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Post by kojack on Jul 1, 2006 16:48:08 GMT -5
hi....
im very interested in adopting a grey hound. they are very cool dogs.
question 1. I want a grey hound as its a big dog that is supposedly hypoalergenic, is this true?
2. how are they with kids? I have a 8 year old and a new born coming in nov.
3. do they have any health issues common to the breed..
4. What is there temperment like?
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Post by jiffer on Jul 1, 2006 18:28:13 GMT -5
I have four greyhounds and am allergic to all other animals. If I walk near or around someone with another breed of dog or a cat, I can tell you within minutes. That being said, some people still react to them. What helps in our house is staying vigilant with the vacuuming/dusting and keeping them bathed/brushed.
They are awesome with kids. Echo just loves babies, children, etc. She somehow knows to be very gentle with the smaller ones. Icarus loves the little kids too. He just smiles when they hug him. Atlas will lay down and ask for belly rubs from them. Orion is actually a little afraid of them. Bill is very good at matching up greys to families.
Health issues they deal with are not unlike most large breeds. In fact, they usually don't have as many difficulties as large breeds. Things like hip displasia are almost unheard of. Greyhounds are long lived as well, living up to 12 - 14 years of age and I've seen some live even longer!
They are very mellow, quiet and calm. Like I mentioned, I have four and half the time you couldn't tell. They sleep quite a bit (since they go on bursts of energy; they have to sleep a lot). They do not need to run like many people think. In fact, a walk or two a day is sufficient to get their energy out. We live in a townhouse with no backyard (ok, there is a backyard, but it's not big enough to go bathroom in) and have no problems just walking them for their potty.
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Post by kojack on Jul 1, 2006 18:53:07 GMT -5
Thanks for your answers....do they shed much?
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Post by stylishhound on Jul 1, 2006 19:00:13 GMT -5
Hi there. Yes, they are an amazing breed and like any breed, there are some that are good and some that aren't as good with children. It's just the right fit for your family. There are also other special needs that you should be aware of like not disturbing a sleeping greyhound, etc. and I strongly suggest reading Greyhounds for Dummies or go to the Greyhound Gang (you can do a search) where there's some great information as well.
One thing I feel the need to say is that if you're expecting a baby in the Fall, perhaps you may want to wait before adopting a dog. A new baby and a new dog is a lot to handle at the same time!! Good luck with your newborn.
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Post by kojack on Jul 2, 2006 5:49:34 GMT -5
Thanks stylishhound.......
I can't wait. its my first baby. my wife has a 8 yo boy from another relationship and we have a blast together I coach him hockey and we play golf together. but I was not going to get a new dog until after the baby was born....or get it asap and by that time it would be settled into its new home.
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Post by jiffer on Jul 2, 2006 11:23:46 GMT -5
Sounds like you're planning ahead To answer the shedding question... it depends. One of mine sheds a lot, but he has a very fluffy coat and he has since day one. My other three go through seasonal "molting" where they blow their coats for the season. Usually happens in Early Spring and Late Fall. But all in all, their leavings are minimal. My four together drop what my Sister-in-law's one dog (a Rottie cross) drops.
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Post by kojack on Jul 4, 2006 15:40:50 GMT -5
sounds good. I dont mind a bit of hair here and there, but my bro has a lab mix and he sheds like a bugger...
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Post by romansmom on Jul 5, 2006 11:19:24 GMT -5
Like someone else mentioned, I really suggest reading Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies before making a final decision. It's the greyhound "bible" and it will give you a really good idea about whether a greyhound is the right breed for you and your family! Also, for online help www.greytalk.com is a forum with thousands of members which would be an enormous souce of info for you! Good luck!!
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Post by toadhill on Jul 6, 2006 22:03:32 GMT -5
We adopted our girl in January from Circle of Friends. We have learned several important things... She is like a teenager and will stubbornly challenge us( no aggression, just won't move) when she doesn't want to do something. She will act like a wounded duck if she thinks she can get some sympathy. She LOVES kids, but even still, until we know her better we will not leave her alone with children. Stairs were quite scary for her, until we had to practically carry her upstairs and coax her down on her own with lots of praise and treats. She is possessive of her food with our cat. She hates fire works. I would like advice on training, If she is stressed, she loses all interest in food, so rewards don't work in a new environment etc. We live in Princeton and would like to meet other Grey people
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Post by jiffer on Jul 7, 2006 8:02:17 GMT -5
We adopted our girl in January from Circle of Friends. We have learned several important things... She is like a teenager and will stubbornly challenge us( no aggression, just won't move) when she doesn't want to do something. She will act like a wounded duck if she thinks she can get some sympathy. She LOVES kids, but even still, until we know her better we will not leave her alone with children. Stairs were quite scary for her, until we had to practically carry her upstairs and coax her down on her own with lots of praise and treats. She is possessive of her food with our cat. She hates fire works. I would like advice on training, If she is stressed, she loses all interest in food, so rewards don't work in a new environment etc. We live in Princeton and would like to meet other Grey people Not all greyhounds behave like this. As an example: None of mine have ever statued (been stubborn enough not to move). All of mine are food driven. None of mine are possessive over toys, beds, etc; and I do not tolerate this behaviour if they try it (Icarus did, once). Mine don't bat an eye at fireworks or thunder. Stairs are always a challenge at first. Some dogs get them right away, some take a few days... Atlas took a month. Ha ha. I trained Icarus, Atlas and Echo on the apartment building cement stairs. We have carpeted open back stairs in our current house. The dogs do fine with them. It took about a week for them to realize that being able to see through the stairs isn't that scary.
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Post by greytfriend on Aug 22, 2006 11:26:46 GMT -5
Hi Kojack! Congratulations on your baby coming in November!! You mentioned that you were either going to get a greyhound right away and hopefully have it settled in before the new arrival, or else wait until after the bouncing bundle of joy arrives. Which option did you decide upon?? Inquiring minds want to know!!! If you already have the 'hound, I won't pester you for pictures (even though I'd absolutely LOVE to see them!) because I AM A COMPLETE AND UTTER COMPUTER DUFUS AND I CAN'T POST ANY PHOTOS OF MY GORGEOUS GIRL NORTHERN DOTTY, WHO HAS OWNED ME SINCE JULY 11, 2006 AND DESERVES TO BE SEEN!!!!! UUUGGGGHHHH!!! (Just checking -- did my frustrustration level re. not being able to share my girl with all of you come through loud and clear, there??!! ) PuppyLove, Anna and Dotty ;D
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