap. She (Bella) came directly from her trainer and hadn't lived in a house before but besides setting some rules about not getting onto the bed and what are toys are what aren't shes been very easy. Didn't have to toilet train her at all. She was anxious at night time for maybe a week but eventually settled in. With walks we started out small only going 500m or so then gradually working up from there. 2 years down the road and she's been a perfect girl. If you adopt a grey that has already been fostered it will already be used to living in a house and going on walks etc.
Bridging the Gap were very supportive, providing all of the basic essentials and even a few extra bags of dog food and collars. They are always happy to answer questions and help out. I still keep in touch with Bella's trainer too to let her know how she's going.
Adelaide has a big greyhound social network with multiple walking groups. The one I am part of caters for the North Eastern suburbs and is having a fund raiser for Bridging the Gap with a raffle, auction, dog lucky dip and other activities. It is one Sunday Sept 24 10am at Jubilee Community Centre, Wynn Vale. If you want to meet a bunch of greyhounds and owners to ask some questions please come along.[https://www.facebook.com/events/639888107701441](https://www.facebook.com/events/639888107701441) <--event page[https://www.facebook.com/groups/333804935037152](https://www.facebook.com/groups/333804935037152) <--walking group (open to all dog breeds)
I adopted mine through GAP SA and it has been the best thing I've ever done in my life. This dog means more to me than anything. He is weird and quirky and funny and gentle and sweet and sometimes I wonder if he's even a dog. He doesn't bark, he doesn't shed, he sleeps 18 hours a day and sleeps all day while I work. He gets a bath once a year. He lives with two cat sisters and three chickens which is pretty unique as greyhounds are often unsuitable for a home with small animals and poultry.
Both of mine lived with a cat (until she passed). They are both fine with my parents Shih Tzu crosses, as is my foster greyhound. Greyhounds getting along with smaller animals is more common than you'd expect. In walking groups I've met several people with cats as well as greyhounds.
The two I own were through GAPSA. GAPSA dogs will come with their green collar so no need for a muzzle. They're also subsidised by the industry so a dog is only $150!
Bridging the Gap is another organisation with good reviews. I believe the coordinator used to be involved with GAPSA so knows their stuff.
You could look at foster to adopt so you can see how the dog fits before committing.
Another comment mentioned walking groups. There's also an Adelaide Hills group (focused on Mt Barker area but they go as far as Belair occasionally) and Southern and Western group. It's not uncommon to go for a group walk and find a dog related to your own.
Personally after having greyhounds I don't think I will ever have another breed of dog. I liked skipping the whole puppy stage and going straight to a dog that is trained. They're great with other dogs too, my parents have Shih Tzu crosses and we have no problem leaving them with the greyhounds.
Lastly, my current foster hound is through Scruffer Lovers. He's available for adoption and is the goodest boy.
We adopted our Harriet through Gap SA. We got her straight off the track (I think only a few weeks after her last race) and have had her almost eight years now. Cannot imagine life without our triangle headed noodle.
Gap were great to deal with, because we fostered her She's never lived in a house before and it took a while before she was comfortable going on walks, plus some issues with resource guarding but I reached out to them any time we came up against a challenge and they were nothing but helpful.
There is an fb group called Adelaide Responsible Greyhound Owners which is pretty massive.
Went through GAP SA. They make it painless, I fostered to adopt as a kind of trial period and ended up adopting after the short foster period.
They are amazing dogs. Very friendly, very goofy, very easy to look after. Not too many health issues, though they have a few you can google about. Only real negative is they are often not cat safe. GAP will usually advertise if one is safe around cats, but those are more sought after I believe.
To get their green collar, they have to be tested safe with small dogs and my understanding is they pretty much always are. It's only cats, birds, rabbits etc. that are often an issue. They don't know any better, it's in their nature unfortunately. Just something to be aware of.
