Greyhound care - how to look after your adopted greyhound

Looking after your adopted Greyhound - common questions

If you are considering adopting a greyhound, please view our current "greyhounds looking for homes".
Donations towards our work for rehoming rescued and retired greyhounds are always very much appreciated! Please go to our Whittingham Kennels' gofundme page, or email us for bank details.

1) Do greyhounds make great pets?

YES! They are loving, gentle, loyal and lazy!

2) Do greyhounds need a lot of exercise?

No! 2 walks of 20-minutes per day is fine and enough to ensure your greyhound will sleep for most of the day!
They can take more gentle walking if you wish to go further, but they are not a breed of dog that can go on and on walking.

3) Are greyhounds good with children?

Greyhounds are generally very good with children because of their gentle natures. As with any dog, however, parental responsibility is key and children should be supervised around the dog.

4) What do I need to buy when I adopt a greyhound from Whittingham Kennels?

Your greyhound will come with a collar, lead and muzzle.
You will need to buy: two dog bowls (one for food, one for water); a dog bed (an old duvet folded in half is fine); a soft house-collar with ID tag; a waterproof coat.
Coats can be purchased on many websites, often with the profits going to other greyhound charities.

5) How will my greyhound react in a home?

All greyhounds react differently, but it is worth bearing in mind that unless the dog has been 'returned', he/she is unlikely to have been in a home environment before.
Things we take for granted like television, stairs and vacuum cleaners may be alien to them and will either be regarded as slightly scary at first or as a big adventure.
Most greyhounds show remarkable adaptability and will settle very quickly.

6) Are greyhounds house-trained?

Most greyhounds are very clean in their kennels and it doesn't usually take long for them to realise the same applies at home.
Intially they will need to be taken to the garden/outside and will then be happy to stick to the given routine.
They will often stand by the door or let you know if they want to be let out to go to the toilet.

7) What should I feed my greyhound?

There is a vast variety of different foods and often trial and error will determine the best food for your particular dog's taste.
We recommend a complete biscuit food, fed twice a day and mixed with something to give flavour: dog food, tuna, sardines, meat and vegetable scraps, etc.
Always follow the feeding instructions on the packaging according to the weight of the dog (Male greyhounds should average at 33kg-35kg and females at 26-29kg body weight).
Treats and chews are extras during the day and can be used to help keep teeth clean.
Ensure water is available at all times.
Do not give your dog chocolate, raisins, salt or raw onions as these are poisonous to dogs.

8) Can greyhounds live with other dogs?

Greyhounds can live with other greyhounds and most will live happily with other breeds.
If you have another dog, just bring them to the kennels and we can select a greyhound that we think will fit in with you and your other pets.
(We advise that when you first take your greyhound home, you initially use the muzzle on walks, in order to introduce your dog to other breeds securely).

9) Can greyhounds live with cats?

Some greyhounds can live with cats.
The kennels will often 'cat-test' the dogs and can advise you who is likely to live with cats.
It is always advised that initial care is taken by using the muzzle until both dog and cat are fully used to each other.

10) Do greyhounds feel the cold?

Yes! It will be necessary to invest in a coat for winter walks. These are inexpensive and can be bought from many websites.

If you are considering adopting a greyhound, please view our current "greyhounds looking for homes".

Donations towards our work for rehoming rescued and retired greyhounds are always very much appreciated!
Please go to our Whittingham Kennels' gofundme page, or email us for bank details.