Why Are Greyhounds Always Suggested As "no Fuss" Dogs?

[Simply Grand]

Yet the current thread that people are recommending greyhounds, bull terriers ect is doing just that . The op was honest enough to say they both work very long days .

Very long days, but only three days a week. The other four days someone is at home most of the time.

I don't think it necessarily rules dog-ownership out because if they are committed the dog will still be exercised on those days and provided with stimulation and companionship when they are home. Some dogs would be just fine in this situation.

My Poodle x would be ok with it AS LONG AS he was with me pretty much all the rest of the time, including sleeping with me (which he does). I think the what happens the rest of the time is more important than the long days on their own.

And that's a really hard thing to ascertain from the outside, and for the people themselves, especially if they haven't had dogs before. If you haven't had them you don't necessarily realise how much of the stimulation and satisfaction they need they gain from just following you around and watching what you do, being chatted to and having little pats and plays constantly, in conjunction with being taken out to see and smell the outside world and get exercise etc.

Edited February 1, 2016 by Simply Grand

[mita]

This is just a personal view - but I would hope / suppose that a G.A.P or any breed based rescue (and certainly breeders) , would work with a family to match the right kind of dog / the right temperament to a home? Or even have the guts to say "I don't actually think this breed is right for you".

which is what I do and have done. I have gone into threads where greyhounds are recommended and said no way do I think a grey would work out. But if this is about the current thread I still do think a greyhound would suit. Of course there are proviso's, as there are with all breeds, but it is very doable. But they aren't interested in a grey so I've bowed out and left them to it.

I just had a look at that thread and personally, I'd not recommend a grey.

My reasons..

guard dog/protector. We've been robbed before and I want to prevent this again.

Greyhounds are highly unlikely to fit the bill here. You might find the odd one that barks at strangers but I'd say 90% of the greys I've fostered have LOVED stangers. Of the remaining 10%, most were nervous of strangers and would make themselves scarce as quickly and quietly as possible.

dog that is happy in a double story unit with a small yard

I don't think a double storey unit is really ideal for a dog built like a grey. Add in a small yard and my feeling is that the dog is not going to get the exercise it needs once the novelty of walks wears off.

my partner would prefer a not too large dog, someone who can be a couch companion and not take up too much space.

They might not weigh a great deal relative to their height but they are large dogs.

Besides that, on the days they are out, it's substantial blocks of time and I think many dogs would struggle to cope. Honestly, I'd be recommending they just get a cat.

Edited to add..

I think what many people don't understand about racing-bred greyhounds is that they aren't the completely self-contained units they're made out to be. Greyhound pups are usually raised with their litter (or in with a second litter), they are trained in groups, they live in groups. As racing adults, they are generally given individual runs but they are still surrounded by other dogs. In the absence of those other dogs, they have to seek company from humans and to take a dog from that sort of environment and toss it into an empty house for half of its life is asking for trouble. Even if they can outwardly "cope", is the dog actually going to be happy? I have my doubts.

I agree with the reasons you've given why you'd not recommend a grey for the particular situation

And also agree with your summary.

I'd thought, consider a cat (or 2), too.

Called in the other evening at home of friends who work long hours (including weekends)... just as they came home from work. They got a lovely, affectionate greeting from their 2 Burmese cats. I thought they'd chosen well for their lifestyle.

Just noting I'm a supporter of greyhounds as pets. My own tibbie was a Small Dog Tester for GAP. Also we had much loved greyhound neighbours for 20 years.

Edited February 1, 2016 by mita

[WreckitWhippet]

two words that people all too often forget about

"prey drive"

[kamuzz]

We've fostered a couple of greyhounds - three from memory - and all of them have insisted on lying on the lounge. My dogs aren't generally allowed on the furniture but we made an exception for the greys. It seemed to be the only place they were comfy. Is this a standard greyhound requirement?

(My dogs have GSD sized crates, but maybe they aren't big enough for a grey. 40 inch?)

[Purdie]

Yet the current thread that people are recommending greyhounds, bull terriers ect is doing just that . The op was honest enough to say they both work very long days .

I worked full time when i had my Bull Terrier and had no problems with her although she did have the cat to annoy.