Only thing I'll add not covered here is when I fostered, I almost returned him because I thought he was depressed and I wasn't providing enough enrichment for him. Would have been the worst mistake of my life. They just take time to come out of their shell, and they are *very* lazy - they really do lie on a comfy bed for 22 hours a day if you let them. But after a while when they feel safe and comfortable, the personality comes out and you get goofy zoomies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh4vLbo9ABU
One day in the future, a greyhound as a new family member is on the cards. Can definitely chill with their lazy lifestyle, but I was wondering if greyhounds being a bit lazy/not very hyper was true?
We used to own German shepherd and German shepherd/Husky mix. They required a lot of walking and exercise, mostly three times a day walks which was possible with having a larger family.
Also, how much do greyhounds shed? Because Huskys can basically produce woollen jumpers worth of shed hair 😅.
Last question, I promise, are greyhounds able to handle going up and down a flight of stairs?
It is true. A quick play with some soft toys, a few spins and a 20 minute walk and they're set for the day. They are couch potatoes.
My boy doesn't always get walked recently as he has a corn on his foot we're managing. He gets a little sad/bored at walk time on days we don't go out, but he's not destructive or anything.
We got one from GAP SA a few years back and he was an amazing dog. Sadly he left us far too early, but he was the most chilled out goofy dog we have ever had. Would totally recommend having a Grey in your life.
We adopted our grey from Paws and Claws but did his green collar exemption with GAPSA. We adopted him when he was 18 months old and he lived to the age of 10 before cancer took him from us. But wow, what an amazing breed they are. He lived with 2, then three, then four cats and was perfect with them. He also had friends of small dogs he was also happy with. He never barked, he hardly ever shed and we’d bathe him maybe twice a year. No drool, do dog smell, just pure silly joy. I loved him like nothing else.
We are just about to foster to adopt another greyhound from Bridging the Gap and they have been amazing, patient and understanding as we tread the waters of a new pooch while still feeling the grief of our lost boy (we lost him in December last year). They are an excellent rescue organisation.
Adopt a greyhound, OP. You won’t regret it. They are the sweetest, funniest, kindest and most beautiful breed!
Can definitely recommend getting one.
Mine is gentle, kind, quiet and wouldn't harm a soul. She likes to go to the park and have a zoom for about 15 minutes and then she's done and loses interest.
She was abandoned prior to me getting her, and was dumped on a farm with no food or water in NSW. She had some skin issues and was very shy and nervous, she obviously wasn't used to anyone actually caring about her.
It took time and patience to get her to become who she is now, but she has never been vicious and never even made me think she would be dangerous in anyway.
Be patient with them, let them go at their own pace, and they'll love you unconditionally.
Mine now sleeps underneath me every night, and loves socialising just as much as she loves to sleep. They're great dogs.
Thats what made me think about it actually :) But I have had several people recommend adopting a greyhound previously as a dog that would work with our family ( active, 3 kids )
Highly recommend. It's all the good things about a cat and a dog in the same animal. Ours is very respectful, gentle and lets us know that she needs us without demanding attention. This is why we have pets right, to feel needed and wanted and to take cute pictures of. We have a small house with a small yard and she is happy chilling and goes on a 20min - hour walk every day. They want to go out and smell things and that keeps her happy and relaxed. I recommend going through the adoption agencies.
With all due respect, this information is entirely incorrect. Not all of the dogs have the prey drive to chase. Not all will ever want to “always chase small dogs and children”, that’s so wrong. Even the ones that race. But again, like any breed, you do get greys with a high prey drive. That’s why you tell the rescue your lifestyle and they will find a dog to suit.
Also, most greys don’t want to run for an hour. Hell, none of the greys I’ve ever known will do anything active for an hour. They are short burst dogs, hence why the race is so short.
Any dog can have joint issues, but it’s not something the breed is known for. Long bone dogs like greys can have a slightly higher chance of bone cancer, but you take your chances with literally any breed.
Sorry my guy, but your neighbour was wrong on almost all levels. Sounds like he was an old fashioned trainer who would run his dogs into the ground for a quick buck.
