Do Your Homework When Searching For Greyhound Breeders

Interested in finding Greyhound breeders because you’ve decided that this dog breed is the one for you?  For starters, you need to do some basic research before you let the excitement of your decision overwhelm you.   What type of researching?  A simple investigation process that will help you make sure that you pick the right breeder, that you are indeed ready to own this particular pooch and are making the right decision.

To begin with, ask yourself what your reasons are for wanting a Greyhound.  Did you make this decision on a whim?  Are you feeling lonely?  Is someone else who you are living with pressuring you to obtain the pet?  It is important to first dissect your reasoning before proceeding to contact any Greyhound breeders because there really isn’t any point in searching for one if you haven’t thought your decision through.

On the other hand, if obtaining this canine has been something you’ve been carefully thinking about for a long time, and you want to make him a companion at least as much or more than your other family members, it’s time to move on to the next phase, which is to thoroughly study the hound.  You will want to read as much material as you can get your hands on (either in books or online), speak with other Grey owners and interact with an actual dog.  You need to make certain that you are prepared to care for this animal for his entire life, that he is suitable to your lifestyle and compatible with any other pets you may already own.

You should have a very good understanding of the breed before you even think about contacting Greyhound breeders.  Why?  The main reason is because you want to be able to ask the right questions and have established certain expectations that should be met by the breeder (I.E. comfortable and safe living conditions for the dam and litter, a contract, pups are receiving veterinary care, etc.).

Don’t hesitate to methodically look into the breeder’s background to find out how long they have been in the business, how many litters they breed a year, what their main purposes are for breeding and so on.  You should also check up on their references and contact other clients who have purchased a pup from them to find out how the experience went.  Yes, you are obtaining a puppy but ultimately this is a business transaction and you need to make sure that yours and the dog’s best interests are protected.

The more educated you are about Greyhound breeders and the characteristics of the breed, the more confidence you will have in your decisions, the happier you will feel and the better dog owner you will be.

The Greyhound Dog Breed Facts

The Greyhound dog is a beautiful, large and slender canine.  He is one of the oldest breeds of dogs and is the fastest pooch in the world, having the potential to reach speeds of 40 miles per hour.  He is recognized and prized for his amazing racing abilities but is also highly regarded as a loving family pet.  Greyhounds are certainly unique in both appearance and personality and have been a favorite choice among animal lovers for centuries.

Due to the fact that the noble Greyhound dog has existed for thousands of years, their precise origins have not been determined.  Some believe they originated in Greece, others suspect Gaul.  However, what is known is that they were seen in Egyptian tomb carvings dating back to 2900 B.C.  Thus, despite where their actual roots may be, there is no question these pooches have been around for years, and throughout history they were often used for hunting purposes.

Greys have a striking look.  They are very tall and lean, measuring up to 30 inches at the withers and weighing up to 70 pound.   They have straight front legs and very muscular, wide and well bent hindquarters.  They have a deep chest, well arched loins, long tail and a muscular, broad back.  Overall they have a very powerful and long appearance.  Their coat is short, smooth and firm and comes in a wide array of colors including black, red, blue, fawn, white, brindle, fallow or any of these colors combined with white or brindle markings.

The temperament of a Greyhound is often sweet and gentle.  He can be very affectionate towards his family, but can also be aloof with strangers.  He enjoys the company of responsible children and likes other dogs.  However, he is not compatible with non-canine pets including cats and rodents.   Greys are highly trainable but they can become easily distracted due to their hound nature, especially if they see other small animals.  Therefore, patience when training is important.

This is one of the easiest breeds to groom, as their smooth coat is simple to maintain and only requires the occasional brushing to remove dead hairs.  Furthermore, just as grooming is a breeze, so is exercising.  Although they do love to run, this four-legged wonder does not require extensive exercise.  They are quite content to laze around the home and will find two 20 minute walks per day, playtime and the freedom to run in a yard or dog park, sufficient.

Finally, the charming Greyhound dog is relatively healthy, not suffering from many genetic diseases.  They are prone to bloat, as they have a deep chest, and are also sensitive to certain drugs, especially anesthesia.   That said, they live an average of 10 – 12 years and are very happy and high-spirited creatures.