Due to the training and treatment of racing dogs and the rigours of competing on the track, a retired greyhound may require more time, patience and understanding than other breeds. Greyhounds, however, can and do make wonderful pets and your efforts will be rewarded.

Every greyhound is different and it is important to match the right greyhound with the right home. We recommend speaking to responsible independent rescues that have a good knowledge of each dog in their care.

Racing greyhounds are normally kennelled in pairs and will, in most cases, happily share their new home with another dog. It is important of course, to see how both animals react towards each other before adoption, and a male/female pairing is generally recommended.

Owning a cat does not exclude adopting a greyhound but introductions need to be slow and carefully considered. Seek qualified guidance and keep expectations reasonable.

Pets in general and babies must be kept apart or supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Care must also be taken when there are young children in the home as you might have to protect the dog!

Greyhounds are not known for being well padded and love nothing more than making themselves comfortable on the family sofa. If, however, furniture is out of bounds then a large dog bed or folded duvet is ideal.

Complete foods suit the digestion of greyhounds. Look for products that have a protein content not exceeding 20%. Adding a little warm water (never hot) and a small quantity of tinned food will make the meal more appetising.

Please remember: human chocolate, raisins, salt and raw onions are poisonous to dogs in large quantities.

A garden area should remain secure at all times with fencing no lower than about 5 feet. Greyhounds can run at high speed even within confined spaces so please ensure the area is free of hazards.

Use only a fixed length lead (never an extending lead) and greyhound collar for walking; the collar to be located around the thinnest (top) part of the neck with adjustment allowing for two fingers to fit comfortably underneath. A greyhound likely to slip a collar should be walked using a harness.

Toilet considerations apart, a greyhound requires two or three 30 minute walks each day, but of course a young, healthy greyhound will likely enjoy further walking. It is a breed particularly susceptible to extreme temperatures and so do not walk far on very hot days and use a lined, waterproof coat on cold winter days.

A greyhound should be given a period of weeks, possibly months to become familiar with their new environment before allowing the animal to run free. Choose a safe location fully enclosed and use a muzzle until such time he/she can be trusted with other dogs.

In time, a greyhound may be walked off lead in many locations but it’s vital to note; wire fencing, ruts and potholes are just some of many hazards that are potentially lethal because of a greyhounds speed.

Finally, dog training classes are good fun and help a greyhound socialise with other breeds but keep in mind that sitting does not come naturally to the majority of greyhounds (leave to stand or lie down).

The above covers the basics only. Further information is widely available both on the internet and in book form, and AFG is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Photographs by Sighthoundmad©