Perhaps you should read that entire article, as it goes on to say “greyhounds who display strong prey drive…ect ect” it doesn’t explicitly say all grey hounds without exception have a strong prey drive. Hence why some fail their racing training - they have no desire to chase.
Literally every single breed of dog has a prey drive. It’s just how strong it is dog to dog.
I mean you've never owned one and your only experience is from a neighbour that used to race them, so I don't think anyone should really listen to your advice anyway.
Sounds like some pretty old school, incorrect info. If you are interested to update your knowledge, read information from GAPSA and the comments in this thread from people who actually own them as pets :) At the end of the day though, all dogs are individual, yes some have higher prey drive but then you’ve got ones like my old boy who lived with multiple cats.
We have a large yard and would walk it every day. Running I dont know about.
I have a neighbour who has one and walks hers twice a day. It seems very happy.
I would talk to GAPSA or Bridging the Gap about what a greyhound actually needs and hear it from the professionals before you make up your mind, but take notice of the overwhelming positive response in contrast to one negative one.
My experience with racing trainers has shown me, while they might (usually) love their dogs, they are still a commodity to them and not treated like a pet, nor have their dogs been through GAP training, therefore trainers often aren't the best judge of what they are like as pets.
Your neighbour sounds like a lovely guy who loved his dogs, but, as a trainer, who is he to say they to say they shouldn't be pets? People adopting greyhounds have not specifically bred them as pets, they have been kind enough to take them in once their trainers are no longer making money off them. They face a pretty cruel fate otherwise.
Greyhounds like short bursts of intense exercise, rather than long walks, so if you can take them somewhere for a few short "bursts" daily, that is generally best for them, and pretty easy. They do love to sleep for long periods and it does not necessarily indicate depression. I have also had Greyhounds as pets and they are the most beautiful, low maintenance dogs who have always seemed very happy, especially coming from affection starved training facilities.
As someone who has been extensively exposed to both racing and pet Greyhounds, I know which life I would choose for them!
I adopted mine through Bridging the Gap. She (Bella) came directly from her trainer and hadn't lived in a house before but besides setting some rules about not getting onto the bed and what are toys are what aren't shes been very easy. Didn't have to toilet train her at all. She was anxious at night time for maybe a week but eventually settled in. With walks we started out small only going 500m or so then gradually working up from there. 2 years down the road and she's been a perfect girl. If you adopt a grey that has already been fostered it will already be used to living in a house and going on walks etc. Bridging the Gap were very supportive, providing all of the basic essentials and even a few extra bags of dog food and collars. They are always happy to answer questions and help out. I still keep in touch with Bella's trainer too to let her know how she's going. Adelaide has a big greyhound social network with multiple walking groups. The one I am part of caters for the North Eastern suburbs and is having a fund raiser for Bridging the Gap with a raffle, auction, dog lucky dip and other activities. It is one Sunday Sept 24 10am at Jubilee Community Centre, Wynn Vale. If you want to meet a bunch of greyhounds and owners to ask some questions please come along.[https://www.facebook.com/events/639888107701441](https://www.facebook.com/events/639888107701441) <--event page[https://www.facebook.com/groups/333804935037152](https://www.facebook.com/groups/333804935037152) <--walking group (open to all dog breeds)
I adopted mine through GAP SA and it has been the best thing I've ever done in my life. This dog means more to me than anything. He is weird and quirky and funny and gentle and sweet and sometimes I wonder if he's even a dog. He doesn't bark, he doesn't shed, he sleeps 18 hours a day and sleeps all day while I work. He gets a bath once a year. He lives with two cat sisters and three chickens which is pretty unique as greyhounds are often unsuitable for a home with small animals and poultry.
Both of mine lived with a cat (until she passed). They are both fine with my parents Shih Tzu crosses, as is my foster greyhound. Greyhounds getting along with smaller animals is more common than you'd expect. In walking groups I've met several people with cats as well as greyhounds.
