10 Reasons Why Greyhounds Make Great Pets.

So, people say that greyhounds make great (or greyt as the greyhound lovers say) pets.  You might be wondering whether this is propaganda from greyhound rescue organizations or whether it really is true.  Here's a list of things that generally ensure that the pet greyhound is a wonderful addition to any suitable home:

1. They are sprinters so they are designed for short bursts of speed.  Therefore they spend the majority of their time sleeping or casually lolloping about.  This is unlike a number of other pet dog breeds such as collies, which have incredible endurance and the need for a great deal of exercise.
   
2. Greyhounds are generally gentle dogs who can be trusted (under supervision, of course) with children and small animal pets.  Having said that their strong prey drive attracts them to small moving objects so the utmost care should be exercised about pet birds or small pets such as rodents.  Greyhounds do get used to these when they are confined to their cages.
   
3. Rescue greyhounds are adopted animals which come to you as adult dogs with much of their training complete.  Most of these adopted dogs will already walk nicely on the leash, for example.  Having been kept as kennel dogs, largely in crates, they are inexperienced as pet dogs so will not be housebroken.  Having said that, these dogs tend to be instinctively clean and housetraining is usually swift and uneventful.
4. 
   You are unlikely to obtain a puppy greyhound, although lurcher puppies sometimes come up for adoption.  Your greyhound would presumably come from one of any number of different pets shelters.  Reputable ones will have already neutered the adopted dog which is generally advantageous to the pet's health and prevents unwanted puppies from being bred.
5. 
   Greyhounds are loving and affectionate but usually not over-effusive in expressing their love.  These pet dogs adore cuddles and stroking, once they become accustomed receiving the love of their human.  They may purr like pet cats when stroked.
6. 
   Greyhounds are clowns!  Yes, they can exhibit some very kooky behavior and play like bouncy kittens.  If more than one greyhound is adopted, it can be really amusing for both you and your canine pets.  They play together without aggression (although their play-fights can look quite alarming to begin with).
7. 
   Greyhounds are bred to be canine athletes.  They look beautiful but looks are not the primary concern of their breeders.  Consequently. compared with many dog breeds bred specifically for unusual looks, they are relatively healthy animals.  Pets like these are not genetically predisposed to many distressing illnesses.
8. 
   They have easy-care coats.  The greyhound does not have an undercoat and its fur is very sleek and very easy to keep clean.  Pet care and grooming is very easy indeed.  A daily dose of fish oils keeps the coat sleek and beautiful.  You may be surprised the first time you stroke a well-cared-for greyhound to find that he or she feels literally like silk or satin.
9. 
   These dogs tend to be hypo-allergenic.  Many people who find themselves allergic to the dander of many pets do not experience these problems with greyhounds.  Thus it is possible to cuddle these dogs to your hearts content without sneezes, wheezes or rashes.
10. 
    Greyhounds do not easily gain weight as long as they can have a run and a leash walk every day.  They usually regulate their own food intake and don't tend towards gluttony.

Overall, greyhounds really do make "greyt" pets and anyone seeking a dog should consider adopting these rescue pets before mulling over other options.