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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.