It depends; if you can devote a lot of time to the dog when you are home that's the key.

If you get home from work and are too tired to walk or interact with the dog then it would be best not to get a dog.

[Rebanne]

We've fostered a couple of greyhounds - three from memory - and all of them have insisted on lying on the lounge. My dogs aren't generally allowed on the furniture but we made an exception for the greys. It seemed to be the only place they were comfy. Is this a standard greyhound requirement?

(My dogs have GSD sized crates, but maybe they aren't big enough for a grey. 40 inch?)

I never allowed my other dogs on the furniture but the greyhounds just happened

Mine will often take themselves off to the crates but there is a fair whack of bedding in there.

[Rebanne]

two words that people all too often forget about

"prey drive"

which many, many breeds have and is managed by very many owners very well.

[Teebs]

Yet the current thread that people are recommending greyhounds, bull terriers ect is doing just that . The op was honest enough to say they both work very long days .

I worked full time when i had my Bull Terrier and had no problems with her although she did have the cat to annoy.

It depends; if you can devote a lot of time to the dog when you are home that's the key.

If you get home from work and are too tired to walk or interact with the dog then it would be best not to get a dog.

I worked 2 jobs when my bull terrier was a pup and later on I was working 4 jobs.

Working a full time job doesn't mean you can't own a dog.

[Salukifan]

two words that people all too often forget about

"prey drive"

which many, many breeds have and is managed by very many owners very well.

But it has to be acknowledged to be managed and the amount of unhelpful posts (not here) by people convinced that Greyhounds are abused in order to make them chase and the pics posted of dogs with kittens and bunnies are not helpful to novice owners of ANY sighthound breed.

Edited February 1, 2016 by Haredown Whippets

[sparkycat]

two words that people all too often forget about

"prey drive"

which many, many breeds have and is managed by very many owners very well.

My 2 Borzoi's completely ignored a mouse running round the lounge - I had to get the Lappie in who dispatched it quickly !

[Purdie]

I have often wondered about prey drive; is it really a breed specific issue or is it more about the individual dogs temperament regardless of breed and something that can be trained in or out of a dogs temperament.?

We have all heard of dogs who we would expect to have certain behaviours like fetching pointing chasing prey etc who do not do this .

[Salukifan]

I have often wondered about prey drive; is it really a breed specific issue or is it more about the individual dogs temperament regardless of breed and something that can be trained in or out of a dogs temperament.?

We have all heard of dogs who we would expect to have certain behaviours like fetching pointing chasing prey etc who do not do this .

It's certainly a lot more common in some breeds than others.

Unsurprisingly, in dogs bred to course or chase game, it is common and expressed differently dependant on the breed's purpose. Sighthounds typical of their breeds tend to be triggered to chase movement - even plastic bags on lines!

In herding and gun dog breeds it has been modified to suit particular purposes.

In each of those breeds the chances of seeing the particular form of prey drive bred for over generations is greatly increased. That was the whole purpose of purebred dogs - to increase the chances of getting desired behaviour.

Greyhounds have been bred for a very long time to race. Only successful dogs are usually bred, again increasing the chances that dogs will have high prey drive. They are also not socialised to other domestic pets. Some will be OK, a lot won't be.

Edited February 1, 2016 by Haredown Whippets

[Maddy]

two words that people all too often forget about

"prey drive"

which many, many breeds have and is managed by very many owners very well.

But it has to be acknowledged to be managed and the amount of unhelpful posts (not here) by people convinced that Greyhounds are abused in order to make them chase and the pics posted of dogs with kittens and bunnies are not helpful to novice owners of ANY sighthound breed.

THIS. So much this.

After the live baiting business, a lot of people were led to believe greys had to be baited (or otherwise taught) to get them to chase. Part of it was just the AR push against racing- claiming that the dogs are forced to race- but so many people believe it and if anything, it actually hurts the breed because it completely ignores the breed's purpose and history. My hounds didn't have to be taught to chase, it's not just in their blood, it's what makes them what they are. I know at least two of mine would cheerfully rip a cat to pieces if given a chance. Of those two, one can't be walked in public because the sight of delicious little fluffy dogs is a bit much for her. As for the Idiot Dog.. his drive is pretty average until a small dog starts to panic and then I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. In considering breeds traits and management, prey drive is a pretty easy one for me to live with but for other people, it plainly isn't. Horses for courses and all that- but potential adopters need to know what sort of horse they're getting and a lot of groups are not doing that.