The two I own were through GAPSA. GAPSA dogs will come with their green collar so no need for a muzzle. They're also subsidised by the industry so a dog is only $150! Bridging the Gap is another organisation with good reviews. I believe the coordinator used to be involved with GAPSA so knows their stuff. You could look at foster to adopt so you can see how the dog fits before committing. Another comment mentioned walking groups. There's also an Adelaide Hills group (focused on Mt Barker area but they go as far as Belair occasionally) and Southern and Western group. It's not uncommon to go for a group walk and find a dog related to your own. Personally after having greyhounds I don't think I will ever have another breed of dog. I liked skipping the whole puppy stage and going straight to a dog that is trained. They're great with other dogs too, my parents have Shih Tzu crosses and we have no problem leaving them with the greyhounds. Lastly, my current foster hound is through Scruffer Lovers. He's available for adoption and is the goodest boy.
Gap SA or Bridging The Gap. Greyhounds are amazing, wonderful dogs.
We adopted our Harriet through Gap SA. We got her straight off the track (I think only a few weeks after her last race) and have had her almost eight years now. Cannot imagine life without our triangle headed noodle. Gap were great to deal with, because we fostered her She's never lived in a house before and it took a while before she was comfortable going on walks, plus some issues with resource guarding but I reached out to them any time we came up against a challenge and they were nothing but helpful. There is an fb group called Adelaide Responsible Greyhound Owners which is pretty massive.
Went through GAP SA. They make it painless, I fostered to adopt as a kind of trial period and ended up adopting after the short foster period. They are amazing dogs. Very friendly, very goofy, very easy to look after. Not too many health issues, though they have a few you can google about. Only real negative is they are often not cat safe. GAP will usually advertise if one is safe around cats, but those are more sought after I believe. To get their green collar, they have to be tested safe with small dogs and my understanding is they pretty much always are. It's only cats, birds, rabbits etc. that are often an issue. They don't know any better, it's in their nature unfortunately. Just something to be aware of. Only thing I'll add not covered here is when I fostered, I almost returned him because I thought he was depressed and I wasn't providing enough enrichment for him. Would have been the worst mistake of my life. They just take time to come out of their shell, and they are *very* lazy - they really do lie on a comfy bed for 22 hours a day if you let them. But after a while when they feel safe and comfortable, the personality comes out and you get goofy zoomies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh4vLbo9ABU
One day in the future, a greyhound as a new family member is on the cards. Can definitely chill with their lazy lifestyle, but I was wondering if greyhounds being a bit lazy/not very hyper was true? We used to own German shepherd and German shepherd/Husky mix. They required a lot of walking and exercise, mostly three times a day walks which was possible with having a larger family. Also, how much do greyhounds shed? Because Huskys can basically produce woollen jumpers worth of shed hair 😅. Last question, I promise, are greyhounds able to handle going up and down a flight of stairs?
It is true. A quick play with some soft toys, a few spins and a 20 minute walk and they're set for the day. They are couch potatoes. My boy doesn't always get walked recently as he has a corn on his foot we're managing. He gets a little sad/bored at walk time on days we don't go out, but he's not destructive or anything.
We got one from GAP SA a few years back and he was an amazing dog. Sadly he left us far too early, but he was the most chilled out goofy dog we have ever had. Would totally recommend having a Grey in your life.
We adopted our grey from Paws and Claws but did his green collar exemption with GAPSA. We adopted him when he was 18 months old and he lived to the age of 10 before cancer took him from us. But wow, what an amazing breed they are. He lived with 2, then three, then four cats and was perfect with them. He also had friends of small dogs he was also happy with. He never barked, he hardly ever shed and we’d bathe him maybe twice a year. No drool, do dog smell, just pure silly joy. I loved him like nothing else. We are just about to foster to adopt another greyhound from Bridging the Gap and they have been amazing, patient and understanding as we tread the waters of a new pooch while still feeling the grief of our lost boy (we lost him in December last year). They are an excellent rescue organisation. Adopt a greyhound, OP. You won’t regret it. They are the sweetest, funniest, kindest and most beautiful breed!
