Frequently Asked Questions

How old are retired greyhounds?

Greyhounds are usually between two and five years of age when they are retired. With proper care, they can be expected to live 10-12 years of age.

How big are they?

Male Greyhounds generally stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Female Greyhounds generally stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.

What should I expect if I adopt a Greyhound?

Because Greyhounds have never been in a house before, EVERYTHING is new. Therefore, expect them to be somewhat confused and very curious. House manners will need to be learned. Greyhounds are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly. A retired racer will need to be shown what glass windows and doors are. They will also need to learn how to go up and down stairs. You should expect a period of adjustment. Not all Greyhounds adjust as fast as others. For example, some Greyhounds may be more difficult to housebreak. Others may have a tendency to chew and some may be extremely shy. A lot of patience, love and understanding is needed through this adjustment period.

Aren't all Greyhounds gray?

Like other breeds of dogs, Greyhounds have many different color variations. Blue (gray), which is the color many people think Greyhounds are, is actually very rare. The most common color is a brindle Greyhound. The American Greyhound Track Operators Official Color Chart recognizes eighteen different color variations.

Does my Greyhound need a special space in the house?

During its racing career, your Greyhound never lived outside of its cage and/or kennel. For this reason, your dog's kennel/crate will be a source of security for them while they adjust to your home. After a transition period, your Greyhound will be right at home and will no longer require the crate. Beyond this transition period, Greyhounds are no different than other house dogs.

Will my adopted Greyhound require housebreaking?

Greyhounds are kennel-trained. This means that they are trained not to soil their crate. At first, you will need to take your dog outside frequently while it learns to adapt to a regular housebreaking schedule. Within a short period of time your dog will be housebroken. However, nothing is perfect, and you should expect a few accidents along the way.

How much exercise do Greyhounds need?

During their racing career, Greyhounds are accustomed to racing every three days. As Greyhounds get older, their exercise requirements diminish. Basically, the younger the dog, the more exercise it will require. An occasional walk, plus an opportunity to run off-lead in a fenced-in area once or twice a week is usually enough exercise for most Greyhounds. A fenced-in yard will typically take care of your Greyhound's exercise requirements.

What do Greyhounds eat?

When racing, Greyhounds are fed a high-energy diet. Once they are retired, they need to be fed a good quality dry food such as Pro Plan, Science Diet, Iams or Nutro; all of which are available at pet stores. You will want to avoid foods that contain artificial coloring, because Greyhounds tend to have sensitive digestive systems.

Can I Take My Greyhound to a "Bark Park"?

One of the greatest joys of owning a Greyhound is watching him run at top speed. However, finding an appropriate fenced-in area can be difficult. Several dog parks, specifically those in Broadripple and Eagle Creek, have opened up in the past few years creating a seemingly perfect setting for letting your greyhound run. However, these parks are not suitable for Greyhounds.

Before running for their lives at racetracks, greyhounds were bred to be sight-hound hunters. The 4000+ years of heredity far outpace the months of training at the track. A small dog at a dog park offers the perfect lure for your sweet pet. You cannot trust your greyhound to stay by your side and he will most likely chase such a dog, especially if other dogs are joining in and a yelp or squeal ensues.

At best, you leave the wrong impression of the breed to those at the park who see your "vicious greyhound" tormenting a helpless small dog. At worst, your Greyhound could kill someone's beloved pet. We have heard numerous reports from friends at the parks who relay these accounts to us. As a result, GPA Indy does not encourage this and has the position that greyhounds should not participate in these unmanaged free-for-alls.

Don't think that a muzzle is the solution. A muzzle might not help the little dog in need and will certainly put your dog at a disadvantage or in peril with other large breed dogs that are not muzzled. Most importantly, that's not the message or image we want to portray of the breed.

Please find an appropriate public fenced in ball field or friend out in the country with a fenced in yard. Get together with some other greyhound owners, muzzle your dogs, and have some fun. Please, avoid the dog parks for everyone's sake.

Why do Greyhounds wear muzzles?

Greyhounds wear muzzles for two reasons. When they are racing it helps to determine the outcome of a race in a photo finish. It also protects them from injuring themselves or other dogs.

What type of medical care do Greyhounds require?

Like any other dog, Greyhounds require annual vaccinations. They also require annual checks for heartworm and other parasites. You will want to verify that your veterinarian is fully informed about Greyhounds as a breed, since they require special care when anesthesia is administered.

Greyhounds are sensitive to many chemicals used in flea-control products. Be sure that you only use those products that are known to be safe to a Greyhound. NEVER use a flea collar.

Greyhounds are not susceptible to conformation diseases such as hip displasia. A healthy Greyhound can be expected to live ten to twelve years.

Why can't Greyhounds be staked on a dog chain?

Greyhounds are sight hounds and will chase most anything that catches their eye. This could result in injury or death. NEVER tie your Greyhound to a stake, clothesline-type run or any stationary object.

Why are Greyhounds required to be kept on a leash unless in a fenced-in area?

Greyhounds love to run and can do so at speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour. They instinctively love to chase things, especially rabbits and squirrels. In their quest for speed, a Greyhound can quickly become injured or lost. Since they have lived in kennels all of their lives, they are not "street wise" and have no fear of traffic.