/soapbox

[*kirty*]

My Greyhound lives with cats, foster kittens, bunnies, guinea pigs and even possums. She is bombproof around all of them. However a bunny running around a paddock or a bird taking flight will trigger her prey drive every time. She will bark and whine and become fixated on whatever it is. She has never raced, never even trained to race.

I do think though that Greyhounds make great LOW fuss dogs. Yes they need attention and exercise, but the majority are insanely lazy and happy to chill out at home. They need to be kept on lead when walked (but so do many other dogs), they are usually great with kids and other dogs, and they are clean and low shedding. Most are happy to snooze the day away as long as they have a comfy couch to do it on.

Edited February 1, 2016 by *kirty*

[~Lisa~]

When asked how much work it is to have 3 dogs I have usually answered that I really have 2 dogs and Kiya (our greyhound) doesn't really count.

She is absolutely no fuss, she is relaxed, easy going and lazy.

Having said that, she is no fuss in a home which has 2 other dogs for company, a stay at home mum and toddler (so never left alone for long hours) and walking is just a fun part of our daily routine.

Kiya doesn't demand exercise (especially now at nearly 11) but she certainly enjoys getting out and when she was younger she was always happy to go for a 2+ hour bush walk with me.

In the right home they can be a great low fuss or small yard option.

Unfortunately I have seen them suggested to quite a few people who want a garden ornament, or a dog to greet them when they come home from work for half an hour before they head out again. Just because they might cause less trouble than some other breeds in this situation doesn't mean it's a good life for the dog.

[LisaCC]

I've noticed there are trends of dogs to recommend on DOL whether they are fully suited or not.

The ones I remember; labs, rotties, aussies and greys.

I think people know 'best of' dogs and recommend off that, which I don't ever believe is wise.

I know a brilliant grey, who will let strange kittens crawl all over him, even has a pretty decent recall. Do I base all greyhounds off him though? No.

When I look for a dog I would like to know I can live with or better yet enjoy, the 'worst' things about them, rather than idolise the ideal model dog and be disappointed.

[juice]

My gripe is people recommending their own breed everytime :laugh:

[Teebs]

I think people think their breed are the best and that is what everyone has to have.

[espinay2]

I have often wondered about prey drive; is it really a breed specific issue or is it more about the individual dogs temperament regardless of breed and something that can be trained in or out of a dogs temperament.?

We have all heard of dogs who we would expect to have certain behaviours like fetching pointing chasing prey etc who do not do this .

There will always be individual variations but it is definitely breed specific.

I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum here. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs which have very low prey drive. In general they are not toy focussed once over the baby play stage (and even then not so much), wouldn't fetch for the life of them, are not switched on to any great degree by moving objects and are very tolerant of small creatures.

Enter my Saluki who is the other end of the spectrum and will focus on anything that moves and is in for the grab and kill. You an see the difference right from their behaviour as puppies. My Saluki will never ever be trusted with my Poultry. My Pyrs are.

FWIW too I rarely ever recommend my breed (Pyrs). People enquiring about it get to hear all the negatives right off the bat. I would rather they hear the downside first off and then decide if the positives are worth it. :laugh:

Edited February 1, 2016 by espinay2

[mita]

I know a brilliant grey, who will let strange kittens crawl all over him, even has a pretty decent recall. Do I base all greyhounds off him though? No......

So true.... even when a particular trait tends to be common in a breed, within the breed itself there'll be variation in the extent to which it shows in individuals.

There's 3 Tibbies here at the moment .... lovely little dogs who are a credit to their breed. BUT they have individual differences & the types of homes where they'd do best would be different. For example, Lily is a honey but she does not like young children. Wouldn't hurt them ... but she thrives on a settled life. Annie is also a honey but loves young children & the constant stimulation they bring.

You are right that care needs to be taken not to turn notions about a breed into a one-size fits all stereotype.

We humans rightly reject the notion of stereotyping, too.