If you are into Greyhound Racing or you are an animal activist, then you might want to pay attention to the latest news regarding Greyhound Racing, especially in Florida. After the recent midterms, it is voted that Greyhound racing is officially illegal in the state of Florida. As the sport is pretty popular in Florida, you can expect many of these Greyhounds would need to be rehomed since the Greyhound racing tracks would have to be shut down. Also, the owners couldn’t possibly be able to support the Greyhounds without any practical use of them anymore. And what happens when the owners can no longer keep up with the costs of keeping the Greyhounds? The owners will resort to euthanizing the Greyhounds.
Sad Reality
Sounds sad, but this is the reality. And this can be very true since there will be a sudden huge influx of Greyhounds onto the adoption houses, but yet there are too little of the adoption houses available as well as little demand to adopt Greyhounds. The challenges ahead are real for these Greyhounds as well as their owners. While there is indeed nothing much we can do on our end, what we could do is to promote awareness about the beauty of the Greyhound and reasons at which adopting a Greyhound will bring life to your home.
As such, there is a need for the public to be educated on the Greyhound and if the Greyhound is indeed suitable for your home. Here are some of the things that you should know about this beautiful dog.
Characteristic Of The Greyhound
Generally, Greyhounds are known to be extremely active as well as being one of the sleepiest dogs ever. They are contented to have a good snuggle on the bed as well as having a good time running. This is probably the reason why Greyhound racing is so popular around the world, especially in the USA.
Appearance
The Greyhound is slim with close to zero body fats (be envy!), and their neck and head are long. The appearance of the Greyhound may somewhat resemble the Great Dane, but they are miles apart in terms of size. The Greyhounds chest is deeper and the waist is much narrower than most dogs. It can be pretty easy to spot a Greyhound from afar, as most dogs do not have a slim waist.
As for the coat itself, the Greyhound has one of the best coat ever as it require little maintenance since it is short and smooth.
Temperament
Greyhounds are actually very quiet and docile. They used to be hunters, but with evolution (the earliest known Greyhounds dated some 8000 years back), they started to develop less of an aggression and more towards the friendly, mild tempered type. You can expect Greyhounds not to chase after large dogs, but they might still be tempted to chase after smaller animals such as squirrels or rabbits.
Activeness
Surprisingly, giving its high athletism, you can expect the Greyhound to be pretty lazy. To them, nothing beats having a good rest or snuggle with the owner on the couch. Though they have a slim and muscular frame, they actually require little exercise to maintain their body muscle. On average, a good 20 minutes walk per day will suffice for the Greyhound.
Behaviour Around Children
Given their gentle and docile nature, you can expect the Greyhounds to be perfect for families with children. Even if your child decides to irritate the Greyhound, you can expect the Greyhound to just walk away from it!
Reasons Why You Should Rehome A Retried Greyhound
If you are considering adopting a dog, you might want to consider rehoming a retired greyhound. These gentle giants are often overlooked in shelters, but they make excellent pets. Here are some reasons why you should consider giving a retired greyhound a second chance at life:
- They are Gentle and Calm
Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds are not high-energy dogs. In fact, they are known for their calm and gentle nature. Retired greyhounds have already lived a life of racing, so they are content with just lounging around the house. They are great with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families.
- They Are Low Maintenance
Greyhounds have short fur that doesn’t require frequent grooming. They shed very little and do not have a strong odor. In addition, they do not require a lot of exercise, which makes them a great option for people who are not able to go on long walks or runs every day.
- They Are Healthy Dogs
Retired greyhounds are generally very healthy dogs. They have been well-cared for throughout their racing career, and they receive regular check-ups from their veterinarians. Many retired greyhounds live well into their teenage years.
- They Are Highly Trainable
Greyhounds are intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. They have been trained to race, so they are already familiar with commands such as “stay” and “come.” With a little patience, retired greyhounds can quickly learn new tricks and commands.
- They Are Affectionate Dogs
Greyhounds are affectionate dogs that love to be close to their owners. They enjoy cuddling and will often curl up with you on the couch. They are great at providing emotional support and are very loyal to their owners.
- They Are Available for Adoption
Sadly, many retired greyhounds are abandoned or euthanized after they are no longer able to race. Adopting a retired greyhound can give them a second chance at life and provide them with a loving home.
- They Are Unique Dogs
Greyhounds are a unique breed of dog that has a fascinating history. They were once the exclusive pets of royalty and nobility and were highly valued for their speed and grace. Today, they are still highly prized for their beauty and unique personality.
- They Are Great for Apartment Living
Greyhounds are adaptable dogs that can live in most homes. They are great for apartment living because they are gentle and quiet.
- They Are Good with People
Retired greyhounds are friendly dogs that love people. They are great with children and make wonderful therapy dogs. Many retired greyhounds are used in hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and companionship to patients.
- They Are a Good Investment
Adopting a retired greyhound is a good investment in your own happiness. They will provide you with years of love and companionship, and they will always be there for you when you need them.
List Of Greyhound Adoption Places In Florida
Hopefully, you have understood the temperament and characteristics of the Greyhound, and it will place you in a better position to adopt one. Here then is a non-exhaustive list of Greyhound adoption centre in Florida that you can find retired racing Greyhounds being put up for Adoption.
- Elite Greyhound Adoptions
- Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions
- Greyhound Rescue & Adoptions
- Hollydogs Greyhound Adoption
- Greyhound Pets of America
- Racing Dog Rescue Project
- Greyhounds as Pets
- Greyhound Ranch Adoptions Inc
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