Here are some questions that we're frequently asked....

• Do greyhounds need lots of exercise?

      Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds only require

      2 x 20 minute walks a day.  In their 'former' lives they would perhaps run a       race once or twice a week, spending the remainder of their time resting             back at their kennels.

      However, they can easily adapt to longer walks if built up gradually.

• Do greyhounds need house training?

      The vast majority of greyhounds are clean in their kennels and will wait to         be let out.  When they first come into their new home, we suggest that the       first thing you do is to take them into the garden and praise them                     when they relieve themselves.  If this is repeated every time they need to         go out for the first couple of days, they will soon get the message that the         garden is where they should be going.   Don't forget to praise them,                 though!

• Can greyhounds live with cats?

      Despite being trained to chase things, some greyhounds can live happily           alongside cats.  However, many greyhounds do retain their prey drive and         wll never accept living with a cat.

      Castledon will be happy to advise as to which of our dogs could be cat               trainable. These dogs will need to be very carefully introduced to the cat(s)       which is something that Castledon will be happy to help you with, should           you home one of our dogs.

• Do greyhounds get on with other breeds of dogs?

      Whilst in kennels, greyhounds only get to see other greyhounds, so are             generally unaware of other breeds - they don't understand that they are           dogs, too!

      Generally, they are very accepting of other breeds if carefully introduced -         again, this is something that Castledon will be happy to help you with.

      If you already have another dog, we advise you to bring it along to meet           your 'new' dog so that they can be introduced in a neutral, controlled area.

• Can I let my greyhound off lead?

      It very much depends on the dog but this isn't something that we advise           until your dog has mastered excellent recall.

      As sighthounds, greyhounds' senses are triggered by movement and as             such they may have spotted something in the far distance that you haven't.       Their chase instinct could kick in and their recall training will then                     largely be forgotten.

      We would suggest that if you are going to let your dog off lead that you do       so in a secure, safe environment.

      Castledon will advise you with regards to your particular                                  greyhound.

• Why do I see greyhounds wearing coats?

      Greyhounds are very different from other breeds in that they have a lot less       body fat.

      This means that they feel the cold much more and therefore need to                 wear a coat when it's chilly - if you need to put a coat on when you go               outside, your greyhound will need one on, too! 

      Sometimes, greyhounds will benefit from wearing a lightweight coat                 indoors if your house is cold overnight.

      Greyhound coats come in different sizes and thicknesses (and colours, too!)       and Castledon will advise you as to the correct size for your dog and the           best places to purchase them - the colour is up to you!

• Do greyhounds make good guard dogs?

      In a word - No !

      Greyhounds are generally very quiet dogs that don't bark very often.  They       spend a lot of their time 'resting' and just can't be bothered to get up and         bark!

      If you specifically want a guard dog, a greyhound isn't the breed for you! 

• Why do greyhounds wear wide collars?​

      Greyhounds have large necks and comparitvely small heads, meaning that         an ordinary dog collar would easily slip over their heads.  The 'fish tail' type       of collars that we use for walking sit high up the neck to avoid them                 slipping off over their heads. The collar must be fitted snugly to avoid the         dog being able to 'back out' of it.

      The collars are also designed to protect their delicate necks.      

      All Castledon greyhounds are supplied with a suitable leather collar and             lead and we will show you how to ensure that it is fitted correctly for them.

• Do greyhounds need specialist veterinary treatment?

​      Greyhounds have different blood values than other breeds and vets need to       be aware of these.  They also have different requirements when going               under anaesthetic.

      However, as greyhounds are becoming increasingly popular as pets, the           vast majority of vets are familiar with their needs.

      When you first visit your vet with your new greyhound, they shouldn't be           offended if you ask if they are aware of these.

      There are specific vets who specialise in treating greyhounds but it isn't             essential that you use one of these.

      If you would like a list of greyhound specialists, we will be pleased to help.