The Greyhound makes a wonderful family pet. Thousands of them need new homes from race tracks every year. They do not require a great deal of space to exercise in and when indoors, prefer to lazy around. They are generally good with larger dogs but want to chase anything that is moving including other pets. They are very good with older children.
As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Greyhound is 28 to 30 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 65 to 70 pounds. The female ranges from 27 to 28 inches to the withers and 60 to 65 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Greyhound is no exception. Be on the look out for hemophilia, eye disease, bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting) and sensitivity to flea collars, anesthetics, insecticides and other chemicals. This disease list is an informative guideline only.
Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots.
Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. *Grooming. The Greyhound has a short, firm and smooth coat. She should be brushed weekly.
Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net. *Life Span. The Greyhound can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions. *History.
The Greyhound They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885. Some Registries: *Greyhound Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry Litter Size: 10 to 15 Greyhound puppies Category: Hound Terms To Describe: Athletic, quiet, clean, friendly, calm, sociable, lazy, *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Makes a good watch dog. Makes a gentle pet. Keep themselves clean. Good with other dogs.
Consider adopting one from a racetrack. Not a barker. Bonds strongly with her human family. *SPECIAL BAD POINTS Sensitive to cold. Not a good watch dog.
Finicky eater. Prey instinct, chase what moves. *Other Names Known By: Long Dog *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.