GREYHOUNDS AND LURCHERS AS FAMILY PETS

At any one time Dogs Trust has about 2,000 dogs waiting for new homes. Sadly, many of these are Greyhounds and Lurchers. The abandonment of these dogs is a common problem also faced by many other animal welfare charities.

The aim of this factsheet is to tell you more about Greyhounds and Lurchers, and as thousands of owners will testify, their suitability as pets. If at some point in the future you consider adopting a rescue dog, you will hopefully know enough about these dogs to want to choose one as your new companion.

History of the Greyhound

The sleek, elegant and majestic Greyhound was one of the first dogs to be domesticated by man and the dogs you see today have changed very little from those pictured on the walls of the ancient tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs. The breed spread throughout Africa and Asia and first appeared in this country with the arrival of the Celts in approximately the fifth century BC. The Greyhound’s incredible speed and hunting ability made it a valued status symbol and it was so highly thought of that the punishment for a person found to have killed one, was the same as that for human murder. There was even a medieval law passed forbidding poor people from owning them.

After many centuries of enjoying the privileged position of being considered the king of breeds, the last century has seen the role of Greyhounds change drastically for the worse.

The Racing Greyhound

The breed’s incredible running speed (it is the 18th fastest land mammal) has created a lucrative industry based around gambling on the outcome of organised races.

The National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC) controls some of the racetracks and only allows registered and ear-tattooed dogs to race. The other races are run at independent tracks, where no such regulations apply. Champion dogs can earn a lot of prize money.

Every year around 10,000 racing Greyhounds are ‘retired’ before the age of four. Tragically, ‘retirement’ can range from shooting or drowning, to export to a hot foreign country to be raced in terrible conditions, but many of these fallen heroes are left in our hands.

Some owners do, of course, make provisions for their dog’s retirement; they may keep the dog as a family pet or pass him/her to the Retired Greyhound Trust or one of the other Greyhound rescues for rehoming. Other owners, however, have the dog humanely destroyed or simply abandon the dog once he can no longer earn his keep.

The Lurcher

Lurchers are a ‘type’ rather than a breed of dog. A Lurcher is usually one of the sighthound breeds (Greyhound, Whippet, Saluki, for example) crossed with a collie or a terrier.

1 They are often bred for hunting, poaching and unofficial racing, but because they can look similar to purebred Greyhounds, they often face the same image problems when awaiting adoption from rescue organisations. With the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004 banning hunting with dogs, many more of these wonderful dogs now need new homes.

Rehoming Centre Greyhounds

Ex-racing Greyhounds are accustomed to life in kennels and they settle easily into the Rehoming Centre routine. This fact alone proves that you do not need hours of spare time and acres of land in which to exercise them. They are quite content with just two or three short walks a day. A quick sprint in a safe enclosed area is a bonus.

Greyhounds are in general, docile, gentle and patient creatures. They are hugely appreciative of human affection, probably because of their isolated upbringing. Most of them are extremely tolerant and good with children.

They eat the same amount and type of food as other dogs of their size and require no special veterinary attention. However, their thin skin can be more likely to tear than other breeds if caught during fast running and the occasional stitch may be required – especially if your new Greyhound hasn’t learnt how to turn corners at full speed yet!

The family pet

Greyhounds and lurchers love company and so make ideal companions. They can often be quite lazy dogs, and seem to prefer snoozing somewhere warm and comfortable in the house – preferably on an old duvet or sofa. Like other dogs, they don’t relish being left alone. They usually love the company of other dogs (other Greyhounds and lurchers especially) and so are ideal if you are looking for a second dog to add to the family.

You will also need to bear in mind that Greyhounds are very athletic dogs and some are capable of clearing a six-foot fence. Greyhounds run extremely fast, and until used to being off a track, they can run into things like trees and walls, so to start with, either keep your dog on a lead in more confined spaces or make sure he has plenty of space to stop. In the home, remember that a speeding greyhound or lurcher may not see the glass in patio doors and may run straight into it, leading to serious injury or even death. Please consider placing stickers on the glass at dog height, so that your dog can tell when the doors are closed.

Unsurprisingly, when considering their background, some Greyhounds and Lurchers instinctively chase other smaller animals. Nearly all dogs, regardless of breed, will chase cats and small animals; the problem with Greyhounds is that they may be fast enough to catch what they are chasing. By following the advice of our staff who have been caring for the Greyhounds, new owners can tell quite quickly – by using common sense and following a few golden rules – whether their new companion should be muzzled to reduce the threat to local cats. It will usually be the ex- racing dogs that may give chase and fortunately these are the same dogs who are already well used to wearing muzzles when exercising.

As with all dogs and particularly rescue dogs, your pet will benefit greatly from training classes. No dog likes to be ‘in the doghouse’ and by teaching him right from wrong you will both be happier. Greyhounds are very sensitive dogs and do not respond at all well to punishment in any form – instead, gentle praise should be used whenever your greyhound gets it right and he’ll soon get the idea. Many dogs who have been in kennels forget a few of their basic manners and a short period of remedial toilet training may be needed, however, you should find that your greyhound is naturally clean and this shouldn’t take long at all.

With a little patience, you will have a highly intelligent companion, both independent and loyal, with which to share your life, perhaps for the next decade.

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The Greyhound shopping list

Some things you’ll need if you’re thinking about adopting a Greyhound: • A wide lead with a strong, firm clip. • A leather Greyhound collar to be worn at all times. These collars are available from pet shops. • All dogs should wear identity discs bearing the owner’s name and address at all times. Greyhounds are no exception. • A food bowl and separate water bowls, preferably in a raised position. • A ‘stiffish’ grooming brush or hound glove. • A bed – a duvet is ideal, as Greyhounds like to make nests. • A coat for wet or cold weather. • Veterinary and third party insurance is advisable for any dog. • A muzzle for free running exercise. Please seek proper advice before purchase, as an incorrect muzzle can be dangerous. • Like some other breeds, Greyhounds tend to grow long nails and because they run so fast this can often cause injury - so, nails will need to be trimmed. Regular walking on hard surfaces helps reduce the need for too regular a pedicure. Your veterinary surgeon will trim the nails for you if you are not able to do them yourself.

Having read this factsheet, we hope that the myths surrounding Greyhounds as pets will have been dispelled and that you may consider offering a permanent home to one of the many Greyhounds or Lurchers in our care. There are so many Greyhounds and Lurchers waiting for homes that there’s bound to one who will fit in perfectly with your family. Why not visit your local Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre and make up your mind?

For more information about Dogs Trust, to become a member, sponsor a long-term resident or help us in our campaigns please call 020 7837 0006 or write to: Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ. www.dogstrust.org.uk Registered Charity No. 227523

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