Friendly dogs who nearly always love kids, greyhounds easily learn to get on with other dog breeds and family pets such as cats and cage-birds. Some of them can even learn to live happily with rabbits, despite their age-old hunting instinct. This is due to their extremely intelligent and willing to please nature, plus their respect for their own “pack” (their family and the other pets who share their life). They are quiet dogs who rarely bark, except when playing, or when warning of people coming to the door. Because of their short, fine coat, they moult sparsely and don’t leave dog-hair everywhere. Many people with allergies to other dog-breeds are able to tolerate a greyhound in the house. 

Greyhounds are eminently trainable, loving and loyal. Although they are the fastest runners in the dog world, they don’t need lots of exercise. A short walk every day (twenty to thirty minutes is enough) and an opportunity to stretch their legs in a nice long gallop once or twice a week, perhaps at a beach, dog park, large back yard, or on a farm, is sufficient. In the house, they are couch potatoes--except when a walk or dinner is imminent, you’ll find them stretched out asleep on a nice comfy bed (probably yours, given half a chance!!). 
 

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Like all dogs, greyhounds require proper food, sufficient water, health care, regular exercise and mental stimulation. They don’t need large sections or special diets, and are not susceptible to genetic weaknesses.

Ex racing dogs are available for adoption and over 500 have been rehomed in NZ through Greyhounds As Pets (GAP). Visit their website for more adopting a greyhound.

Nugget is so lovely, and we could not imagine life without her now. She loves people & children & is always on her very best behaviour around others, as to please us & make a good impression so that more people can love & admire her.

She is fit & healthy, loves her walks, and she knows our driveway now & turns in when we get back from walks. Nugget and Peppa the Cat have made peace, although they’re not exactly friends - yet!

Instead, Nugget’s best friend is Buddy the toy bunny. She takes him everywhere. Every now & again the two of them get caught on the spare bed! Of course, Nugget tells us it’s always Buddy’s idea...

I decided to get a Greyhound because my rescue dog, Frankie, got on so well with them when playing at the park. Nearly 10 months ago Beryl joined our family and she is wonderful. She makes me laugh every day and is probably the easiest dog I've ever had. She is quite an aloof character with other people as befits a Princess :) But she can let loose with the best of them when she wants to.

She loves going to the park, river and especially the beach. New places get her bouncing along with a grin from ear to ear. I had no problems with house training, riding in the car, other dogs, feeding, learning how to use the dog door! She is a thinker, with a very subtle, cheeky, quirky character. And she is still developing as a pet. 

I am totally sold on having a Greyhound as a pet and recommend the breed wholeheartedly.

Adopting a retired racing greyhound
(via Greyhounds as Pets) was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Louie (Charlston State) came into my life just over two years ago. He is a gorgeous dog, and very special. Louie was a very successful racing greyhound, winning many races during his long career
- he was retired at 4 ½ years old - and he now likes to keep his racing skills up to scratch by tearing around Timona Park near our home in Feilding.


Despite being an older dog (he will be eight this year) with a racing career behind him, not only has Louie taken to pet life like a duck to water, he’s also a star when it comes to the saying about old dogs and new tricks. He’s a quick learner, highly trainable, and just loves to learn new things. Louie has attained his Canine Good Citizen Foundation Certificate, and is also an excellent performer in Rally-O - as long as Mum remembers the treats!!!

Louie loves his new life as pet, especially having his very own couch (which he shares, grudgingly, with two-year-old greyhound Lucy whom he loves dearly). He is in awe of Mitzi the Cat, but not above stealing her dinner when she’s looking the other way! Playing with other dogs is great fun, but running with Lucy still takes the cake!