So why choose a greyhound as a pet?
Greyhounds make awesome pets and are unlike any other breed I’ve ever come across. So let’s take a look at why…..
Greyhounds Are Goddam Lazy.
Many assume greyhounds need a lot of exercise, as we know them for their racing prowess. So not the case! They love their early morning and late afternoon ‘sniffari’ walks and their ‘zoomies‘, but apart from that, you can find them lounging on the sofa or on their bed. Because of this, greys make ideal apartment dogs and are becoming very popular as inner-city pets.
Our daily routine is:
- Wake around 6 am
- Walk 20-30 mins (or if there are no dogs at the dog park, they go for a good run)
- Rest for 30-60 mins
- Breakfast
- Sleep until 4 pm
- 20 min neighbourhood walk
- Dinner
- Doze on the couch until 10 pm
- Outside for toilet time
- Bed 10.15 pm
As you can see, greyhounds are a very low maintenance breed. Many owners only walk their greys once daily, and their dogs are happy and healthy. I walk mine twice for my lawns’ benefit more than theirs. They are less likely to zoomie and churn the garden if they exercise twice a day.
But that’s just one reason why greyhounds make awesome pets!
Minimum Barking.
In general, greyhounds seldom bark. There will obviously be some exceptions to this rule given differing doggie personalities.
If you’re looking for a guard dog, forget it! Greys are more likely to lollop up to an intruder and lick them to surrender rather than alert you to their presence. Especially if they think snacks may be involved!
However, they may learn to bark if other dogs are in the house. Behaviour which is best to nip in the bud if you can. Rarely will you ever receive a note in your mailbox from a frustrated neighbour informing you your dog has been barking all day while you are out, though.
Rare Shedders.
Greyhounds rarely shed. If they do, their hair is fine and short. This makes them ideal for owners with allergies, as they only have one coat with no undercoat. Their skin (dander) doesn’t shed as much, or produce as much oil as other breeds. Which can often cause many allergies.
I’d say the only exception is when they are first adopted. After a few weeks, they start to lose their ‘kennel coat’. Before adoption, they’ll come from the track or farm with a thick, fluffier coat. You’ll notice this shed over the first few weeks to be replaced by lovely, silky hair.
Greys produce minimal oil and only have one coat of hair, so they don’t have that ‘doggy’ smell. It’s a usual rule of thumb that they only need bathing approximately once every six months. Or if they’ve rolled in something smelly. No expense of a regular hydro bath and clipping for these beauties.
Low Maintenence.
Never bathe your grey under an outside tap or with a hose, as they have such little body fat they will feel too chilly, even in summer. Always use a quality dog shampoo, as the human variety is far too harsh for them – the same with conditioner.
I love this one, the lavender smells fantastic, and I find the oatmeal soothes any dandruff flare-ups.
They Are Seriously Stylish.
Have you ever seen another breed of dog with as big a wardrobe as a greyhound? From jammies to snoods, coats to legwarmers (yes, really!) and everything in between.
They are masters of style, and as ridiculous as they should look, they pull it off. I’m hanging out for Christmas to treat Tigga and Lottie to outfits like these, modelled below by Zena.
Personality In Spades.
Greyhounds have huge personalities – they are literally the goofiest, weirdest dog breed on the planet! 90% legs and 100% heart. They are like Bambi on speed and are just fun on a stick.
Those long snouts snuffle in your pocket for snacks, and greys are the perfect height to ‘mine-sweep’ countertops. I once lost a whole tray of sausage rolls before realising this. They’ll sleep legs akimbo upside down on the couch, with their tongues grazing the floor.
See Daisy above? this is how greyhounds ‘smile’ – their lips flopped back (note – not snarly, very relaxed) accompanied by vacant eyes.Greyhounds LOVE to cuddle and will try to fit themselves as close to you as possible. As much as possible. As much as possible. You are literally ‘their human’. When chosen, they will devote themselves to you.
Those Eyes Though!
This one doesn’t need much explaining. Not only are greyhounds sweet-natured, incredibly loving and loyal, but they also have the most elegant faces.
I hope you enjoyed my round-up of why greyhounds make awesome pets.
If you have any other suggestions, share them in the comments below – I would love to hear from you!
