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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.
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.
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.
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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