Friday, July 4, 2014

Breed Focus: Greyhound

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Another fairly well recognized breed is the Greyhound. They are most well known for their racing careers. While most tracks are out of commission today, there are many retired racers still looking for a forever home! Let’s take a closer look at this breed to see what makes them unique.
 
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Greyhounds have a very long and rich history. They were some of the earliest dogs found in Egyptian tombs. Falling under the category of sight hounds, they were originally used for hunting and used their eyes rather than their nose to find the prey. Due to their speed and prey drive it is very important that they are on leashes at all times when outside. Even an underground fencing system will not suffice for most of these dogs if they are determined. Although they are fast, Greyhounds typically only need a small amount of exercise per day. They do better with short frequent bursts of activity. When not exercising they can generally be found lounging around the house.
 
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There are a couple of health considerations that prospective owners should be aware of prior to getting this breed. First greyhounds have very thin skin that can tear easily. It is not uncommon for them to need stitches for cuts that would be minor on another dog. While there are risks of anesthesia to every dog, greyhounds are extremely sensitive to certain classes of these drugs. They effects can last much longer or damage their liver if given. Thankfully, there are new drugs on the market for anesthesia that are much safer to use in the sight hounds. Any larger breed especially those with longer legs seem to be more predisposed to osteosarcoma, which is cancer of the bone. Any limping or swelling of the limbs should be taken seriously and assessed by a veterinarian.
 
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The most common way to find greyhounds now is through rescue organizations. These groups are dedicated to finding homes to retired racing hounds. It is not very often that we get to see greyhounds as puppies as many are filtered into the racing career fairly early. Since many of them have lived on the track or in kennels, it can take them a little to adjust to their new home. They are used to constantly being around other dogs so they may struggle with separation issues. Sometimes adopting a pair of greyhounds works really well! While many people have their heart set on a puppy, these dogs should not be discounted. They make great pets and will be excellent companions to many households. For more information there are several great websites found here, here and here.

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