THINKING ABOUT ADOPTING?
If you have just adopted your greyhound or are still deciding, we have put together a host of helpful hints and tips that will ensure that you get the best possible start with you new friend.
ABOUT GREYHOUNDS |
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY RETIRE? |
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Greyhounds come in a variety of colours: black, white, blue, fawn, brindle or any of these colours broken with white. Males are usually bigger and slightly taller than the females - the typical height of a dog measured at the shoulder is between 28"-30", bitches are around 27"-28". They are a pedigree breed and normally stay fit and healthy into their teens.
In terms of temperament, there is little to choose from between the genders. The breed is typically intelligent, gentle, affectionate and even-tempered. They are quite laid back and docile, yet despite possessing remarkable stamina and endurance need only two twenty minute walks each day. They are often described as 'couch potatoes', requiring less exercise than average dogs. Most greyhounds walk quietly on a lead without pulling. Because their coats are short and smooth, they don't get too dirty and can come back from muddy walks relatively clean, generally requiring little grooming. Greyhounds get along with children, the elderly and often live happily with other pets, including cats. HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT DOG FOR ME?You will be asked to fill in an adopters questionnaire on your first visit. This will help us help you choose the right dog for your lifestyle. Alternatively, you can download the form below, fill it in and bring it with you on your first visit.
All our greyhounds homed are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and come with 4 weeks free insurance with Petplan. You will be home-checked and then follow up checks are done after homing the greyhound to make sure things are working out for both yourself and the greyhound. PLEASE NOTE: Due to safety reasons, we are unable to home to families with children under 5 years of age.
AFTERCAREWe are always on the other end of the phone for any questions & advice.
We encourage our new owners to come back & visit us for events. or just to say hello. We offer teeth, nail & bathing services, for a small donation, alongside worm & flea treatments. We also sell specialist greyhound food in 15kg bags. We have an on-site shop stocked with greyhound goodies stocking a range of items including fleeces, coats leads, harnesses, collars & grooming products alongside gifts & sundries. |
Approximately 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year, typically between three and four years of age. Many never make the grade or retire at a much younger age as a result of minor injury. A great many owners will adopt greyhounds into their homes or arrange for them to live out their retirement at a kennel.
Sheffield Retired Greyhounds works extremely hard to encourage owners to take their responsibility for their dogs and we also encourage the public to consider taking on retired greyhounds. 
ADAPTING TO A NEW ENVIRONMENTMost retired racers have lived exclusively in kennels but will adapt extremely quickly to the more physically comfortable environment of your home.
They may need house training, but if given regular opportunities to relieve themselves outside, they quickly learn appropriate behaviour - all dogs have a natural disinclination to soil their living area. | ||||||
