Firstly, we'd like to say, there are lots of greyhound websites that will give you wonderful information about adopting greyhounds.  We don't want to repeat what they say.  Just Google 'retired greyhound adoption' and you'll find more information than you'll possibly know what to do with!

Having said that, if you've never thought about adopting a greyhound or a sighthound before, here are some reasons why you should consider it!

Greyhounds can sleep for England!  Or Wales... or Scotland.... Ireland.... pretty much everywhere.

In fact, they are on the whole VERY laid-back and friendly. Three Coventry Greyhound Group greyhounds are Pets as Therapy dogs and make regular visits to the elderly and disabled.  Greyhounds tend to be very gentle and placid.

You do have to be careful with small furry critters such as cats and squirrels - even some small dogs if they move quickly.  Some greyhounds can live with cats - check with your rescue and see if they cat-check their greyhounds. 

Greyhounds and luchers still attract a lot of attention because so few are rehomed in the UK (although the numbers are growing as more and more people realise what wonderful pets they make).  Of course, people may be staring at your greyhounds because they are just simply the most elegant, beautiful creatures.  (A bit like you!)

To prove it - see the photo of Pip above!  Even though people think of them as big dogs, they readily adapt to smaller spaces.  They can curl up small on sofas and dog beds and can even fit onto your lap for a wonderful greyhound cuddle!

Even with a King size bed, one single greyhound, once given the opportunity, can expand to fill it.  We know, we've done tests...... 

Therefore, you're not going to annoy your neighbours or keep your kids awake at night. Don't get a greyhound if you're after a burglar deterrent. They don't call greyhounds the ultimate watch-dogs for nothing:  they'll watch them take the stereo, they'll watch them take the TV, they'll watch them take the jewellery...  (p.s. seriously, most burgulars would run a mile if confronted with even a silent dog the size of a greyhound!)

I know it's incredible, but it's true.  Greyhounds are sprinters. And by the time you've rehomed one, the chances are it has run its little leggies off.  They'll happily have a walk for 20 mins or so, twice or three times a day (and will manage a run if they're allowed off the lead), but the rest of the time, they like to relax.... and sleep...... and sleep some more.....

Unless you've seen a greyhound smile, you won't understand this one.. it's the best smile in the world.....

And we're not talking racing here.  We're talking the sheer joy you see on a greyhound's face when he or she is let off the lead and they go.... it is amazing....  greyhounds were born to run, not race.

Whilst the above was slightly lighthearted, here are some hard facts:

Most people think that full-time working means they cannot ever have a dog.  Some greyhounds can adapt to being left.  They will need letting out for a lunchtime piddle, but apart from that, they will happily sleep whilst you are not there. And of course, two greyhounds keep each other company.

This isn't true for all greyhounds. Check with your rescue.

As most greyhounds are happy with a potter on the lead, twice a day, and the rest of the time on a sofa, they can make the perfect companions for older people.  They are relaxed, calm, friendly dogs who happily adapt to their home with a retired, older person. 

Some greyhounds will have a 'keen' racing instinct still.  Especially if they have just finished racing.  It is best to muzzle your dog if you intend to let it off-lead, just in case the racing instinct takes over and they try to attack smaller dogs.  Many greyhounds can learn to live with smaller dogs and cats.  Check with your rescue if you need your dog to be able to do this.