Greyhound Adoption

Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption, INC.

Contact us at 941-355-7744 x1003

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Greyhound

1

Retired racing Greyhounds are tremendous athletes. The aerodynamic design of their body (narrow head, deep chest, and long legs and tail), their muscular build, and their low percentage of body fat attests to that. Yet in retirement they are known as 42 mph. couch potatoes because of their low exercise requirements and their uncanny ability to curl up into a small ball on your sofa.

2

Former racers have already had extensive training before you adopt them! All are crate trained, meaning that they already have a fairly god notion about house-training. They are also trained to walk well on lead and have had extensive socialization with people and other dogs.

3

Greyhounds are living history. They are members of the oldest family of dogs which date back to 6000 B.C. Breeds such as Afghan Hounds and Borzois are cousins!

4

Greyhounds are easy keepers. Their short coat requires a minimum of grooming. And while all dogs shed, Greyhounds shed less that most.

5

After racing, Greyhounds need loving homes. In the past, many were destroyed. Now, with the racing industry and adoption groups working together, the majority find homes--but more good homes are always needed. Adopting a Greyhound is a humane alternative to buying a pet.

6

Although ex-racers have a professional career before you adopt them, most are still relatively young dogs --2-4 years of age -- when they retire. And Greyhounds have a very long life span for a large breed 12-14 years.

7

As a breed, Greyhounds are non-aggressive, non-territorial dogs. They are bred to run like the wind and, since they race in groups of eight, they are also bred to get along with other dogs. Some bark occasionally, most don't.

8

Retired racers are an exceptionally healthy breed. All breeds have some genetic problems, but Greyhounds have many fewer than most. Their athletic background kept them in good shape and, of course, those who were not good racers (either because they were physically unfit or because they just did not have that competitive drive), are rarely bred. So, healthy dogs make more healthy dogs!

9

Most adoption agencies can arrange to temperament test their Greyhounds in advance of adoption so that they have a very good idea of who is cat safe. (You must, of course, exercise caution with Greyhounds, or any breed of dog, initially.) Adoption coordinators work hard to match the right dog with the right person. And if it doesn't work out, most groups will take the dog back--even if its years after the adoption. In most cases, the safety net for your Greyhound lasts for the dog's entire lifetime.

10

Greyhounds are elegant, affectionate and refined. Is is no wonder that they have inspired poets and artists for thousands of years. Throughout the ages, Greyhounds were the exclusive domain of royalty. Now, even everyday people have the opportunity to keep one of these gentle, beautiful dogs as companion.