April is National Adopt a Greyhound month!
Here at PAWS, we always help to highlight and put some focus on these fantastic dogs as much as we can for many reasons, mostly because they are main breed and breed types to find in pounds and shelters looking for a home but there are so many people who don’t think of greyhounds as pets. There are many misconceptions about greyhounds, one being that they highly active breeds that need loads of exercise but the truth is they are very lovable, affectionate couch potatoes that would always rather spend their time curled up on the couch surrounded by people they love. Greyhounds, like all dogs, have their own individual personalities and attitudes and come with their own stories but one common trait in all greyhounds is that they make loyal, loving, often quirky, gentle dogs that always make great pets. Many greyhounds are fantastic with children and live happily with other animals and pets as they are always happiest in company of people.
Despite this, all rescues in Ireland can agree that the average time it takes for greyhounds to get adopted and find their forever home in a shelter is about a year. This is why its so important to spread the message of greyhound adoption awareness and the benefits of owning one of these quiet souls. Many of the PAWS team have adopted greyhounds and anyone that has ever shared their home with a greyhound or greyhound cross will tell you the same thing, We are still closed to the public for the foreseeable future due to Covid 19 so, unfortunately, we can’t invite you to meet one of our gorgeous greys looking for homes, because truly that’s all it takes for you to fall in love with one, instead let us share some photos of the PAWS greyhounds here and talk about some greyhound facts and possibly dispel some misconceptions! Please, keep an eye on our website and social media for when we are back open to the public so you can enquire about coming to meet one of these cuties!
1. Greyhounds do not need tonnes of exercise. They are, in fact, supremely lazy and are content going for one or two strolls with their favourite person before retiring to a cushy bed for the remainder of the day.
2. Don’t let the myths fool you, greyhounds are not trained savages that do not get on with other animals. They are a working breed like cocker spaniels and poodles but this does not mean they cannot be around with small animals or other pets. The PAWS team can give you all the details on individual greyhound’s history and personality but most greyhounds live happily with all animals and many adopted greyhounds even live with cats. The truth is greyhounds are very gentle souls who adore company and are just happy to be around their family.
3. Greyhounds are very clean dogs and often fit well with people who very house proud. Due to their short coat and low shedding qualities, they do not tend to leave a lot of mess or dander. This means they are like a breed apart from many other dog breeds who leave a lot hair around the house.
4. The life expectancy of a greyhound is 12-14 years and generally very healthy dogs who don’t have the health issues, like many other large breeds are known for like hip and elbow dysplasia or other joint issues. With proper care and nutrition,greyhounds live long, healthy lives.
5. They tend to walk very well on lead and don’t tend to get super active and pull family members all over the place on walks. They usually love a brief, off lead, high speed run in an enclosed area and then come back to their owners looking to go home to their bed.
6. They are very gentle, affectionate dogs but have a hilarious sense of humour and often come with personality quirks. Many greys love a tennis ball or teddy bear as much as the next dog and will happily play with the children.
7. Greyhounds are large dogs but don’t need a lot of space or a lot of food, they usually spend their home time either on the couch or sunbathing in the garden on a sunny day and only eat about 2 to 4 cups of dry food a day.
8.Greyhounds make great pets in nearly all circumstances but they don’t tend to make the best guard dogs as they are sweet and affectionate with nearly everyone that visits the house. They are also usually very quiet and many greyhound owners will claim to never even near their dogs bark.
Like all dogs, greyhounds are full time pets that require love, care and attention but, if you are thinking of adding a four legged family member to your home, we can not recommend at least spending a few minutes meeting a greyhound enough! We can guarantee you will not regret it.
