There are several ways you can get Greyhounds in the US. You can buy Greyhounds from reputable breeders through the AKC website. You can get ex-racers and young Greys unfit for racing, or you may stumble upon a pregnant Grey female in a rescue center.
Your best bet is getting an ex-racer, or a Greyhound deemed a ‘wastage’ for racing.
While buying a greyhound puppy might seem tempting, you’ll find that ex-racers have a unique charm, often coming with their own distinct personality and quirks that make them stand out.
Because Greyhounds are almost exclusively bred for racing, the earliest they are available for pet homes is around 18 months. These dogs have no racing history and are usually unfit for competition.
After that, you may be able to get one of them at the age of 3-4-5, which is their retirement age. Finally, females aged 8-9 years old who were used for breeding can be adopted.
Note: Any breed buyer needs basic research to find a reputable breeder. You can learn more about the breeders by contacting the Greyhound Club of America Breeder Referral or the AKC Breeder Referral, which can connect you with breeders in your area. More information is available on the GCA website.
You don’t see them often because many Greyhounds are bred for the racing industry. Greyhound racing breeders nurture the puppies to adulthood and train them for racing to see how they will perform as adults. But they don’t give the puppies away.
Greyhounds are bred as AKC show dogs outside of racing. Because their breeders will want to see which pups are best for displaying, they will only be available during the 12-16 week period when most pet breeds are sold.
Typically, rescues will only accept injured puppies with no racing potential or puppies who cannot be registered due to health issues. Because a female may become pregnant, she is frequently donated to adoption groups. However, it’s rare to see greyhound puppies in rescues.
Where Can You Get a Greyhound Puppy?
Getting a greyhound puppy is difficult, and the leading site is the AKC marketplace. They will get you in contact with a reputable breeder from which you can buy the puppy.
Remember, Greyhound puppies can be a lot of work, and it is advisable to rescue an ex-racer when looking for a Greyhound. Rescue groups typically train them, but they require an adjustment period to learn to live in a home. A foster family usually aids this transition.
Adoption organizations spay/neuter Greyhounds who arrive from the tracks but may also receive a pregnant female. This could be one of the options for obtaining a Greyhound puppy if you’re unwilling to buy it from a breeder. However, this is rare.
If you want a Greyhound puppy, consider a Lurcher, a sighthound crossed with a working breed, or a Galgo, a Spanish greyhound frequently dumped and rescued from the street while pregnant.
Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are close to creating a “greyhound from scratch” in terms of behavior. Remember that Greyhound puppies can be a headache to teach and handle, as I’ll explain shortly.
In recent years, some breeders have begun offering ‘companion-only’ Greyhounds, bred specifically with the temperament for a home environment. This could be a viable option if you’re adamant about buying a greyhound puppy, but vetting the breeder’s practices is crucial.
How Much Are Greyhound Puppies?
You can get a greyhound in two main ways. You can either adopt one or purchase one from a trustworthy breeder. If you want to buy from a breeder, they will cost anywhere from $500 to $3000, depending on their breeding.
However, the cost of adopting a Greyhound is minimal, and your only expenses may be caring for the dog before adoption.
Consider setting aside a budget not just for the purchase, but also initial veterinary checks and essential training sessions, especially if you opt for a puppy.
Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets?
Greyhound puppies are very different from greyhound adults, and greyhound adults who don’t race are very different from greyhounds who used to race.
Greyhound puppies, sometimes known as “land sharks” in the neighborhood, are highly energetic and bouncy, with sharp fangs and quick movements. Be prepared for tough training because a racing trainer does not train these dogs before you get them. These puppies are difficult to take care of.
They can be your greatest nightmare for the first 12 to 18 months before settling down to become the couch potatoes we adore.
Adult non-racers are probably more laid-back than this, but unlike their retired racer cousins, they didn’t learn to sleep to pass the time or how to expend all of their energy at once as efficiently.
Retired racing hounds spend their entire lives with other hounds and are bred to be docile and easy to handle for many people who may come into contact with them. They are also often crate and leash trained.
The bottom line is adult Greyhoundsmake great pets. They have a vast capacity for love and are very lazy and amusing. Adopting an adult will still provide you with a lot of joy, and I don’t feel like you’ll miss out on not having a puppy.
One of the best things about getting a recently retired racer is that they still don’t know how to be dogs. All they know is how to be an athlete. As a result, when they arrive at your home, you may watch them grow and develop over a year as you teach them.
They’ve never seen many commonplace things. They have no idea how to play. They’ve never experienced the luxury of a dog bed. Observing this process is extremely rewarding, like watching a puppy mature.
FAQs
Should you get a male or female greyhound?
Boys and girls are different. Of course, each grey has a distinct personality, but generally, the girls are more independent and pack leaders, while the boys are more stubborn and gentlemen softies. Having two is also a great idea, and they’re often very loyal to each other.
Is it hard to train a greyhound dog?
Greyhounds can be very difficult to train because these dogs usually have never been given a treat or know what a reward is. Before you do anything, you have to teach them how to learn. Greys can be adorably stubborn but have good retention once they learn something.
Are greyhounds lazy?
Greyhounds are far lazier than you think, but it will depend on the hound. Some are lazier than others, while some will just want to be with you and will choose to go out. While many adults will sleep for up to 20 hours a day, they still like to walk and will go out once they adapt to your schedule.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
