Greyhound dogs as a pet?

[ideliver]

My wife and I are considering getting the kids a pet. I am opposed to getting a purebed for various reasons...mostly because mutts seem to be healthier and even tempered.

But, we have always been interesed in helping a dog out...either from the pound or a rescued dog from a racetrack.

So, does anyone have any knowledge if greyhounds make good pets for a family with children? We are interested in a companion dog that is fun and playfull and hopefully doesn't bark a lot and bite or snap easily.

[madman]

Greyhounds are one the most placid gentle dogs you can get. (providing there isn't a tasty rabbit in its sights.)

The down side is that they normally retire about 8 years old so it wouldn't have much life left in it so to speak.

They also require a LOT of exercise.

If they are smaller kids, i wouldn't get any terrier, generally they are not that great for kids and can easily snap. That goes with most dogs bred for hunting.

A smaller unwanted puppy or younger dog would be a better idea from a pound. Make sure you get the history with the dog and spend some time with it and your kids to make sure they all get on.

You are right to get a mutt though instead of a purebred.

Just go to your nearest pound/dog home and see what they have. They will offer you good advice.

Hope that helps

[jaiman]

Greyhounds are pretty lazy indoors and would spend the whole day on the couch. You need to be careful with them outside though, if they see something they want to chase they are gone. Hounds of al sorts tend to make really good family dogs. They are generally calm and patient with kids. Downside is that most have a pretty solid hunting instinct so you can't really ahve them off leash. I let my Coonhound of the leash once at my cottage and she went for a 6 hour walk through the forest. We were sure she'd never find her way back.

My dog is also a rescue and they tend to come with issues. If I were to rescue a dog again I'd try to get a puppy that is as young as possible.

[Spec 1]

One of you either needs to be or become a runner. Those dogs are generally placid indoors but when they're outside they need good excercise. I'd recommend a large fenced yard as well as daily runs or trips to the dog park. Good family dogs, well tempered.

[MMMazing07]

my 7 month old german shepherd is always around my 1 year old nephew. i keep her away from him most of the time since she doesnt know how big she is yet and she can knock him over. but she will lick him any chance she gets. (partially due to the amount of food left on his face lol) i dont know how old your kids are but my aunts german shepherd was so protective around her son. no one could go near him other than my aunt herself.

im not sure about grey hounds but these dogs require a lot of exercise. most all big dogs do. when they are not exercised they become very unhappy. hope this helps. good luck.

[Couch]

My cousin had 1 probably 8 or so years ago. She got rid of it because Greyhounds need large areas to run on, and lots of excercise. As has been said.

But I always enjoyed the dog though.

[aut0sh0cker]

A Greyhound? Like the bus? Sounds cool, but I haven't got any idea where you'd keep it...

[quagmire]

We have a greyhound that is 3 years old. She is wonderful and cute. As long as you train the dog right, she/he won't bite or bark when you don't want it to. +100000 on they need lots of room to get a good rip going. They need to go at full speed few times.

In the "greyhound pose"

[stimpy]

Did you paint your dogs toe nails red?
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[kabalm18]

Rescue a dog from a puppy mill!

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by stimpy

Did you paint your dogs toe nails red?

No, that is how I believe the rescue agency distinguish between female and male dogs easily. If that is how I remember the explanation that was given to us correctly.

[ideliver]

Thank you all for the honest and helpful answers...