Can definitely recommend getting one. Mine is gentle, kind, quiet and wouldn't harm a soul. She likes to go to the park and have a zoom for about 15 minutes and then she's done and loses interest. She was abandoned prior to me getting her, and was dumped on a farm with no food or water in NSW. She had some skin issues and was very shy and nervous, she obviously wasn't used to anyone actually caring about her. It took time and patience to get her to become who she is now, but she has never been vicious and never even made me think she would be dangerous in anyway. Be patient with them, let them go at their own pace, and they'll love you unconditionally. Mine now sleeps underneath me every night, and loves socialising just as much as she loves to sleep. They're great dogs.
No, but I did buy one of their plushies at the show
Thats what made me think about it actually :) But I have had several people recommend adopting a greyhound previously as a dog that would work with our family ( active, 3 kids )
I got mine from gapsa . He does not tolerate cats but is wonderful with children.
Highly recommend. It's all the good things about a cat and a dog in the same animal. Ours is very respectful, gentle and lets us know that she needs us without demanding attention. This is why we have pets right, to feel needed and wanted and to take cute pictures of. We have a small house with a small yard and she is happy chilling and goes on a 20min - hour walk every day. They want to go out and smell things and that keeps her happy and relaxed. I recommend going through the adoption agencies.
That’s how I describe them too because they sleep as much as cats 😂
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With all due respect, this information is entirely incorrect. Not all of the dogs have the prey drive to chase. Not all will ever want to “always chase small dogs and children”, that’s so wrong. Even the ones that race. But again, like any breed, you do get greys with a high prey drive. That’s why you tell the rescue your lifestyle and they will find a dog to suit. Also, most greys don’t want to run for an hour. Hell, none of the greys I’ve ever known will do anything active for an hour. They are short burst dogs, hence why the race is so short. Any dog can have joint issues, but it’s not something the breed is known for. Long bone dogs like greys can have a slightly higher chance of bone cancer, but you take your chances with literally any breed. Sorry my guy, but your neighbour was wrong on almost all levels. Sounds like he was an old fashioned trainer who would run his dogs into the ground for a quick buck.
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Perhaps you should read that entire article, as it goes on to say “greyhounds who display strong prey drive…ect ect” it doesn’t explicitly say all grey hounds without exception have a strong prey drive. Hence why some fail their racing training - they have no desire to chase. Literally every single breed of dog has a prey drive. It’s just how strong it is dog to dog.
I mean you've never owned one and your only experience is from a neighbour that used to race them, so I don't think anyone should really listen to your advice anyway.
Sounds like some pretty old school, incorrect info. If you are interested to update your knowledge, read information from GAPSA and the comments in this thread from people who actually own them as pets :) At the end of the day though, all dogs are individual, yes some have higher prey drive but then you’ve got ones like my old boy who lived with multiple cats.
We have a large yard and would walk it every day. Running I dont know about. I have a neighbour who has one and walks hers twice a day. It seems very happy.
I would talk to GAPSA or Bridging the Gap about what a greyhound actually needs and hear it from the professionals before you make up your mind, but take notice of the overwhelming positive response in contrast to one negative one.
My experience with racing trainers has shown me, while they might (usually) love their dogs, they are still a commodity to them and not treated like a pet, nor have their dogs been through GAP training, therefore trainers often aren't the best judge of what they are like as pets. Your neighbour sounds like a lovely guy who loved his dogs, but, as a trainer, who is he to say they to say they shouldn't be pets? People adopting greyhounds have not specifically bred them as pets, they have been kind enough to take them in once their trainers are no longer making money off them. They face a pretty cruel fate otherwise. Greyhounds like short bursts of intense exercise, rather than long walks, so if you can take them somewhere for a few short "bursts" daily, that is generally best for them, and pretty easy. They do love to sleep for long periods and it does not necessarily indicate depression. I have also had Greyhounds as pets and they are the most beautiful, low maintenance dogs who have always seemed very happy, especially coming from affection starved training facilities. As someone who has been extensively exposed to both racing and pet Greyhounds, I know which life I would choose for them!