Why Retired Greyhounds Make Great Pets: A Perfect Fit for National Adopt a Greyhound Month

April is National Adopt a Greyhound Month and there’s no better time to highlight the incredible retired greyhounds who make fantastic pets. When a greyhound stops racing, they need to find the right home to transition into family life, to enjoy a long and happy retirement. We’re working with many dedicated greyhound homing kennels across the UK to promote the greyhounds in their care looking for homes. So, it only felt right to shine the spotlight on why greyhounds make great pets!  

Greyhounds are Gentle and Affectionate Companions 

Greyhounds are known as the ‘40mph Couch Potato’ and they certainly live up to that name. Despite their reputation as fast and athletic competitors, retired greyhounds enjoy a peaceful and relaxed life in a home environment. Their previous experience in a structured environment means they adapt well to new routines, and they make incredibly loving companions. 

These dogs form strong bonds with their families and enjoy lounging around the house, sleeping on their favourite bed or couch and even snuggling up with their owners. It’s a common misconception that greyhounds need a lot of space or constant exercise. In fact, most retired greyhounds are happy with a couple of daily walks and plenty of downtime to relax. 

Greyhounds are a Clean and Low-Maintenance Breed 

One of the benefits of adopting a retired greyhound is their low-maintenance nature. Their sleek, short coat doesn’t require much grooming and they don’t shed excessively, which makes them perfect for people with allergies or those who don’t want to spend too much time maintaining their pet’s coat. 

Additionally, greyhounds are a naturally clean breed. They are used to being let out for toilet breaks within a routine and adopt good hygiene habits. However, they may not be fully house trained when you bring them home as some may never have been in a house before. The adoption centre will assist you on the training and offer advice on what works better for your lifestyle. Their calm personality also means they are generally well-behaved in the home and don’t engage in destructive behaviours like chewing furniture or digging. 

Greyhounds are Quiet and Easy to Train

Retired greyhounds are typically very quiet dogs, which makes them ideal for people who prefer a peaceful home environment. Unlike some breeds that are known for excessive barking, greyhounds are generally calm and reserved. This makes them excellent pets for flats, small houses, quiet villages, or people who simply appreciate a more serene atmosphere. 

Furthermore, greyhounds are a breed that is eager to please. They enjoy making their owner happy, so will pick up your routine and lifestyle easily. It’s important the owner sets their boundaries from the start – as like all dog breeds, a greyhound will want to test the waters. Although, a greyhound will most likely snooze on your sofa, majority of the time - so no need to worry there!  

Greyhounds are ideal for First Time Dog Owners

Retired greyhounds are often ideal for first-time dog owners. They are generally calm, easy to handle and require moderate exercise. While they still need daily walks, they aren’t as demanding as some other breeds when it comes to high-energy play or intense activity. This makes them a great fit for people who might not have experience with dogs or are looking for a less demanding companion. 

Greyhounds also tend to adjust well to different living environments, including homes with other pets and children. Their laid-back and non-aggressive personalities mean they typically get along well with others, making them wonderful family pets.  

Greyhounds are Great with Children and Other Pets 

Retired greyhounds are often accustomed to being around other dogs and many have exposure to children and other breeds of dogs when they’re in the homing kennels waiting to be adopted. Homing kennels will also ‘cat test’ greyhounds to see if they are able to live with cats with a bit of training; this will be advertised on the greyhound's profile when you’re browsing.  

For families with young children, a retired greyhound can make an ideal pet. They are generally patient, gentle and kind, which makes them excellent companions for children of all ages, as they will be understanding.  

You Get a Lifetime of Support

When adopting a greyhound, the homing kennels are always there to offer advice and support. You will have a home check to assure your house is ‘dog proof’ and the kennels will pair you up with the greyhound that will suit your lifestyle the most. The saying is, ‘there is a greyhound for every home’ which is so true. Some greyhounds are more energetic and enjoy playtime and long walks, whereas some are the opposite and prefer a quiet life! That’s the beauty of greyhounds; they’re such a versatile breed.  

Your greyhound will be neutered or spayed and will have had a full dental and health check done before you adopt them. This is done by the trainer before the greyhound comes to the homing kennels to make it an easy transition for the dog. Plus, the retired greyhound comes to the homing kennels with a £400 bond from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and the racing owner/trainer. This enables the greyhound to secure a future for themselves once they retire from racing and allow the homing kennels to house the dog and find them a home. The homing centre will ask for an adoption fee which helps pay for the adoption packs you receive, including items such as collars, leads, coats and muzzles. Adopting a greyhound couldn’t be any easier!  

National Adopt a Greyhound Month is the perfect opportunity to consider welcoming a retired greyhound into your life. These dogs have a gentle nature, moderate energy levels and calm personalities – creating the perfect fit for families, individuals and first-time dog owners! When you adopt a retired greyhound, you are not only gaining a wonderful companion but also giving an elite athlete a wonderful retirement where they can rest their paws.  

If you’re ready to make a difference to a greyhound’s life and provide them with the loving home they deserve, consider adopting from a dedicated greyhound homing kennel. You’ll be offering a retired greyhound the chance to enjoy their new life as your loyal companion. 

To join our waitlist to view greyhounds looking for homes, please view our Adoption App here: Adoption App