Greyhounds can run at speeds of up to 45 mph. If you've ever seen one racing around a track, you know that they're just a blur. So why do some people call them couch potatoes? How can something that can run this fast be lazy? Well, they don't spend all their time running.
Greyhounds, even racing dogs, spend most of their time sleeping, dozing, napping... You get the picture. They don't run everyday or even every other day. Most Greyhounds run once a week or every five days. In between, they're turned out, as they call it at the tracks, to get some exercise and empty their bladders and bowels.
True, if something flashes in front of them, they'll chase it. No doubt about that. But left to their own devices and without something to chase, most Greyhounds are very laid back. They're actually known as rather low-energy dogs. They love to lie on the furniture and stretch out to their full length, which is pretty long. They're long dogs.
They're sprinters for the most part and need a lot of recovery time between races. They're not made for running at full tilt for more than a couple of minutes, which is why the races, even the long ones, are not very long. They're hunting dogs and don't run unless there's something to chase. At the dog track, it's a mechanical lure, usually white, that gets their attention. If they're retired or never raced dogs, anything that takes off quickly in front of them is liable to set them off. This is why Greyhound adoption agencies are so adamant about not letting cat owners adopt a Greyhound unless the cat's owner is willing to accept responsibility for protecting the cat until the Greyhound gets used to it.
Unfortunately, some Greyhounds never do. Some are so quick to react to "something" flashing by, that they'll attack the cat that they usually get along fine with. It's because they just react to the movement and don't realize what it is that they're chasing. Unfortunately, this can lead to tragedy, so care must be taken in households where there are both felines and Greyhounds.
That said, Greyhounds are very gentle toward children, most pets and family members. They may be a little stand-offish toward strangers and they're not known for being fierce watchdogs, but they are loyal friends. They're not really prone to barking either, unless they're in a kennel with other Greyhounds, so they may not let you know when someone is at the door.
They're companion dogs and react well to being the center of your attention. When racing, Greyhounds have to compete for attention with many other dogs. Even though trainers and handlers try to give them a lot of attention, they just can't seem to get enough. When they're adopted and get individual attention from their owners, they bask in the extra pets and grooming and show their affection by being a super companion.
Greyhounds, in spite of their reputation for being energetic and needing a lot of room to run, are easy pets. They need three to four walks a day to relieve themselves, like any dog, and regular grooming, although they don't shed. If you shower your Greyhound with attention and treat her gently, you will have a friend for life.
Eb Netr has been handicapping greyhounds for over thirty years. For more information on Greyhounds, visit http://racingdogs.blogspot.com And Eb's winning system is available at http://www.ebnetr.blogspot.com
From Florida to New Hampshire and all the tracks in between, Eb knows Greyhounds.
About the Author
Eb Netr has been handicapping greyhounds for over thirty years. For more information on Greyhounds, visit http://racingdogs.blogspot.com And Eb's winning system is available at http://www.ebnetr.blogspot.com
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