Greyhound enthusiast tells us why the breed has stolen his heart
April marks #AdoptaGreyhoundMonth and we want to highlight just how beautiful these creatures are, and why they make the ‘pawfect’ family pet.
We have spoken to greyhound enthusiast Steve, who is a member of the NAWT team, to tell us why the breed is so special to him. Alongside working for us, he also fosters some of the dogs that come through our doors and is currently fostering a greyhound called Alma.
Steve talks about why he has always had greyhounds and gives an insight into a day in the life of Alma, showing what owning a greyhound looks like.
What made you decide to get a Greyhound for the very first time?
My wife and I got married in 2000 and the only thing that was missing from our lives was a dog. We both loved dogs, but didn’t have a particular breed that was our favourite. We visited rescue centres most weekends (including regular visits to NAWT Hertfordshire). On one such visit to a rescue centre in South Mimms, we walked past a kennel with a brindle retired greyhound. We had never considered a greyhound, and I remember thinking that she looked rather ugly (I never ever told her that!).
I asked the animal carer about “Blossom” the greyhound and she explained her story. She also told us about the breed traits, and they sounded completely different to what I had expected. I thought that greyhounds would be high maintenance, needing long walks and off lead runs. That perception was completely wrong.
My wife and I walked Blossom and it would be true to say that we fell in love with her. After a successful home visit by the rescue centre, we took her home and our lives changed (for the better) from that moment.
*See below some images of Steve's greyhounds*
What is it about greyhounds that you like?
Literally everything. From that first sight of Blossom (when I thought she looked a bit ugly), we fell for the breed. Within weeks, our house was full of greyhound ornaments and pictures. They are beautiful dogs and suit our nature perfectly. They are generally quiet (we have never had a “yappy” greyhound), sleep most of the time, walk well on the lead (most of the time), and are usually amazing with children, in fact people of all ages. They seem to have a sixth sense – if someone is upset or has disabilities or fear dogs, they become so gentle and understanding, it often moves me to tears to see how they adapt to any situation.
Tell us something about greyhounds that we might not know
Greyhounds do not need long walks. I have met so many people who have assumed that they need lots of exercise every day, but they do not. They have large muscles, and they are used to short bursts of energy. Watching a greyhound doing ‘zoomies’ running around your garden, is just fantastic, but after two minutes, all they want to do is sleep. I think they are ideal for most households, young and old.
Also, if you look in the ears of a retired racing greyhound, you will usually find a tattoo in one or both ears. One tattoo is an indication of an English dog and a tattoo in both ears is an indication it is an Irish dog. You can search the tattoos on an online database and find all the racing information on the dog.
We understand you are currently fostering a greyhound, tell us about their daily routine?
I am currently fostering Alma who has had a major operation on a broken back leg, so my daily routine is different to normal. I get up at around 6am to give Alma her medication and whatever mood I am in, when I hear Alma wagging her tail as I come down the stairs, I start to smile (she has had to be caged whilst recovering from her operation and her tail knocks against the cage when she is excited).
Alma is so pleased to see me and after a quick (and gentle) walk around the garden to do her morning ablutions, it is time for breakfast. Alma loves her food, and it is gone in just a few minutes. Then it is time to “roach”, a sign of a contented greyhound. This is lying on their back with their legs in the air. It is hilarious to watch. They defy gravity with such long legs and a narrow body! And that is Alma’s routine for most of the rest of the day – sleep, walk, sleep, eat, sleep, walk … repeat!
People often say to me that they are not “cuddly” dogs, this is just not true. I have had many a greyhound come over to me whilst I am sitting on the sofa and rest their head on my shoulder, wanting a cuddle. They are a very loving breed.
What would you say to someone who is considering adopting a greyhound?
Do it! If you are not sure, speak to another greyhound owner and they will tell you that one is never enough!
There are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, they tend to be quite large dogs and can be a bit clumsy, knocking into things when walking around the house, so do you have enough room for a greyhound? Also, if you have smaller furry animals, cats, dogs, rabbits etc. you will need to find a greyhound that has been tested with smaller animals. If they are a retired racer, they have been trained to chase a lure, and some find it difficult to stop doing it. There are, however, many retired greyhounds living in households very successfully with smaller animals but do check first.
Being generally larger dogs, they do have a big appetite, so make sure that you can afford their food. Greyhounds can jump quite high when they want to, so please make sure that your garden is secure.
But if you do decide to adopt a greyhound, you will not be disappointed, it will change your life for the better.
Thank you so much to Steve for taking the time to answer our questions and providing an interesting insight into greyhounds.
The National Animal Welfare Trust is an animal charity that rehomes dogs, cats, and small animals. If you would be interested in adopting a greyhound, or any animal, then you can view all the animals that are looking for homes here.
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